The modern era, marked by multiculturalism, postmodernism, and the rise of the Internet, has brought deconstruction across fields. Churches face tensions between tradition and modernity, as well as generational divides, with few solutions in sight. A pastor shares how his conservative church journeys toward openness.

Healthy, thriving churches, even in challenging times, share a common trait—a well-functioning ecosystem. In this system, the church provides pastors with holistic support for their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs, while pastors focus on shepherding and delivering quality spiritual nourishment, creating a mutually reinforcing cycle.

Pastor Hu, director of an urban church in southeastern China, called by God at an early age, endures over 30 years of experience in pulpit ministry. He shared valuable insights from his practices with a heart for cultivating young ministers.

Small groups and discipleship training are increasingly valued in churches. To strengthen these ministries, pastors in charge often adopt materials from various churches and institutions to facilitate growth. However, pastors have diverse perspectives on the training materials they use, shaped by their specific contexts. Three frontline pastors gave their views on the contextualization of training materials to the Christian Times.

With international adoptions largely halted (except in special circumstances), what will happen to orphans who remain unadopted? In response to this question, Brother Fan, a leader of a related ministry in southern China, believes that many Chinese people, including Christians, have long harbored deep misunderstandings about adoption. He asserts that the church has a responsibility to promote an adoption culture among believers.

Pastor A Yue, in her 40s, has served in a northern city far from her hometown for over a decade. From theological training, and youth fellowship, to a “pioneering church”, her ministry follows the needs of young believers she cares about and reflects areas where churches in China need to grow.

In pastor D's serving journey, the words “God is pleading with the willing heart, for the gift is accepted based on what one has, not one does not have” continually comfort her. That is also the message she tries to give her congregation in her recent sermon.

While Christians observe Easter, Pentecost, and Christmas throughout the year, pastor D from an East China church talked about the Jewish New Year (Rosh Hashanah) which emphasizes repentance. Though they don't observe these festivals according to tradition, they embrace the divine timing.

After a 12-year study experience abroad (4 years at a Christian university and 8 years in seminary), I have some insights and reflections on studying theology abroad. For most Christians and pastors, I believe that it is no longer necessary to spend four years studying theology abroad.

"Despite one’s striving, some of the things received from God can be difficult to convey to believers." Brother C, a grassroots preacher in northern Jiangsu, recently shared insights on his pastoral experience.