On the afternoon of May 9, 2023, Rev. Xu Xiaohong, Chairperson of National TSPM, and Rev. Wu Wei, President of CCC, received the delegates from the China Graduate School of Theology, Hong Kong. The two sides had an exchange over the Indigenization and Contextualization of Christianity in China and theological education.

Rev. Xu Xiaohong and Rev. Wu Wei extended a warm welcome to the guests, and said that with a good foundation of cooperation laid by the older generation of church leaders between CCC&TSPM and China Graduate School of Theology, it is expected to see in-depth discussions (such as on the Indigenization and Contextualization of Christianity in China and theological education) and to open new fields of cooperation in the future. Rev. Xu Xiaohong shared the progress of CCC&TSPM ministries and plans for the Indigenization and Contextualization. Rev. Wu Wei presented the new challenges facing the churches in China’s mainland from pastoral care and theological education in the post-pandemic age.

Rev. Bernard Wong, President of China Graduate School of Theology, gave thanks to CCC&TSPM for their warm reception and shared the new updates of the school’s ministries in recent years. He said that they have always been encouraging new teachers to increase their understanding of the churches and theological education ministry in the Chinese Mainland.

There was also a discussion on the Indigenization and Contextualization of Christianity in China. Rev. Wu Wei pointed out that the Indigenization and Contextualization follows the path of strengthening theoretical research and practical exploration, taking root in the excellent traditional Chinese culture, while keeping pace with the times and social development. In face of the opportunities and challenges for churches due to the progress of the times, we rely on the Lord, work for the Lord, and share God’s grace to more people. Rev. Dr. Simon Cheung, Dean of China Graduate School of Theology, introduced the school’s integrated curriculum reform from the contextualized thinking, and its teaching philosophy that shifts from “scholar pastor” to “reflective collaborator”.

Taking Apostle Paul’s missionary philosophy and his sermon in Athens as an example, Rev. Xu Xiaohong pointed out that the Indigenization and Contextualization will not change the faith, but rather remove the colonial overtones and return to the gospel itself. Rev. Bernard Wong agreed with the idea of returning to the gospel and responded that the decolonization of the Gospel is a common problem for both Chinese churches and many Asian churches. Paul taught us that “each person should remain in the situation they were in when God called them.” (1 Cor. 7:20). We all shall reflect on how to live out the gospel in our current situation.

Fellow workers from the Overseas Relations Department, Theological Education Department and Media Department of CCC&TSPM participated in this meeting.

Translated and edited by Bei Feng.