Great churches develop their own culture, their way of talking and doing things. It is creative tradition-making. Rev. Kwong, his wife Grace, his staff and congregation have created a sense of tradition that includes an inclination to talk in parables. Since 1989, their services always start with the hymn “Majesty” and end with “Let the Gospel Light Shine.” Rev. Kwong constantly reminds his congregation that their tradition is change, steady growth and outreach. From twenty people the church has grown to almost a 1000 and gone through several meeting places. He hopes that their history can be summed in the saying, “Two decades renew everything completely.” One of the other pastors has his own favorite Chinese parable about the nature of their church, “A good horse never returns to graze on trodden ground.” He means that they always push ahead into new territory. Another minister reflects on the church’s long term vision, “It takes ten years to nurture trees, but a hundred years to nurture people.” And finally an active member observes “the glory of God at QHC through every detail.” Queens Herald Church is located at 65-15 164th Street, Flushing Meadows, Queens.
We thank Rev Kwong for sharing about his church’s journey!
It has been my privilege to watch the growth of the ministry of QHC from its very beginning and to walk beside Pastor Kwong. He is one of the godliest men I have had the privilege of knowing and this church is one of my “favorite” churches in the United States.
Very nice post!