At the "Academic Seminar on Systematically Promoting the Sinicization of Christianity," held in Fujian Province on November 6, 2024, Rev. Li Yungen, chairperson of the Jiangxi Provincial TSPM, delivered a speech titled "Social Care Training as a Key Approach for the Church's Social Engagement Today," elaborating the theological insights and practical outcomes of the social service ministry within Jiangxi's Christian community.
According to international standards, a country or region is considered an aging society when individuals aged 60 and up account for 10% of the total population, or 7% if they are 65 and above. By 2025, it is estimated that the proportion of people over 65 in China will reach 13.7%, nearing a deeply aging society.
Rev. Li urged that, in response to changes in the social environment, more Christians should step beyond the church walls, engaging with society and families through practical actions. He emphasized that social care training is the key approach churches use to offer social services today. Through this training, churches can equip believers with social service skills, enabling them to enter society as mission-driven social workers.
In recent years, Christians in Jiangxi Province have been advancing the Diakonia ministry.
The Xinyu Municipal CC&TSPM has conducted charity initiatives supporting students from economically disadvantaged families for several years. On August 25 of this year, the Christian community in Xinyu City provided financial assistance to six needy college students.
Since its establishment in 2008, the Pingxiang Christian volunteer team has been dedicated to enhancing the living conditions of AIDS patients. The team provides support in areas such as medical care, referrals, assistance with national subsidy applications, emotional and psychological care, and end-of-life care for patients. Additionally, they offer guidance and support to the families of AIDS patients.
In July 2021, Ji'an Gospel Church launched a social service day, offering various services such as small appliance repair, sewing, shoe and bag repair, hairdressing, shoulder and neck massage, blood pressure measurement, and psychological counseling. To date, twelve sessions have been held, assisting a total of 2,774 people.
