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n this issue’s people profile, GW features Regan and Ryan Wong. They came to CGBC because of a children’s outreach ministry at a very young age. They grew up and matured at CGBC. Currently, Regan is the coordinator and teacher at children’s ministry where he has been serving for 29 years. Ryan is the chair of the Executive Board (EB). Three generations of their family attend CGBC; they worship and serve together.

Their friends trust them with their only child, pets, 1967 Corvette convertible, and perhaps even the pin number of their bank card. But who are they, really? How are people at CGBC affected or blessed by their ministries? What are their visions?

Let’s begin with a matching game. Read each statement and match it to the legitimate owner.  The answers are located at the end of this article.

Who am I?

1. My favorite article of GW (so far) is …. the one I contributed.
2. My favorite article is the interview of Andrew (Oen) and Michael (Chen).
3. I met President Jimmy Carter in 1976.
4. I gave Governor Ronald Reagan a bag of fortune cookies. I also got some jelly bean candies from his desk.
5. My favorite pastime hobby is baking, and I can bake.
6. I was 21 years old when I owned and operated a jewelry store.
7. I held a perfect attendance at work for 13 years—never phoned in sick.
8. I remember the day when Lee Harvey Oswald was shot.
9. My favorite Seinfeld episode is the Soup Nazi.
10. Twenty-five days after the most important day of my life, I suffered a stroke.
11. I was diagnosed with cancer when I was 41.
12. I love to travel and have spent some time working in places around the world.

(GW): As the coordinator of children’s ministry, the chairs of EB (and a parent), please share with us what you do to bring the next generation to the Lord.

(Regan): Be faithful to the assignment—that has always been my motto for everything I do. I had 29 years of serving at various church ministries, and I can tell you that it’s all about interpersonal relationship. When you work with people–whether they are teachers, parents, or children–you need to be sensitive and compassionate. Another thing is consistency. As a role model, one must be consistent in teaching and in action. This way there is a sense of stability and steadiness in an ever-changing world. Children are always seeking boundaries so we must set the standard in order to avoid chaos.

(Ryan): I believe that as parents, we have the responsibility to instill Christian faith, to teach, to model, and to talk about salvation (with our children) early and often. Both of my children were saved at a young age. My wife and I make an intentional and conscious effort to provide an environment that is safe, understanding, and encouraging. This has not always been the case, but we have learned from our mistakes along the way. In my opinion, talking, modeling, and intentional sharing are the keys to successful parenting.

(GW): Both of you have served on the EB. How did God call you to this ministry? What has been the most difficult aspect of the job? What has this ministry taught you about yourself and CGBC?

(Regan gave this question some contemplating thoughts before answering.) I had been serving at the children’s ministry for many years when I was asked to join the EB. At the time I was also considering exploring the possibility of serving at a different arena. At first, it was a struggle for me because the structure of the EB was somewhat cumbersome—at one time, there were 28 board members. (Ryan quickly adds the following.) With a board that size, it is very difficult to run a productive and effective meeting, let along leading the church in a cohesive and unified manner. (Regan nods in agreement and continues…) I saw an opportunity, and I gave it a try. After three years, I felt like I was neglecting the children’s ministry. That’s why I decided to return to serve (in the children’s ministry). What did I learn? Hmmm… I definitely learned how to manage my time, how to prioritize tasks, and I have acquired and expanded my skills in the regular operational aspects of these ministries.

(Ryan): The first time I was elected to serve, I was in my early 30’s. It is a discovery process for me–I had to think through how my Spiritual giftedness, my talent, and my experiences would mesh and make sense in a church setting. I had to understand the role of a deacon. I also had to consider my spiritual maturity at the time. I was not prepared for the job at all—I had to consider and address things on behalf of the church that I did not know how to handle. There was no one there to mentor or discipline. My first opportunity to serve on the Board showed and taught me how broken we were.

(GW) What do you mean by “broken”? In what way were you broken?

(Ryan): I now understand how immature, foolish, and inexperienced we were at times. There were instances where we did not consider or fully understand the impact of our decisions.

(GW): Ryan, you served on the EB board and later served as the chair when CGBC operated as three individual congregations. You are now leading the EB when CGBC operates as a three-in-one church. As the only chair who has served under different infrastructures, how have your ministry and duties been changed?

The three-in-one concept has always been a conversation at CGBC, but the implementations were different. When there were four pastors, they each led their own congregation through their own interpretation. The leadership was unified in concept at a high level, but practically, they were not all on the same page. At that time, some board members were very loyal to their congregational pastor and had difficulty asking questions that may have any appearance of challenging the pastors. Some would say that these past leaders who were good people were simply deferring to the pastoral staff, but when a questionable action or a curious incident came up; some questions were never asked. You cannot learn nor mature as a leadership of a church by ignoring issues as they unfold. Today, the board members represent the church, not any congregation in particular. Sometimes questions are asked, and pastors and lay leaders do not necessarily have all the answers at that moment. We have learned to be more patient and wait. This is both a structural and philosophical change.

In terms of my role as the chair, I facilitate the EB to communicate with the pastoral team and the church. Right now my priority is disciple making and mentoring. I am most familiar with the English speaking members of our church, but I continue to build and develop relationships throughout the church. My main role is to support (the pastors and church leaders). That’s part of my responsibility to promote the vision of the church.

(GW): Regan, what are the most significant joy and fulfillment of working and teaching Sunday school and serving at Children’s Ministry? What is your driving force?

(Regan): Seeing children grow up and continue to walk with the Lord is my greatest joy and motivation. Of many children and youth I have worked with, some have become pastors–Gregory Ginn, Vincent Wong and Tranwei Yu–and I see the fruit of my work. I am a small part of their progress with the church community that supports them. My driving force comes from my belief in the next generation and I know they are willing to commit to the church. I hope someone will take over this responsibility (of teaching and ministering) soon because I am not going to be here forever as God may call me to another ministry. (He chuckles at his own thought and continues.) I don’t have children of my own, but I was given a challenge and I was glad to be part of their Christian life. I work with them at different stages and I witness how they blossom. I walk with them on their spiritual journey. Hopefully, someday they will bless others with their ministry.

(GW): Comparing CGBC to churches that resemble similar characteristics in value, language, and structure, in your opinion (and speaking from your own observations), what makes CGBC unique? What resources or experiences can we share with them?

(Without hesitation, Ryan jumps in….) We have a prominently strong English ministry here at CGBC. Most Chinese churches will eventually lose their English speaking members to other English-speaking churches that are not necessarily Chinese churches. This appears to be a natural tendency as most Chinese churches that are led by Chinese leaders who mainly focus on the language ministry they are most familiar. Based on my visits to some Chinese churches during the Senior Pastor Search, most Chinese churches are dominated by Cantonese or Mandarin congregations. The English ministries are often just youth ministries to account for the children of Chinese leaders. Is there something special here about the English ministry that we can share with the rest of Chinese churches? Is there something about our conversations regarding a Biblical perspective versus a cultural one? These topics set the foundation of understanding identity as a believer in Christ. At CGBC, it’s not just an English ministry at a Chinese church. The English ministry is a significant ministry. It can become a bridge to significantly impact the whole church ministries and developments. These are great opportunities for our future leaders.

(GW): If there is one thing you could change about CGBC with your magic wand, what would it be? Do you see it a possibility in reality?

(They exchanged a studious look and Regan begins…) I say that we should dream big. Currently, our facility does not provide sufficient space to accommodate church functions. In the short-term, we are in need of more classroom space, and yes, I agree with you, a bigger kitchen. However, I think it can be easily resolved. (He glances over at Ryan as if asking for budget approval.) Nevertheless, we are very blessed with what we have. In the long-term I would love to see a community of believers acting in obedience to God and using their giftedness in serving the church.

(Ryan): I’d like to see that we practice grace in a way that honors God, but also allows us to see the restoration of people. One misconception we observe is that if you make a mistake in church, you are labeled forever. Spiritual superiority, unintended pride, or just plain fear can blind people and intimidate people from coming forward and being vulnerable about their sins. The Chinese culture is too often shame based. It will take significant courage of our mature leaders, regardless of age, to show that we can deal with sin properly and compassionately. Christ did not talk just about the penalty of sin, but the restoration of the sinner. I do see it as a possibility to be Bible centric and less culture centric, but it will take time. In the course of removing our prejudice and preferences and move toward the practice of grace and honoring God, potential fallout would be that not everyone would agree and move with you. And frankly, I am OK with it. Are we so concerned about unity and peace that we will not tolerate differences? Is Christ calling us to resist these who are different? Christ sought out those that needed Him, not just those who were from a similar background or culture. These kinds of conversations can be healthy, but they can also potentially separate us. We are in the process of really understanding the boundary here at CGBC.

(GW): Do you seek advice from each other? How do you support each other’s ministry?

(They both give me a look as if I were oblivious to their bond…..) I always ask Ryan for advices. We talk a lot.…. about personal things and church related business. Our conversations shape us and bring us closer. I pray for him, and he does the same for me. (Ryan now returns after getting himself some cough drops and begins….) Yes, I ask Regan for his perspectives on things because he can share with me his thoughts and opinions from an insider’s point of view since I don’t have a lot of participation in his ministries. I have observed that people have unrealistic expectations for church leaders and deacons. Some believe that we are their representatives to fix everything. To me, leadership is not about the tasks I perform on their behalf. It’s more about a person’s character in leading a church. How you lead and how you worship the Lord is more important than what you do and what language you speak. Changes do not happen overnight. People care about being shepherded well. Leaders at the church at all levels need to ask how we provide an environment and culture to teach better, to care for one another, and practice our faith.

Eventually, I’d like to see myself help people discover their passion and calling. Enabling our church to find ways to worship God the best we can sounds like a good path to be on.

A thought emerged as the notes of this conversation are being prepared. The word “accountability” has become a ubiquitous slogan that is used in cooperate business, education, personal relationships, medical practice, politics, and every line of work that values maximal benefits and promotes administrative transparency. When a consumer is dissatisfied with a service or purchase experience, a demand for compensation of loss is inevitable. An example is the recent GM ignition switch defect which leads to a massive recall and payouts. When a citizen is upset with an issue that leads to unfavorable outcomes, he/she may demand explanations and insist the authorities be held accountable as seen in the resignation of Julia Pierson, the Director of Secret Service in October 2014.

What about Christian churches? How does God hold us accountable? How is the ultimate goal and desired outcomes of accountability executed and measured? The answers may be found in Ryan’s and Regan’s sharing in this interview. At CGBC, the leaders in three congregations faithfully serve our Lord and the people when listening and answering to God’s calling. Their accountability is manifested in the work they do in front and behind the scenes.

American poet Robert Frost said that “a poem begins in delight, and ends in wisdom.” This evening’s conversation too, begins in delight, but it does not end here. Something should be birthed as a result of listening to Regan and Ryan’s sharing. Let it be a catalyst to a more effective and reciprocal communication at CGBC. As for the wisdom? It may just be how God measures our accountability as He says: “For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.” (Matthew 25: 29)

Answers to “Who Am I”
Regan–# 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11
Ryan–#2, 4, 6, 10, 12