More than 1,000 church members, leaders, and missionaries gathered on October 10, 2026, at Laiyi Senior High School in Pingtung County, Taiwan, to celebrate 70 years of the Church of the Nazarene’s ministry in Taiwan. Representatives from Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, and other parts of the East Asia Field joined the celebration, honoring seven decades of God’s faithfulness while looking ahead to a new season of mission and ministry.
While the anniversary recognized the contributions of generations of pastors, missionaries, and church members who helped establish and strengthen the church, the celebration carried a clear message: the mission continues, and the next generation must be prepared to carry it forward.
Today, the Church of the Nazarene in Taiwan has 40 congregations across the island. During the celebration, the Church honored longtime pastors and members for their faithful service. Among them was Rev. Chao-Chuan Liu, 91, who has served the denomination for more than 60 years. Liu challenged those gathered to see the anniversary not merely as a celebration of past achievements but as an opportunity for a new generation to embrace its responsibility to advance the church’s mission.
Young people played a significant role in the celebration through worship, music, and dance presentations. They also introduced the anniversary theme song, Following in the Footsteps of the Pioneers, reflecting their commitment to build upon the spiritual legacy of those who came before them.
One of the most meaningful moments of the gathering came when more than 30 teenagers and young adults responded to God’s call to ministry. Their response was a powerful reminder that while the church celebrates its history, God continues to raise up new leaders for the future.
This commitment to developing the next generation comes at a crucial time for the Taiwan District. As experienced pastors approach retirement, identifying, mentoring, and equipping emerging leaders has become increasingly important to ensure the church’s continued growth and sustainability.
Rev. Hsin-Chung Huang, District Superintendent of the Church of the Nazarene in Taiwan, outlined three priorities that will guide the district in its next season of ministry: church planting, compassionate ministry, and leadership development.
Church planting remains a key priority, particularly in communities where the Church of the Nazarene has not yet established a presence. The district hopes to expand its ministry along Taiwan’s eastern coast, especially in Hualien and Taitung, through evangelism and establishing new congregations.
Compassionate ministry is another important part of the district’s vision. Recognizing that the church is called to demonstrate Christ’s love through both words and actions, the district is exploring plans for a medical missions building in southern Taiwan. The district is also proposing an educational building in northern Taiwan to strengthen the facilities and resources of Taiwan Nazarene Theological College.
Alongside these initiatives, leadership development will remain central to preparing pastors and ministry leaders who will serve the church in the years ahead.
Together, these priorities reflect a vision of a church that continues to reach unreached communities, respond to human needs with Christlike compassion, and invest intentionally in the next generation.
As the Church of the Nazarene in Taiwan celebrates 70 years of God’s faithfulness, it does so with gratitude for those who have gone before and renewed hope for what lies ahead. The pioneers laid a strong foundation through their faith, sacrifice, and commitment to God’s mission. Now, a new generation is being called to build upon that foundation.
The celebration was not simply about remembering 70 years of ministry. It was a renewed commitment to the mission that God has entrusted to His church.
With the support and partnership of the wider East Asia Field, the Church of the Nazarene in Taiwan looks ahead with faith, ready to raise up new leaders, establish new churches, and bring the hope of Christ to communities yet to be reached.
The pioneers have faithfully walked before us. Now, the next generation is stepping forward to continue the journey.
