The World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC) held an inspiring exposure visit at Mahachol Chiang Mai Church, inviting participants to reflect on perseverance in love and unity through the lens of Thailand’s Protestant witness.
Rev. Dr. Charoensirata Chitsakdanon, pastor of Mahachol Chiang Mai Church and a member of the Protestant Coordinating Committee of Chiang Mai, opened the session by recounting the two-century-long journey of the Protestant Church in Thailand.
“For nearly two hundred years, the Gospel has grown quietly but powerfully in Thailand,” he said. “Through the Love Thailand 111 movement and the coordination of Protestant churches, we now share a united vision: one million Christians, 10,000 churches, and 10,000 pastors by 2028 in celebration of 200 years of Protestant witness.”
Intercultural Dialogue and Shared Testimonies
Panelists included Rev. Dr. Prapan Nawrat and Rev. Amorn Sarasamut of the Protestant Coordinating Committee of Thailand, along with Miss Esra Long, a foreign leader at Mahachol Chiang Mai Church. They shared how interfaith harmony in Thailand differs from the persecution faced in other contexts, such as Indonesia.
“Thailand is not a land of persecution but of peace and hope,” noted Rev. Nawrat.
Rev. Theodosius Keliat of GBKP (Indonesia), Prof. Dr. Heleen E. Zorgdrager of Protestant Theological University (Amsterdam), and Rev. Dr. Kadarmanto Harjowasito (Indonesia) offered critical reflections and raised questions about resilience in faith amid oppression.
Rev. Harjowasito responded thoughtfully: “The key is not avoiding the community but living faithfully within it — remaining firm in Christ while embracing the humanity of others.”
Empowering Young Adult Leaders
In a compelling address, Rev. Virdo Manurung of Huria Kristen Indonesia drew attention to the challenges facing young Christians in minority contexts.
“With less than 1% of Thailand’s population identifying as Christian, young believers must be recognized as leaders today, not merely the leaders of tomorrow,” he said.
Responding to this, Rev. Dr. Chitsakdanon outlined the CMPCCC’s three-phase leadership model — Belong, Believe, Become — which nurtures young adults from inclusion to leadership.
“We begin by helping youth feel they belong in the church, then strengthen their faith through study and discipleship, and finally equip them to become leaders ready to serve,” he explained.
Facing Modern Cult Movements
Dr. Lim Kar Hor, general secretary of the Presbyterian Church of Malaysia, highlighted emerging cult movements that target young Christians, such as Eastern Lightning (Church of the Almighty God), Manmin Church, IYF (Good News), Ahn Sang Hong (Church of the Mother), and Shincheonji (New Heaven).
He emphasized that “sound theology and pastoral mentorship remain the church’s strongest defense.”
A Call to Enduring Faith and Renewed Unity
The session concluded with a shared affirmation that love and unity are not mere spiritual virtues but living commitments for the global Reformed family.
Rev. Dr. Chitsakdanon closed with a powerful message: “The church and young adult leaders must walk the talk with love, unity, and the conviction to finish the Great Commission.”
Note: Written by Rev. Virdo Manurung, who serves as Communication Steward for the WCRC General Council 2025.
