Rev. Julian Wong
Senior Pastor & Interim Mandarin Charge Pastor
of the Scarborough Chinese Baptist Church

In Toronto, many Chinese churches founded by immigrants from Hong Kong in the 1980s and 1990s have gradually developed into three-congregation models consisting of Cantonese, Mandarin, and English ministries. In the early years, the Cantonese congregation functioned as the primary congregation, providing most of the pastoral leadership and shaping the overall direction of the church. While the English and Mandarin congregations were typically formed later, they often functioned in a more dependent manner, following the leadership and ministry patterns established by the Cantonese congregation, with contextual adaptations for their respective linguistic and cultural groups.

Since the first generation of senior pastors began stepping down in the 2010s, the dynamics among the three congregations have evolved. The relationship can no longer be described simply as a parent-child structure. While the Cantonese congregation continues to hold significant historical influence, the English and Mandarin congregations have increasingly developed their own leadership voices and ministry perspectives. Consequently, decision-making processes have become more complex, requiring greater collaboration across congregations.

Furthermore, leadership succession has gradually produced a structure that is both multicultural and multigenerational. This shift reflects the changing demographic realities of Chinese churches and highlights the need for governance models that can effectively integrate diverse linguistic, cultural, and generational perspectives within a single church body.

It is important to note that this is only a general description; every local church is unique, with its own denominational traditions, governance structures, demographic composition, and varying strengths among the congregations. Therefore, no single model fits all circumstances for moving forward. Some churches have concluded that they may function better without a senior pastor, allowing the three congregations to operate under the same roof with minimal collaboration. Other churches continue to strive to minister together as a visible expression of unity. Still others emphasize collaboration among the congregations without necessarily requiring them to conduct all ministries jointly.

Over the past four years as the Senior Pastor of Scarborough Chinese Baptist Church (SCBC)—a three-congregation church of more than 1,600 members, with the Cantonese congregation being the largest, followed by the English and Mandarin congregations—| have sought to lead through two key guiding principles: the Ministry Perspective Model and the Priorities of Renewal. These frameworks help provide clarity in leadership, alignment in ministry direction, and focus in spiritual renewal.

The Ministry Perspective Model offers a framework for understanding ministry through various leadership and participation perspectives. It helps identify who the leaders, decision-makers, and influencers are, as well as those who faithfully support and sustain the ministry. By recognizing these roles, the church can effectively coordinate its efforts and steward its people and resources toward God’s mission.

Ministry Perspective Model

Vision – What does God want our church to be?

The Senior Pastor gathers the pastoral staff and deacon leadership to discern the church’s vision through prayerful listening and dialogue with leaders, ministry teams, and congregational members.

At SCBC, our vision is to be an intergenerational, missional, disciple-making church. A healthy vision is scripturally-grounded, broadly affirmed, and describes the desired future of the church. It provides direction rather than specific actions.

Mission – What must each congregation do to fulfill the vision?

The Senior Pastor collaborates with each congregation to discern how it can uniquely contribute to the church’s overall vision. Through this process, we seek unity in purpose, identify opportunities for collaboration, and pursue contextualization for each ministry context.

Strategy – What long-term direction will guide each congregation?

Each congregation, with the guidance and support of the Senior Pastor, develops a five-year strategic roadmap that aligns with the church’s mission and vision.

Plan — How will the strategy be implemented?
Congregational leaders partner with their ministry teams to develop actionable ministry plans that advance the strategic focus.

Execution – Implementing the plans

Ministry teams lead and carry out the plans and make necessary adjustments as challenges arise. Operational insights may refine ministry plans or strategies, but the church’s core vision and mission remain steadfast.

Priorities of Renewal

In addition to the Ministry Perspective Model, | emphasize the Priorities of Renewal: personal, relational, missional, structural, and cultural renewal. Missional renewal must be grounded in personal renewal — our restored relationship with God—and relational renewal—our renewed relationships with one another. I often remind our team that regardless of how clear the mission, how robust the strategy, or how well-developed the ministry plans may be, the church is the body of Christ, called to build up people rather than merely accomplish tasks.

For this reason, relational renewal is essential for any church seeking to respond faithfully to God’s vision. A common mistake many churches make is implementing structural change too quickly. Structural changes without a strong foundation of healthy relationships with God and with one another often cause harm rather than advancing the vision. Cultural renewal, therefore, cannot be manufactured; it emerges naturally
through the work of the Holy Spirit as personal, relational, missional, and structural renewal take place.

May my leadership experience serve your church as it seeks to faithfully respond to God’s vision.