CWM Annual Members Meeting

The Thematic Reflection was led by Dr Natalie Lin on the topic of Worship and Spirituality in a Post-COVID Church. Retelling the story of the Road to Emmaus in Luke, Dr Lin spoke of the two men’s time with Jesus that led to an identity crisis and questions about their faith and response.

These two men experienced the new life radiated by the risen Christ, which played a part in their personal transformation and spiritual formation. Dr Lin stressed that worship is to be translated into an attitude of awe and trust in our relationship with God. It is not simply about liturgy but rather a spiritual pilgrimage of encountering Jesus, reflecting the fullness of the gospel. Through worship, we are drawn away from a self-centred life into a community of Christ.

The ensuing plenary discussion saw GPM present about the lack of a physical component and environment in online worship. Worship is important but simply a supplement to God’s word. HKCCCC described how liturgy is not the most important to a uniting church like theirs, but rather simply a tool to help people encounter God. For PCM, churches in Yangon are implementing online services. The current military situation eclipses COVID-19 in terms of severity. Their communication with overseas partners has also been hampered because of the military restrictions. PCK delegates felt that worship does not need to be confined to any specific framework or liturgy. Each individual’s worship may or may not fully reflect the gospel, hence the responsibility of the church to provide corporate direction to the members. PCS church members enjoyed the ease of online services but very quickly felt the disconnection and need for in-person interaction. PCT observed the loneliness and anxiety resulting from the pandemic, resulting in the need for church to provide peace and love, even in simple ways. During the Member Church Sharing section, PCK presented on the COVID-19 situation in South Korea and the changes in society and church the pandemic caused. Some of the challenges Korean churches are currently facing include restoring the original nature of the church, restoring the church’s status and reflecting on the gospel. PCK has collaborated with soldiers, migrants, persons living with disabilities and also participated in ecological activities and aid to North Korea. PCK is currently seeking policy developments for revival of local churches, as well as emphasizing youth education. In response to a question during the plenary discussion, PCK revealed that they are also losing youth in church. However, locals are trying ways to fill the gaps through youth programmes and other initiatives.

HKCCCC shared that challenges began way before COVID-19, presenting themselves in the form of political disunity and controversy involving the influence of China. Notable events include the June 2019 anti-extradition law protests and the COVID-19 pandemic and its ensuing restrictions to movement. HKCCCC pastors mediated and put their faith on the frontline of the protests. Local congregations also offered open spaces as rest areas for unarmed protestors and signed appeals to repeal the government’s “riot” accusations. HKCCCC’s COVID-19 interventions consist of aid package distribution, visiting the homeless and starting online classes. The church has been facing loss of pastors and the country experiencing mass migration waves out of Hong Kong.

Church with soldiers

Pastors mediated and witnessed our faith on front lines of conflicts