“Come as you are” embodies the spirit of the Detroit Chinese Bible Church. This welcoming invitation reflects the church’s inclusive atmosphere. Let’s delve into the story of this community.
The Detroit Chinese Bible Church began with seventeen people in 1954. Dr. William Coltman of Highland Park Baptist Church had a vision. He wanted to minister to Detroit’s Chinese community. A Chinese Christian lay worker helped him. They started small prayer groups. These groups grew and became the original Chinese Bible Church.
The church first met in an apartment. Just two weeks later, fifty people attended. Services moved to the Detroit Bible Institute. Later, the church shared space with the Christian and Missionary Alliance near Wayne State University. When the University bought the building, the church relocated again. This time it was to the Woodward Avenue Presbyterian Church.
Initially, services were in English and Cantonese. Mandarin speakers could listen through earphones after the move to Woodward Avenue Presbyterian Church. The Detroit Chinese Bible Church moved twice more in Detroit. In 1967 and 1973, they sought new locations. Finally, they settled in Farmington Hills, Michigan. This is a middle and upper-middle-class suburb in Oakland County.
The Farmington Hills location offers much more than just a sanctuary. It includes a kitchen for shared meals. A gymnasium provides space for recreation. A nursery cares for the youngest members. Sunday school rooms facilitate learning. A library offers resources for study.
Early members often worked in restaurants and laundries. Today, professionals and technical experts characterize the congregation. The Detroit Chinese Bible Church has adapted to its evolving community.
The church offers two Sunday services. English speakers worship from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. They attend Sunday school from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Chinese speakers have Sunday school from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. Their worship service is from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Cantonese speakers can use earphones to listen to the service, as Mandarin is more prevalent now.
Fellowship is a vital part of the church. The Detroit Chinese Bible Church provides groups for all ages. Young teens meet on Sunday afternoons. High school students have the Discipleship Fellowship. College students and young professionals attend the Ambassadors Fellowship. It meets twice a month. The Zion Fellowship welcomes high schoolers, young professionals, and young married couples. The Ruth Fellowship is for Cantonese and Mandarin-speaking women. Grace Fellowship serves Cantonese speakers. Senior citizens enjoy the Evergreen Fellowship. A Mandarin Bible study group meets twice a month. Prayer meetings occur every Sunday and Wednesday.
Community involvement is important. The Detroit Chinese Bible Church connects with other Chinese groups. They participate in an area-wide evangelistic crusade. The church also sponsors English classes for Chinese residents.
The Detroit Chinese Bible Church serves over four hundred people. Many live in Farmington Hills. Members come from a wide area. They travel from Ann Arbor and Bellville to Utica and Rochester. Its central location makes it accessible.
In February 1954, the first gathering had just 17 people. Now, the Detroit Chinese Bible Church is a thriving center. It meets the spiritual needs of the Chinese community in metropolitan Detroit. The church glorifies God. It preaches and teaches His Word. Believers are equipped for service. The Gospel is spread through worship, fellowship, and outreach.