An Old Wooden Church with a Steeple

I remember an old wooden church building with a steeple back in the 90s. I used to preach there with a congregation totalling 9 (2 of them soundly sleeping), and someone translating my sermon in Chinese. The Davao Chinese Baptist Church, one of the first Southern Baptist church in the Philippines, was a church our own church was helping. Then in the late 90s their pastor decided to open an English service in the late afternoon. He asked the help of Pastor Arnel Tan to be the preacher.

The English congregation soon grew to overflowing capacity to the point that seats and canopies had to be set up outside. That one service soon grew to multiple services. It was amazing to see vibrant life bloom once again to an aging, dying church. Steady, consistent, unflashy, the church continued to grow.

It defies all church growth pronouncements. No trendy formulas, or trappings, no latest discipleship track to follow, the church grew nevertheless. The worship service remained very laid back with just a keyboard and simple, heart-felt singing. No flashy bands, no fancy lights, nor state of the art gadgetry. Just beautiful, uplifting and genuine worship from a congregation who truly love the Lord. The new interior is patterned after the old sanctuary, and the design is almost identical to it. The original pews were also retained.

They retained their old timey, un-church-growth name: Davao Chinese Baptist Church. The name alone contains at least two or three “barriers” to draw in people if you listen to church growth experts. Yet the growth remains unhampered, unparalleled, and phenomenal. Goes to show how much “experts” know how the Spirit works.

The preaching is brilliant but very down to earth and relatable. One thing quite distinct, and this is affirmed by Pastor Arnel Tan, the senior pastor, was the steadfast insistence on prayers. They have almost daily prayer meetings. They devoted themselves in acts of service. They feast on God’s Word. And they do so quietly, consistently, and humbly.

The 8-storey building was put up after much prayer, consultation and the affirmation that every inch added was needed and according to the ministries of the church.

I am glad the Spirit is alive and well, and working in the lives of people and through Davao Chinese Baptist Church.