If you’ve ever participated in a Chinese worship service, or heard a Christian song in Mandarin, there’s a high chance that song was by Stream of Praise – 讚美之泉.

The California-based worship ministry has been around since 1993, with their first album released two years later in 1995. 

In the almost three decades since then, they have produced more than 30 albums and toured worldwide, including Asia, Australia and the Americas.

One of 讚美之泉’s regular stops on their global travels is Singapore. They’re back again this month to conduct children’s worship camps and hold worship concerts.

Last time they were here, in June 2023, Salt&Light Editor Edric Sng sat down with Pastor Tiffany Cheng, one of their key worship leaders, to hear her thoughts on the Chinese church and worship in Chinese.

One of Stream of Praise’s key worship leaders, Pastor Tiffany Cheng believes God has given the Chinese-speaking Christians the mission to create Chinese worship songs to serve the Church. Photo from sop.org.

Salt&Light: You are effectively bilingual, as is most of the 讚美之泉 team. Why do you choose to focus on Chinese worship?

Pastor Tiffany: Many Chinese people, like me, can speak both English and Chinese, regardless of where they are in the world. We believe God has given us this mission – to create worship songs that are unique to Chinese people and the Chinese language. 

As Chinese, we have the privilege of having a unique culture. This is the basis on which we write worship songs for Chinese people. 

Even if our Chinese isn’t perfect, God said He will add to us what we lack. So for almost 30 years, we have been serving Chinese churches in the Chinese language.

Salt&Light: In your words, what is the difference between English and Chinese worship?

Pastor Tiffany: I currently attend an English-speaking church, and when I was growing up – especially in my teenage years – I was deeply moved by many English songs. So when I worship in English, I feel a freedom, I feel comfortable.

However, Chinese is my mother tongue. I speak it at home. I feel proud of my culture and my family background. I can speak Chinese, so when I compose songs in Chinese, though my vocabulary may be limited, I feel like I have a mission. 

I hope that people like me, with the same background as me, can be touched by God’s love through the medium of music. So both Chinese and English worship are equally important to me.

I know that most people in Singapore speak English. If you try to compose worship songs using the Chinese language, you may feel that your vocabulary is limited, or your command of the Chinese language is not strong. 

But I believe that’s not the most important thing. When you have the heart to touch others who speak Chinese through Chinese lyrics, I believe God sees your willingness. I think it’s okay to use simple words; it’s your heart that counts.

Salt&Light: In your years with 讚美之泉, you have travelled the world and witnessed the growth of the Chinese church, whether in Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, Singapore, or even the United States. How do you feel the last few years have affected the Chinese church?

Pastor Tiffany: Following the COVID-19 pandemic, some people may be a bit worried because they may feel the church has lost some people. However, I see this as an opportunity, rather than a disappointment. 

Many people need Jesus. People need to be lifted by worship. In this situation, instead of retreating, we should advance – courageously get out there and share our stories and hope we have. We can do this through our songs. 

Salt&Light: What do you see is the future of the Chinese worship scene?

Pastor Tiffany: I believe that Chinese worship will rise. It is my dream and vision that in the future, Chinese music and Chinese worship will become mainstream. It’s not just about following the West; we have a unique culture, unique ideas, unique ways of expression, and a unique passion that will encourage and inspire people of different races when they see it.

Over the years, I’ve noticed the trend that Chinese worship is no longer seen as second-class. It’s no longer just translations of English songs, or copying how the West worships. God has given Chinese people a unique culture and heritage. Now is the time for Chinese people to shine! 

So don’t be shy – shine for Jesus! Be salt and light in our gifted areas. Let’s shine for Jesus. Whether it’s in art, music, or various media fields, don’t be shy – shine for Jesus.

Salt&Light: Finally, what is your message for Chinese-speaking believers in Singapore and the region?

Pastor Tiffany: Recently, we have been holding creative worship camps for children in Singapore, with 250 kids learning how to worship God at each camp. I am deeply moved by this because I believe children at this age (primary school) are very receptive. When they see – not just with their ears but with their eyes – how many adults open their hearts and worship God, they will follow our example. 

So I believe there is great hope for the next generation in Singapore because these children are filled with passion and energy. They want to love God, know God, and worship God. 

Stream of Praise was registered in California in 1995 and has since released 30 albums. SOP has taken Mandarin praise and worship across the world and also trains Chinese worship teams globally. Photo from sop.org

I’d like to encourage parents in Singapore to spend more time worshiping with your children. They are the worshippers of the next generation of the church. Let’s change the spiritual atmosphere of Singapore and bring more of God’s presence to this beautiful land.

For the Chinese-speaking in Singapore, I think it is precious that God has given us our mother tongue, and we can use it to pray, sing, and worship God. Did you know that there are nearly 1.5 billion people in the world who speak Chinese? Do you realise the scope of our opportunity to share the Gospel? 

When you can speak Chinese, you can share with people in your workplace, in your school, or even when you’re travelling. So I encourage you – don’t give up the precious gift God has given you.

Stream of Praise are in Singapore 15 to 23 June for these workshops and worship services.

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