HK Christians Look into Micah Network's Vision on Integral Mission

HONG KONG- In parallel with the Micah Network Asian Consultation, a group of Hong Kong Christians convened to look into the network's vision on 'Integral Mission'.
By Eunice Or

HONG KONG- In parallel with the Micah Network Asian Consultation, a group of Hong Kong Christians convened to look into the network’s vision on ‘Integral Mission’.

Co-organized by the evangelical Christian charity Cedar Fund and China Graduate School of Theology (CGST), the seminar with the theme "A Life of Integral Mission- Integral Mission and Church" was held on Friday at Sino Cheer Plaza, Kowloon.

The Chairperson of Cedar Fund Dr. Chan Nim Chung began by stating the aim of meeting, "Many churches thought that they know what is ‘commission’ but very likely they are actually not on the right path. I hope that tonight will be a new start for churches."

Prominent speaker Rev. CB Samuel, former general director of Evangelical Fellowship of India Commission on Relief (EFICOR) in India and lecturer at the Oxford Centre of Mission Studies (OCMS) in England, was invited to explain the meaning of "Integral Mission" of the church and his mission experience in South Asia.

"Integral mission is the proclamation and demonstration of the gospel. If we ignore the world we betray the word of God which sends us out to serve the world. If we ignore the word of God we have nothing to bring to the world," stated the Micah Network declaration on Integral Mission in 2001.

Samuel said that since very long time ago, churches have put a high emphasis on ‘commission’, but the ‘commission’ of believers today is so different from 2000 years ago. And the difference is that they have not neither transformed the world nor brought changes to social system just as what the Early Church of apostles did.

Samuel gave a very pictorial example to explain the problem of churches today: In a village in Sri Lanka, three young Christians went there for a summer mission internship. They want to serve the villagers and the villagers can also participant the work together with them. They finally come up with the idea of building a washroom. However, the villagers have not started the work although they have agreed with it. Finally, one old villager said to them, "Your idea to build a washroom is good, however our stomachs are empty, how come things will come out?"

According to Samuel, this example shows that many churches have overlooked the need of the people while they have tried to "advertise" the gospel to others and applied the gospel on them, assuming that they have already fulfilled their ‘commission.’

"Churches must be rooted in the community, that’s how we can fulfill ‘Integral Mission’," Samuel concluded.

Rev Wu Chi Wai, the CEO of Hong Kong Church Renewal Movement (HKCRM), was also presented as local church representative to exchange ideas. HKCRM is a wide spectrum of evangelical leaders who are committed to work together for the renewal of Hong Kong churches as well as their prophetic role in the society.

The ‘Integral Mission’ seminar coincided with the regional consultation of Micah Network for North and East Asia, which will be held on Jan. 9- 13 in Hong Kong.

The Micah Network, founded in 1999, is a group of over 275 Christian relief, development and justice organizations from 74 countries with a strong representation of the Southern Hemisphere. It holds on the Church’s mission to proclaim and demonstrate the love of Christ to a world in need, advocating a biblically-shaped response to the needs of the poor and oppressed.

[Editor's Note: Chris Chan contributed reporting from Hong Kong for this article.]

    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.

Top Stories