When is it a Church?

The Baozhong Alliance Church is officially called a “Preaching Point.” It is still considered to be in the “start-up phase.” We sometimes refer to these churches as “New Ventures.”

It is a church, but has not yet met the criteria to be a member church (an organized church) of the Alliance denomination in Taiwan. In order to become a “member church,” it must first meet the following qualifications:

• Have twenty-five or more adult members.
• Have a Deacons’ Board with five or more members.
• Able to financially support a pastor and the work of the church.

Although these are the legal requirements that must be attained before officially being recognized as a member church, the Baozhong church is already doing the work of the church :

• Introducing people to Christ and explaining how to have a relationship with Him.
• Teaching people about living in relationship with the Creator God.
• Creating opportunities for fellowship (gathering, emotional and spiritual support, etc.)
• Being the presence of God in their community.

Would you pray and ask God to help the Baozhong Alliance Church to become the church that He desires it to be?

Praise and Prayer

It is important for all people to have a good rhythm of work and rest. How that is done is influenced by the culture around us. However, the Bible also has some teaching about the subject. The Taiwanese culture puts great value on productivity and frowns on apparent laziness. Please pray that the Taiwanese pastors and the church members will model for those around them a healthy balance between work and relaxation.