Taiwan churches are growing rapidly; there are more than 1,000 new churches opened in the past 10 years. While these churches tend to be large-scaled and enterprise-oriented, they are facing many potential problems, such as losing young people. In an interview with Christian Daily, Top Church's founder, Pastor Zhang Maosong, pointed out that churches face the challenges of staying modern and relevant for younger members.
Up to Date Messages Pastor 21st Century Believers
Pastor Zhang believed that Taiwan lacks global impact, and Taiwan news lacks global perspective, as language abilities are not up to global standard. The "little happiness" life style that people are living could lead to the lack of motivation and limit church development.
He pointed out that Taiwan needs to understand global dynamics, arguing that the way information is presented should be adjusted according to the ways of modern people. People who are serving at church are in the 21st century, not the previous century anymore. What churches provide must meet the believers' needs when living in the 21st century.
Losing Young People, Aging Churches
Pastor Zhang contended that Taiwan is experiencing a loss of younger members and money, which affects society and churches. As society continues to age, Taiwan churches are seeing a lack of young people. Taiwan churches are desperate because young people are disappearing, therefore, both Taiwan society and churches need to become globalized. The background and mentality of pastoral staff also need to keep up with global standard.
Pastor Zhang stated that churches should strive to engage younger people. They should do everything to get in touch with younger generations; make churches their favorite place to go so their lives are cultivated and grow. If churches do not work hard at this, then they will age. If they do the same thing as five years ago, they will age.
WOW Project Helps Young People and Churches "Rise Up"
Pastor Zhang started "WOW Project" to help young people break through six years ago. He hopes to help young people and churches to "rise up." There are frequent wars in Central Asia in recent years, and Pastor Zhang said he would get upset and cry when seeing children being affected in the news and wanted to give the children hugs. Top Church helps many children in Taiwan. Although the situations in Central Asia and Taiwan are different, he thinks the goal is the same.
Pastor Zhang believes that to build up young people or to do charity work, we should do more than just provide food. We should help them get into good universities or jobs. Help them "rise up" and become leaders to change this generation.
(Source: Gospel Herald)
