“Equip Disciples of Jesus Christ to Make More Disciples.” This mission statement encapsulates the heart of Seattle Chinese Church Assembly. It started with humble beginnings.
Seattle Chinese Church Assembly’s story began with a small Bible study group in 1966. Jimmie and Barbara Toy opened their Beacon Hill home for these gatherings. Reverend Duncan Dang’s leadership fueled rapid growth. They soon established their own church called the “Chinese Christian Fellowship”.
In 1968, Pastor Dang initiated Sunday worship services. These took place at Columbia Congregational Church in Rainier Valley. He guided the church to affiliate with the Christian & Missionary Alliance in 1974. This was to enhance their evangelical teachings.
The church relocated to Beacon Hill Presbyterian Church in 1973. Finally, in 1988, they acquired their current site. By God’s grace, Seattle Chinese Church Assembly continued to expand. In 2003-2004, they planted a sister church and enlarged their own building.
Missions have always been central to Seattle Chinese Church Assembly. Each year, they host a Missions Conference. Missionaries share their experiences. They emphasize the importance of spreading God’s word globally. The church has sent numerous members worldwide. They share the Gospel and build relationships with those unfamiliar with Christ.
Originally, the congregation consisted of Taishanese and Cantonese speakers from Beacon Hill and Chinatown. The church’s location is in the heart of Beacon Hill. This neighborhood has a rich cultural history. It once housed Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, and African-American communities. Later, Vietnamese, East African, and Hispanic/Latino immigrants and refugees arrived.
Seattle Chinese Church Assembly evolved from a local church to a commuter church. Economic mobility led families to move to more affluent areas. These included Bellevue, Mercer Island, Newcastle, and Redmond. Gentrification also forced local congregants to move further from Seattle.
Despite these changes, Seattle Chinese Church Assembly remains one of the largest Cantonese-speaking churches in the Seattle area. The pastors and leaders have a strong desire to share Jesus. They also aim to serve their neighbors. They support the local elementary school with uniform drives and tutoring programs.
Today, Seattle Chinese Church Assembly has three ministries. These are Cantonese, English, and Mandarin. They value collaboration across these ministries. The Children and Youth Ministries are in English. However, they receive support from all language groups.
Seattle Chinese Church Assembly honors its heritage. It strives to be relevant to its church family and the surrounding community. The church continues to seek God’s guidance. It eagerly anticipates where He will lead them next. This applies both locally and globally.