Manna issue 68 - From Generation to Generation 一代又一代
A case study on succession. 傳承的案例。
Audrey Chan—Leicester, United Kingdom
英國里斯特 陳李影霞姐妹
Editor’s note:
The following article is a case study, which aims to help
readers reflect on succession in their own church. Although each
church has different backgrounds and needs,
we hope that the article can encourage and inspire.
編者按：
以下內容為一案例，為的就是要幫助讀者，
想想自已教會傳承的事工。
雖然每個教會有不同的背景情況和需要，
我們希望本文可以讓大家得到鼓勵和啟發。
INTRODUCTION 簡介
The year 2011 was a turning point
for the church in Leicester, UK. After
more than fifteen years of searching
for new premises with varying
disappointments along the way,
we finally purchased a large fourstory
building in a prime location at
the city center. It has been beyond
our expectations—all due to God’s
wonderful timing and arrangement.
對英國里斯特教會來說，2011年是一個轉捩點，
經過了15年多找尋新的會堂，一路上遇過各式各樣的沮喪，
最後，我們在市中心的主要地點，買到了一間大型的四層樓建物。
這真的超乎我們的預料之外，
一切都因為神奇妙的時機及安排。
With this blessing in mind, we
reflect on God’s grace by looking
back over the journey that has led to
this point, taking stock of our current
situation and thinking ahead to the
future. The move to the new building
is significant because it prompts us to
consider how we can serve God more
and how to ensure that the next
generation is fully on board.
想到這項祝福，我們就會回想到以前一路走來神的恩典，
祂一路帶領我們走到這一步，評估我們目前的情勢，及預先考慮未來的發展。
搬到新會堂這件事，其實是很重要的，
因為會讓我們去思考，如何作更多來服事神，
並且如何來確保下一代可以完全來接班，並且事情作的上手。
PAST JOURNEY 過去的歷程
Not Forgetting Our Roots 不忘本
“One generation shall praise Your
works to another, and shall declare
Your mighty acts.” (Ps 145:4)
4這代要對那代頌讚你的作為，也要傳揚你的大能。
(詩 145：4)
Sometimes during our annual
Religious Education (RE) Day in
Leicester, an elderly deacon is
called upon to deliver words of
encouragement. Last year, as in
previous years, he fixed his gaze upon
the youngsters sitting in the front
pews and asked them in Chinese,
“What did your family use to do?”
The children smiled broadly at this
familiar question and gave their
reply. This well-rehearsed dialogue
then continued with the deacon reaffirming
their answer in broken
English, “Fish-a-man,” to rapturous
laughter from the congregation.
有時在我們里斯特一年一度的宗教教育日之時，
會有一位年長的執事，被安排要向大家傳達一些鼓勵勸勉的話。
去年就如同前年一樣，他定睛注視坐在前座位的年青人，
用中文問他們，"通常你們家裡會作什麼呢？"
小孩子聽到這個很熟悉的問題，就都笑了起來，並且加以回答。
然後這個已經聽過好多遍，大家都很熟悉的對話，
接著就會聽到執事繼續用他的破英文，來重新確認他們的答案，
"Fish a man 得人如得魚"，到最後會眾大家到聽到，就全部大笑起來了。
The point of the deacon’s question?
Well, it was obvious that he did not
want the children to forget their
humble roots. Also, he did not want
them to forget God’s grace: how He
has been unceasingly shepherding us
from past years to this day.
執事問題的重點到底是什麼呢？
好吧，很明顯地，他就是不希望小孩子會忘記自已卑微的出身。
而且，他不希望他們忘記神的恩典：
祂是如何從過去幾年來，不停的牧養著我們，並且持續直到今日。
Profile of the Congregation 信徒目前的情況
The profile of the congregation in
Leicester, as in many parts of the UK,
is an interesting one. The majority of
the members hark back to a tiny island
in Hong Kong called Ap Chau. It was
here that they and the generations
before them eked out a subsistence
from fishing. After the gospel reached
the island, the islanders experienced
the power of God and their faith
became strong. Church attendance
and service to God became central
to their lives. Even though they
were poor materially, they were rich
spiritually.
里斯特教會信徒目前的情況，就如同英國的其他地方一樣，都是很有趣的。
大部份的信徒可以追溯到香港鴨洲這座小島。
在那裡，他們和他們的祖先靠著捕魚來討生活。
在福音傳到這座小島之後，島上的居民體會到神的能力，信仰就變得更堅強。
聚會和服事神，變成了他們生活的重心。
即使他們物質上非常缺乏，心靈上卻非常的滿足。
Aside from the Ap Chau islanders,
there are also members in Leicester
who come from other parts of Hong
Kong, mainland China, Taiwan and
Malaysia. There are also second
and third generation members who
have been born in the UK. For some
families in Leicester, three and even
four generations come together to
worship in church each week.
除了來自鴨洲島的居民之外，
里斯特的信徒也有來自香港其他地區，中國大陸，台灣和馬來西亞。
也有出生在英國的第二代和第三代信徒了。
對里斯特某些家族來說，他們每週會一起來教會聚會。
Thank God, the church in
Leicester is a harmonious one. It is
predominantly made up of family
units, a few individual believers, and
a small number of overseas students.
The young and the old come together
for services, and attendance has been
consistently high over the years. This
is indeed a blessing at a time when
many churches in the wider Christian
community are bemoaning an
absence of young people, or are even
closing their doors due to dwindling
membership.
感謝神，里斯特教會信徒都很平和。
由於大部份是由幾個家族來組成，
此外還有一些個人的信徒，少數的海外留學生。
長幼會一同到教會來服事神，
這幾年之間，出席率都一直很高。
這真的在那時，是一項神的祝福，
因為在當時廣大的各個基督教團體中，
有許多教會一直在感嘆為何教會年輕人會這麼少，
而且甚至有些教會因為人數減少太多，而關門了。
Lost and Found 迷失與找回
Many of the first generation Leicester
members came to the UK in the 1960s
and 70s. When they first arrived, they
had nothing more than a suitcase, a
few pounds in their pockets, and little
or no grasp of the English language.
Yet, they had a great desire for a
better life and a strong work ethic.
As such, they were willing to toil long
hours in the tough and demanding
environment of the catering industry.
Not only did they manage to make
a living, they also raised families and
established their own businesses.
許多第一代的里斯特信徒，於1960年和1970年代，來到英國。
當他們一開始到那裡的時候，他們只有一只皮箱，口袋只有幾毛錢，
沒有其他任何家當，甚至是不會說英文，或是只會少少說過幾句而已。
然而，因為他們很想要可以過更好的生活，並且有很好的職業道德。
因為這樣，所以他們願意長時間勞力付出，在艱苦又吃力的餐飲業環境之中努力工作。
他們不只努力維持生計，而且也能扶養自已的家庭，建立屬於自已的事業。
In the early days, the members
worked hard, but neglected to
gather for services. Many also recall
bad habits: smoking, drinking and
gambling. The turning point was
a pastoral visit by a deacon from
Scotland in 1975. His words of
encouragement spurred the members
to start holding Sabbath services.
They gathered first in a member’s
shop in the city centre, and then, as
the congregation grew, in a rented
hall in a local Anglican Church.
早期，信徒都很努力工作，但卻忽略了要集合起來聚會。
許多人也沾染了壞習慣：抽煙，喝酒，賭博。
而事情的轉捩點是在1975年，有一個執事從蘇格蘭來巡迴牧養訪問。
他勸勉的話，激起了信徒的心，開始舉行安息日聚會。
一開始他們聚集在市中心一位信徒的店裡，
然後，信徒漸增，就搬到一間租的英國國教會堂去聚會。
In 1983, the church purchased
its current place of worship on
Humberstone Road, a Victorian
building that was formerly a
Methodist chapel. Finally, the
members had a permanent place of
worship.
1983年，教會買下了目前享伯斯通路 Humberstone Road 的聚會地點，
這是一間維多利亞式的建築物，以前是衛理公會的會堂。
最後，信徒才有一個永久聚會的地方。
In hindsight, we see how God
used the first generation members
to lay the foundation for His church
in Leicester. Many of these members
are still active in the church today,
working alongside a new generation
of workers to undertake the next
phase of God’s work.
若是事後來看，我們看見了神，如何用第一代的信徒，
在里斯特建立祂的教會，並且立下了基礎。
今日，許多這些信徒仍然在教會中很活躍，
一起和新一代的工人，徒事下一階段神的聖工。
The new and the old generation have different cultural backgrounds, but it
is not a problem ... In church, it does not really matter whether you come
from a western or eastern culture, there should not be any distinction. You
should have a new culture, which is Christ’s culture—the teachings of the
Bible.
新舊兩代，各有其不同的文化背景，但這卻不是問題...
在教會中，無論你的出身是東方文化，或是西方文化，這些都是不重要的，
其中應該不會有任何分別。
你們該創造出一種新的文化，就是屬於基督的文化，根據聖經教導產生的文化。
CURRENT SITUATION 目前的情況
In this section, we will look at how well
the older and younger generations
relate to each other, focusing on
issues such as communication,
working relationships and the
generation gap. Local members were
asked to contribute their views.
在本章節，我們要來看看，到底年長及年輕兩代之間，到底是如何互相緊緊相依。
專門來探討相關的問題，例如互相交流，同工的關係，代溝等問題。
會請一些當地的信徒來分享他們的看法。
Communication 互相交流
Be of the same mind toward one
another. Do not set your mind on
high things, but associate with the
humble. Do not be wise in your
own opinion.
(Rom 12:16)
16要彼此同心；不要志氣高大，倒要俯就卑微的人（人：或作事）；不要自以為聰明。
(羅 12：16)
The congregation in Leicester
reflects all age groups, and there
is a slow but steady increase in the
number of young families with
babies. Most of the members are
related in one way or another, and
the younger ones generally greet
their older relatives when they come
to church.
里斯特信徒代表了所有年齡層的各各團體，
因為年輕信徒新組成的小家庭，生了小孩，所以教會有緩慢，但卻穩定的成長。
大部份的信徒，不管怎樣都會有一些親戚關係，
年輕人來到教會的時候，一般都會向年長的親戚打招呼。
We say, “Hello”, or “good morning.”
If you’re related to them, you’ll talk
more…If you know they’ve been on
holiday, you’ll ask, “When did you
come back, did you have fun?”
我們打招呼會說，“Hello 哈囉”, 或是 “good morning 早安.”
Intermediate Youth, Senior Youth & Teacher
Training Class
中間青年，壯年，及教員訓練班
However, not everyone has family
members in the church, and for one
or two people, there is a different
perception.
然而，並不是每一個人在教會裡都有家人信主，
所以有一兩位，他們有不同的看法。
The young people don’t notice the old
people…no one does. They need to
respect the older people.
Retired Sister
年青人都不重視老人，而且都沒人會注意。
他們要會尊重老人。
退休的姐妹說到
An issue may be that members of
a similar age group quite naturally
gravitate towards each other, and
this can give the impression or lead
to a sense of physical segregation.
另一個問題就是，同年齡的信徒，自然而然就會互相吸引在一起，
這就會讓人產生一種印象，導致別人會有一種隔閡感。
You can see at tea time—the youngsters
sit on one side, the old people sit on the
other.
Retired Brother
你會看到休息時間時，年青人坐在一邊，老年人坐在另一邊。
退休姐妹
I don’t think the younger people speak
to the older people. At tea time, you see
the younger lot standing up, the middleaged
sitting with the middle aged…
Intermediate Youth Class Student
我不認為年青人會跟老年人說話。
在休息時間時，年青人都站一堆，中年人都坐在一起..
中間青年班學員
It may seem like segregation, but it’s not
intentional…more of habit.
RE Teacher
雖然這看起來好像是一種隔閡，但這卻不是故意的...大部份是由於習慣自然而然而成的。
Some members also mentioned a
language barrier.
有些信徒提到有語言隔閡
You have to speak in a way that they
understand. There’s a language barrier.
Senior Youth Class Student
你要用他們了解的方式來說話。
有語言隔閡，資深社青班成員
The old people talk in their Ap Chau
language and the grandchildren speak
English. They each have their own
homes and don’t spend much time
together. They can’t really talk at a deep
level, to say what’s on their mind. In
the past, the older generation shared
testimonies about God’s grace. If they
[i.e. the different generations] have lived
together, the relationship is different.
Deaconess
年長者用他們鴨洲話聊天，子孫一代用英文聊天。
他們每一個人都有自已的家，常常沒有很多時間在一起。
他們真的沒辨法好好的深入聊一聊，來分享自已腦中的想法。
過去的時候，年長一代會分享神恩典的見証。
若他們[不同世代的人]住在一起，關係也是不一樣的。
女執事
Inter-Generational Working
Relationships
跨代之間的同工情誼
Be kindly affectionate to one another
with brotherly love, in honor giving
preference to one another; not
lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit,
serving the Lord.
(Rom 12:10–11)
10愛弟兄，要彼此親熱；恭敬人，要彼此推讓。
11殷勤不可懶惰。要心裡火熱，常常服事主。
(羅 12：10-11)
In Leicester, the opportunities
for joint-working between the
generations include things like
leafleting, choir, cleaning, cooking
and preparing for special events
such as convocations and weddings.
Most recently, the different age
groups have come together to do
the planning and the practical work
relating to the refurbishment of the
new church building.
在里斯特，跨代之間聯合聖工的機會有，
發傳單，詩班，清潔工作，準備食物，
特別活動的準備，例如，靈恩會，婚禮等。
直到最近，不同年齡層的團體，集合在一起為了新會堂的翻修，
一起作規劃，一起動工。
By and large, the different groups
work harmoniously together.
Sometimes, there are differences of
opinion, but these occur within and
between the age groups; it does not
appear to be an inter-generational
issue. Moreover, thank God, these
differences do not lead to conflicts.
一般說來，不同團體都可以和諧的一起工作。
有時會有不同的意見，但這些發生在同年齡和各年齡層團體中，
而不是一個只出現在隔代的問題。
而且感謝神的是，這些差異並沒有導致衝突。
The church board is also quite
harmonious. It comprises members
in their thirties, forties, fifties and
above, and three out of the nine
board members are sisters. The good
working relationship is evident during
meetings: there are constructive
discussions, dialogue is respectful,
and the meetings are generally
quick and efficient. The more
experienced members are
happy to help the new
ones fit into their roles.
教會負責人也很和諧。
成員組成，有30歲的，有40歲的，有50歲的，及更高年紀的，
九位成員中，有三位是姐妹。
好的同工關係，在開會時，就是很明顯的：
會有建設性的對話，交話是互相尊重的，會議也開的很快且有效率。
而資深的成員，很樂意來幫忙新人來融入他們的角色。
You don’t hear any big
arguments. Those who
can take part [in the
church work] take part.
Others don’t have many
opinions.
Deaconess
你不會聽到強烈的爭議聲。
那些可以在教會裡參與工作的人，已經接下了聖工。
其他人也不會有太多意見。
女執事。
Is There a Generation Gap? 是否有代溝？
Behold, how good and how
pleasant it is for brethren to dwell
together in unity! It is like the
precious oil upon the head, running
down on the beard, the beard of
Aaron, running down on the edge
of his garments. It is like the dew
of Hermon, descending upon the
mountains of Zion; for there the
Lord commanded the blessing—Life
forevermore.
(Ps 133:1–3)
1（大衛上行之詩。）看哪，弟兄和睦同居是何等地善，何等地美！
2這好比那貴重的油澆在亞倫的頭上，流到鬍鬚，又流到他的衣襟；
3又好比黑門的甘露降在錫安山；因為在那裡有耶和華所命定的福，就是永遠的生命。
(詩 133：1-3)
The backgrounds of the older
and younger generation could not
be more different: one has had
limited educational opportunities,
experienced poverty, and toiled for
most of their working lives; the other
has grown up with a comfortable
standard of living, a good education,
and by God’s grace, a future of
endless possibilities. Therefore, to say
there are no generational differences
would be untrue. However, what is
striking is that there is no discernible
impact. In other words, there is no
unbreachable gap. This observation
is supported by the following views:
年長和年青的兩代，他們出身的背景有很大的差異：
其中一代只能接受有限的教育機會，體驗過貧窮的日子，
在職場生活中，勞勞碌碌過一生；
其他人在舒適的生活水平中成長，接好良好的教育，
因著神的恩典，未來有很多的可能性。
所以，若要說沒有代溝，就未竟真實。
然而，另人驚訝的是，並沒有可以讓看看見的衝擊出現。
換句話說，並沒有不能打破的代溝。
這種看法，可以以下的觀點找到証據：
Thank God, in Leicester, the old and
the young get on together.
Retired Sister
感謝神，里斯特，老幼都能和協相處。
At home, I get on very well with my
grandchildren.
Retired Brother
在家裡，我們孫子們相處的非常好。
退休姐妹。
The new and the old generation have
different cultural backgrounds, but it
is not a problem. The older generation
is open-minded—it’s not like they
don’t accept new things (they do). The
younger generation is also good. They
understand why the older people think
like they do. In church, it does not
really matter whether you come from a
western or eastern culture, there should
not be any distinction. You should
have a new culture, which is Christ’s
culture—the teachings of the Bible. We
should have that culture. So, if there
is something in the western culture
that does not fit with the Bible, we can
reject it; likewise for the eastern culture.
In that way, we can live a Christ-like
life. It’s like the Israelites, when they
left Egypt, they had to leave behind
the culture. And when they entered
Canaan, they had to be careful not to be
affected by that new culture. They had
to be holy and separated out to God.
Deacon
新舊兩代有不同的文化背景，但這並不構成問題。
老一代心胸開放 - 他們並不是不能接受新事物。(事實上他們可以)
年青的一代也很好。他們了解為何老一代的人會有那樣的想法。
在教會中，無論你來自東方或西方文化，都不是很重要，其中不應該有任何分別。
我們該產生出一種新的文化，也就是屬於基督的文化 - 按照聖經的教導。
我們就該有這種文化。
那麼，若有什麼在西方文化裡面的東西，不符合聖經的教導，我們就拒絕它；
同樣的，若有什麼東方文化有問題，也拒絕之。
就因為這樣，我們就能過著像基督一樣的生活。
就像以色列人一樣，離開埃及，他要拋棄過去的文化。
當他們進入迦南地的時候，也要小心不要被新的文化所影響。
他們要成為聖潔，分別為聖屬神。
執事
The situation in Leicester is very
blessed, but we must be careful not to
take it for granted. All of us need to
be diligent in our spiritual cultivation,
to learn from the gentleness and
lowliness of Christ (Mt 11:29); to
respect and to forbear (Phil 2:3; Col
3:12–13) one another; and most
important of all, to be filled by the
Holy Spirit so that we bear the fruit of
the Spirit (Gal 5:22–23). In this way,
there will not be any dissensions,
and everyone can enjoy an
environment that reveals the
culture of Christ.
里斯特的情況，真的是很受到祝福，
但我們真的要非常的小心，不要認為這是理所當然的。
我們大家都要很勤勉地，作好靈修的工作，
要從基督的身上學會溫柔和謙卑。(太 11：29)
看別人比自已強，彼此包容；(腓 2：3；西 3：12-13)
最重要的是，要能被聖靈充滿，這樣我們才能結出聖靈的果子：(加 5：22-23)
只有這樣，才不會有任何紛爭，
大家才能生活在一個可以表現基督徒文化的環境之中。
NEXT GENERATION
SUCCESSION: WORK
IN PROGRESS
下一代繼承：工作正在進行中
And the Lord, He is the
one who goes before
you. He will be with you,
He will not leave you nor
forsake you; do not fear
nor be dismayed.
(Deut 31:8)
8耶和華必在你前面行；他必與你同在，必不撇下你，也不丟棄你。不要懼怕，也不要驚惶。
(申 31：8)
In Leicester, we could probably
benefit from a proper strategy for
succession planning. Nevertheless,
we can see progress in a couple of
areas.
在里斯特教會中，或許我們可以傳承規劃有適當的策略之中，有所獲益。
雖然是這樣，我們可以在一些地方看到一些進展。
Training for Service 訓練服事工作
In Leicester, the weekly RE classes,
Youth Fellowship and Campus
Fellowship provide most of the
training opportunities for the young
members. It is there that they develop
the skills and confidence to serve
God: leading hymnals, playing piano,
training sessions in interpretation,
leading activities, and leading Bible
studies. These forums also act as
spring boards, enabling the young to
get involved in other areas of church
work, such as choir and leafleting.
我們里斯特有每週的宗教教育課，青年團契，校團團契，
這些活動讓年輕的信徒大部份有機會來接受訓練。
也就是因為這些活動，他們可以學習到一些技能，
建立起一些自信心，來服事神：
領詩的工作，司琴的工作，翻譯訓練的工作，
帶活動，帶領查經的工作。
這些公開活動的場合，就如同是一種跳板一樣，
讓年輕人可以參與一些教會其他地方的工作，
例如詩班練習和發傳單的工作。
The believers are being trained from
young in RE. So, if they attend services,
the church can train them to serve and
give them opportunities to do so. It
takes time.
Deacon
信徒從小的時候，在宗教教育之中，就好好的接受訓練。
所以，若他們參加聚會，教錩就能訓練他們來服事，
給他們機會在服事。
但這需要花一些時間。
Sermonizing 講道
Having then gifts differing according
to the grace that is given to us,
let us use them: if prophecy, let
us prophesy in proportion to our
faith; or ministry, let us use it in
our ministering; he who teaches, in
teaching.
(Rom 12:6–7)
6按我們所得的恩賜，各有不同。或說預言，就當照著信心的程度說預言，
7或作執事，就當專一執事；或作教導的，就當專一教導；
(羅 12：6-7)
Due to a dwindling number of
middle-aged members who remain
active sermon speakers, the church
board has, in recent years, been
looking to the working-age youths
to take up this area of work. With
the help of preachers, a number of
youths have been trained to deliver
sermons. We thank God that this
is making good progress, which
means that the church now has more
workers to help in this area.
因為中年信徒，他們能夠積極參與講道工作的人數漸漸減少，
最近幾年，教會的職務會一直在尋找年紀上正在工作的青年，
來肩負起這一塊區域的事工。
因著傳道者的幫助，有一些青年已經接受訓練學習講道的工作。
我們很感謝神，這項工作一直很順利的進展著，
也就是說，現今教會在這個部份上，有更多的工人可以來幫忙。
The church board has also been
assigning brothers and sisters to lead
the first Sabbath service—putting
them in at the deep end, as it were,
since these are their first attempts
at pulpit ministry. Some have been
responsible for conducting hymnal
sessions, while others lead Bible
studies and talks. We thank God for
their added input and the application
of their gifts that benefit the church.
教會的職務會，也安排了弟兄姐妹來帶領第一個安息日的聚會，
給予他們一些更難的工作來負責，就因為這是很難的事，
因為這些事，都是他們在講台事工上的第一次嘗試。
有一些人負責帶領詩頌，而另一些人帶領查經和交流。
我們很感謝神，因為有他們額外的加入，
隨著運用他們的恩賜，使教會得到造就。
Family Bible Services 家庭查經聚會
“And they continued steadfastly
in the apostles’ doctrine and
fellowship, in the breaking of bread,
and in prayers.” (Acts 2:42)
42都恆心遵守使徒的教訓，彼此交接，擘餅，祈禱。
(徒 2：42)
Another opportunity for members
of all ages to serve God is in the Family
Bible Service groups. In Leicester,
members are allocated to one of a
number of groups, depending on
where they live. Once a month,
members gather in each other’s
houses or in the church to study the
Bible. Those who are willing and able
lead the sessions in rotation. The
younger members are often called
to lead the pre-service hymnals and
to play the piano. The Family Bible
Services have been going on for
a number of years now and have
proved to be a good opportunity for
members of different age groups—
from children to grannies and
granddads—to worship together in
informal settings, have fellowship,
practice hospitality and learn the
word of God. Over time, we have
witnessed the members growing
together: in their knowledge of God,
in their confidence to serve Him, and
in mutual understanding.
對所有年齡的信徒，都有的服事神機會，
就是家庭查經聚會小組。
里斯特教會中，信徒會被分到各各小組其中之一，就看他們居住在那裡。
每個月一次，他們會在彼此的家中聚會，或是到教會一起查經。
他們會很樂意來輪流帶領查經聚會。
年青人常被叫去帶領聚會前的詩頌和彈鋼琴。
家庭查經聚會到現在，已經實行好些年了，
對每個不同年齡層的人，提供一個很好的服事機會。
年紀小的兒童到老奶奶，大家用一種比較輕鬆的方式一起聚會，
一起團契，彼此實行愛心，學習神的話。
經過一段時間，我們見証到信徒大家一起成長：
對神認識的程度有了增長，更有信心來服事祂，
並且彼此可以互相了解對方。
In Leicester, the weekly RE classes, Youth Fellowship and Campus
Fellowship provide most of the training opportunities for the young
members. It is there that they develop the skills and confidence
to serve God: leading hymnals, playing piano, taster sessions in
interpretation, leading activities, and leading Bible studies. These
forums also act as spring boards, enabling the young people to
get involved in other areas of church work, such as choir and
leafleting.
我們里斯特有每週的宗教教育課，青年團契，校團團契，
這些活動讓年輕的信徒大部份有機會來接受訓練。
也就是因為這些活動，他們可以學習到一些技能，
建立起一些自信心，來服事神：
領詩的工作，司琴的工作，翻譯訓練的工作，
帶活動，帶領查經的工作。
這些公開活動的場合，就如同是一種跳板一樣，
讓年輕人可以參與一些教會其他地方的工作，
例如詩班練習和發傳單的工作。
Evangelism Planning 傳福音的規劃
“Go into all the world and preach
the gospel to every creature.” (Mk
16:15)
15你們往普天下去，傳福音給萬民（萬民：原文是凡受造的）聽。
(可 16：15)
For over ten years, Leicester has had
an Evangelical Planning Group (EPG).
It plans and organizes the bulk of
the church’s evangelistic activities—
publicity, leafleting, programs for
evangelistic services, and followup.
Although the membership has
changed over time, the group has
always comprised a small core group
of working youths. As necessary,
they enlist the help of other members
of the congregation, but again, the
majority of the volunteers, apart
from the speakers, are youths. This is
particularly evident during leafleting
sessions.
經過了10年，里斯特教會已經有福音規劃小組(EPG).
它會規劃和組織教會傳福音的大部份工作-
廣告宣傳，發傳單，佈道會節目內容，以及跟進的工作。
雖然隨著時間，其成員有些改變，
這個小組總是以一小群的工作青年為核心所組成的小組。
對於一些需要人力的工作，他們會徵召其他的信徒，
除了講員之後，大部份都是自願來幫忙的，也都是青年。
特別是在發傳單這個部份，這種情況特別明顯。
The EPG is very active, and the
members do their work faithfully and
consistently. It is a good example of
succession in practice, for the youths
have really taken ownership of this
work. If anything, the rest of the
congregation—and specifically the
older members—need to get more
involved to complement their efforts.
After all, evangelism is everyone’s
responsibility.
福音規劃小組是非常活躍的，其工作成員非常忠心勤勉地執行其工作。
這是傳承在實務上很好的例子，因為年輕人真的把這個工作，當成是自已的職份。
若是有任何其他的事，其他的信徒，特別是老信徒-
需要更加投入來完成他們的工作。
畢竟，傳福音是每個人的責任。
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE:
WHAT COULD WE DO BETTER?
展望未來：如何加以改善？
Do not rebuke an older man, but
exhort him as a father, the younger
men as brothers, the older women
as mothers, the younger as sisters,
will all purity.
(1 Tim 5:1–2)
1不可嚴責老年人，只要勸他如同父親；勸少年人如同弟兄；
2勸老年婦女如同母親；勸少年婦女如同姐妹；總要清清潔潔的。
(提前 5：1-2)
Improve Communication 加強交流
By God’s grace, Leicester has a lot of
positive points. However, there are
also some areas for improvement.
One area is communication between
the generations—to go beyond
the polite greetings to have more
meaningful dialogue, for example,
on how to progress the church work
and on God’s grace in our lives. The
sharing of testimonies in particular
will serve as a lasting legacy for the
new generations.
因著神的恩典，里斯特教會有許多值得稱許的地方。
然而，也有許多地方待改進。
其中之一就是每個年齡層之間，有需要多多交流 -
要把禮貌性的打招，作得更加深入，成為更新意義的對話，
例如，到底要如何作，才能讓教會的工作得到進展，
到底神是如何在我們的生活中，賞賜恩典給我們。
有這些特別見証的分享，就會是成為新一代人，
從上一代的長輩口中，所能得到的珍貴遺產。
We also need to show special
regard for those members with
few or no family ties in the church,
irrespective of their age. In this way,
every member can experience the joy
and comfort that comes from being
one spiritual family in Christ as we
gather each week (1 Cor 12:12; 1 Pet
2:5). To achieve this, we need to be
willing to break out of our comfort
zones.
我們也需要特別開始那些在教會中，只有一些或是沒有家庭關係的信徒，
不論他們到底有多大。
因為這樣，每一位信徒才能體會到一種快樂又舒服的感覺，
而每一週大家到教會聚集，就好像在基督屬靈的大家庭一樣。
(林前 12：12；彼前 2：5)
為了能夠達成這個目標，我們要能夠突破自已的舒適圈。
Develop a Succession Strategy 發展傳承的策略
During one group discussion, I asked
a group of RE students, “Do you
think the next generation is being
adequately prepared to take up the
church work?” One of the Senior
Youth Class students asked, “Who’s
the next generation?” She wondered
if I meant people like her RE
teacher—those in their late twenties
and thirties. This anecdote perhaps
highlights a need for the church
workers to let all the RE students
know they are the next generation.
Also, the church may not be doing
enough to get RE students involved
in the church work early on, or at
least not in the areas that they are
interested in.
在一次小組討論之中，我問一群宗教教育的學生，
"你們認為，下一代的信徒，是不是有作好準備，能夠肩負起教會的工作？"
其中一位資深的青年班成員就回頭問到，"下一代指的是誰呢？"
她覺得很奇怪，我們指的人，是不是指她的宗教教育老師呢？
指的是那些已經快要接近30和40歲的人呢？
這段有趣的對話，或許指出了，有需要讓教會的工人知道，
他們要告訴所有的宗教教育成員，讓他們了解自已才是下一代。
不只這樣，教會或許在讓宗教教育成員，參與教會的工作上，
安排的太晚，最少我們知道，在他們有興趣的事工上，我們確實作的比較晚。
The EPG is very active, and the
members do their work faithfully
and consistently. It is a good
example of succession in practice,
for the youths have really taken
ownership of this work.
福音規劃小組是非常活躍的，其工作成員非常忠心勤勉地執行其工作。
這是傳承在實務上很好的例子，因為年輕人真的把這個工作，當成是自已的職份。
I’ve heard from other churches that they
start quite young, doing evangelistic
planning work, whereas in Leicester
they start quite old.
Senior Youth Class Student
我聽到其他教會，他們很早就開始作福音規劃的工作，
然而在里斯特教會，我們很晚才開始這個工作。
資深青年班學員
Sometimes, you don’t know who
to approach about evangelistic
planning work and other things, like
interpretation.
Senior Youth Class Student
有時候，你會不知道要找誰，來作有關福音規劃，或是其他的事情，
例如，翻譯工作。
This omission needs to be
addressed, as there is potentially a
pool of willing members that the
church is not mobilizing. Moreover, if
the RE students are not involved in
the church work from an early age, an
opportunity may be lost in fostering
a deep sense of commission, and it
may also be harder to motivate them
later on—especially as other priorities
come along.
要好好處理這個被忽略的事，
因為可能有一群樂意的信徒，但是教會被沒有好好運用他們。
不只這樣，若宗教教育學員，從小的時候，沒有好好的參與教會的工作，
就可能會失去孕育出，他們有承擔使命的責任感的機會，
而且後來可能會更難去請他們出來幫忙 -
特別是，在人生道路上，有越來越多很重要的事會接踵而來。
One solution is to develop a
strategy for succession, so that the
church is clear on what types of
workers are needed in the medium
to longer-term, and how we should
provide the necessary training. Part
of that strategy might look at options
such as shadowing and mentoring by
experienced workers.
發展傳承策略，就是一個很好的安案，
這樣，從中期到長遠來看，教會就會很清楚有什麼工作需要事先交接，
以及我們應該對什麼樣相對應的準備和訓練。
而此策略的其中一部份，或許就有派一些有經驗的工人，來好好緊密觀察這些新的工人。
A couple of the older members
who were interviewed happen to
be regular cooks in the church. They
said that they were more than happy
to share their skills and wanted to
see more young members getting
involved in this area of the church
work.
受訪的人中，剛好有一些老信徒，他們定期幫忙教會伙食的工作。
他們說，很樂意分享他們的技能，也想要有更多教會的年輕人來參與這部份的工作。
It’s good for the young people to help
and to learn from the cooks. The most
important thing is that they are humble
enough to learn and accept, and also
not to be lazy. The work should be
passed from one generation to the next.
You can’t expect those in their eighties
to do the cooking. I hope that the
young people will cook for me in the
future. If they don’t know what to do,
they can ask.
Retired Brother
對年輕人來說，這是好機會，可以幫助他們學會伙食。
最重要的是，他們要很謙卑，並且接受別人教導，以致於不會變得閒懶。
這些工作都要從上一代，傳承到下一代。
你總不能還想要那些已經80歲的人，還來作伙食的工作罷！
我希望以後年輕人可以幫我煮飯。
若他們不知道怎麼作，可以開口問我們。
退休姐妹。
In terms of succession planning, we
have a good example in Jesus Christ,
who at the start of His ministry,
chose twelve disciples and trained
them to minister in God’s kingdom
and to succeed His work. Jesus not
only imparted spiritual knowledge,
He also allowed the disciples to gain
experience by sending them out to
preach the gospel, heal the sick and
cast out demons (Mt 10:1, 5–8)—a
true apprenticeship in today’s terms.
若說到有關傳承規劃的事，我們有耶穌基督這個好榜樣，
祂在福音工作一開始的時候，選了12個門徒，
訓練他們為了神國的事來服事，並且可以繼承耶穌接下來的工作。
耶穌不只傳授他們屬靈的知識，
祂也派他們出去傳福音，使他們得到經驗，會醫病趕鬼，(太 10：1，5-8)
用今日的角度來看，就是一種真正的學徒制。
PASS ON ELIJAH’S MANTLE 以利亞外衣的傳承
So he departed from there, and
found Elisha the son of Shaphat,
who was plowing with twelve yoke
of oxen before him, and he was
with the twelfth. Then Elijah passed
by him and threw his mantle on
him.
(1 Kgs 19:19)
19於是，以利亞離開那裡走了，遇見沙法的兒子以利沙耕地；
在他前頭有十二對牛，自己趕著第十二對。
以利亞到他那裡去，將自己的外衣搭在他身上。
(王上 19：19)
Succession planning is vital for
the future of the church. The
church workers today have a
responsibility to create the right
conditions for succession, which,
at a basic level, entails promoting
good communication and positive
relationships across all age groups.
They should also plan more
systematically in order to nurture
and train the next generation. In
this way, young members will have
a better opportunity of growing up
with a sense of commission and be
equipped to take on the mantle of
service and leadership in the future.
傳承規劃對教會的未來而言，是很重要的。
今日的教會工人，有責任要為傳承，營造出合適的條件，
最起碼要促進良好的溝通，在不同的年齡層中，有正面積極的關係。
他們也要有更多系統性的規劃，這樣才可以造就及訓練下一代。
只有這樣，年輕人才有更好的機會成長，
更有使命感，裝備好自已，拾起以後帶領教會未來服事的外袍。
May God guide all the churches to
make this a reality.
願神帶領所有的教會可以好好實現傳承的工作。
小頁 markvmax@hotmail.com
Manna 嗎哪 56 (1)