Dear CCCOWE Family,
Warm greetings in the name of Christ!
Time truly flies, and as 2024 draws to a close, I am filled with gratitude as I reflect on God’s abundant grace this year. I am writing to you now, I have just returned from the CCCOWE European Summit held in Paris. During my flight back to Asia, my heart was overflowing with joy, having witnessed the meaningful connections formed among pastors and church leaders from various European nations.
CCCOWE European Summit
- I was deeply impressed by the artistic talents of many Chinese pastors and leaders serving in European Chinese churches. Their creativity is a testament to the diverse gifts God has given to His people.
- Nearly half of the European Chinese churches are influenced by the Wenzhou/Qingtian model. I was struck by their openness in addressing challenges during discussions—an inspiring demonstration of kingdom-minded humility.
- During the panel discussion on “The Future of Theological Education in Europe”, three major seminary presidents offered valuable insights and a willingness to foster future collaboration, a hopeful step toward supporting European Chinese churches.
- Pastors from North America and Taiwan expressed their desire to deepen relationships with European Chinese churches after witnessing both their unique needs and the abundant grace of God upon them.
The Fourth Lausanne Congress
This year also marked a milestone in global missions: the 50th anniversary of the Lausanne Movement. The Fourth Lausanne Congress, held in Korea under the theme “Let the Church Declare and Display Christ Together,” called for greater global church collaboration and mission partnerships. Michael Oh, Lausanne’s Global CEO, highlighted the potential of digital tools for mission work. This message of collaboration and innovation has inspired me to ask deeper questions:
What is the foundation for global church collaboration?
What is the theological basis for developing and utilizing digital tools?
At the Congress, I had the privilege of delivering a keynote address in the workplace track. Though initially hesitant due to limited workplace experience, I was encouraged by my mentor, Dr. Patrick Fung, to share from a pastoral perspective. My speech, titled “Reimagining Work Under the Cross,” explored how Christians can find purpose and fulfill their calling in workplaces that often feel meaningless or morally challenging (download full script of this talk).
The Foundation of Global Church Collaboration
The answer to both questions is rooted in the Gospel of Christ. It is not our strength but God’s power that unites us in missions. The CCCOWE movement was born out of the Lausanne Movement and carries this spirit of unity. Since 2022, we have been organizing “Future Church” summits in Taiwan and various regions. These summits emphasize three core beliefs derived from the gospel of “God’s kingdom”:
- God is in charge: The church has a future because the future is in God’s hands. As God’s household, Christ’s body, and the temple of the Holy Spirit, her future is full of hope! The question isn’t whether the church has a future, but whether we are willing to be transformed and renewed to participate in God’sfuture for the church. The Gospel reminds us: The Kingdom of God is near!
- I don’t know: When we acknowledge our limitations, we can finally be humble enough to open to God’s wisdom and to the gifts of others in the body of Christ, and therefore onto a journey of “renewal and transformation” by grace. The Gospel reminds us: God’s ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts.
- I need you: Every member of the church has received unique gifts from God that can be contributed to His mission. When we gather, it’s not to show off or boast our gifts, but to “exchange gifts” and become blessings to each other! The Gospel reminds us: It is by grace that we receive these gifts to participate in God’s mission!
The Big Questions of the Digital Age
Each generation requires a renewed understanding and expression of the Gospel, meeting the unique challenges and longings of its time. Reflecting on the past 50 years, we have seen profound paradigm shifts shaped by history and culture, with the Gospel providing a timeless foundation amidst change. For the generation that endured the upheaval of the two World Wars, life was marked by a deep longing for stability and meaning amidst the collapse of traditional structures. In this time of searching, God raised up leaders like Rev. Billy Graham, who upheld the authority of God’s Word, helping countless individuals rediscover a firm foundation on which to rebuild their lives and the world around them.
In the post-war years, the Baby Boomer generation experienced unprecedented economic growth. Focused on rebuilding societies and improving material conditions, their hard work yielded significant advancements. Yet, amidst this pursuit, God used pastors like Rev. Rick Warren to remind them that life’s ultimate fulfillment goes beyond material success to something deeper—an eternal “purpose.”
The children of the Boomers, the Millennials, faced a very different reality. Burdened by skyrocketing housing prices, stagnant wages, and a crumbling belief in the idea that “hard work guarantees success,” they found themselves questioning authority, institutions, and even purpose itself. God, in His grace, raised up voices like Rev. Timothy Keller, who addressed these doubts with compassion and clarity, inviting Millennials to place their trust in the one true Christ who never fails. Now, the Gen Z and Alpha generations are growing up in a world shaped by the rapid advancement of AI and humanoid robotics. In this era, where human value is often measured by functionality and efficiency, many face an unsettling realization—that much of what they “do” can be replicated or replaced by technology. This has raised urgent questions for our time: What does it truly mean to be human? How can we live fully as beings created in God’s image?
I firmly believe that the Gospel of Jesus Christ provides profound answers to the questions of every generation. It calls us to rediscover what it means to be human in each unique era in the light of God’s image. At the same time, it also challenges us to steward advancements like digital tools with wisdom and theological reflection.
CCCOWE Ministries
By God’s grace, the various ministries of CCCOWE in 2024 have unfolded according to His timing. It is a profound joy to see these initiatives serving Chinese churches worldwide, nurturing friendships across regions, denominations, and generations, and sparking collaborative efforts in ministry. Each connection reminds us of the Gospel’s unifying power, as we join hands in responding to God’s call to mission.
One of our major focuses next year is preparing for the 10th CCOWE Congress. I pray that this Congress is more than just a gathering—but a God-given moment for global Chinese churches to envision the future, equip leaders, and deepen our collective commitment to His mission together.
The total budget for the Congress is USD 1 million (details in 10th CCOWE Congress budget and Fundraising Items). Recognizing the diverse economic realities of participants, we aim to raise USD 500,000 to offset costs, enabling wider accessibility. This includes providing grants for young leaders and church representatives from less affluent regions, ensuring that no one is excluded from participating due to financial constraints. By doing so, we aim to foster an environment where diverse voices and experiences can contribute to shaping the future of God’s church.
We humbly invite you to prayerfully consider this significant need. If you feel led to support this mission, your contribution—no matter the amount—will play a vital role in God’s kingdom work. Each donation will directly impact our ability to facilitate this Congress, equip church leaders, and inspire the next generation to carry the torch of faith. Please click this donation link for more information on how to partner with us in this endeavor.
Thank you for walking alongside us in this journey of faith. Together, we can declare and display Christ to the ends of the earth, sharing in the joy of His mission. As we step into the new year, may the Lord’s presence guide and bless you abundantly.
In His service,
Rev. David Doong, General Secretary of the CCCOWE
November 2024