Resources for Lay Leaders in China - December 2019 Update
Addressing a “Big Problem”
He said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore, ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest field.” Luke 10:2
“The biggest problem that we have is too many people and not enough leaders.” During a recent group visit to China coordinated by The Outreach Foundation, we had the privilege of meeting with leaders of the official Protestant Church in two of the provinces with the largest populations of Christians. In both meetings, the leaders shared how churches continue to grow both in numbers and in its service to society. What concerned these influential leaders the most was not whether the church will survive but how to best provide sound guidance to the more than 600,000 new believers that are added to their congregations annually.
With the approval of the government, the official Protestant Church in China has undertaken the production, editing, publication, and distribution of quality materials for the leaders. These resources are very helpful in their ministries of preaching, teaching, counseling, evangelism, and disciple-making. The Outreach Foundation has been privileged to share in this important process of strengthening the faith of several million people in the country.
One of the key resources that The Outreach Foundation is helping place in the hands of thousands of leaders is the Bible – Chinese Graduate School of Theology Study Edition, the only study Bible by Chinese biblical scholars. It was specifically written for Chinese Christians in the mainland and was first published in 1995 as the fruit of a strategic collaboration between the China Graduate School of Theology (CGST) in Hong Kong and the official Protestant Church in China.
The first printing of the Bible sold out in less than three months. Two years later, 220,000 additional copies were printed, breaking a new publishing record for the Protestant Church in China. In 2000, the Revised Version in Simplified Script was published in response to pressing demands.
The CGST study Bible provides essential background information such as the author, date, place of writing, key themes, and outline at the beginning of each book. Additional notes are included which focus on understanding the meaning of the text, giving answers to frequently asked questions and providing theological, historical, and archaeological background information.
Another feature is the inclusion of reflection questions at the end of every chapter and every book. These questions help the readers and Bible study groups go a step further and apply God’s Word to their situations and life circumstances. Moreover, the maps, diagrams, charts, concordance, index, and cross-references are all very valuable resources for the Chinese pastors and leaders.
During the last twelve months, Outreach was able to help cover the cost of providing 800 pastors and leaders with the Bible – CGST Study Edition. We are grateful to God and to our supporters for such a significant impact!
Juan Sarmiento
Associate Director for Mission
Read more about Resources for Lay Leaders in China HERE.
Enjoy a short video of our recent visit HERE.
THE NEED
The Outreach Foundation is seeking $50,000 to provide start-up libraries for lay leaders and recent seminary graduates. One “mini-library” costs $70, and a study Bible is $18. Make a gift HERE or by sending a check to our office.