The Ordination of Minister Leona Chen
The afternoon of Sunday, March 29, 2026, marked a momentous day overflowing with joy and grace for Harvest LA, the English Congregation of the Evangelical Formosan Church of Los Angeles. In the presence of witnesses and amidst their blessings, Minister Leona Chen was formally ordained as a pastor.
A Grand Opening: Vibrant Worship and Exhortation in Truth
The ceremony commenced punctually at 1:30pm with the welcome by the Senior Pastor Johnson Hsieh. The Harvest LA worship team led the congregation to God’s throne of grace through worship, turning everyone’s hearts toward God. The main exhortation was giving by Rev. Dr. Siang-Yang Tan, professor of Fuller Theological Seminary. Based on 1 Timothy 1:12 and 1 Peter 5:2–4, Dr. Tan used “Called to Serve the Lord” as the them to encourage Minister Leona to be: 1. A preacher: Faithfully proclaiming the truth. 2. A pastor: Diligently shepherding the flock. 3. A pray-er: Entrusting all matters to God in prayer. 4. A person: Living out a life and character of true authenticity.
The message was concise yet powerful, and deeply resonant, served not only to encourage the soon to-be ordained pastor but also prompted the pastors and congregants in attendance to reflect upon the significance of their own callings.
A Sacred Moment: Vows and the Laying on of Hands
Following a deeply moving song dedication by the English Congregation Choir, performing the hymn “Why Have You Chosen Me?” the ordination ceremony officially entered its main segment.
- Exchange of Vows: Rev. Benson Wang, President of Logos Evangelical Seminary officiated the “Pastoral Vows,” while Rev. Johnson Hsieh, Senior Pastor of EFCLA, led the “Congregational Affirmation”; in this exchange, both parties established a solemn covenant with one another in the presence of God.
- Laying on of Hands: The Ordination Committee comprised of Rev. Allen Hu, Rev. Benson Wang, Rev. Jacky Yang, Rev. Johnson Hsieh, Rev. Siang-Yang Tan, Rev. Will Chen, and Rev. Young Lee Hertig, extended a special invitation to all pastors present to join them on stage, where they collectively laid hands upon Minister Leona Chen and her husband Andrew, offering prayers and formally conferring the sacred office.
- Clerical Vestment and Proclamation: This was followed by the ceremonial robing, after which Rev. Allen Hu, Secretary General of EFC General Assembly, presented the certificate of ordination and delivered the official proclamation. The atmosphere throughout the sanctuary was one of profound solemnity and deep emotion.
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A Heartfelt Response: An Incredible Journey of Grace
In her remarks, Rev. Leona Chen shared the personal journey of her growth as a young female pastor. She spoke of her upbringing, born in Canada, nurtured within the church community in Hong Kong, and educated at Fuller Theological Seminary in the United States, and recounted her life’s milestones, from marriage and motherhood to her current calling in pastoral ministry. She described this journey, one that spanned borders and cultures, filled with both challenges and moments of warmth as an “incredible journey of grace.” Throughout her address, she was moved to tears several times; her heartfelt sincerity touched the hearts of everyone present.
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A Heartwarming Conclusion: Glory be to the One True God
The ceremony drew to a perfect close with Rev. Chen’s concluding benediction. Subsequently, representatives from various groups, including the Ordination Committee, the EFCLA Pastoral Team, brothers and sisters of EFC Arcadia, and family and friends, gathered to take commemorative photos, creating a lively and joyous atmosphere.
Following the service, the church hosted a bountiful reception in the fellowship hall, where many friends, some of whom had not seen one another in a long time, seized the opportunity to catch up, take photos together, and exchange greetings. This ordination ceremony marked not only a personal milestone for Rev. Chen but also served as a testament to the expansion of God’s Kingdom. May the Lord continue to guide Rev. Leona Chen on her pastoral journey ahead, and may all glory be to God! Amen.
