TAPC was founded with the goals of providing Christian worship for Taiwanese immigrants in native tongue, Taiwanese dialect, in the South Bay Area. As such, we are not simply serving first generation immigrants to this country, but to their family, including those family members that are born in this country and are exposed to greater extent of American mainstream culture. As body of Christ, our mission is to provide worship, spiritual growth and fellowship among our members. In addition, we are to provide avenues of discipleship for this group of population in the South Bay. This includes community outreach, education, and other discipleship activities. Lastly, we are also dedicated to maintaining our cultural heritage to our 2nd and 3rd generation members through a long term youth and English ministry.
TAPC was formed in 1992 when a group of dedicated Christian immigrants from Taiwan had a vision of establishing a church in the San Jose area. The vision was to provide a place of worship for the Taiwanese PC to come together and worship God and celebrate the culture of Taiwan, 15 years later, we believed we had done a lot toward accomplishing our goals. Currently, the average attendance of Sunday worship is around 120. This is split between two worships, Taiwanese and English. Current Sunday programs consists of Choirs (Adult and Children), and Sunday School (Adult, Children). Other programs that meet on regular basis consist of fellowships (Senior, Youth, Women’s Group, and Unity Group (a multi-generational group of working professionals)). In addition, we hold numerous retreats through out the year (Annual church wide, Youth Winter retreat, women’s group retreat, and choir’s retreat (Adult and children). Every summer, TAPC holds Vacation Bible School, which is widely attended by Taiwanese/American from neighboring areas. Aside from fellowships and activities, TAPC also has several scholarship funds that were established to foster growth of Taiwanese-American youth toward college education and theological seminary educations. Lastly, TAPC is part of the Bay Area coalition of Taiwanese community groups that is formed toward promulgating cultural identities of Taiwanese in the United States.
TAPC has been truly blessed with numerous musically gifted members. As such, we have done an exceptional job of using music to glory and give witness to God. Our members have participated in California Youth Symphony, and other youth orchestras through out Bay Areas. Our children’s choirs and adult choirs have performed at numerous churches, senior centers, and other community group venues.
TAPC has been blessed that some of its Youth have dedicated their lives to God by entering ministry. In additions, youths from TAPC have also gone on to numerous summer/short term missions in the US and in Asia. Many of our youths are leaders in the various campus Christian groups through out high schools and colleges in California.
TAPC started publishing a monthly newsletter about 3 years ago. Numerous members actively make this publication happen. It is a platforms for our members to share their spiritual lives and give encouragements to all those who receive the newsletter. It is currently circulated among church members, attendees, and friends of church. It has been well received by non-believers and gives great witness to our Lord.
Jesus’ Last Charge to His disciples was to go the ends of the Earth to spread his message of love. TAPC can trace our heritage of faith because of Jesus’ Last Charge. TAPC can trace its theological heritage from the Presbyterian missions that evangelized Taiwan in the 19th century. Because we are recipient of Jesus’ Last Charge, we take this charge with utmost seriousness. Our goal in this church is to evangelize our ethnic brothers & sisters in the Greater South Bay. This involves a lot of outreach to the 1st & 2nd generation of Taiwanese immigrants in this geographical area. We offer a place of worship to all these families in a format that is familiar to them when they were back in Taiwan. To that end, we tend to stay on the traditional value of theology in regards to the Bible & interpretations. This is primary due to our churches’ founding by the 19th century missionaries back in Taiwan. However, it doesn’t mean that all congregational members hold similar views. We believe that God called us while we were sinners & wanted us to be His children. Salvation is through His Grace. He, alone, is the source of Holy Spirit, which guide us in everything we do. We can be closer to God by reading, and following His teachings in the scripture. Our ministerial & theological decisions can be reached only by praying & following the scripture. While we cannot stay away from worldly events, our hearts & thoughts are in the Kingdom that Jesus has promised us.
Scope of work: 1.Give weekly sermon to English worship. 2.Plan activities for the youth and Young Adult fellowships. This includes regularly scheduled fellowship meeting, Bible Studies, and outings. 3.Conduct confirmation classes for those youth who had infant baptism. 4.Coordinate and plan annual summer church-wide retreat and possibly English worship only retreats. 5.Counseling to all members of English worship. 6.Working with elders, deacons and parent board for related activities. 7.Coordinate and plan outreach programs to English speaking youth and young adults.
Achievement Goal
1.Provide English groups with opportunity to learn/search/wrestle the Truth through the Bible, bring new life to make us better/new people through gospel and reach out to people to this unique and loving community. 2.For the youth group, let the youth group have a teenage life, making friends, growing up with love and care. Learn about Jesus and be well prepared to be independent!!
Qualifications:
1.Must be a graduate of accredited US theological seminary. 2.Preferred to have served in a church a minimum of 2 years.
Characteristics:
1.Must be in tune with the youth culture in the US. 2.Must be sensitive to Taiwanese culture nuances and comfortable working with Taiwanese congregational members. 3.Must be energetic with a good sense of humor.