Good
Shepherd church building was constructed in a traditional Southern Chinese
style. It was built this way because, according to the architect, Su
Hsi Tsung, the traditional Chinese courtyard is the area for ancestor worship,
with each family having such a courtyard to form the space for generation upon
generation of ancestors and their offspring. It becomes the place for
communication between the generations and between heaven and earth. It is a
space enclosed by the buildings on its four sides with no roof overhead. It is
truly the result of Chinese religious thought. It is in the courtyard that one
can experience eternity and bounty.
In
bringing the gospel to this nation which has such a strong family oriented
spirit, and in order for the gospel to flourish, it is appropriate for there to
be linkage with the concepts involved in "family." The Chinese house
construction allows for the church to possess a concrete manifestation in this
space for human interaction which also has utility. It is the space in
traditional Chinese society for communal worship, everyday life, witness and
service in Chinese society.
The
main hall forms the primary place of worship. The buildings abutting the main
hall on its two sides are places for education and service. The valuable aspect
of Chinese architecture is the rational organization of internal and external
spaces in order to allow for the interaction of life and worship, religion and
society. On a clear day, worshipers, kindergarten children and their parents can
see the clear sky and work, talk and play together. It is a place where worship
and everyday life are at one, where the spirit and humanity are in concert and
where the salvation of humankind can begin.