attending a church

Finding a Church

If you are thinking of finding a church, CONGRATULATIONS!  

You are about to join God’s kingdom and family on earth.   According to 1 Timothy 3;15, God gathers His children to become a Family, that we can worship, love and support one another!

1 Timothy 3:15

 The family of God is the church of the living God. It is the pillar and foundation of the truth.

attending a church

 

If you have never attended a church before, it sounds scary to go to a church and meet someone you have never met before.  Don’t worry.  I have some useful tips for you:

  1. Talk to a Christian Friend, saying that you want to find a church – You don’t need to commit.  Just take a time and visit his church, joins a service and see how it goes.  Most likely, you will like the church and keep going.  Otherwise, just tell your friend you would like to visit other churches before making a decision.
     
  2. Look around your neighborhood or search from the Internet – Find a church near you can be a good starting point.  You don’t need a long travel time, and if you keep going, you can participate more in the church since it is not far from your home.  
     
  3. Open your heart when selecting a church – It is not about finding a church that suits you, it is about how you can know more about God, grow in Christ, and serve with brothers and sisters in a church.  There are three questions you may ask yourself:
    • About God – Can I learn more about God in this church, through worship, sermons, and talk to brothers and sisters?   The church is not about a religion.  Its message must focus on God and how people can follow God.
    • About Church – Do you feel welcome by brothers and sisters in the church, would like to be part of them, and learn and serve God with them?
    • About Yourself – Pray to God and ask for His guidance.  Do you like to go again?   If so, go again.   When you attend and participate, you will learn that no church is perfect.   But some churches are more caring, more energetic in witnessing Christ, and more focused on the growth of Christians.   

Below are some of the English speaking churches in Hong Kong.   They are listed in Alphabetical Order.

Hong Kong Island

Ambassador International Church, Central, Hong Kong
We’re an independent Christian church serving the English-speaking community in Hong Kong. Our emphasis is on Biblical teaching, worship, and helping people to follow Christ.
www.ambassador.org.hk

Church of All Nations (CAN) Repulse Bay, Hong Kong
CAN is a vibrant congregation of people in the midst of one of the most unique parts of God’s world, both southeast China and southeast Asia. People who affiliate with our English-speaking parish come from 12-15 countries at any one time. CAN is located on the southern part of Hong Kong Island in Repulse Bay, on the grounds of Hong Kong International School. The congregation formed over thirty years ago when the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod founded HKIS.
www.churchofallnations-hongkong.org

Community Church Hong Kong Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
We are an International, Inclusive, Multi-denominational, Christian Congregation which welcomes all people. We value tradition and creativity and honor the personal stories and talents of every participant. We aim to share the Good News of the Holy Scriptures and to challenge Hong Kong people to live life more fully by honoring God, following the Lord Jesus Christ, and seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit in our Church, Community and World.
www.communitychurch.hk

Emmanuel Church, Anglican Church  Pokfulam, Hong Kong
Daughter Church of St. John’s Cathedral. A friendly, inclusive, English speaking church in the Anglican tradition. Emmanuel Church – Pokfulam meets every Sunday at 10:15 a.m. at: Bethanie, 139 Pokfulam Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong. The congregation come from a variety of backgrounds and denominations. People of all church backgrounds, or even no church background, are welcome.
www.emmanuel.org.hk

Evangelical Community Church, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
The church is an interdependent organism that makes relationships its priority. We use four key words to define our relational identity. Our mandate is to prepare people for God in Hong Kong and beyond, through the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
www.ecchk.org

Faith Community Church Aberdeen, Hong Kong
Faith Community Church is an inter-denominational, international English speaking church. We warmly welcome people of all ages and from every background to worship with us.
www.faithcommunitychurch.org.hk

Grace Evangelical Church  North Point, Hong Kong
A Chinese Evangelical church located in North Point, in the Eastern district of Hong Kong Island. The church was founded sixteen years ago and has a wide-range of Christian fellowships for all ages. Their mother church is the Shau Kei Wan Evangelical church.
www.graceec.com

International Baptist Church of Hong Kong   Aberdeen, Hong Kong
Our calling to live the Christ life is not a one time choice, but moment by moment living by faith in Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. When people come in contact with IBC members living the Christ life, they should smell the aroma of Christ and see the light of His word. It doesn’t take a university or a theological degree to live the Christ life. Therefore, we at IBC are wholly devoted to helping you live the Christ life to the glory of God. We want to help you live joyfully in the midst of any circumstance that you have in your life.
www.ibc.org.hk

International Christian Assembly  North Point, Hong Kong
We have a number of worship services on Sunday and meetings during the week that are conducted in English, Cantonese, Filipino, Thai, Sri Lankan and Indonesian.
www.icahk.org

Island Baptist Church  Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
We are an English-speaking international church. We are also a local independent Baptist Church. We are not a perfect church. Frankly, we need each other to fulfil God’s will for our lives. God has given each and everyone of us spiritual gifts to be used to build up His people. We are to be an encouragement to one another and provoke one another to a better walk with God.
www.islandbaptist.com.hk

Island Evangelical Community Church  Quarry Bay, Hong Kong
We believe in building an authentic community of believers that are truly excited about service, fellowship, and living for Jesus Christ. Here at Island ECC, our desire is to see the body of Christ growing in Hong Kong.
www.islandecc.hk

Methodist International Church  Wanchai, Hong Kong
We treasure our place within the Methodist Church, Hong Kong, as we seek to serve an international community in this place of Hong Kong, ‘Asia’s World City.’ Our fellowship is made up of people from all over the world, who are either living in or visiting Hong Kong. Some come to Hong Kong for many years and have made Hong Kong their home; others are here on a more short-term basis. Some are from a Methodist background, most are not. We welcome people of any Christian background to worship and fellowship. We seek to communicate biblical truths that are unchanging but in a way that is relevant for our people’s situation. We seek to serve the whole people of whatever age, race, colour or Christian experience.
www.hk-mic.org

Sky City Church  Wanchai, Hong Kong
Sky City Church is a young and exciting international church in the centre of Hong Kong. Driven by a heart for worship, hunger for the Word and outreach into the community, Sky City Church is passionate to see the people of Hong Kong loved and cared for with the gospel.
www.skycitychurch.com

Solomon’s Porch  Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
A Christ-like family that seeks after God’s heart, and transforms lives, communities and nations through the ministry of the Holy Spirit.
www.solomonsporchhk.com

St. John’s Cathedral  Central, Hong Kong
Deeply rooted in the traditions of Anglicanism and yet at the same time exercising ministries which reach out into the wider life of the community, St. John’s Cathedral is a much used and much loved building.
www.stjohnscathedral.org.hk

The Vine Church  Wanchai, Hong Kong
An independent Christian Fellowship with an emphasis on contemporary worship, practical teaching, and ministry for the whole family.
www.thevine.org.hk

Union Church Hong Kong  Mid-Levels, Hong Kong
An international, interdenominational church established in Hong Kong in 1844. The congregation is diverse in nationality and ethnicity, yet united in its dedication to spiritual growth and genuine support to its members and the larger community.
www.unionchurchhk.org

Watermark Community Church   Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong
Watermark Community Church, the daughter church of Island ECC, is an English-speaking international church seeking to impact Hong Kong in a powerful way through the life changing message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We have no denominational ties, and are committed to maintaining doctrinal purity, while being culturally relevant.
www.watermarkchurch.hk

Kowloon

Calvary Church Hong Kong, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
Calvary is Full Gospel and Charismatic in both doctrine and practice, and is affiliated with Praise Chapel of California. The church was pioneered in February 1989 through street outreaches and a lot of hard work. God has richly blessed us, and currently membership is diverse, over 20 nationalities and counting! We would love for you to join us in worshipping God.
www.calvaryhk.com

Kowloon International Baptist Church  Kowloon Tong, Kowloon
Kowloon International Baptist Church (KIBC) has English-language services every Sunday and Wednesday. We have many ministries and activities throughout the week to involve every member of your family. If you are looking for a church to visit, or if you are looking for a new church home, we hope that you will come and see us at KIBC.
www.hkkibc.org

Lighthouse Ministries  Tsimshatsui, Kowloon
An International Church in the heart of Tsimshatsui, Hong Kong. A friendly fellowship emphasizing the teaching and studying of God’s Word, that welcomes all races, all classes of people. The web site is packed with good Bible resources and other relevant resources to help you find what you need.
www.lighthouseministries.hk

St. Andrew’s Church (Anglican-Episcopal)  Tsimshatsui, Kowloon
A multi-cultural, international, English-speaking family church, blending the contemporary and traditional in Spirit-filled worship.
www.standrews.org.hk

New Territories

Shatin Anglican Church  Shatin, N.T.
We are an international and interdenominational community bound together by a common language (English), a common home (Hong Kong) and a common love for the Lord Jesus. Although nominally Anglican, less than 4% of the congregation have an Anglican background. Members come from a very wide range of denominational or pagan backgrounds.
www.shatinchurch.org.hk

Resurrection Church  Sai Kung, N.T.
Formed by an international community comprised of varying life and religious stories, we have welcomed all to join our services for the last 30 years in Sai Kung and Clear Water Bay. We are an English speaking, family friendly church and our morning service will always have something for children of all ages. 
www.resurrection.org.hk

attending a church

如何參加教會

你要參加教會?恭喜你!

你將要加入神在地上的家及國度。 根據提摩太前書3:15,神招聚祂的兒女加入神的家,讓我們一起敬拜,彼此相愛,作神榮顯的見證!

提摩太前書3:15 這家就是永生神的教會,真理的柱石和根基。

attending a church

 

假如你從未參加教會,你會因為接觸新朋友而有一些緊張。以下有一些建議給你:

  1. 向你的基督徒朋友查詢,說你正在尋找教會 – 你無須作出承諾。只要撥出時間去參加他們的教會聚會。很大可能你會喜歡他們的教會並願意繼續參加,或是繼續向另一些朋友查詢。
  2. 環顧四周,鄰居或者從網上搜索 – 找到一間附近的教會,是一個很好的起點。你並不需要很長的交通時間,你會更容易參與教會的活動。
  3. 選擇教會時,持開放的心 – 你不是找一間適合你的教會,而是找一間能讓你認識上帝,在基督裡成長,並與兄弟姐妹一起服事。你可以問三個問題:
    • 關於神 – 我能否在這教會更了解神?教會不是一個宗教,它的訊息必須著眼於神,及人民如何跟隨神。
    • 關於教會 – 我在這教會是否感到被接納?是否能成為教會一份子,與弟兄姐妹結交,一起事奉神?
    • 關於自己 – 向上帝祈禱,要求他的領導。你喜歡這教會嗎?如果是的,就繼續參加。當你參與,您就會學習及成長。沒有教會是完美的,但有些教會更能顯出基督的愛,見證基督更充滿活力,更專注於信徒的成長。
Jesus read with you

How to Read the Bible

This is a very good, and, an important question.  According to 2 Timothy 16-17, God has breathed life into the Bible.  By reading it, God will speak to us and make our lives whole again.  Invite God to sit beside and read with you!

2 Timothy 16-17

16 God has breathed life into all of Scripture. It is useful for teaching us what is true. It is useful for correcting our mistakes. It is useful for making our lives whole again.    

17 By using Scripture, a man of God can be completely prepared to do every good thing.

Jesus read with you

But how to start?  The Bible, after all, a big book!   Below are some of the tips I found useful:

  1. Anytime is Good Time, but a set time in the morning would be wonderful – You don’t need to wait for a good time.  You can read at home, in a cafe, in the library, at any time as long as you are able to concentrate on God’s word!   On the other hand, many Christians read a set time each day, especially in the morning, following the model of Jesus Christ.  They enjoy a quiet time with God and let God shape their lives before they handle earthly matters.
     
  2. Understanding that it is about encountering God – Whenever you open the Bible, you come to the glorious presence of God who is also our heavenly Father.  When we read, we do not try to memorize the facts or force ourselves to understand.  More importantly, God wants to speak to YOU through the Bible!    He loves you and he has a plan for you.   So all we need to do is pray, “Father, speak to me, that I can understand you better and I may follow your way.”   
     
  3. Keep an open heart and write down notes! – When we read, we keep our eyes open for words and messages that catch our attention.   You may mark those messages that seem particularly relevant to your needs, problems, or even current circumstances.   You may copy down those passages on a notebook (yes, you need one) and re-read them from time to time.   When you have something to do during reading, it helps to focus your attention on the passage.   Soon you will be amazed that your notebook will be filled with God’s messages for YOU only!
     
  4. Use the Three Guiding Questions – After I read a passage, I write down three headings, and then look for insights from the Bible.  In time, I understand more about God, about Human, and about God’s plan for me.   These questions are:
    • About God – what does this passage tell me about God?  His nature, His plan, His love, His power, …
    • About Human – what does this passage tell me about the human race?  Our desires, our sins, our need for God, …
    • About Me – what does God want to tell me?   His promise, His reminder, His encouragement, and What He wants me to do, …
       
  5. Use the FOUR simple steps – I use the following steps that helps me focus on God instead of my own problems and desires.  Yes, we do have problems and we can bring to God.  But God has a bigger plan for us, and will give us strength and power to deal with our problems.  
    • Pray first before opening God’s word – Ask for guidance and to be able to accept what is written and apply His will to your life.
    • Read the words aloud or in silence – Let the words speak to you instead of applying your understanding.
    • Receive God’s message from the passage – Use the three guiding questions above.  Write down if you discover some treasures.
    • Quiet before God for a few minutes – Thank Him for the message and pray for the strength and wisdom to carry his will. 

In Psalm 1, there is a good description of Bible Reading is like planting a tree near a stream of water.  You don’t see big difference or insights in a day, or a week.  But you will see amazing changes of your live after a period of time.   More importantly, you will know more about God and have the strength to follow His plan.

Psalm 1:2-3

1 Blessed is the one who obeys the law of the Lord.   He doesn’t follow the advice of evil people.   He doesn’t make a habit of doing what sinners do.   He doesn’t join those who make fun of the Lord and his law.

2 Instead, he takes delight in the law of the Lord.   He thinks about his law day and night. 
3 He is like a tree that is planted near a stream of water.    It always bears its fruit at the right time.   Its leaves don’t dry up.  Everything godly people do turns out well.

如何閱讀聖經

這是一個很好的,很重要的問題。根據提摩太後書16-17,聖經是神的靈黙示的。通過閱讀它,上帝會和我們說話,讓我們能明白人生,認識世界。請向神禱告,邀請耶穌坐在你的身旁,以聖經向你說話:

提摩太後書16-17

16 聖經都是神所默示的,於教訓、督責、使人歸正、教導人學義都是有益的,

17 叫屬神的人得以完全,預備行各樣的善事。

但如何開始呢?聖經畢竟是一本大書!下面是一些我認為有用的提示:

  1. 你並不需要等待好時機,任何時間均是好的時間 – 如能在早上設定一個時間,習慣與神相遇,那是特別美好。你可以在家裡閱讀,在咖啡館,在圖書館,任何時候,只要你能專注神的話語!另一方面,許多基督徒每天有設定的時間,特別是在早晨,在耶穌基督的陪伴下,享受與神安靜的時間,讓神塑造他們的生活,才處理塵世的事宜。
  2. 讀聖經是要與神相遇 – 無論何時打開聖經,你是來到神的榮耀存在,他是我們的天父。我們不要嘗試背誦事實或強迫自己理解。重要的是,神要通過聖經對你說話!他愛你,他要告訴你他的計劃。所以,我們需要做的就是祈禱,“父親,跟我說話,讓我更理解你,更懂得跟從你。”
  3. 保持開放的心,並記下筆記!當我們讀經,讓我們的眼睛開放,注意一些吸引我們的說話和訊息。你可以標記那些似乎特別符合您的需要,甚至是針對你問題的訊息。您可以用筆記本寫下這些信息,定期重新閱讀。當你閱讀時做筆記,將讓你的注意力更為集中。不久後,您會驚奇地發現你的筆記本充滿了上帝給你獨一的消息!
  4. 使用三個指導的問題  當我閱讀時,我會寫下三個重要的標題,然後留意聖經的啟示。過了一段日子,我會越來越認識上帝,認識世人,認識上帝在我身上的計劃。這三個重要的標題:
    • 關於神 – 這段經文告訴我關於上帝甚麼?他的本性,他的計劃,他的愛,他的力量,…
    • 關於人 – 這段經文告訴我關於人類?世人的盼望,世人的罪,世人需要上帝,……
    • 關於自己 – 上帝想告訴我甚麼?他的應許,他的提醒,他的鼓勵,以及他要我做的,…
  5. 用以下四個簡單的步驟 – 我用下面的步驟,幫助我專注神,多過顧慮自己的問題。是的,我們確實有問題,我們可以交給神。但上帝讓我們有更大的計劃,並給我們能力來處理我們的問題。
    • 打開聖經之前,先禱告 – 尋求神的指導,接受聖經的說話,能夠以他的意志指導您的生活。
    • 大聲朗讀,或黙念聖經 – 讓神向你說話,而不是靠自己去理解。
    • 在聖經中領受神的訊息 – 使用上述三個指導的問題,寫下發現。
    • 在神面前安靜幾分鐘 – 感謝他的訊息,並祈求力量和智慧來跟隨他的意志。 

詩篇第一篇描述了一幅圖畫,讀經就好像一顆樹,種在溪水旁。你未必在一天或一個星期內有大發現,但持之以恒,你會在一段時間後,發現生命有奇妙的改變。最重要的是,你會越來越認識上帝,更加有力量進行他的計劃。

Psalm 1:2-3

1 不從惡人的計謀,不站罪人的道路,不坐褻慢人的座位,

2 惟喜愛耶和華的律法,晝夜思想,這人便為有福! 
3 他要像一棵樹栽在溪水旁,按時候結果子,葉子也不枯乾。凡他所做的盡都順利。

Salvation

How to become a Christian

Many people are looking for God. If you’re one of Salvationthose people, we’d like to share with you that the Bible has what you are seeking. It contains answers to life’s vital questions, and—most important—can help you understand how to have a right relationship with God. Here are some selected verses:   

God Loves You

  • For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. —John 3:16
  • But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. —Romans 5:8

All Are Sinners

  • For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. —Romans 3:23
  • As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one. —Romans 3:10 

God’s Remedy for Sin

  • For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. —Romans 6:23
  • But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name. —John 1:12 

All May Be Saved Now

  • Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. —Revelation 3:20(a)
  • For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. —Romans 10:13
  • But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name. —John 20:31 

Receive Christ as Your Saviour Now

  • Confessing to God that I am a sinner, and believing that the Lord Jesus Christ died for my sins on the cross and was raised for my justification, I now receive and confess Him as my personal Saviour. 

Seeking a Church

  • After making your decision to receive Christ, we encourage you to prayerfully seek a local Bible-believing church that will assist you in growing as a new Christian. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen. —II Peter 3:18 

Assurance as a Believer

  • That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. —Romans 10:9
  • Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life. —John 5:24

 

The above message is extracted from

http://www.gideons.org.au/become-a-christian/how-to-become-a-christian

 

Salvation

如何成為一個基督徒

「基督徒」的意思,就是有耶穌基督生命的人。Salvation

許多人相信冥冥中有主宰,期望認識真神。聖經有你正在尋找的答案,解答重要人生的問題。最重要的,聖經能幫助您了解如何與神建立正確關係。以下有一些重要的經文:

 

上帝愛你

  • 神愛世人,甚至將他給他的獨生子,叫一切信他的,不至滅亡,反得永生。— 約翰福音3:16
  • 當我們還是罪人的時候,基督就替我們死了。神的愛就在此向我們顯明了。— 羅馬書5:8

我們都是罪人

  • 為世人都犯了罪 ,虧缺了神的榮耀 . —羅馬書3:23
  • 正如經上所記,沒有義人,一個也沒有。 —羅馬書3:10 

上帝救贖我們

  • 因為罪的工價乃是死,唯有神的恩賜,在我們的主基督耶穌裡乃是永生。. —羅馬書6:23
  • 凡接待他的,就是信他名的人,他就賜他們權柄做神的兒女。 —約翰福音1:12

 

現在可以得救

  • 看哪,我站在門外叩門;若有聽見我聲音就開門的,我要進到他那裡去,我與他、他與我一同坐席。 —啟示錄3:20(a)
  • 「凡求告主名的,就必得救」。 —羅馬書 10:13
  • 但記這些事要叫你們信耶穌是基督,是神的兒子,並且叫你們信了他,就可以因他的名得生命。—約翰福音 20:31

 

現在接受耶穌作你的救主

  • 向上帝承認我是一個罪人,相信主耶穌基督為我的罪死在十字架上,並為我復活給我永生,我現在接受並承認他為我個人的救主。

 

參加教會

  • 恭喜你。當你決定接受基督之後,你就有了耶穌基督的新生命,我們鼓勵你尋求信仰聖經的教會,幫助你成長為一個新的基督徒。在救主耶穌基督的恩典和知識上有長進。願榮耀歸給他,從今直到永遠!阿們。 —彼得後書 3:18

 

信心的確據

  • 你若口裡認耶穌為主,心裡信神叫他從死裡復活,就必得救。. —羅馬書 10:9
  • 我實實在在地告訴你們:那聽我話又信差我來者的,就有永生,不至於定罪,是已經出死入生了。—約翰福音 5:24

 

以上經文譯自:

http://www.gideons.org.au/become-a-christian/how-to-become-a-christian

 

Sharing in Churches and Schools

Sharing in Churches and Schools

A representative of the local Gideons group would love to come and share in your church about souls saved through the work of The Gideons in Hong Kong. He would also explain how the members of your congregation can support, or become involved in the work of the Gideons.

Why invite a Gideon speak at your church?

  • Gideons will inspire your congregation with testimonies of lives transformed by the Word of God.  The sharing builds a relationship between our ministry and the church.
  • The Gideons International in Hong Kong is a mission partner of local evangelical Christian churches.   We reach people who have no contact with churches and who otherwise might not have been reached for the Lord Jesus Christ. 
  • Wherever the Word of God is sown, the church will reap a harvest. 

 

What is a typical visit like?

The presentation will be adapted to the Pastor’s requirements in terms of time and type of meeting.

邀請分享基甸事工

邀請分享基甸事工

基甸會的弟兄很願意前往你的教會或團契,分享基甸在香港工作,神如何讓人靈魂得救,及如何支持基甸的工作。

為什麼邀請基甸會在你的教會分享?

  • 祝福會眾 – 基甸會激發你的會眾,體驗神的話語如何祝福改變人生。
  • 祝福教會 – 基甸會是基督教福音派教會使命的合作夥伴。我們讓更多的人認識上帝,也讓更多的教會認同神國的使命,為教會接觸更人的人歸向主耶穌基督。 
  • 祝福社會 – 更多人信主,讓社會更美好,更合神的心意。

基甸會分享形式如何?

基甸會可以按教會的需要分享,包括講道、工作介紹、見證分享,由3 -5分鐘至15-25分鐘均可。

我們亦可提供短片,供教會播放,約 3 分鐘。