Three weeks ago, I traveled to Taipei to participate in the Global Chinese Missions Summit. Although it was an invitation-only event with a limited number of attendees, our aim was to foster open exchanges and dialog. We wanted leaders and co-workers from the global Chinese churches and missions agencies to confront pressing issues in Chinese churches and missions. We sought answers to questions such as: Why are Chinese churches challenged by aging issues? Why are we often inward-looking? Why is the progress of missions stalling or even regressing?

I took extensive notes during our four-day discussions. Here’s a very condensed list, hoping it offers some valuable insights to ECC brothers and sisters:
Regarding Chinese Churches: 1. Our primary identity is “the church”, not “Chinese”. However, our Chinese heritage is a gift from God that we should embrace. 2. The unique generational and cultural diversity within Chinese immigrant churches is also a gift. These gifts are meant to build the Body of Christ, further Christ’s mission, and bless the nations.
Regarding Diaspora Missions: 1. The unique challenges of the diaspora allow us to experience and share God’s grace. 2. We need to shift from evangelizing “to” the diaspora to working “through” and “with” them.
Regarding Cross-Cultural Missions: 1. Local cross-cultural missions are foundational to overseas ones. 2. Embracing the broader gospel narrative helps combat ethnocentrism and individualism.
Regarding the Development of Next-Generation Leaders: 1. Cultivating the next generation of leaders and missionaries is integral to the Great Commission. 2. Instead of lowering the standards, why not elevate them and provide more intermediary steps over a longer timeframe?
Regarding Intergenerational Collaboration: 1. Can we evolve from a “yes, but” to a “yes, and” attitude as the younger generation introduces new perspectives? 2. Let’s remind each other that we’re in a continuous learning process. Five years from now, everyone will be more mature.
Regarding Online Missions: 1. Christ’s incarnation implies we should go into the digital realms of people’s lives to glorify God and share the gospel. 2. While the internet is a unique tool, the essence of online missions lies in the people behind the screens.

These reflections might seem distant from our everyday lives, but they hold the power to reshape our understanding of faith and, by extension, our way of life. I hope these insights will inspire my fellow believers as much as they have inspired me.