FCBC of San Francisco Held Outdoor "All-Church Worship" - Passing Leadership

Reaching beyond the pews and church doors, First Chinese Baptist Church of San Francisco held their Sunday worship service outdoor on the last day of their 125th anniversary celebration.

Reaching beyond the pews and church doors, First Chinese Baptist Church of San Francisco held their Sunday worship service outdoor on the last day of their 125th anniversary celebration.

10:30 a.m., Oct 9, the service began with drum performances by FCBC drummers. As pastor Don Ng delivered the sermon calling for witnessing beyond the pews, the entire congregation, consisting of English-speaking and Chinese-speaking Chinese, listened out on the streets of Chinatown.

Pastor Ng explained the passage in Deuteronomy 34 where Moses passed down his leadership and vision to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land over to Joshua and the next generation.

"When we are a part of a larger vision, it's usually not up to us to see the end. Our vision of the kingdom of God is from God. It's bigger than anyone of us. While we may retire or die, the vision continues and is carry forward to the next generation. None of us, not even one as strong as Moses, is indispensable."

In 1880, 125 years ago, Dr. Jesse B Hartwell along with nine Christians founded the Chinese Baptist Mission in San Francisco with the vision to evangelize the Chinese people living there, and they converted many through teaching english and the gospel in night classes.

Dr. Hartwell believed that "if the seed of faith was sown there, there would be souls born into the kingdom of God," said Ng in his sermon.

Comparing the passing of leadership from one generation to the next to the passing of a baton in a relay race, Ng stated that the passing of leadership in FCBC of San Francisco is like the passing of leadership in leading the people in the Promised Land from Moses to Joshua.

"The missionaries passed the baton to other missionaries and in time to Chinese pastors and eventually to Dr. Chuck. The relay race continues today. The baton is being passed to you and me."

By standing outside the church and holding service, it allows the congregation to realize their comissions as disciples, and that they must get out of "closed door homes and gated communities and closed churches," said Ng.

After FCBC has been established for 125 years, it has faced much adversities and challenges, but it has persevered till now.

"The forefathers and foremothers of the congregation never got to see the fruits of their labors, but still sowed seeds and maintain the faith in God," said Ng. "We are called to be faithful and not necessarily successful, God

will take what little that we have to offer, he will finish what we started in his own time."

Referring to Acts 1:7, Ng said, "We are still called to be witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea, and Samaria, in San Francisco, in all California and the United States and to the ends of the earth. Since we are not at the end, let us then begin like Joshua in faith to help make this world the Promised Land."

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.