On Saturday, Guangxiao Church in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, held its fifth Core Servants' Retreat at Panyu Church under the theme "Never Forget the Original Calling, Serve in Unity." More than 110 key ministry leaders attended the gathering, which was hosted by Rev. Chen Chan, senior pastor of Guangxiao Church.
According to the hosting church, at the opening session, Rev. Chen presented the pastoral and governance framework adopted by Guangxiao Church, which also serves as a model for all registered churches in Guangzhou. This framework emphasizes Christ as the head, the Bible as the authority, governance through the municipal CC&TSPM, clergy-led management, an integrated operational structure, and the "church leading meeting points" mechanism. Within this structure, the main church plays a crucial role in coordinating ministry development across the city.
According to Guangzhou CC&TSPM, the Guangzhou Church identifies itself as "holy, united, and apostolic." As the legal representative body of all churches in the city (In the current context of China, "all churches" here refer to Three-Self churches under the governance of the CC&TSPM), the CC&TSPM exercises full ecclesiastical authority and governance, overseeing congregations with unified policies on personnel, ministries, finances, and administration.
To meet the practical needs of congregations, local churches have established a four-tiered pastoral structure—senior pastors, associate senior pastors, pastors, and ministers—with clearly defined responsibilities. While serving in their respective roles, clergy also share in the unified ministries of the citywide church.
By pooling pastoral resources, churches in Guangzhou promote pulpit cooperation, standardize sacraments, strengthen believer formation through the Zhaoshi Academy—which leverages teachers from 16 church branches to offer comprehensive faith cultivation courses in Bible study, church history, and devotional practice—and advance unified financial management.
A highlight of the retreat was the introduction of a seven-stage discipleship pathway: unbeliever, seeker, baptism, new believer, fellowship, Bible study, and service. This cycle offers a measurable framework for spiritual growth, guiding believers toward maturity and a life of testimony.
Then Rev. Guo Ling delivered a lecture, "Lessons of Service From the Tabernacle," drawing on Exodus and Hebrews. He underscored that "relationship comes before ability, and obedience before gifts," encouraging attendees to reflect on their motives for service in light of both Old Testament priesthood and New Testament ministry.
Rev. Chen also outlined the church's ministry priorities for the second half of the year and called on participants to engage actively. In small groups, attendees shared ministry experiences, encouraged one another, and renewed their commitment to service.
The retreat concluded with a Taizé-style prayer service led by Rev. Chen, where participants dedicated church ministries to God through chants and intercessions, closing the gathering at its spiritual climax.
