Experimenting with Christian Education for Mainland Chinese Immigrants / Esther G. Cen

ABSTRACT

This paper proposes an eclectic model drawing on different approaches to Christian education for Mainland Chinese immigrants in Canada. It wrestles with two questions: How can we understand Mainland Chinese immigrants in Canada? How can we conduct effective Christian education (i.e., Christian learning and living) for them? I first “exegete” the congregation at hand, seeking to understand my context. Then I research the Christian education field for effective approaches. Finally, I propose an eclectic discipling model that encompasses five methodological components aiming to make disciple-makers.

 

儘管聖經提供了基本原則,但在實際操作中,基督教會的事工應該靈活多樣,根據時機和情況來決定。二十一世紀初,移居加拿大卡爾加里城的大陸新移民主要是技術移民。他們既缺乏基督教背景,又深受唯物主義的影響;即使對信仰有渴求,也因要重新建立在異國他鄉的新生活而疲於奔命。新移民容易被基督徒的友善和教會提供的各種免費活動吸引而加入教會,但要教導他們委身於基督和教會卻異常困難。針對這類移民羣體的教導事工必須考慮到這些羣體的特性,不應簡單地複製大陸家庭教會或香港台灣傳統教會的模式。本文作者總結和反思了在卡城植堂和牧會經驗,旨在探索加拿大的大陸移民事工如何以建立信徒生命為核心,進行福音傳遞以及培訓其他信徒能夠成為傳道的使者。

原載於《建道學刊》61期(2024年1月),頁215-236。