Over the past few years, I have deeply realized that the form and practice of church worship create a sense of ritual, becoming an anchor for those adrift in changing times. I have been away for some time before finally returning to my own church. The moment the organist began the processional hymn, I knew I was home, and it was wonderful! The ritualistic quality of worship is much like the “old-fashioned flavor” of a legendary brand. It is a treasure that must be guarded. Without it, the flavor will never be the same again.

        Yet worship must not degenerate into a “time capsule”. I once visited an overseas Chinese church. The moment I stepped into the sanctuary, it felt familiar. The order of service, the liturgy, the hymns, and the preaching style seemed to take me back to Hong Kong churches of twenty or thirty years ago.

        When we look at what we value as “tradition”, we must ask ourselves honestly: Does this build an invisible wall for those who join us later or in the future? Does it prevent them from opening their hearts and worshiping God sincerely? Do not think this refers only to traditional worship style. Even contemporary worship, widely adopted in Hong Kong churches in recent years, can turn into a certain form, leaving little room for occasional hymn singing or reciting creeds.

        Over the past decade, NPAC family has maintained traditional worship in the main sanctuary. At the same time, we have developed contemporary worship in various smaller congregations. Starting in 2024, the church decided to spend seven years exploring the future model of our worship, aiming for seamless connection between main sanctuary and smaller congregation worship by 2030.

        What weighs on my heart is this: How will the God-centered worship of NPAC continue beyond 2030? How can NPAC, in this changing era, both preserve her excellent tradition of over 70 years and continue to lead a new generation of believers (regardless of age) in offering lively, vibrant worship that appropriately exalts the Lord Jesus Christ?

        I do not have the answers. What I believe we can do is explore, think and prepare earlier. As a starting point, in June 2024, representatives of worship service volunteers, pastors and deacons gathered together. That day, we did not debate differing positions, nor did we predetermine a blended worship model. This is because NPAC cannot simply adopt any single school of thought. We also cannot do something just because it is how we have always done it, or because other churches are already doing it, nor can we totally refuse to follow. NPAC family must find a third way that is uniquely ours and viable for us.

        This exploration began with retreat and prayer. We knew deeply that we could only seek God’s will with pure and undivided hearts. Our prayer that day was: “LORD, how do You want this mission-driven church to lead different generations in worship and offer You pleasing worship in the future?”

        This journey toward a “new horizon of worship” is unmapped. There is no standard answer. My hope is that NPAC family will pray with one heart, embrace one another, and explore and learn side by side. I sincerely invite you to join us in unity on this journey. Let us do it today. Let us lay a God-pleasing foundation for the “future tense” of worship at NPAC.