[3068] PCT welcomes birth of “unconventional” and “outreach-oriented” local church

PCT welcomes birth of “unconventional” and “outreach-oriented” local church

Reported by Chiou Kuo-rong

Written by Lydia Ma

“The means we use can vary, but God’s truth remains unchanged!” said Taipei Presbytery’s Vice-Moderator, Rev. Yu Po-hung, during a thanksgiving service marking the promotion of City Revival Presbyterian Church into a fully-fledged PCT local church.

Yu underscored the essence of a church wasn’t its building or infrastructure, but rather, the fact that Christians inside that building loved one another.

His remarks were indeed very appropriate for the occasion. City Revival Presbyterian Church’s address, located on the 5^th floor of Taipei Train Station in downtown Taipei, is indeed a “strange” one for a Presbyterian Church. The church has been renting the first conference room of that floor for its worship services.

It finally celebrated its promotion and the ordination of its first pastor, Rev. Chang Jui-hsien, with much jubilation on December 11, 2010, at 7:00 p.m. on the 5^th floor of Taipei Train Station.

Taipei Presbytery Moderator, Rev. Wu Chien-chu announced during this service that Taipei Presbytery had officially accepted the church as a fully-fledged member on November 1, 2010. His announcement was followed by a great applause and sound of rejoicing.

During the sermon, Rev. Yu noted that Presbyterians have grown too used to gathering amongst themselves in their own churches or circles – at the expense of evangelism and nurturing a passion for reaching the lost.

He encouraged local churches to emulate this church by adopting small groups meetings more often so that churches can welcome people into the church community more easily. As long as churches followed God’s lead, stayed attuned to God’s call, they would surely see growth, he added.

The thanksgiving service in itself had many elements uncommon among Presbyterian churches in Taiwan – filled with contemporary worship music, led by a worship band, held on a Friday night, and in a government office – prompting Rev. Yu to declare, “This is a first for PCT.”