As I begin my getting to know churches in the city, where I live, many have commented that I am "church hopping" or "church shopping", but it is not so. I believe that I already have a good old home church in mind, it is a Reformed church very near where I stay. Or that my leave from CCGC was because I dislike CCGC, nay, every church has their dissensions and problems, but I have never encouraged anyone to leave a church nor have I ever leave a church because of such. I have longed treasured something Rev. Stephen Chan (陈佐人牧师）'s message during one of his Reformed seminary: "I have more respect on those who stayed in the church and aggressively but patiently and diligently fight for the Truth."
We must never damage the reputation of a church behind its back especially when we leave that church. It is very unethical. I only display the truth, but I have never condemned CCGC to hell, sure there's agony and sadness and tears, it is never possible for any physical church of God to be perfect on this Earth, for that day has yet to come. And I say "church of God" because there are indeed so called "churches" that aren't of God...such as the cult: Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons/Latter Day Saints, etc. I have always view CCGC as a church of God despite its history, for true doctrine has been established nonetheless. My pray and sorrow came from great hope that it does not part from God's Word. If it is insisted that I must compare to other churches, CCGC is a Chinese student ministry based church, as a church, its pastor has double burden (church and students) with low pay if compared to other churches. This is never easy. God has different visions for different churches and pastors. If other churches were to take upon the task of CCGC, base on what I see, I doubt they would be any better than CCGC unless it is God's will. CCGC is like a maternity ward, many children of God seen in Chinese churches in the city were actually born in CCGC, these churches have nothing to be proud of by having these as their congregation.
My leave comes from my good use of the time God has given me. It is that simple. There are those in CCGC who cannot accept this, nonetheless, I believe I have dealt with this issue fairly, I have given enough notice, more than two weeks notice, more than three months, more than even a year, for their hearts to be prepared. When it has come to the level where the need of my presence in a church is greater than the need of Christ, it is God's job, not mine. For my time to pastor a church has yet to come, and I have never confirmed that this is God's calling for me. I must not put my hand on God's Ark of the Covenant, even if it seems to be falling apart or seems to be needing human support.
I have never ever looked down on a church of God, even as a reformer. For even John Wesley has said:
I look on all the world as my parish; thus far I mean, that, in whatever part of it I am, I judge it meet, right, and my bounden duty, to declare unto all that are willing to hear, the glad tidings of salvation.
Journal (11 June 1739)
[@more@]