On April 20, 2025, Shandong CC&TSPM held an ordination ceremony at Linyi CC&TSPM’s affiliated Central Church. Twenty-four fellow workers from the churches in Linyi and Rizhao were ordained as pastors and elders.

The worship service was officiated by Rev. Zhang Jianshun, vice director of Shandong TSPM and director of Linyi TSPM. Scripture readings were delivered by Rev. Wang Xicheng, associate secretary general and associate general secretary of Shandong CC&TSPM, Ms. Dong Xiaoyue, librarian of Shandong Theological Seminary, and Ms. Liu Shasha, the seminary’s teacher. Rev. Li Hongyu, advisor to Shandong CC&TSPM and vice president of the seminary, shared a sermon titled “The Mystery of Jesus Christ’s Resurrection” with the audience.

Rev. Wang Mengkun, vice president of Shandong CC, presided over the ordination ceremony. Rev. Xia Lingjun, vice president of Shandong CC and the seminary’s chaplain, made a speech. Rev. Liu Zongchang, president of Linyi CC, presented the ordinands to the congregation.

Those to be ordained as pastors were Song Shi’en, Song Yang, Song Shiyong, Liu Fei, Wang Jiguo, Zhou Shengmei (female), Liu Pingping (female), Duan Chuanchun (female), Liu Yang, Wang Juan (female), and Shi Fushan. Ordinands for the role of elder included Zhang Defu, Li Binggang, Li Dianxia (female), Wang Kaihe, Wang Mingfeng, Cao Shanying (female), Liang Fuyan (female), Zou Shiguang, Liu Maofu, Zhu Wenna (female), Yin Yan’an, Yue Renbing, and Liang Yongxia (female).

Rev. Dong Meiqin, chairperson of Shandong TSPM and president of the seminary, offered words of congratulations and exhortation to the newly-ordained. She encouraged them to remain steady in the principles of loving both the country and the church, while glorifying God and benefiting the people. She urged them to follow the example of Christ in shepherding the flock, strive to become good stewards who are pleasing to God, and contribute positively in continuing the healthy development of the churches in the province.

The seminary’s fourth-year undergraduate students and third-year college students performed the hymn titled “Learn to Become a Good Shepherd”. Over 600 pastoral staff from the counties and districts of Linyin and Rizhao, along with the members of Central Church attended the event. The ceremony conclude with a benediction offered by the newly-ordained Rev. Song Shi’en.

Translator & editor: Bei Feng