Amid the ever-changing tides of the times, should the church also adapt to keep pace? Pastor Chen, who has long served in an urban church in northern China, candidly noted that many traditional church practices once regarded as "spiritual" have become outdated and, in some cases, obstacles to the church's healthy development.
The Beautiful Tradition of Host Families
In the late 1970s, churches across China reopened and entered a period of rapid growth. However, much like Chinese society at the time, the nation remained poor, and the churches even more so. Many congregations, pastors, and believers frequently traveled by bicycle, car, train, or even on foot to attend local trainings, gatherings, lectures, and worship services.
To meet basic living needs, the "host family" practice soon emerged as a common practice among Chinese churches. When a preacher traveled to a different place, they would stay and dine with a local host family. In this way, the Chinese church formed a cherished tradition of reception through these host families who warmly received preachers from other regions.
Tears of the Times
The tradition of hosting families continues today, yet its continuity has become controversial with the development of the church and the changing times.
Pastor Chen, an experienced full-time minister serving in a northern urban church, believes that churches with sufficient financial resources should move away from this outdated practice. However, he acknowledges that congregations in less developed areas with limited means may continue to uphold it out of necessity.
Through his ministry, Pastor Chen has stayed with hundreds of host families and in countless hotels.
He observed a common phenomenon: upon his arrival, local pastors would often invite him to stay in their homes. In some cases, he accepted; in others, he declined.
"Back in the 1980s and 1990s, we were poor and lacked even basic facilities," Pastor Chen recalled. "When we traveled, we often slept on the floor, and sometimes, when there wasn't enough space, we even slept on the roof. But we didn't mind—it felt good and meaningful. I was deeply touched by some host families who insisted on sleeping on the roof themselves so that we could rest in their beds. They were already offering us the very best."
"Today," he continued, "many people own their own homes and drive their own cars, yet they still use methods from the last century to host preachers, either inviting them to stay at home or arranging rooms in small hotels."
He continued, "When I receive pastors or preachers, I intentionally use my approach to reshape their understanding of hospitality. I book hotels for them because I want them to experience it firsthand."
Many visiting preachers were hesitant, insisting they could simply stay at Pastor Chen's home. To their surprise, he firmly replied, "No, you must stay at a hotel. I've already booked it for you. Just go and rest there without worrying about anything else."
His insistence came from a desire to ensure the guests' comfort. Moreover, Pastor Chen hoped to set an example, showing others that reception should be done in "such a way," not be about merely "making do" with accommodation, meals, or anything else.
Why Do Young Co-workers Enjoy Traveling with Pastor Chen?
Because of his ministry, Pastor Chen often travels, and he frequently brings along two or three young co-workers, aiming to mentor and nurture them.
Many young co-workers dislike traveling with older colleagues, who tend to be overly demanding, controlling, or frugal, cutting corners on food and lodging to save money. However, they genuinely enjoy accompanying Pastor Chen on ministry trips.
"It's quite simple," Pastor Chen explained. "When they travel with me, they can eat well, rest well, and have a good time. I don't mind how much a hotel costs, as long as it's clean, quiet, and comfortable. If there are interesting tourist spots nearby, I'll either take them there myself or let them explore on their own. Everyone is already very busy back home, so they should take the opportunity to relax and enjoy themselves when they're out."
He added that for the younger generation of preachers, it is important to help them experience the honor of serving in the church, which is to let them feel the sacredness and dignity of their calling. The common stereotype that full-time ministry is "low pay, heavy workload, and constant hardship" should be dispelled. Church workers must give a great deal of love, but they also need and deserve to receive much love in return.
Many Traditional Church Concepts and Practices Urgently Need Revision
Pastor Chen believes that many churches and Christian organizations have yet to confront or correct numerous outdated and even misguided practices. At the root of these problems lies a deeply stubborn mindset.
He recalled one experience when he visited a church. The pastor had arranged a hotel room for him, but upon arrival, Pastor Chen found the room poorly soundproofed, extremely small, and with damp bedding. After checking around, he asked the pastor to cancel the booking and arranged another hotel himself. He then told the pastor, "Given your church's financial situation, if you truly respect your guest preacher, you could easily book a better room with just a little more consideration. The problem isn't your finances but your mindset."
On another occasion, Pastor Chen visited a church in a wealthy city with substantial resources. Yet the church paid its young preacher only 3,000 yuan per month. The leader told him proudly, "Although the salary is low, I don't take a penny myself."
Pastor Chen was baffled. "You, as the leader, might not need a salary because you have other sources of income and few expenses," he said. "But young people have many financial needs. How can you expect them to live on 3,000 yuan a month? That's unreasonable."
Originally published by the Christian Times
- Edited by Karen Luo and translated by Poppy Chan
