Marunouchi Church Tokyo is a church ministry of Tokyo Marunouchi Partnership (TMP), an interdenominational Christian ministry, fostering Bible-centered communities for business persons in Tokyo’s Marunouchi district.
GOALS
We long that people listen to our Creator as the Bible is taught and reflect upon and receive his words and so enjoy the rest of relationship with him, as well as enjoying his good creation.
We long that people get to know one another well and form deep friendships, encouraging and strengthening one another to live wisely amidst the many challenges and trials of life.
We long that the rest and friendships which are produced by reflecting upon the words of the Bible will produce encouragement and discernment for people to live wisely in their workplaces.
DISTINCTIVES
- BIBLE-TEACHING: The pastors will spend a considerable amount of time reflecting upon and preparing how to teach and apply the Bible.
- WALK IN THE PARK: There will be time after the Bible-talk to walk in the nearby park with friends or a spouse to reflect on life and the Bible.
- FUN AND WISE KIDS WORK.: It is important for the kids work to be fun for the kids and their friends as well as learning about the Bible in ways appropriate for their age and stage. We have a team of specialist staff leading this work.
- SMALL GROUPS: These help us learn from one another as well as from the Bible, as we reflect together upon the Bible and life.
- PICNIC: Time to get to know each other and to grow deeper friendships is important on a regular basis.
- INDIVIDUAL (1-2-1) MENTORING: We provide regular 1-2-1 mentoring for those who desire it.
- HAVING FUN TOGETHER: Time having fun together is one of the best ways of growing friendships in a city.
- SHARING STRUGGLES: We are all weak and flawed in many ways, so we want to pro-actively share our struggles together and encourage each other with the Bible’s teaching and with our experiences.
- NEW RELATIONSHIPS: We are keen to be pro-active in organizing times for singles to spend time together and get to know and support one another in a healthy environment.
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Takaaki Hirano（Co-Pastor）
Born in 1956, Takaaki grew up with parents who were devoted Jodo Shinshu believers. In his 6th grade graduation book, he wrote, “My dream for the future is to become a monk,” and now he is the pastor of Marunouchi Church Tokyo. After 35 years in the construction business with a general contractor in Japan in the overseas division, he met Jesus at the age of 32, and from there he made a life-changing decision to become a Christian businessman. He studied theology at Tokyo Christian University and was invited to OMF Chapel of Adoration. Encountering TMP’s ministry of businessman evangelism, which is God’s calling to Takaaki, he retired from OMF in March 2021 to devote himself to TMP. Finally, he started MCT church planting in 2023.
Thierry Richards（Co-Pastor）
My father was born in Antigua in the Caribbean and my mother was born in Ireland, but they both moved to the UK where they then met each other in a town on the south coast called Southampton, and so I was born and raised there. I became a Christian at university, where I was studying Biochemistry. After graduating, I worked for a church in that town, teaching the Bible to other students, before going to seminary. On graduating seminary, I married Antonia, and we did a year of work together teaching the Bible to Japanese graduate students and then half a year teaching the Bible to Japanese bankers, before we came out to Japan in December 2010 in order to work on the staff team at Grace City Church, a church plant which was just beginning in central Tokyo. read more...
MCT prayer request
In March, April, and May, at the monthly MCT service, we talked about the crucifixion of Jesus, His resurrection, and His ascension. We also had a visitor from London, who gave his testimony about his daily work as a Christian businessman. And we had some visitors from Okinawa and so we have had visitors from all over the world come to worship here in Marunouchi, Tokyo. On average, 26 adults and 7 children have attended in the past 3 months. Although there are some comings and goings, the attendance is becoming more established. Several non-Christians have also come. The Lord is at work in this MCT Sunday service.
In small groups after the Sunday morning service, we talk about what we have learned and received from the Word of God that day. People enjoy these groups and often want more time to continue sharing. The person in charge of the Marunouchi venue occasionally has to remind us that our time is up. After this enjoyable small group time, we then go for a picnic in the outer gardens of the Imperial Palace, a 3-minute walk away. Over sandwiches and refreshments the conversation continues. On the green grass in the shade of the trees, under the blue sky, we continue the fellowship. And the children
play together on the lawn. When they get tired, they come to their parents to get the needed food and drink. Children and adults alike are resting in the beautiful world that God has created. I am full of joy and thanks.
Please share about this MCT service with your friends who are not yet going to a church or with your close non-Christian friends. They are very welcome. Let’s have fun together, whether singles or families, old or young. We trust in the Lord and continue to follow His leading. Thank you.
“Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever.”
(Psalm 125:1)
Access to Tokyo Marunouchi Partnership
