FES and the Local Churches in Hong Kong
At a pastoral forum on “Youth Ministry” last year, I discussed the relationship between theology and context. Sometimes we expect our faith to directly address the problems in our context. But, to quote the late theologian John Webster, “Christian theology… is responsible in its context but not in any straightforward way responsible to its context.”1 We need to clarify the distinction between “doing theology in context” and “contextual theology,” since the variations in theological paths will also affect pastoral orientation and expectations. We therefore pondered afresh the question of how the church’s mission should be concretely lived out in the light of the Gospel given today’s context in Hong Kong?
As a result of socio-political upheavals in Hong Kong over the last decade or so, the church has faced many unprecedented challenges to pastoral care and been forced to navigate these various issues. We see how our understanding of faith can never be separated from the truth of reality. One such reality is the unhealed physical state of Hong Kong’s people as a community where powers of darkness are still rampant.
It is in such a context, where the desperate need for pastoral renewal and transformation is felt in local churches, that FES is presented with the opportunity to walk alongside them. FES helps in practical ways to inform the church about genuine situations facing younger generations, even those who may not participate regularly in church activities. We have found that local pastors and church leaders respond with increased openness and welcome the help from parachurch organisations, thus developing a more trusting relationship with FES.
Because of significant emigration, local Hong Kong churches have faced huge losses in manpower and resources, making it necessary to rebuild church dynamics to be more inclusive.
In late 2023, we initiated a survey on “The Faith Conditions of College Believers in Hong Kong”, collecting more than 400 responses from tertiary students. Thanks to the help of a few professional volunteers in analysing that data, we were able to organise the above-mentioned Youth Ministry Forum in June 2024 and share the results of that analysis with over a hundred pastors and church leaders. We are keenly aware of the enormous difficulties and challenges of pastoring young people in the church context today. Consequently, FES is able to contribute our resources, in partnership with the local churches, to encourage ongoing ministry to our young people. Our common concern for these cherished youth, who desperately need the hope and comfort offered by the Gospel, is amplified by our keen awareness that the church’s future belongs to those younger generations.
Reflections on the History of Captivity
Emigrants from Hong Kong, as well as those who remained, exist in a context that has some parallels with that of Judeans during the Assyrian and Babylonian captivity and exile. As a result of changing political environments (both in present-day Hong Kong and ancient Judea), conflicting discourses, value judgments, and socio-political orientations develop among the people. Both those who left and those who remained carry a heavy emotional burden, having grappled with the uncertainty of constant upheaval and the fracturing of their communities. A people who has suffered may struggle to refrain from judging others based on their considerations and decisions around remaining or leaving. Nonetheless, we urgently need to coexist and remain connected in faith, recognizing that we are all wounded and that only the cross of Christ can reconcile and deeply reconnect our relationship in salvation.
In this sense, both churches in Hong Kong and churches hosting Hong Kong people abroad must learn and reflect afresh on the very nature and form of pastoral care. It is not only about knowledge or reminders to know Christ as Lord, but also about practically reflecting Christ as Lord by always being open to listening to others. When there is diversity among God’s people, the pastor turns to Christ in humility for help ministering to different members of the congregation.
Pastoral care is therefore not detached from the foundation of God’s Word. Yet again, it involves teaching ‘God’s Word’ as moral principles for individuals, while also relying on ‘God’s Word’ as the foundation for building communal relationships. To do this in the context of a broken and diverse community, we reaffirm our commitment to Christ as Lord of the Church and as mediator of our relationships with our brothers and sisters. We welcome the needy and the hurting as we would welcome Christ himself, for every ‘little one’ is valued in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Our understanding of faith can never be separated from the truth of reality. One such reality is the unhealed physical state of Hong Kong’s people as a community where powers of darkness are still rampant.
In response to Hong Kong’s delicate socio-political situation, FES has recently started to promote listening movements, organise non-violent communication training and mental health first aid courses. We have also invited young graduates to share about their mental health challenges, encouraging us to understand psychological professionalism through a spiritual lens. Importantly, our attempts to facilitate more dialogue between the various generations within the church (especially with senior church pastors) have received highly positive responses.
In March 2025, these activities culminated in a major event known as the “FES Day Pastoral Care Seminar: A Trauma-Informed Approach”. Over 160 participants from different church denominations joined us, and we had many fruitful and encouraging conversations. There were four speakers from across the spectrum: a New Testament scholar, a practical theology practitioner, and two church pastors. Through their thoughtful preparation and insightful sharing, there was a balance between academic depth and practical experience, offering inspiration and light to all participants. We witnessed how seeds were sown for spiritual renewal in the pastoral culture of Hong Kong churches. While the task at hand is not easy, through these events we have started to gather and unite fellow companions, to press forward with courage, one step at a time, and to rebuild a faith community that is connected through suffering.
Reflections on Community Relationships
Because of the significant emigration, local Hong Kong churches have faced huge losses in manpower and resources, making it necessary to rebuild church dynamics to be more inclusive. The church must embrace the call to provide a space of stability and trust for the hurting generation. A sanctuary where members can be transparent, release their voices, discover new versions of themselves, meet different people, live together in the church, and enjoy relationships with one another.
After waves of social protests, many young people struggle to feel welcomed by, or a sense of belonging to, their own church communities. We observed a deep distrust between those who embrace more universal values and those who exercise authority within ecclesial institutions. FES thus sought to bridge and rebuild an authentic relationship between these parties. On the one hand, we gain the trust of church pastors and their alignment with the FES vision for the discipleship of younger generations. On the other hand, we minister to young people, regardless of whether they are regular church-goers, through our annual Youth Bible Conference. This year, being the third run of the annual conference, we even invited some church pastors to be conference committee members and worked together to encourage participation from their young people. The theme was “Undefined: Embracing the (Un)Certainty of Faith.” Throughout this two-day conference, we aimed to equip participants intellectually and emotionally to experience a paradigm shift in their faith worldview. We believe that when young people learn to embrace the openness of faith, they will stand firm in the chaotic values of university culture, discerning and making wise choices. Through this partnership with the local churches, we witness their trust in FES to train up mature leaders who will ultimately serve in the church.
Conclusion
FES cannot exist without partnership with local churches. For many reasons, this mutual relationship is valuable for both sides. The vision we instil among the students whom we meet on campus is that they will leave college and find their spiritual homes at church, where people can encounter and get to know each other more deeply. Thanks to the challenging socio-political circumstances, the church and parachurch have been given the opportunity to choose humility and open-mindedness, to ‘value others above yourselves’ (Phil. 2:3), through connectedness in the grace of Christ. Only then will we see the growth and maturity which can come from God (Col. 2:19).
[1] John Webster, T & T Clark Reader in John Webster (London: T & T Clark, 2020.) p.147.
