Are young people missing from your church? A frontline preacher explores the need, the reasons, and how churches can focus on pastoral care and training for the next generation.
As a Chinese missionary serving in Australia for 19 years, Paul Yuan shares his reflections on cross-cultural mission and the strategies he has adopted. He also provides an overview of the countries in Oceania where he serves and encourages Chinese Christians to step out and learn from one another.
While many believe that the challenge lies with the younger generation, Brother Joshua, a pastor serving in an urban church in southern China, holds that the disruption in faith transmission within the Chinese church began with the middle-aged generation and is more apparent and common among the youth.
A thriving youth fellowship in an Eastern China church has grown from 30 to over 100 members, guided by the principle “everyone serves, everyone is cared for,” emphasizing discipleship, shared leadership, and relational ministry.
Sister Zhou remarked, “A good instructor must be thoroughly familiar with the Bible. This familiarity goes beyond the surface of the words, which means being able to clearly comprehend and articulate the meaning of Scripture.”
After retiring from decades of church leadership, Pastor Liang, now in his 70s, remains active in ministry. In an interview, he shares how he adjusted his mindset, avoided rivalry, and found freedom in continuing to serve without position.
As mental health issues rise across China, some pastors are rethinking the church’s approach to emotional and psychological struggles, advocating for basic psychological knowledge while warning against overreliance on it.
rother Joshua, who leads the youth fellowship at a church in East China, identifies two key elements of drawing in young people—initial attraction and sustained attraction, both of which are crucial. While it is important to first connect with young people in ways that resonate with them, he emphasizes that it is ultimately the truth that nurtures and builds their lives.
“When I began my ministry, God promised me that if I took good care of His house, He would take care of my family. I am only responsible for what I should be responsible for, and I entrust everything else to God. My son is also God’s child. I am not his lord—I can only pray for him and fulfill the responsibility that is mine.”
Many unsung veteran pastors, serving with meager pay and daily life imbalance, have weathered countless storms. Through a recent program, some began reordering their priorities to become healthier—highlighting the urgent need to care for those who have long cared for others.