As I write this pastoral letter, the safety of the church weighs on my heart.  I will be away for about 3-4 months.  It is not too long a period but yet there is enough time for the church to get hurt.  That was also Paul’s concern in Acts 20:29, that “I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock.  Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them.”  I am not saying that this is about to happen, but we need to understand that the threat is real.  There are a few things that the church needs to do to protect herself.

Responsibilities of Church Leaders

Paul exhorted the elders of the church to do several things.  First, “keep watch over yourselves.”  Elders Chin Tian and Kerh Li, and helped by Deacon Xing Guo and Deaconess Shu Chang, will shoulder the burden of shepherding the church.  Dear Elders, you are critical to the well being of the church.  But I speak not only to them but to all leaders in this church, including the Sunday School teachers, and those who are leading the fellowship groups.  Dear Leaders, you need to walk close to the Lord.  Ensure that you are spiritually vibrant.  When you are well spiritually, you will be able to “keep watch … over all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers [and] be shepherds of the church” (Acts 20:28).  You “must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’” (Acts 20:35).  Love your flock even when they are not lovable.  Pay special attention to those who are weaker because of trials, sickness and work pressure.  Comfort and remind them to walk close to the Lord.

Second, Paul commits the elders to “God and to the word of His grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all who are sanctified” (Acts 20:32).  Know your doctrines well.  Know also the counterfeits of related doctrines.  Read and study hard your Bible.  Make decisions according to God’s word and not according to what is convenient or the wisdom of the world.  A safe decision must be based upon clear Bible texts.

Responsibilities of Every Christian

Everyone must take care of one another.  When the Hebrew Christians were facing extreme trials, the author of Hebrews exhorted them: “And let us consider how we may spur one another one toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Heb 10:24-25).

First, everyone in this church must be responsible for yourself by faithfully attending Sunday Worship, Sunday Schools, and Fellowship meetings.  These are critical avenues that allow others to take care of you.  People who are not faithful in attending spiritual meetings, face a sure danger of being hurt by sin, the world and life trials.  Your life will slowly but surely erode away.

Second, everyone must take up the initiative of watching out for one another.  Look out for those are going through difficult times.  Pray for them.  Meet up with them.  Call them on the phone to encourage them.  Go the extra mile to help them go through difficult times.  Love them sincerely even when they are not lovable.  Do not quarrel among yourselves.  Never say unkind words to one another.  Forgive as the Lord forgave you many times over.  May the Lord Himself guard His church.