Coachable for Christ

There is an old Chinese proverb that can be summarized in English in this way:

“If I am walking with two other people, each of them can be my teacher. I will pick out the good points of the one and imitate them, and the bad points of the other and correct them in myself.”

Even greater are the proverbs and wisdom God has shared in his Word, encouraging Christians to learn from each other. Hebrews 13:7 reminds all of us to remember those who lead us and speak God’s Word to us—considering their way of life and imitating their faith. Similarly in Titus 2, we, as children of God, are called to learn from one another and to observe the examples of those who have gone before us.

For Pastor Mark Jiang, the opportunities to put these verses into practice remains a constant joy. Since 2020, Jiang has had the opportunity to interact with and learn from WELS pastors, seminary professors, and many seasoned WELS Christian brothers and sisters. Jiang began his seminary training in San Diego, Calif., while becoming a member at Reformation Lutheran Church. It is now a joy for the pastors and members of Reformation San Diego to know how Jiang and his family are leading worship and sharing the gospel in the greater San Jose area.

If there is one description of Jiang that is remembered, it is likely his willingness to learn—learning that took place both through volunteering and asking questions. Jiang made a point of getting involved with outreach opportunities, school events, and even putting himself in a position on Sunday mornings to mingle with members and visitors, all while setting aside any fears of being limited by his English language abilities or being new to the Lutheran church. Much of what Jiang was able to absorb and observe in San Diego is now a blessing to the Chinese ministry in San Jose. He now partners with a growing number of Chinese WELS members at Apostles Lutheran Church in San Jose. By God’s grace regular worship in Mandarin Chinese is available to the large Chinese population in the area. Opportunities for studying the Word are regularly available both in person and through their YouTube channel.

Jiang reports each month of God’s continued grace in the form of baptisms, visitors, and participants in worship and Bible study. Yet with every report comes a request for advice from his fellow brothers in ministry. There is a proper balance of rejoicing and remaining faithful, a willingness to grow and learn regardless of outcomes. While Jiang seeks advice, his faithfulness in serving and growing are an encouragement to many of us who know him.

Michael Jordan, arguably the greatest basketball player ever, was once asked what he thought was his best skill. He responded with: “I was coachable. I was a sponge and aggressive to learn.”

We have a greater privilege than helping to hoist championship banners in a stadium. By God’s grace we are all called in our various vocations to play a part in God’s ministry—God using us to help win souls for eternity. May God grant us all the desire to continue learning from and encouraging one another, to be sponges of God’s Word and aggressively learn through serving and sharing our faith. May God grant us the joy to be coachable for Christ.

Written by Rev. Neil Birkholz, Asian Ministry coordinator