On Tokyo with a Japanese Brother (Missions Talk, Episode 45)

[@lontongstroong]

Former resident of Tokyo here (a layperson, moved out to a new country due to work). Just want to add a few perspectives: on 16:45, a notable phenomenon is that the largest churches in the country tend to be expat churches which were planted by Americans or Koreans. These are the only ones that still see healthy growth of membership due to steady stream of newcomers from other countries moving in the line of work or study. Most of the Japanese in these churches are spouses of these expats/immigrants, and a huge percentage of them are very well-versed in English. One big problem on expository biblical study in Japan is that the chronic lack of Bible commentaries in the language. This is a common problem in many ESL countries, but it's particularly painful in Japan, since Japanese language system makes it hard even to native speakers to learn the Scripture as is. Another huge problem is a scarcity of scripturally accurate songs - most of Christian songs translated in Japanese tend to be from NAR/Word of Faith churches, which are often doctrinally suspect. Seen first-hand that the false or erroneous doctrines from these songs stunting the spiritual growth of the believers there. Please pray for more workers to translate both of these materials into the language. Lastly, looking forward to the Tokyo workshop, I'll make sure to pass it to my Christian friends and colleagues in the country.

[@NotLahEnough]

Dang it this is so accurate. Now I can see why many converts in Japan tend to fizzle out so quickly - the scriptural foundation of these congregations is mostly very weak.

[@stormtrooperholds]

Is it the same Tokyo Bible Church on youtube??? I follow them!! Im going to Japan in June and I hope to stop there❤❤

[@faith17178]

What does he mean “wasn’t a true confession?”

[@Ryan-Rhew]

Probably meant to say “profession”!

[@narheruhenadar9838]

Probably as a PK, going through the motions and having the limelight from being a PK and saying he believed and confessed but didnt really believe it in his heart and not really changing his way of life.