神恩典中的七個階段
波特蘭華人福音教會的歷史，是神在不同階段中不斷建立、保守和擴展祂教會的見證。從 1969 年幾個華人家庭開始的國語查經班，到今天由中文和英文弟兄姊妹共同組成的波特蘭華人福音教會，牧者一代一代更替，聚會地點不斷改變，事工形式也隨著時代發展，但教會的主從來沒有改變。正如保羅所說：「我栽種了，亞波羅澆灌了，惟有神叫他生長。」（林前 3:6）回顧教會五十多年的歷史，我們感謝神使用不同的牧者和弟兄姊妹，在不同階段完成不同的工作；但真正使教會成長、保守教會經過困難，並使福音一代一代傳揚的，始終是神自己。
第一階段：神召聚祂的百姓，建立教會
李龍之牧師（1973–1977）
波特蘭華人福音教會的故事開始於 1969 年冬天。當時幾個講國語的華人家庭藉著華人浸信會開始了國語查經班。雖然沒有自己的教堂，也沒有完整的組織，卻有一小群願意一起學習神話語、彼此團契的基督徒。神就從這個微小的開始逐漸召聚祂的百姓。1973 年，在弟兄姊妹同心禱告之中，也在李龍之牧師的鼓勵和帶領下，「國語教會」正式成立，並在九月最後一個主日舉行第一次主日崇拜。短短一年之內，聚會人數從十幾位增加到五十多位。
到了 1977 年，神又為教會預備了 Leahy Road 的第一間會堂。對於當時規模不大的華人教會而言，購堂並不是一件容易的事，但弟兄姊妹憑著信心甘心奉獻，很快付清了購堂所需的費用。這個階段最重要的，不只是教會有了自己的建築，而是神在波特蘭召聚了一群屬於祂的百姓，使一個小小的查經班成長為一間正式敬拜、傳講神話語的地方教會。這一階段，我們看見神從無到有，召聚百姓，建立祂的教會。
第二階段：神建立根基，並興起工人
田養吾牧師（1980–1983）
1980 年，田養吾牧師夫婦來到教會服事。那幾年，越來越多剛畢業和剛成家的年輕弟兄姊妹加入，教會人數和事工不斷成長，各項服事也逐漸走上軌道。隨著教會的發展，原來的會堂開始不敷使用，弟兄姊妹開始為新的會堂禱告並認獻。教會也逐漸從初創時期的聚集，進入更有系統的牧養、教導和裝備階段。
田牧師離開以前，也訓練教會中的弟兄起來學習講道。這成為教會歷史中很有意義的一步，因為神不只是供應牧者服事祂的百姓，也開始在教會內部興起能夠承擔神話語事工的工人。健康的教會不只是維持現有的事工，更需要不斷裝備下一代忠心服事主。這一階段，我們看見神建立教會的根基，並開始在祂的百姓中興起工人。
第三階段：神擴張教會，使福音向外延伸
金培基牧師（1984–1991）
1984 年，金培基牧師開始牧養教會，並繼續推動弟兄姊妹為新堂禱告和奉獻。1985 年，神帶領教會購得 Beaverton Butner Road 的新堂，主堂可以容納約兩百人，並有十間主日學教室。弟兄姊妹再次甘心奉獻，很快付清購堂所需的款項。新的空間也使成人主日學、青少年主日學與團契、婦女事工、全教會讀經計畫和查經小組得到進一步發展。
更特別的是，原屬於教會的溫哥華查經小組不斷成長，並於 1991 年正式成立「溫哥華華人福音教會」。一個查經小組最終成長為另一間獨立的地方教會，顯明神建立一間教會，並不是只為了這間教會自身的發展，而是要藉著它繼續擴展福音、建立更多基督的教會。這一階段，我們看見神擴張祂的教會、裝備祂的百姓，也使福音從波特蘭延伸到另一座城市。
第四階段：神帶領教會跨語言、跨世代成長，並在危機中保守
林來興牧師（1992–2003），Ou 牧師
1992 年，林來興牧師開始牧養教會。隨著華人家庭逐漸在美國扎根，第二代英文事工的重要性日益增加。英文崇拜於 1992 年開始，教會也發展廣東話事工。1993 年，教會正式正名為「波特蘭華人福音教會」，逐漸從以國語為主的移民教會，成長為同時牧養不同語言和世代的華人教會。其後，神也使用歐牧師和師母推動英文事工，使教會更清楚看見福音必須忠心傳給下一代。
2002 年，教會在林牧師帶領下購入今天位於 Hillsboro 的教堂。然而搬入新堂不久，教會便面對嚴峻的使用許可問題，林牧師也因身體原因離開牧職。就在這個關鍵時期，神使用李宏裕牧師（Calvin Lee）擔任代理牧師，帶領籌款並推動中文堂敬拜堂的建造；其後又使用溫以諾牧師（Enoch Wan）在過渡時期忠心傳講神的話、牧養教會。這一階段，我們看見神帶領教會跨越語言和世代，也在重大危機和牧者空缺中親自保守祂的教會。
第五階段：神藉著祂的話語堅固中文和英文的弟兄姊妹
黃榮光牧師（2006–2010）, John Lee 牧師（2007-2010）
2006 年，黃榮光牧師開始牧養中文堂。經歷搬堂、建築問題和牧者交替之後，教會需要重新穩定下來，在神的話語中被牧養和堅固。黃牧師藉著主日講台和主日學教導神的話，也開放自己的家庭建立週四查經小組，使弟兄姊妹不只在主日領受真理，也在家庭和小組中建立更真實的團契關係。
與此同時，英文事工也繼續成長。2007 年，李約翰牧師（Pastor John Lee）成為英文堂牧師。李牧師夫婦牧養英文堂弟兄姊妹，也注重家庭和彼此相愛的生活。中文堂和英文堂在同一間教會中一同服事主，並經常舉行聯合崇拜，使兩個語言群體雖然有不同的牧養需要，仍然學習在基督裡成為一個身體。這一階段，我們看見神在經歷動盪以後，藉著祂的話語、團契以及中文英文兩個群體彼此同心，重新堅固祂的教會。
第六階段：神藉著禱告、小組和聖經裝備祂的百姓
林在名牧師（2012–2022）, Nathan Chang 牧師 (2012-2018), Emilian Mihet 牧師 (2019-2022)
2012 年，林在名牧師開始牧養中文堂。這時期，教會重視同工造就、團體發展、禱告會。小組不斷發展，使弟兄姊妹在主日敬拜以外，也能在日常生活中彼此關懷、代禱和建立。
同一年，張南山牧師（Pastor Nathan Chang）開始牧養英文堂，直到 2018 年離開波特蘭。 2019 年，Emilian Mihet 牧師開始牧養英文堂，並與林牧師一同推動全教會讀經計劃，鼓勵中文和英文弟兄姊妹一同閱讀整本聖經。這階段，我們看見神藉著祂的話語裝備祂的百姓，使中文和英文弟兄姊妹一同在基督裡成長。
2022 年，中文堂和英文堂再次進入牧者空缺的過渡時期。神使用溫以諾牧師（Enoch Wan）擔任代理牧師，協助主日講道、尋牧和教會章程修訂，幫助教會預備進入新的牧養階段。
第七階段：神帶領教會建立合乎聖經的牧養與門訓方向
楊全榮牧師（2023–現在）, Stephen Stallard 牧師 (2023-2025)
2023 年 7 月，楊全榮牧師開始牧養中文堂。同一年，教會實行新的長老制度，並開始建立由多位長老共同牧養和帶領教會的治理架構。2024 年，教會正式建立長老團隊，使教會的牧養與治理更加清楚地建立在合乎聖經的長老制度之上。英文堂方面，Stephen Stallard 牧師於 2023 年成為英文堂牧師，直到 2025 年。
在這個新的階段中，教會也逐步重新整理並確立自己的信仰與事工方向。教會更加重視釋經講道，以神的話語作為教會信仰、敬拜、和生活的根基；在原有信仰告白之外，也更清楚整理教會的信仰特點，使弟兄姊妹明白教會所教導和實踐的重要聖經立場。教會異象也被進一步整理，明確表達教會要成為一間以基督為中心、以神的話語為根基、以建立門徒為使命，並活在與三一神相交中的教會。會員盟約也隨之更新，使會員的委身與教會異象彼此對應，幫助全教會一同朝著相同的屬靈方向前進。
教會也更加重視有意識的門徒裝備。主日學被加強為從聖經、神學、基督徒生活、護教、婚姻家庭、事奉等不同方面裝備門徒的重要事工；主日敬拜、主日學和生命小組彼此配搭，使信徒不只在知識上認識真理，也在生命和服事中學習順服基督。同時，教會積極推動門訓文化和傳福音文化，盼望成熟的信徒主動帶領他人，使福音一代一代傳承，也使弟兄姊妹在日常生活中傳揚福音，並參與本地和普世的福音使命。
這個階段仍然正在進行。教會盼望在神過去五十多年恩典工作的基礎上，繼續忠於聖經、重視釋經講道、建立門徒、裝備聖徒、培育領袖並傳揚福音。這一階段，我們盼望看見神藉著祂的話語和合乎聖經的牧養，使生命被改變、門徒被建立、福音被廣傳、教會被建造，使神得著榮耀。
七個階段，同一位建立教會的神
回顧這七個階段，我們看見神在不同時期使用不同的牧者完成不同的工作：祂召聚百姓、建立根基、興起工人、擴張福音、帶領教會跨越語言和世代，也在危機與轉折中保守祂的教會。
牧者會更替，世代會改變，事工形式也會調整，但教會真正的主始終是基督。我們感謝神使用歷任牧師，也感謝許多沒有被記錄名字的弟兄姊妹忠心禱告、奉獻、服事和傳福音。有人栽種，有人澆灌，惟有神叫他生長。
願我們繼續忠於神的話，恆切禱告，建立門徒，傳揚福音，把真道一代一代傳承下去。因為這間教會屬於基督。願神繼續在我們中間工作，使福音被廣傳，生命被改變，教會被建造，使神得著一切的榮耀。
波特蘭華人福音教會的歷史，是神在不同階段中不斷建立、保守和擴展祂教會的見證。從 1969 年幾個華人家庭開始的國語查經班，到今天由中文和英文弟兄姊妹共同組成的波特蘭華人福音教會，牧者一代一代更替，聚會地點不斷改變，事工形式也隨著時代發展，但教會的主從來沒有改變。正如保羅所說：「我栽種了，亞波羅澆灌了，惟有神叫他生長。」（林前 3:6）回顧教會五十多年的歷史，我們感謝神使用不同的牧者和弟兄姊妹，在不同階段完成不同的工作；但真正使教會成長、保守教會經過困難，並使福音一代一代傳揚的，始終是神自己。
第一階段：神召聚祂的百姓，建立教會
李龍之牧師（1973–1977）
波特蘭華人福音教會的故事開始於 1969 年冬天。當時幾個講國語的華人家庭藉著華人浸信會開始了國語查經班。雖然沒有自己的教堂，也沒有完整的組織，卻有一小群願意一起學習神話語、彼此團契的基督徒。神就從這個微小的開始逐漸召聚祂的百姓。1973 年，在弟兄姊妹同心禱告之中，也在李龍之牧師的鼓勵和帶領下，「國語教會」正式成立，並在九月最後一個主日舉行第一次主日崇拜。短短一年之內，聚會人數從十幾位增加到五十多位。
到了 1977 年，神又為教會預備了 Leahy Road 的第一間會堂。對於當時規模不大的華人教會而言，購堂並不是一件容易的事，但弟兄姊妹憑著信心甘心奉獻，很快付清了購堂所需的費用。這個階段最重要的，不只是教會有了自己的建築，而是神在波特蘭召聚了一群屬於祂的百姓，使一個小小的查經班成長為一間正式敬拜、傳講神話語的地方教會。這一階段，我們看見神從無到有，召聚百姓，建立祂的教會。
第二階段：神建立根基，並興起工人
田養吾牧師（1980–1983）
1980 年，田養吾牧師夫婦來到教會服事。那幾年，越來越多剛畢業和剛成家的年輕弟兄姊妹加入，教會人數和事工不斷成長，各項服事也逐漸走上軌道。隨著教會的發展，原來的會堂開始不敷使用，弟兄姊妹開始為新的會堂禱告並認獻。教會也逐漸從初創時期的聚集，進入更有系統的牧養、教導和裝備階段。
田牧師離開以前，也訓練教會中的弟兄起來學習講道。這成為教會歷史中很有意義的一步，因為神不只是供應牧者服事祂的百姓，也開始在教會內部興起能夠承擔神話語事工的工人。健康的教會不只是維持現有的事工，更需要不斷裝備下一代忠心服事主。這一階段，我們看見神建立教會的根基，並開始在祂的百姓中興起工人。
第三階段：神擴張教會，使福音向外延伸
金培基牧師（1984–1991）
1984 年，金培基牧師開始牧養教會，並繼續推動弟兄姊妹為新堂禱告和奉獻。1985 年，神帶領教會購得 Beaverton Butner Road 的新堂，主堂可以容納約兩百人，並有十間主日學教室。弟兄姊妹再次甘心奉獻，很快付清購堂所需的款項。新的空間也使成人主日學、青少年主日學與團契、婦女事工、全教會讀經計畫和查經小組得到進一步發展。
更特別的是，原屬於教會的溫哥華查經小組不斷成長，並於 1991 年正式成立「溫哥華華人福音教會」。一個查經小組最終成長為另一間獨立的地方教會，顯明神建立一間教會，並不是只為了這間教會自身的發展，而是要藉著它繼續擴展福音、建立更多基督的教會。這一階段，我們看見神擴張祂的教會、裝備祂的百姓，也使福音從波特蘭延伸到另一座城市。
第四階段：神帶領教會跨語言、跨世代成長，並在危機中保守
林來興牧師（1992–2003），Ou 牧師
1992 年，林來興牧師開始牧養教會。隨著華人家庭逐漸在美國扎根，第二代英文事工的重要性日益增加。英文崇拜於 1992 年開始，教會也發展廣東話事工。1993 年，教會正式正名為「波特蘭華人福音教會」，逐漸從以國語為主的移民教會，成長為同時牧養不同語言和世代的華人教會。其後，神也使用歐牧師和師母推動英文事工，使教會更清楚看見福音必須忠心傳給下一代。
2002 年，教會在林牧師帶領下購入今天位於 Hillsboro 的教堂。然而搬入新堂不久，教會便面對嚴峻的使用許可問題，林牧師也因身體原因離開牧職。就在這個關鍵時期，神使用李宏裕牧師（Calvin Lee）擔任代理牧師，帶領籌款並推動中文堂敬拜堂的建造；其後又使用溫以諾牧師（Enoch Wan）在過渡時期忠心傳講神的話、牧養教會。這一階段，我們看見神帶領教會跨越語言和世代，也在重大危機和牧者空缺中親自保守祂的教會。
第五階段：神藉著祂的話語堅固中文和英文的弟兄姊妹
黃榮光牧師（2006–2010）, John Lee 牧師（2007-2010）
2006 年，黃榮光牧師開始牧養中文堂。經歷搬堂、建築問題和牧者交替之後，教會需要重新穩定下來，在神的話語中被牧養和堅固。黃牧師藉著主日講台和主日學教導神的話，也開放自己的家庭建立週四查經小組，使弟兄姊妹不只在主日領受真理，也在家庭和小組中建立更真實的團契關係。
與此同時，英文事工也繼續成長。2007 年，李約翰牧師（Pastor John Lee）成為英文堂牧師。李牧師夫婦牧養英文堂弟兄姊妹，也注重家庭和彼此相愛的生活。中文堂和英文堂在同一間教會中一同服事主，並經常舉行聯合崇拜，使兩個語言群體雖然有不同的牧養需要，仍然學習在基督裡成為一個身體。這一階段，我們看見神在經歷動盪以後，藉著祂的話語、團契以及中文英文兩個群體彼此同心，重新堅固祂的教會。
第六階段：神藉著禱告、小組和聖經裝備祂的百姓
林在名牧師（2012–2022）, Nathan Chang 牧師 (2012-2018), Emilian Mihet 牧師 (2019-2022)
2012 年，林在名牧師開始牧養中文堂。這時期，教會重視同工造就、團體發展、禱告會。小組不斷發展，使弟兄姊妹在主日敬拜以外，也能在日常生活中彼此關懷、代禱和建立。
同一年，張南山牧師（Pastor Nathan Chang）開始牧養英文堂，直到 2018 年離開波特蘭。 2019 年，Emilian Mihet 牧師開始牧養英文堂，並與林牧師一同推動全教會讀經計劃，鼓勵中文和英文弟兄姊妹一同閱讀整本聖經。這階段，我們看見神藉著祂的話語裝備祂的百姓，使中文和英文弟兄姊妹一同在基督裡成長。
2022 年，中文堂和英文堂再次進入牧者空缺的過渡時期。神使用溫以諾牧師（Enoch Wan）擔任代理牧師，協助主日講道、尋牧和教會章程修訂，幫助教會預備進入新的牧養階段。
第七階段：神帶領教會建立合乎聖經的牧養與門訓方向
楊全榮牧師（2023–現在）, Stephen Stallard 牧師 (2023-2025)
2023 年 7 月，楊全榮牧師開始牧養中文堂。同一年，教會實行新的長老制度，並開始建立由多位長老共同牧養和帶領教會的治理架構。2024 年，教會正式建立長老團隊，使教會的牧養與治理更加清楚地建立在合乎聖經的長老制度之上。英文堂方面，Stephen Stallard 牧師於 2023 年成為英文堂牧師，直到 2025 年。
在這個新的階段中，教會也逐步重新整理並確立自己的信仰與事工方向。教會更加重視釋經講道，以神的話語作為教會信仰、敬拜、和生活的根基；在原有信仰告白之外，也更清楚整理教會的信仰特點，使弟兄姊妹明白教會所教導和實踐的重要聖經立場。教會異象也被進一步整理，明確表達教會要成為一間以基督為中心、以神的話語為根基、以建立門徒為使命，並活在與三一神相交中的教會。會員盟約也隨之更新，使會員的委身與教會異象彼此對應，幫助全教會一同朝著相同的屬靈方向前進。
教會也更加重視有意識的門徒裝備。主日學被加強為從聖經、神學、基督徒生活、護教、婚姻家庭、事奉等不同方面裝備門徒的重要事工；主日敬拜、主日學和生命小組彼此配搭，使信徒不只在知識上認識真理，也在生命和服事中學習順服基督。同時，教會積極推動門訓文化和傳福音文化，盼望成熟的信徒主動帶領他人，使福音一代一代傳承，也使弟兄姊妹在日常生活中傳揚福音，並參與本地和普世的福音使命。
這個階段仍然正在進行。教會盼望在神過去五十多年恩典工作的基礎上，繼續忠於聖經、重視釋經講道、建立門徒、裝備聖徒、培育領袖並傳揚福音。這一階段，我們盼望看見神藉著祂的話語和合乎聖經的牧養，使生命被改變、門徒被建立、福音被廣傳、教會被建造，使神得著榮耀。
七個階段，同一位建立教會的神
回顧這七個階段，我們看見神在不同時期使用不同的牧者完成不同的工作：祂召聚百姓、建立根基、興起工人、擴張福音、帶領教會跨越語言和世代，也在危機與轉折中保守祂的教會。
牧者會更替，世代會改變，事工形式也會調整，但教會真正的主始終是基督。我們感謝神使用歷任牧師，也感謝許多沒有被記錄名字的弟兄姊妹忠心禱告、奉獻、服事和傳福音。有人栽種，有人澆灌，惟有神叫他生長。
願我們繼續忠於神的話，恆切禱告，建立門徒，傳揚福音，把真道一代一代傳承下去。因為這間教會屬於基督。願神繼續在我們中間工作，使福音被廣傳，生命被改變，教會被建造，使神得著一切的榮耀。
Seven Seasons of God’s Grace
The history of Chinese Evangelical Church of Portland is a testimony to God’s faithfulness in establishing, preserving, and expanding His church through different seasons. From a Mandarin Bible study begun by several Chinese families in 1969 to the Chinese- and English-speaking church that CEC is today, pastors have changed, meeting places have changed, and ministries have developed with each generation. Yet the Head of the church has never changed.
As the apostle Paul wrote, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth” (1 Corinthians 3:6). As we look back over more than five decades, we thank God for the pastors and members He has used in each season. Yet it is God Himself who has caused the church to grow, preserved it through times of difficulty, and enabled the gospel to be passed faithfully from one generation to the next.
Season One: God Gathers His People and Establishes the Church
Pastor Brian Lee (1973–1977)
The story of CEC began in the winter of 1969, when several Mandarin-speaking Chinese families began a Mandarin Bible study through a local Chinese Baptist church. They had no church building or established ministry structure, but they were a small group of believers committed to studying God’s Word and sharing Christian fellowship. From this small beginning, God began to gather His people. In 1973, through the united prayers of the believers and the encouragement and leadership of Pastor Brian Lee, the “Mandarin Church” was formally established. Its first Sunday worship service was held on the final Sunday of September, and within a year attendance grew from just over a dozen people to more than fifty.
In 1977, God provided the church with its first building on Leahy Road. Purchasing a building was a significant step for a small immigrant congregation, but the brothers and sisters gave generously and in faith, and the cost was soon paid in full. More important than acquiring a building, however, was what God was doing spiritually: He was gathering a people for Himself in Portland and transforming a small Bible study into an established local church devoted to worship and the ministry of His Word. In this season, we see God gathering His people and establishing His church from a very small beginning.
Season Two: God Establishes a Foundation and Raises Up Workers
Pastor John Tien (1980–1983)
In 1980, Pastor John Tien and his wife came to serve the church. During these years, many young adults who had recently graduated or begun families joined the congregation. Attendance increased, ministries became more established, and the church moved into a more structured season of shepherding, teaching, and equipping. As the congregation grew, the Leahy Road building became increasingly inadequate, and the church began praying and giving toward a larger facility.
Before leaving, Pastor Tien also trained men in the congregation to preach. This was an important step in the church’s development, because God was not only providing pastors to serve His people; He was also beginning to raise up workers from within the congregation. In this season, we see God strengthening the church’s foundation and raising up His people for ministry.
Season Three: God Expands the Church and Extends the Gospel
Pastor Peter Chin (1984–1991)
Pastor Peter Chin began serving the church in 1984 and continued leading the congregation in prayer and giving toward a larger church home. In 1985, God provided a new building on Butner Road in Beaverton. The sanctuary could seat approximately two hundred people and the building included ten Sunday School classrooms. Once again, the congregation gave generously, and the cost of the property was soon paid in full. The additional space also allowed adult Sunday School, youth ministry, women’s ministry, churchwide Bible reading, and Bible study groups to develop further.
One particularly significant fruit of this season was the growth of the Vancouver Bible study group. In 1991, it was formally established as Chinese Evangelical Church of Vancouver. What began as one of CEC’s Bible study groups had become an independent local church, reminding us that God builds a church not merely for its own growth, but so that the gospel may continue to spread and other churches may be established. In this season, we see God enlarging the church, equipping His people, and extending the gospel beyond Portland.
Season Four: God Leads the Church Across Languages and Generations and Preserves It Through Crisis
Pastor Peter Lim (1992–2003), Pastor Ou
Pastor Peter Lim began serving the church in 1992. As Chinese families became more established in the United States, ministry to the English-speaking second generation became increasingly important. English worship services began in 1992, and the church also developed Cantonese ministry. In 1993, the church formally adopted the Chinese name “Chinese Evangelical Church of Portland,” corresponding to its existing English name. God also used Pastor Ou and his wife to strengthen the English ministry, helping the church recognize the importance of passing the gospel faithfully to the next generation.
In 2002, the church purchased its present property in Hillsboro. Soon afterward, however, the congregation faced serious occupancy-permit challenges, and Pastor Lim stepped down because of health concerns. During this critical period, God used Pastor Calvin Lee as interim pastor to lead fundraising and help move forward the construction of the Chinese worship sanctuary. He was followed by Pastor Enoch Wan, who faithfully preached and shepherded the congregation during the pastoral transition. In this season, we see God leading the church across languages and generations and faithfully preserving it through crisis and pastoral vacancy.
Season Five: God Strengthens Chinese- and English-Speaking Believers Through His Word
Pastor Rong Guang Huang (2006–2010), Pastor John Lee (2007-2010)
Pastor Rong Guang Huang began serving the Chinese congregation in 2006. After a season of relocation, building challenges, and pastoral transitions, the church needed renewed stability and strengthening through the Word of God. Pastor Huang shepherded the congregation through Sunday preaching and Sunday School and also opened his home for a Thursday Bible study, helping believers grow through both biblical teaching and fellowship.
English ministry also continued to grow. In 2007, Pastor John Lee became pastor of the English congregation. Pastor Lee and his wife shepherded English-speaking believers with an emphasis on family life, mutual love, and fellowship. The Chinese and English congregations served together and regularly participated in joint worship. In this season, we see God strengthening His church through His Word, fellowship, and growing unity between the Chinese- and English-speaking congregations.
Season Six: God Equips His People Through Prayer, Life Groups, and Scripture
Pastor Caleb Lin (2012–2022), Pastor Nathan Chang (2012-2018), Pastor Emilian Mihet (2019-2022)
Pastor Caleb Lin began serving the Chinese congregation in 2012. During this season, the church emphasized the development of ministry leaders, Life Groups, and prayer meetings. Small Groups became an increasingly important part of church life, giving believers opportunities to care for, pray for, and build up one another beyond Sunday worship.
That same year, Pastor Nathan Chang began serving the English congregation and remained until 2018. In 2019, Pastor Emilian Mihet became the pastor of the English congregation and joined Pastor Lin in promoting a churchwide Bible-reading plan, encouraging Chinese- and English-speaking believers to read through the entire Bible together. In this season, we see God equipping His people through His Word helping both Chinese- and English-speaking believers grow together in Christ.
In 2022, both the Chinese and English congregations once again entered a season of pastoral vacancy. God provided Pastor Enoch Wan to serve as interim pastor, assisting with Sunday preaching, the pastoral search, and the revision of the church bylaws, helping prepare the congregation for a new season of pastoral leadership.
Season Seven: God Leads the Church Toward Biblical Shepherding and Intentional Discipleship
Pastor Ken Yeo (2023–Present), Pastor Stephen Stallard (2023-2025)
Pastor Ken Yeo began serving the Chinese congregation in July 2023. That same year, the church implemented a new elder-led form of governance and began establishing a plurality of elders to shepherd and lead the church together. In 2024, the elder team was formally established, giving the church a clearer biblical framework for shepherding and governance. In the English congregation, Pastor Stephen Stallard served as pastor from 2023 to 2025.
During this new season, the church has continued to organize and clarify its theological and ministry direction. CEC has placed greater emphasis on expository preaching, with the Word of God serving as the foundation for the church’s doctrine, worship, and life together. In addition to its existing Statement of Faith, the church has also articulated its doctrinal distinctives more clearly so that members can better understand the important biblical convictions the church teaches and practices. The church’s vision has also been further developed, expressing more clearly its desire to be Christ-centered, grounded in the Word of God, committed to making disciples, and living in communion with the Triune God. The Membership Covenant was likewise updated to align with the church’s vision, helping the whole congregation pursue a shared spiritual direction together.
The church has also strengthened its commitment to intentional discipleship. Sunday School has been developed as a key ministry for equipping disciples in Scripture, theology, Christian living, apologetics, marriage and family, ministry, and other areas of biblical truth. Sunday Worship, Sunday School, and Life Groups work together so that believers not only grow in their understanding of truth but also learn to obey Christ in everyday life and ministry. At the same time, the church has sought to cultivate both a culture of discipleship and a culture of evangelism, encouraging mature believers to intentionally help others grow, so that the gospel may be passed from generation to generation, and encouraging all believers to proclaim the gospel in daily life and participate in both local and global mission.
This season is still unfolding. Building on more than five decades of God’s grace, the church desires to remain faithful to Scripture, value expository preaching, make disciples, equip the saints, develop leaders, and proclaim the gospel. Our prayer is that God would continue to build His church through His Word and biblical shepherding, transforming lives, making disciples, spreading the gospel, building up the body of Christ, and bringing glory to His name.
Seven Seasons, One God Who Builds His Church
Looking back over these seven seasons, we see God using different pastors for different purposes. He gathered His people, established the church’s foundation, raised up workers, extended the gospel, led the church across languages and generations, and preserved His people through seasons of crisis and transition.
Pastors change, generations change, and ministry forms change, but Christ remains the true Head of the church. We thank God for the pastors He has used and for the many faithful brothers and sisters whose names may never appear in a written history. They prayed, gave, served, and proclaimed the gospel. Some planted, others watered, but God gave the growth.
May we continue to remain faithful to God’s Word, devote ourselves to prayer, make disciples, proclaim the gospel, and pass the faith from generation to generation. This church belongs to Christ. May God continue to work among us so that the gospel is proclaimed, lives are transformed, the church is built up, and all glory belongs to Him.
The history of Chinese Evangelical Church of Portland is a testimony to God’s faithfulness in establishing, preserving, and expanding His church through different seasons. From a Mandarin Bible study begun by several Chinese families in 1969 to the Chinese- and English-speaking church that CEC is today, pastors have changed, meeting places have changed, and ministries have developed with each generation. Yet the Head of the church has never changed.
As the apostle Paul wrote, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth” (1 Corinthians 3:6). As we look back over more than five decades, we thank God for the pastors and members He has used in each season. Yet it is God Himself who has caused the church to grow, preserved it through times of difficulty, and enabled the gospel to be passed faithfully from one generation to the next.
Season One: God Gathers His People and Establishes the Church
Pastor Brian Lee (1973–1977)
The story of CEC began in the winter of 1969, when several Mandarin-speaking Chinese families began a Mandarin Bible study through a local Chinese Baptist church. They had no church building or established ministry structure, but they were a small group of believers committed to studying God’s Word and sharing Christian fellowship. From this small beginning, God began to gather His people. In 1973, through the united prayers of the believers and the encouragement and leadership of Pastor Brian Lee, the “Mandarin Church” was formally established. Its first Sunday worship service was held on the final Sunday of September, and within a year attendance grew from just over a dozen people to more than fifty.
In 1977, God provided the church with its first building on Leahy Road. Purchasing a building was a significant step for a small immigrant congregation, but the brothers and sisters gave generously and in faith, and the cost was soon paid in full. More important than acquiring a building, however, was what God was doing spiritually: He was gathering a people for Himself in Portland and transforming a small Bible study into an established local church devoted to worship and the ministry of His Word. In this season, we see God gathering His people and establishing His church from a very small beginning.
Season Two: God Establishes a Foundation and Raises Up Workers
Pastor John Tien (1980–1983)
In 1980, Pastor John Tien and his wife came to serve the church. During these years, many young adults who had recently graduated or begun families joined the congregation. Attendance increased, ministries became more established, and the church moved into a more structured season of shepherding, teaching, and equipping. As the congregation grew, the Leahy Road building became increasingly inadequate, and the church began praying and giving toward a larger facility.
Before leaving, Pastor Tien also trained men in the congregation to preach. This was an important step in the church’s development, because God was not only providing pastors to serve His people; He was also beginning to raise up workers from within the congregation. In this season, we see God strengthening the church’s foundation and raising up His people for ministry.
Season Three: God Expands the Church and Extends the Gospel
Pastor Peter Chin (1984–1991)
Pastor Peter Chin began serving the church in 1984 and continued leading the congregation in prayer and giving toward a larger church home. In 1985, God provided a new building on Butner Road in Beaverton. The sanctuary could seat approximately two hundred people and the building included ten Sunday School classrooms. Once again, the congregation gave generously, and the cost of the property was soon paid in full. The additional space also allowed adult Sunday School, youth ministry, women’s ministry, churchwide Bible reading, and Bible study groups to develop further.
One particularly significant fruit of this season was the growth of the Vancouver Bible study group. In 1991, it was formally established as Chinese Evangelical Church of Vancouver. What began as one of CEC’s Bible study groups had become an independent local church, reminding us that God builds a church not merely for its own growth, but so that the gospel may continue to spread and other churches may be established. In this season, we see God enlarging the church, equipping His people, and extending the gospel beyond Portland.
Season Four: God Leads the Church Across Languages and Generations and Preserves It Through Crisis
Pastor Peter Lim (1992–2003), Pastor Ou
Pastor Peter Lim began serving the church in 1992. As Chinese families became more established in the United States, ministry to the English-speaking second generation became increasingly important. English worship services began in 1992, and the church also developed Cantonese ministry. In 1993, the church formally adopted the Chinese name “Chinese Evangelical Church of Portland,” corresponding to its existing English name. God also used Pastor Ou and his wife to strengthen the English ministry, helping the church recognize the importance of passing the gospel faithfully to the next generation.
In 2002, the church purchased its present property in Hillsboro. Soon afterward, however, the congregation faced serious occupancy-permit challenges, and Pastor Lim stepped down because of health concerns. During this critical period, God used Pastor Calvin Lee as interim pastor to lead fundraising and help move forward the construction of the Chinese worship sanctuary. He was followed by Pastor Enoch Wan, who faithfully preached and shepherded the congregation during the pastoral transition. In this season, we see God leading the church across languages and generations and faithfully preserving it through crisis and pastoral vacancy.
Season Five: God Strengthens Chinese- and English-Speaking Believers Through His Word
Pastor Rong Guang Huang (2006–2010), Pastor John Lee (2007-2010)
Pastor Rong Guang Huang began serving the Chinese congregation in 2006. After a season of relocation, building challenges, and pastoral transitions, the church needed renewed stability and strengthening through the Word of God. Pastor Huang shepherded the congregation through Sunday preaching and Sunday School and also opened his home for a Thursday Bible study, helping believers grow through both biblical teaching and fellowship.
English ministry also continued to grow. In 2007, Pastor John Lee became pastor of the English congregation. Pastor Lee and his wife shepherded English-speaking believers with an emphasis on family life, mutual love, and fellowship. The Chinese and English congregations served together and regularly participated in joint worship. In this season, we see God strengthening His church through His Word, fellowship, and growing unity between the Chinese- and English-speaking congregations.
Season Six: God Equips His People Through Prayer, Life Groups, and Scripture
Pastor Caleb Lin (2012–2022), Pastor Nathan Chang (2012-2018), Pastor Emilian Mihet (2019-2022)
Pastor Caleb Lin began serving the Chinese congregation in 2012. During this season, the church emphasized the development of ministry leaders, Life Groups, and prayer meetings. Small Groups became an increasingly important part of church life, giving believers opportunities to care for, pray for, and build up one another beyond Sunday worship.
That same year, Pastor Nathan Chang began serving the English congregation and remained until 2018. In 2019, Pastor Emilian Mihet became the pastor of the English congregation and joined Pastor Lin in promoting a churchwide Bible-reading plan, encouraging Chinese- and English-speaking believers to read through the entire Bible together. In this season, we see God equipping His people through His Word helping both Chinese- and English-speaking believers grow together in Christ.
In 2022, both the Chinese and English congregations once again entered a season of pastoral vacancy. God provided Pastor Enoch Wan to serve as interim pastor, assisting with Sunday preaching, the pastoral search, and the revision of the church bylaws, helping prepare the congregation for a new season of pastoral leadership.
Season Seven: God Leads the Church Toward Biblical Shepherding and Intentional Discipleship
Pastor Ken Yeo (2023–Present), Pastor Stephen Stallard (2023-2025)
Pastor Ken Yeo began serving the Chinese congregation in July 2023. That same year, the church implemented a new elder-led form of governance and began establishing a plurality of elders to shepherd and lead the church together. In 2024, the elder team was formally established, giving the church a clearer biblical framework for shepherding and governance. In the English congregation, Pastor Stephen Stallard served as pastor from 2023 to 2025.
During this new season, the church has continued to organize and clarify its theological and ministry direction. CEC has placed greater emphasis on expository preaching, with the Word of God serving as the foundation for the church’s doctrine, worship, and life together. In addition to its existing Statement of Faith, the church has also articulated its doctrinal distinctives more clearly so that members can better understand the important biblical convictions the church teaches and practices. The church’s vision has also been further developed, expressing more clearly its desire to be Christ-centered, grounded in the Word of God, committed to making disciples, and living in communion with the Triune God. The Membership Covenant was likewise updated to align with the church’s vision, helping the whole congregation pursue a shared spiritual direction together.
The church has also strengthened its commitment to intentional discipleship. Sunday School has been developed as a key ministry for equipping disciples in Scripture, theology, Christian living, apologetics, marriage and family, ministry, and other areas of biblical truth. Sunday Worship, Sunday School, and Life Groups work together so that believers not only grow in their understanding of truth but also learn to obey Christ in everyday life and ministry. At the same time, the church has sought to cultivate both a culture of discipleship and a culture of evangelism, encouraging mature believers to intentionally help others grow, so that the gospel may be passed from generation to generation, and encouraging all believers to proclaim the gospel in daily life and participate in both local and global mission.
This season is still unfolding. Building on more than five decades of God’s grace, the church desires to remain faithful to Scripture, value expository preaching, make disciples, equip the saints, develop leaders, and proclaim the gospel. Our prayer is that God would continue to build His church through His Word and biblical shepherding, transforming lives, making disciples, spreading the gospel, building up the body of Christ, and bringing glory to His name.
Seven Seasons, One God Who Builds His Church
Looking back over these seven seasons, we see God using different pastors for different purposes. He gathered His people, established the church’s foundation, raised up workers, extended the gospel, led the church across languages and generations, and preserved His people through seasons of crisis and transition.
Pastors change, generations change, and ministry forms change, but Christ remains the true Head of the church. We thank God for the pastors He has used and for the many faithful brothers and sisters whose names may never appear in a written history. They prayed, gave, served, and proclaimed the gospel. Some planted, others watered, but God gave the growth.
May we continue to remain faithful to God’s Word, devote ourselves to prayer, make disciples, proclaim the gospel, and pass the faith from generation to generation. This church belongs to Christ. May God continue to work among us so that the gospel is proclaimed, lives are transformed, the church is built up, and all glory belongs to Him.
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