I study such places, especially when they are yet largely undiscovered by others. Mainline church leaders sometimes write off places such as Tian Fu because of ethnic differences or because they assume (wrongly in this case) that the theology is fundamentalist. I went to Tian Fu primarily to worship, but also to learn. I plan to go back. But here is what I learned from them in my first three hour Taste of Heaven:
- Extraordinary leadership is a big part of the story. The two pastors (a clergy couple) are good at what they do. The sermon was homiletically excellent: solid exegesis of multiple Bible texts, good structure and preached without a note in sight - no theological dumbing down here - in fact, the pastor who preached (Zhaodeng Peng) was formerly a seminary professor in China. The pastor who oversaw the liturgy and announcements (Qibi Shi) functioned as a Mama to a congregation of 20-somethings, many of whom were Chinese peasants just a few years ago. She constantly coached them to ‘Be quiet, sit down, stop taking pictures, take your hat off,” even during the service. And it worked - many of these young people left their mamas back in another land, and they were ready to receive the no-nonsense spiritual parenting of their pastor here. I had never seen anything quite like it. Delightful would be an understatement.
- Extraordinary music is a big part of the story. In fact, Xuerong Zhao, the church pianist, just played Carnegie Hall - by herself - last spring! The service was punctuated with music throughout - classical Chinese and western and traditional hymns both Chinese and western. Great musicians attract other great musicians. The vocals, the sax, the grade-school boys who played traditional Chinese flutes - all performed with excellence! Granted this was not a church of Midwestern 20-somethings - but they are certainly a part of a generation that appreciates great music of all styles. No musical dumbing down here.
- Solid evangelistic strategy and emphasis is a big part of the story. They encourage people to invite 12 people to church over time, and they recognize folks when they hit 12! The most important thing the 99 new believers were charged to do last Sunday was neither to volunteer in a church program nor to tithe, but rather to go and find 12 others and bring them. They do not expect their young members to be able to witness eloquently, just to say ‘Come with me and see this place.’
- A solid understanding of their primary mission field is a big part of the story. Tian Fu exists to reach young first generation Americans, mostly from the Fujian province of China, with a preliminary focus on those who live in the growing Chinese community in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. They will start a new congregation or campus in Manhattan soon - and they will go into Manhattan with a similar clarity of who they are fishing for.
- Great food is a part of the story. They serve home-cooked Chinese after every service. No Subway sandwiches or cheap pizza. No culinary dumbing down here.
- And as is always the case in these kinds of stories - the Holy Spirit is a huge part of the story. Pastor Peng reminds us that these people are hearing the Word and “their hearts are touched.” That is the mysterious thing God has been doing for centuries - and it is clearly happening in Brooklyn. There are perhaps two dozen other Chinese congregations in the area - none are seeing anything like what is happening at Tien Fu - it is more than just the right people in the right place at the right time -- the mystery and wonder of God are moving like an energy wave through a community of people in Brooklyn. And creating a doorway into the House that transcends all other houses!
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