April 11, 2010
Translated by Lydia Ma

Just as churches wrapped up Easter celebrations, PCT got ready for its annual General Assembly Meeting. As always, PCT General Assembly earnestly prays that the Holy Spirit will work through delegates so that every issue discussed will culminate in resolutions that delegates can agree on and take back to their respective churches.

The original purpose behind holding a General Assembly Meeting every year was to facilitate pastors and church members to exchange ideas, despite their different life experiences and visions. It was intended to be an instrument of the Holy Spirit to help churches prepare and realize their evangelical mission.

However, as PCT affiliated organizations grew and issues pertaining to the management of these organizations also grew in number and complexity, General Assembly Meetings began to revolve around issues relating to these organizations. In contrast, new missions and other ministry initiatives began to be addressed only in passing and without much in-depth consideration.

Taiwan has reached a critical juncture in time and churches need to spend more time reflecting on their mission during this critical time. Globalization and its effects hit Taiwan like tidal waves, leaving many people jobless. One of globalization's worst impacts is that it snatched away confidence and hope in the hearts of today's youth. This phenomenon should command the attention of churches and prompt them to reach out to younger generations.

As the current KMT government forges ahead with an ECFA agreement regardless of negative consequences on Taiwanese society, merely signing a petition to quick start a referendum is no longer enough for PCT churches.

About 25 years ago, faced with a battle for democracy, a repressive KMT regime, and indifferent countries and international organizations, PCT churches did some soul-searching, discussion, and theological reflection. Their efforts culminated in a document known as PCT Statement of Faith in 1985 and this document was distributed to all PCT local churches.

This impressive document clarified and proclaimed the role and vision of PCT churches, which includes: "We believe that the Church is the fellowship of God's people, called to proclaim the salvation of Jesus Christ and to be an ambassador of reconciliation. It is both universal and rooted in this land, identifying with all its inhabitants, and through love and suffering becoming the sign of hope."

Inspired by PCT Statement of Faith, the new motto adopted by the General Assembly this year is "Let cultures flourish; let justice take root." According to PCT Statement of Faith, the church is an "ambassador of reconciliation," "rooted in this land and identifying with all its inhabitants." This means that, as Taiwanese people struggle with unprecedented challenges, PCT churches must figure out how they can contribute their part in enhancing national security, and environmental and economic justice.

As we approach the 150th anniversary of PCT, let us pray that this year's General Assembly Meeting will reinvigorate local churches so that they can see and hear those who are in need. We hope that churches can break down old barriers of self-centeredness, and strive toward sharing the gospel. We also pray for the Holy Spirit to guide churches in loving others passionately, accepting the cost of doing so, and becoming a sign of hope.

Taiwan Church News