In Search of Kingdom Living

The biggest problem with the Chinese Canadian Church is the lack of conversation between generations (there I said it).

This past weekend, my church celebrated its 40th anniversary – which is a testament to God’s great work amongst Chinese Canadians. Yet, like any huge event involving a massive amount of people from all 3 congregations (english, cantonese, mandarin), there have always been frustrations, miscommunications, and sometimes very hurtful feelings. Perhaps I’m being a bit cynical – but I’m never one for the big pomp and circumstance. So I find a celebration worship/banquet/sunday service that is uniquely situated in a grandiose Chinese kind of way to be a bit oppressive (at the very least, restrictive) by not allowing me to express myself truly in my own bi-cultural kind of way.

I think a lot of these issues could have worked out better if we had conversations between the culture groups (and therefore the generation groups) of the church. That’s where this book Faith of My Fathers by Chris Seay comes in.

This book came at a wonderful time in my struggle of living as part of the church community. It demonstrated a wonderfully gracious discussion between three generations of pastors about some very tough subjects.

Basically, the book is a discussion between Chris Seay, his brothers, his dad, and his grandfather. Right off the bat, Chris introduces his family, especially the legacy of his grandfather (papa). Upon further reflection, I wonder if this can be the best tact for initiating a discussion with the elders in my own Chinese church. There’s a cultural demand for honor and respect of elders – and while I question this prevalent need for honoring elders (and the reversed implications of disrepecting the child), I see potentially fruitful discussion down this humble path.

I love the major topical discussions throughout the book:

first, the generational issues – music and teaching. It’s interesting that Chris (and crew) would describe music (for worship) and focuses in teaching as part of a generational issue. These are the two most potentially divisive parts of church life and it’s great to see three generations talk about it. I particularly liked this one quote:

I have learned that either transition happens or churches die – it must happen – and that a pastor must navigate the changes or lose his congregation completely. But I have also learned that change must be gentle, that everything must be done in love. And if I come across people who do not want to change, I go back to my other calling: I hold their hands.

Second, the conversation moves to the inner life of a spiritual leader. How should one deal with depression, female advances, pastor friends, and taking care of yourself.

Third, the group spoke about family – how to balance ministry and family, demonstration love and affection, and dealing with one another when we mess up.

Fourth, there was a neat discussion about power – especially about the essential of faith and the inerrancy/authority of the bible. It was interesting for me to witness this section because the family was coming from very different perspectives and yet graciously disagreed (miraculously, I think they all have firm belief that they’re all Christian). A neat quote:

I believe it’s possible for people to have bad theology and still know Christ. And while my job as their pastor may be to lead them to Christ and to maturity, I am certainly not going to take a noisy stand against their position, showing impatience, showing judgment, and causing division. 

Fifth, this section was a playful discussion about the possibility of pastors becoming jerks (happens more often then naught). Really, it was a small piece about surviving destructive criticism.

Sixth, another hot-button discussion (even involving facilitator – Donald Miller) was about government and politics. Although I can understand the political issues, especially re: the religious right, I felt that this was more true of America, and not so much our context in Canada.

Seventh, a small discussion about dealing with money.

Eighth, another big discussion about social issues – loving homosexuals, comparing sins, legislating morality. Chris’ dad even cited an example about how in Canada, you can potentially get thrown in jail if you preach against homosexuality (because it can be considered a hate crime). I believe they fought that issue and no preacher can be arrested for preaching against homosexuality. But, ultimately the discussion in this section was about the focus of the gospel. Should it be about culture wars, legislating morality for the good of the people? Or consider this quote:

The church should refocus on the gospel instead of the culture wars. It is to our shame that we point out sin to our culture knowing that without the power of Christ, they are ill-equipped to change their lives. Instead, let us speak the love of Christ by loving all people. 

Ninth, there was a great sharing from papa about the struggle with racial issues as a pastor in America. This was a great demonstration of how a godly man can meet an injustice head-on and navigate through such a tough issue.

Lastly, I really appreciated the transparency of Chris and his family for sharing an intimate family struggle. Ultimately, it’s my hope that I can have similar conversations and develop a similar ethos for vulnerability and authenticity in my church.