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Home , Allen Yuan, Amity Foundation, Brother Yun, Chinese Standard Bible, Chongyi Church, Lu Xiaomin

Vol. 8, No. 3 December 2009

CHINACHINA 70-t/0 SETTING THE STAGE From my Corner ... Editorials 3 Bertil Ekstrom From my Corner an enormous richness in natural resources, 3 K. Rajendran these nations can determine the future eco- From India with Insight nomic balance (or imbalance) on a worldwide 5 William Taylor scale. Of these four, only Brazil is considered INCREASINGLY You have more options The Editor’s Heart and Mind a “Christian” nation, although there are old than you think Christian traditions in Russia, China and India. when it comes to China: Church and Mission The percentage of is growing in all graphic communications. 6 Patrick Fung OPTS TO Concept to mailing. China and beyond, issues, trends, opportunities these countries and an “emerging-emerged” From newsletters and magazines 10 Patrick Tzang missionary force is easily verified in all four Three streams of Chinese Protestant church BRIC nations. to books. and government reactions FOLLOW CHRIST The internet and beyond. 13 Tony Lambert Local and global. Church and State in China: A Sixty Year Saga The growth of in China is per- And anything in between. haps one of the most spectacular surprises in K Rajendran 17 Huo Shui chairman, board MC China, the Greatest Christian Nation in the World? the Church History of the twentieth century. - Captive Publishing 19 Anonymous Yet it is also the cause for deeper reflection on - Printing & Mailing Reflections on the church in China Bertil Ekström the role of cross-cultural mission worldwide. Thank God: A mind-boggling caption - IT, Media & Web 21 Brent Fulton Executive Director Under the leadershipBertil Ekström of locals and nationals in a recent magazine from Hong Kong said The changing face of Christian leadership in China A boy’s dream the Chinese Church grew enormously and one that there are more followers of Christ than For more information: came true some years ago can wonder if the presence of foreign mis- Communist workers in China! A Chinese info@initialmedia 23 Huo Shui www.initialmedia.com What churches in China need today: The Living Water when I visited China for the first time. I’d had sionaries would have favoured or disfavoured Christian leader I met passing through 25 Brent Fulton some contact with the Chinese multi-ethnic that growth. An important lesson, though, is Indonesia said that more than 200,000 peo- Policy, implementation, and shifting official perceptions culture through immigrants in Brazil, many of that wise and Spirit-led contextualisation and ple participate in his ministry’s correspond- Initialmedia serves the WEA Mission Commission, of the church in China them running restaurants or working with all handing over to national leadership are crucial ence Bible study course! Praise God for associated alliances, and their members around the globe. 27 Four Key China Questions for the World kind of businesses. Some of my schoolmates factors in the development of any church move- the exponential increase in the number of 28 Patrick Lee came from Chinese families and I was often ment. Christians in China and the number of peo- Business as Mission in China invited to their homes. The interest grew as an ple seeking to know the biblical Christ. 30 Sam Chiang adult in mission when meeting Chinese leaders This issue of Connections is about China. Strategic options for the “Back to Jerusalem Movement” in conferences and consultations and, espe- There is certainly not a single and uniform way Fragile, Handle with Care! That a strong 33 Harry Hoffman cially with the growing Christian presence in of describing this complex and diverse country. traditional Chinese culture, which once advo- Member Care in China China and its emerging mission movements. The perspectives have to be different and in cated worship of their kings and shunned Resources and Reviews the multi-faceted presentation a panoramic and Christianity, eventually welcomes Christ is an 34 Samuel & Roberta Chiang But nothing can replace the personal expe- general picture can be discerned. And there amazing phenomena. This phenomenon has What will they say? Bibliographical review essay rience of walking on the streets of a particular are undoubtedly other views that should have to be handled with cultural sensitivity. It will of four books country and encounter local people in their been included as well. A recent visit to Taiwan be a pity if this opportunity was lost by the 37 China resources on the Internet daily life. The strongest memory from this reminded me of the reality of inland China as blunders of enthusiastic foreign “crusaders” 38 Reviews on books on China from previous issues first visit is certainly the home-group gather- well and it was refreshing to see how Taiwanese and returning Chinese Diaspora Christian 41 Rose Dowsett ing in one of the cities in the south. People churches are praying for reconciliation, respect- scholars who might import foreign-looking Reflections in Mission Structures came to this small house, usually two by two, ful relationship between the countries and Christian elements, reminding the Chinese of 42 Report on IPA from different directions with intervals of up stronger co-operation with Chinese churches. the suppressing European cultural past. to ten minutes in order not to call the atten- tion. Twenty believers shared their testimonies When something is successful in Brazil the The Christ message being planted must and the three hours meeting felt short. During expression “a Chinese business” (negócio da be Chinese in nature. Theology, Christian the songs the windows were at first closed but China) is often used. The expectations on the practices, festivals, celebrations and mission- then opened so the neighbours could hear the Chinese churches and mission movements are ary endeavours must come afresh from the word of God. very high and we are all praying that it will be local Chinese as their own. Commercialized a successful enterprise in close co-operation Christianity via Santa Claus, Christmas trees, Today, the “BRIC” countries (Brazil, with mission initiatives from other parts of the reindeer, Easter eggs, etc., must be discour- Russia, India and China) are considered com- world. ‹‹ aged. These elements, if imported, will curb ing economic powers but already important the interest that the Chinese have in follow- players on the global scene. With huge popu- Bertil Ekström serves the WEA Mission ing Christ. lations (particularly India and China) and Commission as Executive Director. He is a staff member of Interact as well. 3 SETTING THE STAGE CONNECTIONS 70-t/0 SETTING THE STAGE

If the people of China become mass followers of Christ, many nations will consider the same. This can happen if following the biblical Christ From the heart and mind of the editor becomes a truly Chinese experience and not the SPECIAL OFFER imposition of other cultural habits of Christianity. We, the zealots, must therefore discipline our- cally this happens, as Philip Jenkins has UBSCRIBE ODAY William Taylor is Ambassador at large of selves to be true servants, assisting Chinese S T ! recently documented in: The Lost History of the WEA. and staff member of the WEA believers to be authentic disciples of Christ in Christianity: The Thousand-Year Golden Age of Mission Commission. heart, not necessarily reflected by the external the Church in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia- forms we know! -and How It Died.

Influencers, Shakers and Movers: Huo But the Chinese church did not die; Shui points out that the growth of Christianity rather, God had walked it through a deep Kingdom Without Borders is for includes influential people from society, such as transformation as the Gospel spread across people who care about the eternal, supra- the politicians who make decisions for the nation. that vast nation in a context of unprecedented cultural Gospel of Jesus, about witness, The image of Christianity is being changed from William Taylor unrest, hostility, persecution and martyrdom. discipling, leadership training, sustainable something weak to strong. This is not the case editor Connections Only decades later would the rest of the development, ecology, the arts, world reli- in many of the countries of the world, but some- world discern the magnitude of the marvelous gions, ethnotheology, multiethnic churches, thing to work towards. work of the living God. persecution, human trafficking, conflict resolution, AIDS, trauma healing--in other A New Social Class: Patrick Fung similarly Connections provides a set of diverse words, people who want to live as responsi- directs our focus on a new social class, compris- “China” perspectives on the stories of Christians in ble global Christians. ing of the rising rich middle class, private entre- China today. You will find writers speaking preneurs and the scholars who return from over- Just that word, that name evokes and from their experience, some well known, and Weaving together cultural data, per- seas. Many NGOs are run by Christians who will provokes a vast set of diverse responses. On others whose names are withheld for obvious sonal experiences, and theological insights, influence Chinese society. October 1, 2009, the People’s Republic of reasons. Some articles are more panoramic— the book helps make sense of global com- China celebrated its 60th Anniversary with China and beyond, the sixty year saga, the plexities. Leadership: Fulton’s article highlights the a powerful spectacle, testifying to China’s three church streams. Other articles are more need for leadership development in the Chinese growing global role (economic, political, mili- specific—leadership issues, business as mis- Regional foci are China, Latin America, Church—this is not only a cry of the Chinese tary, cultural). Both leadership and masses sion, the role of Christians in the rest of the Muslim world, Buddhist world, India, and world but the whole Christian world. As in the gathered to demonstrate and celebrate as world; thoughts on the “Back to Jerusalem Africa. Topics include local theologies, Chinese Church, the two-thirds world churches President Hu Jintao stated, “Today a socialist Movement”. indigenous leadership training, sustainable are struggling to create leaders who not only China embracing modernization, embracing development, appropriate teaching media shepherd the newly growing followers of Christ, the world and embracing the future stands The book reviews by Robbi and Sam from songs to internet, church growth, per- but who, with dignity, will able to stand for what lofty and firm.” Chiang are instructive. secution, trauma counseling, ecology, world is best and relevant for their cultures. religions, and best practices in mission. For the thoughtful Christian observer, The Evangelicals: Tony Lambert points out however, there is so much happening behind A personal note. the number of Chinese evangelical Christians may the public scenario. Our perspective is that have surpassed the USA by now! of the missional leader, attempting to under- This past January I spoke at a week-long UNIQUE OFFER FOR LIBRARIES OF BIBLESCHOOLS AND stand and affirm what God is doing in China series of meetings sponsored by Alliance Bible Let us read these articles and carefully reflect today, what these implications might be Seminary on Cheung Chau island, with a on how we can support what God is doing in MISSION TRAINING SCHOOLS ON THE SOUTHERN for the future, and what might be the role missions symposium in Hong Kong. There it China and beyond. Let us pray that this spiritual CONTINENTS: of the church outside of China. Only God was my privilege to spend time with James revolution will influence the nations of the world knows why he did not allow a collapse of the III, a godly patriarch mission- to follow Christ. ‹‹ Chinese system, as he did the Russian system, ary and lover of all things Chinese. He had TAKE A TWO-YEAR SUBSCRIPTION OF CONNECTIONS which in turn opened the gates for an “inva- responded to one of my papers, and I felt sion” (temporary?) of people and ministries both honoured and humbled. Little did we K. Rajendran is in FOR ONLY US$ 45 from all over the world. The results of this know that soon he would go Home on March charge of the India period, 1990-2009, in Russia merit a serious 20, at the age of 79. Missions Association AND (IMA). He also is the RECEIVE ONE OF THESE TWO BOOKS FREE OF CHARGE! evaluation. China is very different. chairman for the Read on, reflect, pray, ask God how He Executive Committee Back in 1960, as a student at Moody is teaching the global Church to discern the of the WEA Mission OFFER EXPIRES JANUARY 1, 2010 Bible Institute, we students and faculty ways the Spirit blows, and the combined Commission grieved at the apparent death of the Christian impact of word, spirit, sign in the growth of *PLEASE MENTION OFFER WHEN YOU SUBSCRIBE* Church in China. We know that histori- the church in China. ‹‹ 4 5 FEATURE ARTICLES CONNECTIONS 70-t/0 FEATURE ARTICLES

Diaspora Chinese Scholars or washed after each game. From this, we 100,000 Chinese missionaries will be trained Statistics from China’s Ministry of derived the term mahjong theology to advo- and sent out over the next few years as a tithe Personnel in 2005 show that, overall, barely a cate diaspora ministry. By God’s sovereignty, of the house-church movement. This vision quarter of Chinese scholars who have studied God is “shuffling” people from various ethnic has generated a lot of excitement among abroad return to China. By the end of 2005, groups and cultural backgrounds all over the Western churches and even huge donations China and Beyond: over 930,000 Chinese scholars had studied planet. Just as God “shuffled” Rahab and have been made in support of this work. abroad with approximately 230,000 returning Ruth into the community of faith at different However, it is becoming apparent that the plan to China over the last decade1. In an effort points in history, so now He is shuffling the of training 100,000 missionaries for cross-cul- Issues, Trends and Opportunities to attract another 200,000 overseas Chinese Chinese across the world. In Acts 17:26-27 we tural work is far from the real situation. scholars to come home in the 2006-2010 are told that God made every nation of men, period, the Chinese government is making an that they should inhabit the whole earth and It is encouraging to note that church effort to help these top scholars lead research He determined the times set for them and the networks in several regions, including those in the various fields back in China2. Of exact places where they should live. God did in the South-West and in the North-East have Patrick Fung course, we remember that former Chinese this so that men would seek him and perhaps been actively involved in training workers for leaders like Deng Xiao Ping and Zhou En Lai reach out for him and find him, though he is cross-cultural work. One local network has China’s Biggest Asset: People Council of the People’s Republic confirmed With so many Chinese Bibles printed, studied overseas. According to statistics, not far from each one of us. So He still does sent out 150 cross-cultural workers to serve As many as 800,000 travelers fifty-five officially recognized minorities, com- one may wonder where all these Bibles go? around 60,000 Chinese students are in the this today as He did then. among different peoples in China. Churches jammed around the Guangzhou (Canton) prising nearly 10% of China’s population. There are 55,000 state-registered Protestant UK at any one time. Over 52,000 of these in one major coastal city are also actively railway station just before the Chinese New Some of the largest minority groups include churches in China and perhaps four times students are studying at UK Higher Education Although it would be difficult to verify, it involved in cross-cultural work, particularly in Year amidst the worst snowstorm in fifty the Zhuang (18m)1, Hui (10m), Tibetans as many house churches. The number level, around 6,000 at Further Education level is estimated that nearly 10% of the Chinese the North-East among the Chaoxian people. years. The storm prevented them from mak- (5m), Yi (8m), and Uygur (9m)2. of Christians in China is estimated to be and the rest at Independent schools and col- scholars returning to China have become The number of cross-cultural workers being ing it home for the Lunar New Year family between 50 million to 100 million. Certainly, leges3. Christians4. One of the greatest challenges trained throughout China, though unverifi- get-together, but their factory dormitories the church in China is alive and growing. for these Christians as they return home is able, is probably in the range of hundreds not were closed for the holidays. Wen Jiabao, Printing Fifty Million Bibles A mission scholar from OMF coined the integrating back into the society with a new thousands. One North-East “The People’s Premier,” visited the worst hit For many years, one of the greatest needs term “Majong” theology to describe the recent identity, their identity as followers of Christ. network has sent more than ten workers to areas, urging calm, patience and hope, while of the church in China was the supply of Turning Back the Clock—The Arrival of phenomena of the Chinese diaspora move- A clash of values becomes obvious. Many of Outer Mongolia. While churches in the past calling on local leaders and factory owners to Bibles, the Word of God. Older believers still the First Protestant Missionary in China ment. In response to the developments in these “Hai-Gui” need support and encourage- have been focusing on training evangelists and do all they could to alleviate the suffering. keep hand-copied Bibles, which were very More than 200 years ago, Robert quantum mechanics, Einstein complained ment to grow in their faith. church planters, now more churches are aware common in the 60s and 70s. However, Amity Morrison, the first Protestant missionary to that God does not play dice—the universe’s of the need for equipping believers, particu- China’s biggest asset is people, masses Press, based in Nanjing celebrated the print- China, arrived in Canton on September 8, physical functioning is not based on chance. larly the young people, for cross-cultural work. of people. ing of fifty million Bibles in China last year. 1807. As a matter of fact, the East India Neither is its missiological functioning. “God The Back to Jerusalem Movement Curriculum is being developed and, increas- Only in 1988 did Amity begin its first full Company refused Robert Morrison passage is ‘washing’ or shuffling the mahjong tiles,” he The BTJ movement is not a recent one. ingly, training materials are being prepared. The study of Chinese people has always year of production, with half a million Bibles on any of their ships bound for China or said. Mahjong is the classic Chinese game The original idea of taking the gospel “back to been challenging. Though early researchers printed. By 2009, it supplied an estimated accommodation upon arrival, fearing that he similar to a combination of playing cards Jerusalem” was given to at least five different The other major need is setting up a mis- were aware that China had a large number 25% of the world’s new Bibles—and most would interfere with their unconscionable and dominoes, in which the tiles are shuffled Chinese Christian groups or individuals during sion structure. Ralph Winter has claimed that of different tribes and peoples, there was for domestic use. The company is a partner- trade. Morrison set out on his mis- 1 XinHua News Agency, January 5, 2007. the 1940s. Mark Ma, Simon Zhao and Mecca one of the biggest failure of missionaries in the generally no systematic approach to gather ship between a Chinese Christian charity and sion of love, knowing full well he could not 2 Just in the year 2003, the total number of students Zhao were prominent pioneers. In 1942, Mark past 200 years is not church planting, but mis- biographical data in the early 20th century. United Bible Societies (UBS). Of the fifty succeed alone. “Do you really expect that and scholars studying abroad is 117,300, among Ma was called by the Lord to go to Xinjiang sion planting. The Chinese church will cer- Some of the most influential research was million Bibles Amity has printed so far, 80% you can make an impression on the great whom 3,002 people are state-funded, 5,144 to preach the gospel to the Muslims there. tainly be giving priority to cross-cultural work employer-funded and 109,200 self-funded. In the The next year the Back to Jerusalem band was a survey published by John Kuhn, a well of them, Chinese-language editions, are sold Chinese empire?” a US shipping agent asked same year, a total number of 20,100 students to places within China and then, in the future, known China Inland Mission missionary, through official churches within the mainland him. “No, Sir. I expect God will,” he said. formed with the goal of preaching Christ to the to places beyond China. There have been and scholars returned from overseas studying, outlying areas of China such as Xinjiang and who documented one-hundred tribes in the for as little as ten Yuan (Chinese dollar) per As a trailblazer, Morrison spearheaded land- among whom 2,638 are state funded, 4,292 individual examples of missionaries sent out Tibet but also beyond—to the seven countries Yunnan Province in 1944. Bible3. The factory, with a 600-strong work- mark work that others would benefit from employer-funded and 13,200 self-funded. As for from China to the Middle East in the past few the geographic distribution of the overseas Chinese of Afghanistan, Iran, Arabia, Iraq, Syria, Turkey force, is printing Bibles in ninety languages, and build on. He not only compiled the first students and scholars, the statistics for destination and Palestine. Several Chinese Christians years, but attrition rate has been high because “Everywhere we kept finding tribes, many ranging from Slovakian to a broad variety Chinese-English dictionary, but during his in 2003 are as follows: 10.5% to Asia, 1.8% to got as far as Xinjiang, but by 1950 all activity of lack of training and preparation and mission of whom we had never heard of, until our of African dialects, as well as seven Chinese first twelve years in China, with the help of Africa, 49.8% to Europe, 15.4% to North America stopped. Some were imprisoned. For nearly structures. Also, role models are very impor- hearts were thrilled. On December 23 we minority languages, including Lagu, Miao, local scholars, Morrison also translated and and Latin America, and 22.5% to Oceania. Among fifty years, the vision seemed to have died. tant. This is an area where God’s people from those who have returned in 2003, 25.1% are from 4 tabulated the one-hundredth tribe! One and Yi . published the first complete edition of the Asia, 0.2% from Africa, 42.7% from Europe, 22.7% But in 1995, Simon Zhao shared with house- outside China can play a role through sharing hundred tribes in Yunnan! And two-thirds 1 The Zhuang are China’s largest minority. The Bible in Chinese5. This was no small under- from North America and Latin America, and 9.3% church Christians in his vision—and of experiences in cross-cultural mission work. of these had never had a gospel witness.” Zhuang are animists and ancestor worshippers. In taking: no one had undertaken such an effort from Oceania. As for those who are still studying BTJ started up again on an even bigger scale. 2002, scholars claimed to have discovered the since the time Nestorian monks first came to abroad, 22% are in Asia, 0.6% in Africa, 28.1% in birthplace of Buluotuo, the very first Zhuang. This Europe, 36.4% in North America and Latin America, The Power of Urbanization In 1953, over 400 minority groups has resulted in a revival of Zhuang culture and a China with the gospel 1200 years earlier. and 12.9% in Oceania. (From China’s Ministry In the past few years, the BTJ movement submitted to the Chinese government for renewed interest in ancient Zhuang religious texts. of Education, http://www.moe.edu.cn/english/ was actively promoted in the West and through One of the greatest challenges for church- recognition, of which 260 came from Yunnan 2 Paul Hattaway, Operation China, (Carlisle: international_2.htm ). a number of significant publications. In es in China today is the need of the “Min- Piquant, 2000). 3 UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office/ China Province alone. Since then, many revisions 3 South China Morning Post- Post Magazine, Nov Regnery Publishing, Inc., 2003). Scholarship Council: May 2007 Press Release 2003, there was the claim that a minimum of Gong,” the migrant workers. It is estimated have been completed. In 1976, the State 25, 2007, p. 28. 5 Patrick Fung, “A Call to Christian Professionals,” http://www.uk.cn/bj/aboutnew_index.asp?menu_ 4 Paul Pruitt, A paper: “Why we must engage in that there are 120 million “min-gong” in China 4 David Aikman, Jesus in , (Washington: MSI Regular Bulletin, Issue 48, 2007. id=337&artid=2454 Chinese diaspora ministry,” 2007. 6 7 FEATURE ARTICLES CONNECTIONS 770-0-tt/0/0 FEAFTEUATREU REA RTARTICICLESLE today, including some who are Christians. Rapid urbanization and globalization have the beginning of a revival among students in Some scholars, such as Philip Jenkins countries.6,7 . Therefore, the China missionary our every act in this present life—and According to the 5th China’s National Census forced many church leaders in China to re- China6. Two years later, this became the larg- and others, emphasize a shift of power from movement is only part of God’s redemptive our every omission too—has a direct studies, the overall number of migrant children think ministry needs. For the past thirty years, est Christian student movement in the world Western churches to those South of the equa- plan. Yet we are living in an exciting period of and important bearing both on our own reached nineteen million1. It is also estimated training of Christian leaders in China has by- before it was closed down in the early 1950s. tor1. In contrast, Professor Andrew Walls, history as we see this plan unfold. future welfare, and on that of others. In that every year nearly twenty million people in and-large been focusing on evangelism, church “a historian ahead of his time”2, insightfully His name, and with earnest prayer for His China migrate to cities from villages in rural planting and equipping of the Word. Little highlighted the concept of polycentrism: the The church in China will continue to blessing, this paper is penned: ...The writ- areas. has been taught on mission or missiology. A New Social Class riches of a hundred places learning from each grow. Partnership with the world-wide church er feels deeply that, as the Lord’s steward However, this scene is changing. More church- There is also a new social class rising other. He believes that there is no one single of Christ will be the key to seeing a vibrant he is bound to bring the facts contained What is it that characterizes the min- es are beginning to think seriously of mission. in China, of nearly 150 million, made up of centre of Christianity or one single centre of missionary movement among different peo- in this paper before the hearts and con- gong in China? Firstly, they have changed They want to know more about sending struc- CEOs of private enterprises and intellectuals missionary activity. He said, “One necessitates ples. There is much to learn from the church sciences of the Lord’s people. He believes, their main job from farming to urban work. tures, how to support cross cultural workers, who have chosen their own professions (e.g., the other.” in China, particularly on suffering. Yet the too, that these facts must produce some Secondly, they still belong to the peasant cat- how to teach mission in Sunday schools, etc. lawyers, doctors, accountants, managers, etc.). global church of Jesus Christ also has much to fruit in the heart of each Christian reader. egory according to the government records, They represent capital worth one-hundred tril- To quote Professor Walls further, “But the share with the Chinese church: our experience The legitimate fruit will undoubtedly normally recognized as the lower social class. One researcher described the seven trends lion dollars and are 1/3 of China’s tax base. southern Christian lands do not constitute a in cross-cultural ministry, mission structures as be—not vain words of empty sympathy, Thirdly, normally they are not employers but of mission ministry in China: The former President began to bring their influ- new Christendom. Few of them have become well as equipping and training of cross-cultural but—effectual fervent prayer, and strenu- employees. Often their rights are abused by 1. from rural to urban ential segment into the Chinese Communist homogeneous Christian states. Christian workers. True indigenization is only meaning- ous self-denying effort for the salvation of lucrative employers in urban cities. Fourthly, 2. from coastal to the inlands Party (CCP) with his “3 Represents” theory, faith is now more diffused than at any previ- ful when peoples from different tribes, tongues the Chinese….8 as they are considered rural people, this people 3. from reaching the grass-roots to which extends its membership to private entre- ous time in its history; not only in the sense and nations, are serving together with mutual group is often marginalized in the urban cit- reaching multiple social class preneurs. that it is more geographically, ethnically, and respect and a common purpose, that is, to Beloved brothers and sisters, we cannot ies. Many young people leave rural churches 4. from direct evangelism approach to culturally widespread than ever before, but be ambassadors for Christ. The potential for but believe that the contemplation of the and yet are unable to settle in urban churches integrative approach China’s economy already showed signs of in the sense that it is diffused within more China as a sending nation in global mission is solemn facts we have laid before you has because of work demands, cultural shock and 5. from receiving to giving improvement in the second quarter of 2009 communities. It forces revision of concepts, tremendous. awakened in each one the heart-felt prayer: other factors. Many rural churches describe 6. from ministries within the country to despite the global economic downturn with an images, attitudes, and methods that arose from Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do, that their church situation as “huang-liang,” mean- overseas and cross-cultural ministries annual growth rate of 7.9% between April and the presence of a Christendom that no longer Thy name may be hallowed, Thy kingdom ing “desperate” as only the “old and the 7. from territorialism to partnership June in 20097. exists”3, “Interconnectivity,” a key word used Coming Full Circle come, and Thy will be done in China?” weak” remain2. Prior to 1980, church growth by Thomas Friedman in his famous book, “The The publishing of a small booklet, “China: in China mainly occurred in the rural areas. One of the potential contributions of the With the rising of a rich middle class and World is Flat,” will become important in the Its Spiritual Need and Claim,” in 1865 marked Today, we see a growing thriving church in However, since 1990, the urban church grew global church to the church in China is to private entrepreneurs in China, we also see a future of missionary movements. the beginning of a significant mission move- China. Yet, the work is not finished. We pray rapidly with the increasing urbanization of facilitate indigenous mission movements. It tremendous increase in the number of NGOs ment in China, that is, the vision and com- that there will be an indigenous, mature and China. In 1949, the urban to rural population is important to plant churches but it is even in China. It is difficult to estimate the number While we rejoice in the growing church mitment to bring the gospel to the inlands of vibrant church movement in China reaching ratio was 1 to 9 (10.6% to 89.4%). In 1970, it more important to plant missions4. We need of local and foreign NGOs in China as there movement in China and the strength of the China. Hudson Taylor, having just spent seven out to others, those who are both near and was 1 to 5 (17.4 to 82.6%). In 1980, it was 1 to facilitate what is truly indigenous and yet were no official records up to a few years ago. China church, we should not forget the Lord is years in China, felt the burden to challenge far. ‹‹ to 4 (19.4 to 80.6%) and since 1985, it was 1 a biblical movement. The church in China is However, some estimate that there could be doing a far greater thing than in China alone. Christians in the West to pray for China and to 2 (36.6 to 76.3%)3. ready to take the step of faith. It is looking for up to one million NGOs, including those run to bring the good news to the Chinese people, role models, the integration of the word, deeds by Christians. While churches in the past Much study has been done on the Asian particularly those in the inlands. He wrote his Many urban churches are grappling with and character. were more inward looking, churches in China Missionary Movement. Research from 1990 by booklet with detailed information on the spir- the issue of how to reach out to these migrant today are actively seeking ways to have a more Dr. Bong Ring Ro, a well known Korean mis- itual needs of the Chinese people in the differ- workers. To most, reaching out to the “min- It is also important not to forget the many holistic approach in ministry, serving the local siologist, revealed a growing Asian missionary ent provinces. No one could imagine the effect gong” is cross-cultural ministry because of Christian students in universities in big cit- communities. Also, there are more than one- movement. The number of Asian missionaries that this one man could bring. Latourette, one the vast differences in cultural backgrounds ies. The early history of the Christian student hundred registered Christian bookstores in rose from 1,000 in 1972 to 21,000 in 1990. of the most reputable historians in church his- and social situations. One of the positive movement in China is a glorious chapter China today. Other reports suggested that Asian missionar- tory, commented on Hudson Taylor, “This one outcomes of the urban migration is increasing generally unknown today5. The China Inter- ies reached 67,000 in 20004. Hong Kong sent man [Hudson Taylor], frail in body and of no partnership between Christian businessman Varsity Fellowship was founded in 1945. One- out 376 missionaries in 2006 with 53% in unusual intellectual powers, called into being and churches. Factories in urban settings hundred sixty-eight young students from many China and Beyond—Away from the Centre cross-cultural work5. South Korea has sent out a mission which, consecrated to one great create job opportunities and as well as oppor- universities and colleges met for a historic The word “China” means the Middle a total of 14,000 missionaries serving in 180 task, the giving of the Faith to all Chinese who tunities to reach out to these young people. conference in August 1945 on the hills outside Kingdom. Certainly, with its rising economic had never heard it, was to bear witness to the Partnerships also seem to develop between Chongqing. This conference marked power, China once again is gaining the world’s 1 Philip Jenkins, The Next Christendom—The Coming Gospel in every inland province in China.” rural churches and urban churches. Some of 4 Ralph Winter, who taught and researched in attention. The study of the of Global Christianity, (Oxford: Oxford University the rural churches are taking proactive steps mission for thirty-five years, made the comment has become one of the most popular sub- Press, 2002). Hudson Taylor wrote, in sending their own pastors as “missionaries” that “the most serious mistake in all of Protestant jects in many universities in the West. Many 2 Tim Stafford, “Historian Ahead of his Time,” mission history is the failure of Western missions to Christianity Today, February 2007. to cities to reach out to the migrant workers. create mission structures in the mission field. “The Christians have high hopes for China—that 3 Andrew Walls, “The Old Age of the Missionary “It is a solemn but truthful thought that The opportunity of urban mission becomes Challenge for Koreans and Americans Together,” a the Chinese church will play an important role Movement,” first published in International Review tremendous. lecture delivered by Ralph Winter, Seoul, November in the world’s mission movements. of Mission 77 (January 1987), p. 26-32. 6 Patrick Johnstone, Operation World- 21st Century 2005. 4 Tan Kang San, a case study of OMF International’s Edition, (Gerrards Cross: WEC International, 2001). 1 Nov 2007, “ChurchChina.” 5 This exciting story was chronicled by David Adeney 6 Leslie Lyall, A Passion for the Impossible, (London: involvements with Asian Missionary Movements: 7 Timothy Kiho Park, “Korean Christian World 2 Nov 2007, “ChurchChina.” in his book, Chinese Christian Students Face the Hodder and Stoughton, 1965), p.124. Implications for Mobilizing the Asian Church, 2000. Mission: The Missionary Movement of the Korean 3 China’s Statistical Year Book, 1992. Revolution. (out of print) 7 BBC report, August 11 2009. 5 Reports from the Hong Kong Association of Church.” Luce Colloquium of Korean Christianity, 8 Hudson Taylor, “China: Its Spiritual Needs and Christian Missions, 2006. Nov. 17, 2006. Claims,” 1865, p. 30. 8 9 FEATURE ARTICLES CONNECTIONS 70-t/0 FEATURE ARTICLES

Introduction cial border), work with God and the Chinese Bibliographies China fell under Communist rule in Church to make the best dream come true? Aikman, David. Jesus in Beijing. Washington, DC: 1949. To many Western observers, that This is the key question we should ask. As Regnery Publishing, Inc., 2003. seemed to be the beginning of the demise political and government control is still the THREE STREAMS OF CHINESE PROTESTANT CHURCH Balme, Harold. China and Modern Medicine. of the entre Christian Church in China. dominating cultural sub-system in China, our London: United Council for Missionary Education, Pessimism spread far and wide, parallel to immediate question is the following: “How 1921. both the Korean War and the Cold War, as should Protestants and churches outside of AND CORRESPONDING GOVERNMENT REACTIONS Friedman, Thomas. The World is Flat. Farrar, the Chinese Protestant Church was cut off China relate to the Communist government Strauss and Giroux, 2005. Hattaway, Paul. Operation China. Carlisle: Piquant, totally with the rest of the world. Many and Protestant churches in China?” 2000. Christians even believed that not only was Sik Wah Patrick Jenkins, Philip. The Next Christendom—The the Church in China wiped out, but also that This question is especially meaningful Tsang Coming of Global Christianity. Oxford: Oxford mission in general was failure. on the eve of the 60th Anniversary of the I. The Three Streams of Chinese Before the Communist regime in 1949, University Press, 2002. establishment of the People’s Republic of This Yellow Stream seeks to take charge in Protestant Church1 Protestant churches in China belonged to Johnstone, Patrick. Operation World- 21st Century In the midst of a pessimistic and deter- China (October 1, 2009). This article seeks their relationship with the government. They many different denominations and traditions. Edition. Gerrards Cross: WEC International, 2001. ministic atmosphere at the time, Arnold J. to provide at least a partial answer to this I prefer to use the term “streams” will initiate the process of registering as a Right before the Communist take-over of Lambert Tony. China’s Christian Millions (second China, some major Protestant denominations edition). Oxford: Monarch Books, 2006. Toynbee, based on his comparative study of question by tracing the historical develop- instead of “categories” because it allows us church, but without accepting the Three- sponsored the Chinese Churches Ecumenical Latourette, Kenneth Scott. History of Christian world history and civilizations, made a pro- ment of the three streams of the Protestant to gain a sense of historical movement and Self Patriotic Movement (TSPM) and China Missions in China. London: Society for Promoting phetic statement— the 21st Century belongs Church inside China during the past sixty projection into future. If we use the church- Christian Council (CCC). Some of these Movement, but it failed to united the Christian Knowledge, 1929. to the Chinese. That was beyond the widest years under Communist rule. People outside es’ orientation toward the government as a churches have even taken the local govern- churches. It is ironic that the goal of unity, at Lyall, Leslie. A Passion for the Impossible—The dream of many people. However, history of China have tried to put China’s churches defining quality, there are now three streams ment to court. least administrative speaking, was achieved with the strong hand of the Communist China Inland Mission 1865-1965. London: has proven him right. into different camps or categories according of churches in China. The first stream rep- regime. Hodder and Stoughton, 1965. to the observers’ own position or frame of resents the churches which are submissive, In a sense, they consider themselves Taylor, Hudson. China: Its Spiritual Needs and Claims. London, 1865. Both economically and geopolitically, reference. supportive or friendly toward the govern- full members of society and participate in With the establishment of the People’s Taylor, Howard and Geraldine. Hudson Taylor and Toynbee’s prophecy has become reality. ment, and we can call them the Red Stream. shaping the social environment. This is Republic of China in 1949, the new regime the China Inland Mission: The Growth of a With the success of the Beijing Olympic The most common is the binary, Certainly, there is great diversity among this something new for the Chinese Church fol- started to build a system to place all Work of God. London: China Inland Mission, 1918; and the manned space program, China dichotomistic division, which divides along stream, ranging from actively “Patriotic,” to lowing the Anti-Christianity Movement in organized religions under state control. For reprint London: China Inland Mission, 1940. now emerges as a confident superpower, the government category of the approved simply passively obeying the local authority. 1920s. Since that widespread movement, that reason, the Communist government Walls, Andrew. The Missionary Movement in seeking for her rightful place on the world “Three-Self churches” verses the illegal Their orientation reflects a positive outlook in Chinese churches have shied away from poli- sponsored the establishment of the Three- Christian History. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, stage. While Toynbee’s interest is not in the “House churches.” According to the observ- working with the government. tics or public affairs, except the left-leaning Self Patriotic Movement (TSPM) and the 1997. Christian Church in general or mission in ers’ own tradition or conviction, one is usu- organizations. The other two older streams (CCC). For all practical purposes, the two organizations are particular, China unveiled her bamboo cur- ally labeled as good and the other bad. This The second stream represents the are basically passive in their dealing with Other sources: intrinsically related and can be considered newsletters tain to outsiders to reveal growth and vitality Manichean division is counter-productive, as churches which share a negative outlook in the government. The Red Stream seeks to as one. With government help, all visible China National Statistics Agency publications in the Church, which surpassed everyone’s it uses political affiliation or relationship with working with the government. Basically this cooperate and take orders from the establish- churches in China were merged into one China Christian Council publications expectations. government as its dividing line. More impor- group of churches wants minimal involve- ment. The Black Stream avoids contact with body under a centralized leadership. This is China Statistics Year Book 2002 tantly, this model is no longer capable of ment with the government. The stream rang- the government as much as possible. The the beginning of the Red Stream. It is thus Christianity Today 2007 Feb With common reports of spectacular describing the reality of the Church in China es from churches who simply do not see the Yellow Stream is only emerging, but it pro- created with the help of state power for the FEBC newsletters purpose of control and to place the Church People’s Daily Online Service growth, the outside expectations for the as the nation is opening up in nearly every need to register with the government to the vides a promising alternative, in particular under subordination. However, the fate of State Council of the People’s Republic of China Chinese Church has risen to new heights, area and there is increasing diversity among hard-core defender of separation of Church to the younger and better educated urban publications bordering even on wild dreams and unre- the churches. and State, or the traditional “House Church.” population. this stream was very unfortunate, even with XinHua News Agency Press Release alistic proportions: A dream of the church We can call them the Black Stream, as they her conciliatory stance with the ruling regime. China Inland Mission “China’s Millions” Archive sending a 100,000-strong army of Chinese Dr. Don Snow has tried to increase the do not have legal status in the eyes of the materials missionaries to do cross cultural ministry categories of Christian community in China present regime. II. Historical Development of the The first period (1949-1979) was a peri- in the most difficult places on earth. While by creating five categories, thus avoiding the Three Streams of Chinese Protestant od of systematic oppression and persecution, many dreams do come true, most do not. trap of the binary model1. This model is The third stream is represented by the Churches: with the eventual demise of the Christian For the few which do come true, they are not much better than the binary one and I would churches who have a more neutral, and per- The sixty years of the People’s Republic Church as the ultimate state goal. By the end Dr. Patrick Fung is General without sacrifice and efforts. This is true for recommend to anyone who is not familiar haps as well, an active orientation toward the of China can be divided roughly into two of this period, there was no visible church Director for OMF the experience of the Chinese Church over with the Church in China to read his excel- government. They are neutral because they major periods of thirty years. The first period and no public Christian witness of any International. the past sixty years. lent article. However, this model is descrip- do not see government authority as inher- runs from 1949 to 1979, from the begin- kind across China. Pastors and committed tive yet static, lacking the ability to track the ently good or bad. They do not work for or ning of the new Republic to the end of the Christian leaders, whether they worked for God is in control of history. However, he against government policy, but seek to work Cultural Revolution. The second period the government or not, were either thrown does tend to work things out through human past and look into the future. with the government on their own terms. runs from 1979-2009, from the beginning of into prison or exiled to the rural areas for efforts. Can the Church of China continue Deng’s reformist policy to the present day. reeducation. Externally, the Church seemed to grow and live out what God intends for 1 Dr. Don Snow, “Understanding the Christian 1 The three streams classification has been used dead. In reality, the confessing believers had her? It really depends on God’s will and the Community in China,” China Contours Archive, by different people and circled around on the only run underground in this difficult period. September 18, 2003. Can be accessed at http:// internet for some time, especially on websites The beginning and early demise of Church herself. How should we, God’s peo- www.christianityinchina.org/Common/Admin/ based inside China. It is difficult to name the the Red Stream (1949-1979): The first thirty years of the Republic ple outside China (even just across the offi- showNews_auto.jsp?Nid=450&Charset=big5 original author. was plagued with wars (such as the Korean 10 11 FEATURE ARTICLES CONNECTIONS 70-t/0 FEATURE ARTICLES

War and the Vietnam War), with failed social suffered a huge brain drain as their young and Europe, USA and Canada) or from work in look into what the present regime has accom- force for the cause of the gospel and the programs and policies, and with power strug- strong-bodied adults migrated to the urban another nation where they heard the Gospel. plished in the past thirty years: benefit of the Church in China. I have the gles within the ruling party; these produced a areas for jobs and a better future. Church They may be the fruits of the ministry of a host 1. Provided enough food on the table following suggestions: legacy of ten disastrous years of the Cultural growth in urban areas was limited by the of international ministries. The majority of for the average family. That is a Church and Revolution. The pragmatic failure of govern- rural background and lower education level of them are younger, better educated, middle class daunting task and great accomplish- 1. In terms of relationship with the urbanites. They do not fit in with either one of ment policies along with ideological struggles their leaders. Their illegal status also worked ment in itself. churches: Promote unity among the the two older streams. What sets them apart is three streams and refuse to be drawn State in China: and massive political movements brought against them on two fronts. First, the govern- 2. Defended the country’s sovereignty their commitment to find a future of their own into schism and conflicts. destruction and widespread suffering to the ment exercised tighter and better control in and their willingness to engage the government and provided a stable society for all. A Sixty-year Saga whole nation. The period was one of great the urban areas—the middle class of the urban on more balanced terms, or their own terms. 3. Regained respect from foreign coun- 2. In terms of relationship with the suffering; however, it also set the stage for the people had too much to lose in participating in tries and provided a promising out- government: Pay due respect to authority later growth of Christian faith. The fire of suf- an “illegal activity.” Second, their lower social look for the future. and work with the government if at all Tony Lambert fering not only purified the Church, but also class and education level became a hindrance possible. As a good guest, we should removed many barriers against Christianity: for the intellectuals and more affluent popula- III. A new context and a road never If we take into account the fact that no avoid domination and defiance. We Confucianism, folk religion and other better tion of the urban areas. travelled before other Chinese regime has accomplished these need to earn their respect before asking As China commemorates sixty years organized religions like Buddhism. The present author is not championing in the past 200 years, the general support for what we think we deserve. of the People’s Republic on October Legal status and public presence has one stream over the other. We have to accept the present government enjoys should not 1st this year, it is fitting to trace the helped the urban Red Stream churches in that all three streams are part of the Protestant surprise anyone. We must acknowledge that 3. In terms of serving the people and their The amazing growth of the Black country: Service is the best witness for ministry and growth. In recent years, large Church in China, despite the weakness and the present regime has indeed done a lot of often stormy history of Church-State Stream together with the re- the gospel. Keep in mind that rapid church buildings with sitting capacity of thou- problems we may identify with any one of good things for the country and the people. development and urbanization have relations. The survival and amazing emergency of the Red Stream sands have been constructed up in cities across them. As outside brothers and sisters, even if Therefore, we should be very careful not to caused a lot of stress and pain for growth of the church cannot be (1979-2009): the country. However, the close relationship we are Chinese, we should not pit one against take an opposing stance against the govern- the Chinese people. We should also between the churches and local government the other. From both a biblical and a strategic ment too easily. understood outside of the overall The second thirty-year period of the seek to be agents of peace in bringing does turn away people who are not comforta- point of view, we should encourage the conver- Republic began with Deng’s reformist regime reconciliation and harmony whereever socio-political context. returning to power. During this period, the ble with that. Being a Christian is still a stigma gence of the three streams in order for them to Christianity does not enjoy popular we go. Church in China re-appeared with spectacular in China, and thus it has a negative impact become a major river of God’s power and grace support in China: growth and vitality. It is in this period that on one’s standing in the eyes of many people, to China and beyond. No matter what stream 4. In terms of our approach: It must be the Black Stream overtook the Red Stream to obviously including the ruling regime. we may identify and work with, we should The simple fact is that Christianity has holistic. We must combine Kingdom China has a long tradition of bureau- become a prominent part of the Protestant always have this in mind. never been popular in China. We have come building with country building. Both cratic control over religious affairs, dating Church in China. The Black Stream is The greatest limitation on the growth of a long way from the horrible “Boxer Uprising” the evangelistic mandate and the cultural back to at least the Tang dynasty (618-906 mandate are integral components composed of rural house churches without the Red Stream is the shortage of pastors. The The unity I am talking about is not the or “The Anti-Christianity Movement” of A.D.) The absence of belief in a transcendent of the full Great Commissions of legal status. They believe in simple Biblicism number of graduates from Bible colleges and failed “Church Ecumenical Movement” before the 1920s. However, Christianity is still a God meant that the religious conscience was and carry an independent spirit. With no minority with minimal public support. We Jesus. A stable and prosperous China seminaries run by the China Christian Council the Communist take over, which focused on means blessings to all parties involved, never strong enough to dare claim equality, regard for government sanctions and restrictive simply cannot meet the present need of local administrative power structures and church should understand and learn how to help the let alone superiority over, the Imperial State. traditions, they took hold of the reality of churches in their disadvantaged position and especially the Protestant church in churches, not to mention potential future traditions. What should bind the three The Tang Emperors crushed and then tamed relaxed government control and addressed the how they can engage the government with due China. gospel to the receptive hearts of the people growth. Personal quality and education level streams together is our fellowship in the com- respect. Buddhism, which had threatened to become through all forms of evangelization. are the other challenges, because most of the mon Faith and common purpose of being salt an independent political power. No church, students in those ministry schools come from and light for the society. But before we discuss Crisis and opportunities ahead: Pope or Reformer emerged, as happened in Although the Red Stream churches also a rural background. It is difficult for them to some more concrete actions, we should make Conclusion: Europe, to provide a check and balance to experienced significant growth, their growth minister to the better educated and affluent some notes on the social reality in China. China is heading the right direction By God’s grace, China has come a long the Imperial State. Later, the Board of Rites is limited by government red tape and their city folks. with great accomplishments, yet not without way from its turbulent past. Christianity is supervised all religious affairs, even down to responsibility to maintain the status quote. In The present regime is a popular problems and dangers. She has vast territory, now given a real chance to present the good controlling the numbers of monks and nuns in the first part of this period, both the Red and The formation of a new stream of the government: great cultural and racial diversity, and religious news of Jesus Christ to everyone in China Buddhist monasteries. The Confucian scholar Black stream of churches grew at a fast pace. complexity. The recent riots in Tibet and through the three streams of the Chinese gentry were skeptical of religious superstition, However, growth for both started to taper off Protestant Church in China: Contrary to the common impression North Western China should help us to see Protestant Church. Our actions will help or and wary of Buddhist and Daoist-based secret over the last ten years of this period. the sensitivity and tension present in the areas The Red Stream was created by design provided by Western media, the Chinese harm their effort in evangelizing China. Let societies which easily mutated into centers of of race and religion. With the success of the reformist agenda and with government help, whereas the Black government enjoys widespread support from us be wise in our dealing with the Church disaffection against the ruling dynasty when and policy, China gained great national one was more or less a reaction to the former its citizens. This may be a hard pill for a lot of and the ruling regime and be a constructive it became weak and corrupt. This long tradi- achievements and progress in both economy one. But, unlike the first two streams, the outside Christians to swallow. But nearly all IV. Looking Forward: force in China, for the Kingdom’s sake. ‹‹ tion of bureaucratic control over religion has and society, in urbanization, the growth of Yellow Stream appeared out of necessity and the pastors I have met and served alongside been built upon and refined by the present higher education and the emergence of a viable as a response to the new situation of China, from Mainland China, from both Red and The word “crisis” in Chinese is composed by Communist Party bureaucracy. middle class. However, both streams of the especially in context of the rapid development Black streams, say that the present regime is two characters: “danger” and “opportunity.” of urban areas. the best they ever had. This does not mean the Protestant Church were unable to catch up We should be careful about the dangers and Dr. Patrick Tsang is the Head and Chinese Christians were ill-prepared in situation is up to par with the Western world or take hold of the many opportunities provided with the new reality, and thus, their church Associate Professor of the Department of 1949 to face the overwhelming pressures soon growth slowed down. The members of this new stream come there is no abuse, but great improvements have by the many changes in China. As outsiders, Intercultural Studies, Alliance Bible Seminary, from diverse sources. They may come from been made. we should try to be a positive and helpful Hong Kong. to be exerted on them by a totalitarian State. the first two streams. They may be returnees force instead of a negative and destructive Loyalty to Scripture demanded they give their The rural based Black Stream churches from overseas study (Australia, New Zealand, In fact, this should not surprise us if we ultimate allegiance to God. This sat uneasily 12 13 FEATURE ARTICLES CONNECTIONS 70-t/0 FEATURE ARTICLES

with the State and Party’s demands for abso- Christianity. “Self-government” in particular deemed the endless cycle of meetings to to about a dozen. The few foreign visitors Hong Kong Standard stated: “.. although along with well-grounded concerns regarding lute obedience. was fraudulent—the Party made it its busi- implement land-reform, denounce landlords to China in the late 1950s and early 1960s the visible and formal churches are dying the lordship of Christ over His church and As Mao developed his own unique form of ness to interfere in ever more detail in the and counter-revolutionaries, etc., as of far reported that the church seemed to be dying, out in the Mainland, the invisible, formless, biblical orthodoxy, have led to the develop- Marxism, so his demands became ever spiritual affairs of the church from the early greater importance than Christian worship. largely attended only by elderly people. non-political and true ones are growing in ment of Chinese Protestantism along two sep- more all-encompassing, penetrating into the 1950s onwards. In the cities, churches were increasingly numbers in Shanghai, Nanjing, Beijing and arate streams—the TSPM registered churches church and family circle and into the con- politicized as many faithful pastors were Mao encouraged the growth of Maoism other cities. .. They meet irregularly but not and the unregistered house-churches. This science of the individual in a way which went After 1949, Christian leaders, and later silenced to be replaced by those whose mes- into a quasi-religious cult of increasing fanati- infrequently for prayer meetings, Bible study division has continued over the last thirty further than the Russian Stalinism from which Christian believers, were faced with a narrow- sages were often Marxist with a thin veneer cism. A whole generation of young people and fellowship.” years until today. he drew his inspiration. ing range of options. Few wished to go the of Christianity. (A favorite sermon for such grew up knowing nothing of the outside lengths of Mr. Wu in virtual total capitula- leaders was the parable of the rich man and world, and devoted to his person and his By the early 1970s, reports were leak- In April 1979, the first Protestant tion to the demands of the State. But at the Lazarus, whose stark message of heaven and teachings as encapsulated in the “Little Red ing out to Hong Kong from nearby coastal church was re-opened for worship in Ningbo 1949-1979: The Years of Darkness opposite extreme, few ultimately took the hell was re-interpreted along class lines to Book” of his sayings. In 1966, Mao launched provinces such as Guangdoing and Fujian on the south-east coast. It was followed rap- stand of Wang Mingdao, the famous inde- denounce the evil capitalist and extol the his master-stroke of the Cultural Revolution that there were indeed many such meetings idly by churches re-opening in many major Premier Zhou Enlai met with Protestant pendent Beijing pastor, who spoke out against impoverished proletariat.) to overthrow the Party old guard who were springing up. By this time the full ferocity of cities across the country (along with temples Christian leaders in 1950. The Party’s increasingly uneasy with his radical policies the Cultural Revolution had passed, but all and mosques.) During those early days in demands were simple: express patriotic obedi- which had led to over twenty million deaths religious activities were very much under- Beijing, I witnessed more and more believers ence to the new regime and sever all relations, in the great famine of 1960-61, after hun- ground. As more and more people through- turning up for worship every Sunday, often particularly economic, with foreign missions dreds of millions of peasants had been forced out China felt betrayed by Mao, so the small quietly weeping for joy that they could openly and denominations. By 1952 the vast majority into “people’s communes.” The Red Guards groups of Christians quietly began to share worship after thirteen years (and in many of the thousands of foreign missionaries (in sought to destroy every vestige of the old their faith with first their families and then cases after over twenty years) of persecution the case of Protestants, largely American and society—and religion was a prime target. In friends and neighbors. The genuine love of and suppression of Christian worship. British) had withdrawn. In 1950-51, what was 1966, the last remaining city churches were Christians shone more brightly against a to become the Three Self Patriotic Movement desecrated and closed. Even the TSPM was backdrop of a society totally geared to hating In 1980, the China Christian Council (TSPM) was established to control all deemed suspect politically and its pastors and denouncing the class enemy. was formed as a sister organization to the Protestant denominations. It was one of five denounced, imprisoned or sent to factories TSPM to oversee church building, the open- similar “patriotic” religious organizations set or farms to work in often harsh conditions. ing of seminaries and the publishing of up at the Party’s behest to control the five tol- The Party’s entire structure of control of reli- 1979-2009: Years of Revival, Growth and Christian literature. The TSPM concerns itself erated religions—Buddhism, Daoism, Islam, gion through the Religious Affairs Bureau was Growing Acceptance with the more political tasks of passing down Protestantism and Catholicism. Wu Yaozong, effectively dismantled. Religion was forced the Party’s religious policies and ensuring the an obscure secretary of the YMCA, rose to underground. When I first went to China in In 1976, Mao died. In 1978, Deng political correctness of pastors and church prominence as one of the few Protestant lead- 1973 there were no public signs of religious Xiaoping took power and embarked on a radi- workers by a systematic program of political ers prepared to collaborate with the Party in activity anywhere—all temples, churches and cal program of economic reform and modern- education. bringing the churches to complete political mosques had been closed. The Mao cult was ization and opening to the West. As part of subservience. all pervasive. this “open door” policy, the Party decided in The last three decades have seen a mas- late 1978 to restore the Party’s edifice of reli- sive expansion in the number of registered The TSPM avowed strict adherence to the The few foreign observers at the time gious affairs, revamp the moribund “patriotic” churches and meeting-points—from zero three principles of “self-government, self-sup- were generally pessimistic about the fate religious organizations including the TSPM, in early 1979 to over 55,000 today. They port and self-propagation” in all church affairs. of the church in China. The South China and grant limited religious freedom to the five include the massive new in These biblical principals were first mooted by Morning Post in Hong Kong reported in major religions, including Protestantism. By Hangzhou, built in an imaginative modern Henry Venn in the 19th century and to varying the TSPM and boldly fought for the spiritual August 1966, as Red Guards desecrated this time, many Christians were meeting in Chinese style to accommodate 15,000 wor- degrees were implemented by different denom- independence of the church. For most, some Some Christians who wished to preserve cathedrals and burnt Bibles, that “the final house-churches, and there was an explosion shippers—the largest Chinese church in the inations and missions—perhaps most success- degree of collaboration was unavoidable as the biblical faith began quietly withdrawing page of the history of the Christian religion of evangelism as they took full advantage of world. China also now has the world’s larg- fully by the indigenous Chinese churches such even silent disapproval of the growing totali- to worship in small group meetings in their has been written.” More sweepingly, an aca- the new Party policies reversing Mao’s “left- est Bible press in Nanjing. Over fifty million as the Little Flock and the Jesus Family which tarian control of the church became almost homes. I have met a few such, who can trace demic at the University of Washington stated ist” policies of persecution. Bibles and New Testaments have been pub- sprang up in the 1920s and 1930s. impossible. the origins of what later became the explosive categorically in 1973 that “the evangelicals’ lished and distributed within China—a con- house-church movement back to the early few Chinese converts were swallowed up by It is important to remember that the siderable achievement. Millions of Scriptures However, they were never fully successful, In the early 1950s, churches were 1950s. However, it was extremely danger- history, leaving …scarcely a visible trace.” house-churches preceded the new TSPM have been brought in from overseas, as many as many churches remained effectively control- torn apart by vicious “accusation cam- ous to meet privately. By the middle-1950s, How wrong they were! It is ironic, perhaps, churches by several years. In many cases, poor farmers in rural areas still do not have led both organizationally and financially by for- paigns” where members were encouraged to the TSPM were denouncing illegal house- that they made the same mistake as the Party house-churches were formed in the early easy access to Christian literature. eigners. On the face of it, the TSPM’s program denounce leaders who were deemed by the church meetings. In 1958, the remaining city bureaucrats and the Red Guards—seeing the 1970s or even earlier; TSPM churches seemed a breath of fresh air and hundreds of TSPM and the Party to have been too closely churches were unified in the final abolition of Christian faith as consisting only in outward only began to re-open in 1979-1980. In 1982, the Party published its detailed thousands of Christians signed up to its mani- allied with imperialism. Some were even all denominations, which brought the church church institutions, structures and rituals. Unsurprisingly, many Christians were suspi- religious policy in “Document 19.” Various festo. However, time was to show that in reality driven to suicide, and many were imprisoned. under the total control of the TSPM. In cious of the newly re-opened TSPM churches, other documents have followed. In principle, the church had thrown off its foreign masters In these early days, many rural churches Beijing, sixty-four churches were reduced to A few percipient observers detected the particularly those believers who had suffered the Party still looks forward to a future atheis- only to replace them with an atheistic Party were effectively closed down as they were just four; in Shanghai, long a Christian center, survival of the faith in small, informal home through TSPM collaboration with the Party tic, scientific, Marxist utopia in which religion bent on total control and even eradication of often “borrowed” by local Party officials who some two-hundred churches were reduced meetings. As early as 1962, a writer in the in the 1950s and 1960s. These suspicions, will have died out. Crucially, religion is not to 14 15 FEATURE ARTICLES CONNECTIONS 70-t/0 FEATURE ARTICLES

be extirpated forcibly as under Mao, but to be even a few rural counties where all Christian since been denied.) Two recent polls taken tolerated and made use of under Party supervi- expression (even of the TSPM /CCC variety) within China pointed to 40 million, and even sion. The documents state that only registered is banned, although this is illegal under the the TSPM admits to 20 million for its own fol- CHINA, THE GREATEST CHRISTIAN churches under the TSPM are legal. House- Constitution. lowers (not including the house-churches). churches may be tolerated to varying degrees but should ultimately register with the State. Overall, the situation has markedly This means that China may already have This automatically means they come under improved for the church. Party and State have overtaken the United States in having the larg- NATION IN THE WORLD? the TSPM, which is a “people’s organization” recently affirmed the place of religion in a est community of evangelical Christians of under Party control. socialist society in positive terms. The contri- any country in the world. The socio-political bution of religious believers to building a “har- consequences of this trend are immense and In recent years there may be a few excep- monious society” is now officially recognized. are attracting the attention of secular commen- 3&13*/5&%8*5)1&3.*44*0/'30.5)&$)*/"4063$&+063/"- 8*/5&3 tions to this rule, but the idea now current in The parameters of what is permissible are tators in the West. Christianity is no longer the West that there is a huge “third force” of constantly being broadened. To give two exam- regarded as necessarily a “foreign religion.” INCE CHINA OPENED ITS independent house-churches registered with ples: for many years, all Sunday school and The Gospel has penetrated every echelon of direct elections are still limited to village combining Confucian ideology with capital- DOORS AND BEGAN REFORMS the State but independent of the TSPM is youth work was banned. In some places this society with increasing numbers of students and township levels. As a whole, the Party’s ism to fill the spiritual void. However, this IN THE LATE 1970S, FOREIGN largely a mirage. In the run-up to the Olympics is still true, yet in many cities TSPM churches and intellectuals turning to Christ. The Party S resistance to Western influence in the area of approach would soon be proven unrealistic. last year, if anything control was tightened. now hold thriving Sunday Schools. Similarly, itself has admitted that several million of its INFLUENCE HAS BEEN VISIBLE AND SOCIAL political reform has been successful. Confucianism teaches loyalty to your rul- House-churches still periodically suffer harass- censorship of Christian publications has been supposedly atheistic membership are in fact CHANGE UNDENIABLE. THE VISITOR TO ers and emphasizes different levels of social ment and occasional persecution. Although loosened in practice. Many Christian titles are Christian believers. China is no longer a “dot BEIJING, SHANGHAI, GUANGZHOU class. These concepts will never be A Spiritual Vacuum overwhelmingly evangelical at the grass-roots on sale in State bookshops, and there are now on the missionary map” but is poised itself to OR SHENZHEN, SEEING THE NUMEROUS accepted by today’s people whose level, the pastors and theological students of over 400 privately-owned Christian bookstores. become a major partner in world mission. As One very unique but subtle Huo Shui thinking is more scientific and SKYSCRAPERS, PRIVATE CARS, TRAFFIC the TSPM churches are periodically subject to China heads rapidly towards achieving its goals social change occurring in China democratic. It is impossible to a politicized “theological construction” cam- It is ironic that as secularism is marginaliz- of becoming an economic and political super- JAMS, MCDONALDS, BLUE JEANS, today is that of ideology—people’s ask people to return to a society paign whose aim is to enforce liberal theology ing Christianity in Europe, in China the oppo- power, it may be that it is being prepared as BUSY AIRPORTS AND NIGHT CLUBS, spiritual beliefs. Even though the govern- that existed two thousand years ago. Today’s and Marxist ideology on the church. site process is happening. The State’s tolerance an instrument of divine providence in fulfilling MAY FORGET THAT THERE IS STILL A BIG ment has lessened its tight control over the Chinese live in a vibrant market economy. of Christianity, if still sometimes grudging, the higher goal of the Great Commission to CULTURAL GAP BETWEEN CHINA AND THE grass roots working class level, it nevertheless Materialism, not religion, fills their minds. There is no denying that the church is cannot be divorced from the reality of spec- spread the Gospel worldwide. ‹‹ WESTERN WORLD. THE REALITY IS THAT hangs on tightly hoping to win the ideology in a much better position than thirty or forty tacular growth and revival. In 1949, Protestant battle. The government is still in control of At the same time, various religious CHINA IS EXPERIENCING THE PROCESS OF years ago. The church (at least the registered the mass media. Religion is still viewed as a beliefs were able to experience unprecedented church) is a recognized part of civil society WESTERNIZATION. “negative element” of society that requires growth despite the government’s efforts to and the Party and State increasingly value the tight control. After the 1999 Falungong inci- curtail them. The fastest growing religion by contributions made by Christians in setting up Indeed, this is true in many ways. China dent, the government formed “Office 610” to far is Christianity. Many people turned to clinics, hospitals, old people’s homes, kinder- joined the WTO and implemented a market combat the spread of “evil cults.” It began to Christianity because they were thoroughly gartens, etc. In the Mao years, the State took economy. Now, even its educational system pay a lot of attention to all religions. disappointed with classic Marxism, and they over all church-run schools and hospitals, but is geared toward satisfying market demand. were looking for something to fill that spirit- now in a more open society, society’s ills can English is gradually replacing . Millions Despite the fact that the government has ual void. On the other hand, the rapid spread no longer be swept under the carpet or masked of Chinese travel overseas each year. Western not let up its tight grip over people’s ideology of Christianity can also be attributed to strong by propaganda, so the State is much more nations and companies have increased their and spiritual beliefs, the Chinese people have evangelistic efforts by Chinese Christians, open to allowing NGOs and the churches to investments in China annually. all but given up on Communism. They have overseas Chinese Christians and foreign engage in social welfare work. House-churches endured sixty years of communist propa- Christian workers. It is difficult to determine are also involved but because of their technical However, when we shift our focus to ganda and have grown tired of hearing the how many Christians there currently are in illegality, they have to be much more careful, the Chinese political system, we notice that same line over and over. The collapse of the China, but even the most conservative esti- although private individuals can set up compa- political reform has not kept pace with mar- Soviet Union and the Eastern block nations, mate would place the number in the tens of nies and charities. ket reform. Western influence is obvious in coupled with China’s own economic boom, millions. the economic realm, and the Chinese govern- further convinced the Chinese people that House-churches do not advertise their ment encourages people to embrace such Communist and Socialist ideology are hope- Why is Christianity the fastest growing presence, but are now too numerous for the influences calling this “connecting with the less and irrelevant. They recognize that the ? Is it possible for other reli- State to suppress. However, they are still world.” Nevertheless, in the political realm, hope they put in Communist ideology in the gions to surpass Christianity? The answers subject to persecution. In 1983, the Party China stubbornly resists any Western influ- past is merely a mirage today. Nowadays, are very clear. Christianity will continue to be launched an “anti-spiritual pollution cam- Christians were a despised, tiny minority ence. The Communist Party still has a tight what troubles people is what should replace the fastest growing religion in China in the paign” and hundreds of house-church leaders numbering only 1 million. Since the Cultural grip on power. If any changes occur within communism as the core ideology or spiritual next one hundred years. No other religion were arrested. Since then, there have been peri- Revolution that number has exploded to prob- Tony Lambert is author of several the political realm, they come very slowly. belief of the Chinese people. can surpass Christianity in number of believ- odic clampdowns. At the local level, house- ably over 60 million (a widespread report significant books and articles on Christianity Sometimes, the Party needs to appear as if ers. Although Buddhism and Daoism are churches may suffer repression if local cadres that the Head of the State Administration for in China it is making progress in political reform, but Some people have thought Confucianism regarded as having a part in China’s culture persist in outdated Maoist beliefs. There are Religious Affairs had admitted 130 million has its approach is generally passive. For example, should be brought back. They proposed and history, and while Buddhism is popular 1717 16 17 FEATURE ARTICLES CONNECTIONS 70-t/0 FEATURE ARTICLES

in southern China, neither religion carries the number of Christians grew despite the view is still long and winding. Nevertheless, very indigenous and “Chinese” in its way Second, 1989 brought an ideological the evangelistic fervor that Christianity does. absence of foreign missionaries. The Christian it is safe to say that the foundation for of pastoring and traditions of leadership—a crisis to intellectuals and many others. This, They are not popular among the intellectu- faith also became more indigenous. Today, Christianity to spread in China is in place. REFLECTIONS beautiful thing. I have heard recently from a as well as globalization, brought changes to als or the political elite. Furthermore, most when you visit a church in China, whether While most Chinese no longer hold hostile coworker that the rural church continues to the way many people looked at the Christian professed Buddhists and Daoists do not have it is a house church or a TSPM church, attitudes towards Christians, by and large ON THE CHURCH enjoy revival. faith. Globalization had the additional affect a good grasp of their own doctrinal teachings you can no longer say that Christianity is they have not recognized the need for repent- of bringing overseas organizations to China, because they are difficult to understand. Very a foreign religion. The churches are led by ance. Individual Christians may be the light IN CHINA However, due to several factors, the rural and these organizations helped spread the few people delve deeply into the teachings Chinese. You see Chinese Bibles. You hear and salt at home and in the workplace, but church has been severely limited both in its gospel in the cities. Further, the 1990s of these two religions. Most of their follow- Chinese worship songs. You experience a the church as a whole still does not have per- witness and impact on society. Due to the brought internal problems within the TSPM, ers put their emphasis on external forms and Chinese style of worship. The church looks mission to enter the center stage of society. Anonymous lack of trained leadership, the church is fertile resulting in a number of godly leaders leaving functions of worship. The relationships and and feels Chinese. has ground for cults or denominational think- for unregistered city churches. These factors fellowship among followers of Buddhism and taken a form that is indigenous and con- Despite these limitations, Christianity’s Thank you for this opportunity to share ing. Indigenization can produce a confused brought needed strength to the urban house Daoism are also loose and unconnected. All textualized. These things testify to the fact impact on society cannot be under estimated. my reflections on the changes in the Chinese church, contributing to revival. these factors make it difficult for them to that Christianity has finally taken root in It has provided truth, salvation and hope. church and its current situation. Although my catch up with Christianity. Shenzhou—in China, the land of God. These are the issues in some of life’s deepest own knowledge of the church is limited, I will uring the past The growth of the church continues to quests. What kind of hope are people looking share based on what I have seen and experi- thirty years, be vigorous. I returned from overseas study Islam is organized and has experienced Another important fact about Christianity for? That is, without an authentic faith, with- enced in my own situation. D recently and helped start our current church clergy to teach Islamic doctrines. However, in China is that more and more movers and out an absolute moral standard, without rev- China has seen shortly thereafter. After less than two years, the spread of Islam is limited to certain shakers of society are becoming Christians. In erence from a repentant heart, without a sac- During the past thirty years, China has we have about 600 believers in the church. minority people groups in China. Very few the past, people tended to picture Christians rificial calling, a person will never experience seen far-reaching transformation. The reform far-reaching trans- Thus, the rapid growth of the urban church people among the Han majority (90%) are as rural, female and uneducated. Today, you all he or she is created to be and, as a nation, and opening policy has impacted every level is visible. Muslims. From these perspectives, it appears can find Christian fellowship in almost any China will never be truly strong. When the of society, including the church. I will focus formation. The reform that no religion in China today is in posi- university. Christians commonly include truth of God is hidden in people’s hearts, it here on the structural changes and challenges The urban church is moving from “sub- tion to meet the needs of the Chinese people professors, doctors, lawyers, engineers and will, one day, be expressed in an unpredict- of the urban church. and opening policy sisting” to “thriving” as is undergoes great more than Christianity. managers. You can even find believers among able and powerful way. change. It is overcoming various internal and government officials. During the Christmas The emergence of the urban church in its has impacted every external obstacles and is using various means Historically, the Chinese people have season, books with Bible stories tend to Although the Chinese people have not present form is a fairly recent phenomenon. I level of society, to promote the work of the gospel. The always had reverence toward “heaven.” In be the hottest sellers in bookstores. No accepted Christianity entirely, neither have began pastoring in the urban church in 1990. change is evident in many ways: contrast, Marxism’s popularity in China longer are voices heard in society attacking they rejected it. The door is wide open. The At that time, there were not many churches including the church. lasted no more than fifty plus years. Personal Christianity. Regardless of the government’s question is how to enable millions of peo- in the city, and most were affiliated with the A. The church is moving from “hidden” stress and conflicts resulting from rapid social attitude toward Christianity, people usually ple to hear the Gospel. Although currently TSPM. However, since the turn of the cen- to “open.” Urban house church Christians transformation argue for a greater role for have the impression that Christians are kind, evangelism is done one-by-one on a personal tury, the flourishing urban house church has mixture of Christianity and local folk beliefs. used to worship in secret meetings, hid- religion. Many people seek spiritual shelter ethical and law abiding citizens. basis, in time it will confront and challenge caught the attention of many. The rural church also exhibits the characteris- den away in someone’s home, afraid to sing in an ever competitive society. In the past, Chinese society publicly. tics of the “three mores”—more sick people, too loudly for fear of being discovered. The Communism provided a sense of belong- Before 1949, the church was centered more old people, and more women, as well believers wouldn’t all arrive at one time, but ing for people in addition to its ideology. Setting Examples China is on the road to becoming a in the cities. However, after the New China as more poor people, and this blunts the would arrive gradually in twos or threes. However, as corruption has become a fast What kind of influence are Christians world power. The question is not if it will, but was founded, the urban church came under effectiveness of the church’s witness. Further, Now, the church is in the public domain. spreading cancer of the Communist party, having on society? It may still be too early to rather what kind of influence it will exert on attack—pastors were imprisoned and the the 1990s mass migration to the cities has Beijing and Shanghai both have churches of people no longer feel a sense of belonging by tell. This is because Christians do not have a the world scene. What path will the nation urban church disappeared. As government deprived the rural church of leadership and significant size, including a number contain- joining the Party. As personal income and voice in the state controlled mass media. The take? In fifty years China will be a world control in the countryside was comparatively weakened it. ing more than 1,000 people. In the words of living standards continue to rise, a lack of government still does not allow purely civil- superpower possessing a large population and weak, the rural church was able to survive. my coworkers, the house church is starting to peace, joy and purpose in life are prevalent ian newspapers, TV stations and publishers. destructive weapons; it will rival the U.S. and After China’s opening in 1979, church revival Meanwhile, God has opened a new mis- “break though the water’s surface.” among many Chinese. A crisis regarding what Everything in the media must be approved other world superpowers. It is clear that inter- began in the countryside and expanded sion field in the cities. The emergence of the life is all about plagues people from all levels by the government. Therefore, there has not national criticism, slander, or so called “con- greatly in the 1980s. This is a very important urban church is a result of several external B. The church is moving from evange- of society been any reporting on how Christians are tainment” do not help China or the rest of phenomenon. God’s light poured over the factors. The first factor is the accelerated pace lism to pastoring. We know that it is impor- impacting society. the world. Only a change in the ideology and countryside, raising up many churches and of urbanization. China has now become over tant not only to preach the gospel, but also spiritual beliefs of the Chinese people will committed, faithful servants. 45% urbanized. The rapidity of the urbaniza- to cultivate the spiritual life of the flock. We, No Longer a Foreign Religion On a personal level Christians do con- ultimately help a powerful China to become a tion—from not even 19% thirty years ago urban pastors, often meet together to discuss Christianity in China before 1949 looked tribute greatly in shaping changes in values responsible and reliable world power. ‹‹ China is primarily a rural society, so it to nearly 50% today—has weakened the how to take better care of the believers. very much like a foreign religion. However, and worldview. The Christian idea of “love” is extremely significant that the gospel took government’s ability to control urban society, after 1949 when China shut its doors to touches many hearts. Unfortunately, the root in the countryside and that this resulted hence allowing the urban church to develop. C. The church is moving from independ- the outside world, there were virtually no concept of repentance is lacking in Chinese Huo Shui is a researcher and former in a dynamic church that is full of life. It Also, many rural pastors and believers have ence to networking. Before, leaders were government political analyst who writes foreign missionaries in China anymore. Yet, culture. This poses a challenge for individual from outside China could be said that this was the first time the followed the tide of people moving into the afraid of bringing too much attention to one even in the midst of many political move- salvation. From this angle, it seems that the (Translated by Tian Hui) gospel really took hold at the root level of cities. another and to themselves. Now, there are ments—especially the Cultural Revolution— road to full acceptance of the Christian world- society. The rural church that emerged was gatherings of leaders, not only at the city level 18 19 FEATURE ARTICLES CONNECTIONS 70-t/0 FEATURE ARTICLES

but also at the national level. Leaders discuss discussions continue on whether large con- you?” they are also asking, “What is your together the growth and development of the gregational gatherings or small group formats place in society?” I believe we need to dis- church—a change worth noting. are more conducive for this challenge. God cuss as Christians how we can be responsible WHAT DOES THE PHRASE, “CHINESE CHRISTIAN LEADER” EVOKE IN YOUR MIND? will guide us in this area. people in all areas of society so that we can D. The church is moving from self- be a community that influences those around marginalization to active self-expression. Second, we are challenged by the ques- us. This is very important. In the past, it was Because of the influx of intellectuals into the tion of how to relate to and work with the enough just to hang onto our faith, regardless The Changing Face of Christian Leadership in China church and the rising social status of believ- rural church. How can we serve together of how much persecution we had to endure. ers, the church has begun to pass beyond the according to the unique gifting each has Now, we need to actively fulfill our responsi- margins of society and become more active in received from the Lord in order to have a bility. Brent Fulton identifying themselves publicly. For example, more effective witness? some urban believers are now using existing Fourth, the church needs to pay attention Depending on where one has been or with Wang as he returned on a red-eye flight regulations to protect their own basic rights. Third, we must discover how to position to new challenges accompanying the more what one has read about China, this phrase flight magazine. Inside was a lengthy article on from an overseas trip. Over coffee and rolls at Churches in Beijing that previously were the church in the midst of a new social envi- accommodating political environment we are might conjure up images of a rugged rural the Chinese economy. I didn’t recognize the Starbucks he explained that he was originally nameless are now taking on names. Some ronment. Recently, several research institutes, experiencing. The changing political environ- house church evangelist itinerating between author’s name at first, but the young, energetic from Wenzhou, an eastern seaboard city famous churches have their own magazines. In all including the Chinese Academy of Social ment has produced societal changes such as villages in China’s vast heartland, or of a face staring back at me somehow looked vague- for its large network of entrepreneurs, who can these ways the church is overcoming its atti- Sciences and Beijing University, have held worldliness, materialism, and the emergence white-haired minister in a state-approved city ly familiar. Looking at the characters under- be found literally all over the world pedaling tude of being marginalized and exerting its symposia on Chinese religion and society. of new religious trends (for example, nar- church, preaching to a congregation of grand- neath the photo, I realized the author was Zhao their wares—and planting churches. Sometimes own identity. In each of these, the question of the “house row nationalism combined with Buddhist mother types quite similar to the pastor. Xiao, a prominent economist and President of called “The Jerusalem of China,” Wenzhou church” has been raised. Previously, this topic thought). These new ideologies could become the Cypress Leadership Institute. The oft-quot- boasts the highest percentage of Christians of E. Further, churches are not only talk- had been off limits in scholarly meetings. the greatest challenge to the church in China. While still accurate in many parts of ed professor, who also teaches part-time in a any city in China. ing about rights, they’re also talking about Now, it is not only being raised but also being China, these images do not begin to portray university in Beijing, co-founded Cypress with a responsibility. In The fifth chal- the spectrum of diversity that exists among mission to “empower servant leaders to be salt Brother Wang does double duty, repre- the aftermath of the lenge we face is Christian leaders in China today. They are and light in society through commerce, culture senting a large international company while Sichuan earthquake, globalization, of found not only in traditional church roles, and education.” Zhao and his colleagues pur- also serving as a regional overseer for believ- the urban house which China is now but are scattered throughout the society as sue this vision through writing and publishing, ers in several provinces who are affiliated with church produced a a significant part. the church takes on a new and profound conferences for business leaders, and training the Wenzhou church network. Wang’s latest number of well-known No one can change significance in China’s rapidly changing soci- Christian educators. endeavor involves launching a fellowship of organizations such as this reality. In the ety. Here we attempt to sample some of that likeminded entrepreneurs in his city for the China Christian Love environment of glo- diversity by presenting portraits of some very Zhao traces his own faith journey back to purpose of mutual encouragement. Together Action and Cypress balization, how will different leaders within the Chinese Christian research he did in the United States earlier this they help one another to solve business prob- Leadership Institute. the church position community. Some are actual individuals; oth- decade for a paper entitled “Market Economies lems, study Scripture, hold each other account- We feel that it is itself? The church ers are composites drawn from several similar with Churches and Market Economies without able in their personal and family lives, and seek important to partici- needs to explore how leaders who shall remain anonymous. Churches.” His understanding of the need ways of impacting their community. While our pate as active members we will see ourselves for a foundation of morality to undergird the conversation started along the lines of business, of this society. The within the larger economic system became required reading in before long we were discussing the topic clos- church is taking a step family of believers God in the Marketplace Chinese economic circles and has informed est to Wang’s heart—how to encourage his two toward playing a more worldwide, how we recent Party discussions about the need for an teenaged sons in their faith. With divorce rates active role in soci- will participate in Last year while on a domestic flight economic system based on trust. Having expe- skyrocketing (even among Christians) and most ety, rather than being world missions, and, back to South China, I reached into the seat rienced church life in America, Zhao to begin parents too busy to spend time with their chil- marginalized on the internally, how we pocket in front of me and took out the in- studying the Bible—not in an effort to find dren, a stable family life has become a casualty sidelines. will respond to the God, but rather in an attempt to satisfy himself of China’s rapid economic growth and social emergence of denom- that God does not exist. “Three months later, I change. inationalism, etc. Dr. Brent Fulton admitted defeat,” Zhao said. “[The Bible] talks Challenges is President of about the history of the relationship between ChinaSource (www. God and human beings, and this kind of book More than Half the Sky Of course, in the midst of this revival, discussed in depth. We believe this work will chinasource.org), does not exist in China.”1 To close an international, there are many challenges ahead for the give the government a more accurate picture evangelical Chairman Mao asserted that, “Women urban house church. First, pastors are chal- of the house church and also have an effect We must face many issues. Nevertheless, organization that identifies critical issues in What Zhao Xiao is seeking to accomplish hold up half the sky.” If the truth be told, most lenged to discover how to confront the very upon future religious policy. just as the Lord has guided us during the past China and convenes Kingdom resources at the macro-economic level, Brother Wang, a in China would likely agree that it is much complicated urban society and effectively 200 years, He will continue to guide us into to address them. He formerly served as business owner in a city east of Beijing, is pur- more than half. In the Chinese church this shepherd the congregation. Discovering I am very optimistic about the future the future. ‹‹ Managing Director of the Institute for Chinese suing at the grassroots of China’s highly entre- would certainly appear to be the case. believers’ needs and building them up as opportunities for the house church in this Studies at the Billy Graham Center of preneurial business community. I intersected disciples in this complicated environment is kind of environment. In this more open soci- Wheaton College. He and his wife, Jasmine, In a minority area near one of several live in Hong Kong. 1 Evan Osnos, Jesus in China, http://www. a difficult task. With other Beijing pastors, ety, people are not only asking, “Who are The name of the author is known to the editor. pbs.org/frontlineworld/stories/china_705/ borders that China shares with its ethnically interview/xiao.html. 20 21 FEATURE ARTICLES CONNECTIONS 70-t/0 FEATURE ARTICLES diverse neighbors, I met Pastor Zhang, a dimin- now spends her time focused on equipping city on a hill that cannot be hidden.” utive yet winsomely confident provincial leader Chinese Christians for cross-cultural outreach, in China’s official Protestant organization, in fulfillment of the “Back to Jerusalem” vision In the past year, Christians have not only The Three Self Patriotic Movement. Herself an that was given to the Chinese church in the provided relief supplies; they have also been WHAT CHURCHES IN CHINA NEED TODAY: ethnic minority who has gained the respect 1940s and has been revived in recent decades. instrumental in erecting and staffing tempo- of the country’s predominately Han Chinese Partnering with experienced missionaries from rarily schools, rebuilding homes, and caring political leadership, Zhang is typical of many outside China, she facilitates the training of a for orphans. To meet the demand for services THE LIVING WATER strong evangelicals within the “official” church handful of evangelists in areas including lan- and coordinate the efforts of Christians from who serve to interpret the interests of believers guage learning, cross-cultural communication, around China, the believers formed—with the 3&13*/5&%8*5)1&3.*44*0/'30.5)&$)*/"4063$&+063/"- 46..&353"/4-"5*0/*4#:"-*$&-0) to China’s ruling party while seeking to carve comparative religions, and vocational skills that blessing of the local government—an NGO out a larger social space for Christians. Told by will enable them to serve as “tentmakers” once called China Christian Love Action. Evidence a foreign friend living in the city that churches they are overseas. of local officials’ regard for their work came Huo Shui here numbered more than thirty, we were quite some months after the quake, when they ver the past thirty years, overseas than to strategically train the next generation impressed—until we ran the number by Zhang indicated that a museum would be erected to sending organizations have earnestly should not be confined to mega-cities such of pastors. and she corrected us: “No, we currently have A Cup of Cold Water remember the quake and those who respond- Ostudied the lessons gleaned through as Beijing, Shanghai or Shenzhen. There eighty-two churches.” ed, and that they wished to include a flag with the experiences of modern day workers in are far more small and mid-sized cities with Inadequate resources limit current train- For the past few decades it has been the CCLA logo—a cross emblazoned with the China. These organizations have subsequent- populations between 100,000 and 500,000 ing to a condensed format: a few speakers Having attended a service the evening assumed that the powerhouse of the Chinese group’s name—in one of the displays. ly modified their methods and, in turn, have which attract more of the vast, rural, labor address a quickly assembled group from the before in which we noted that the ushers, song church was in the countryside, where a small seen better results. At the same time, howev- force. The majority of these smaller cities are area. Students have little time to digest what leader, emcee, and pastor—not to mention the army of evangelists like Sister Li labored amidst Surveying these portraits of leadership er, China has been constantly changing. The often overlooked by overseas agencies. In they have learned before heading back to preponderance of those in the congregation— massive revival. However, since the late 1990s one cannot but help but be encouraged by the environment and conditions for service today fact, these cities, including some larger ones their hectic ministries. This utilitarian style were all female, we were interested to hear the church’s center of gravity has been shifting church’s incredible potential to glorify God are vastly different than those in the past. in central and western China, have almost no of “catch-up” effort is a kind of last resort Pastor Zhang’s take on the perceived gender to the cities. Here a new generation of leaders in a multitude of ways amidst a rapidly trans- The pace of this shift is often not understood workers from overseas. These smaller cities given the bigger political climate and similar imbalance within the church. While acknowl- is pioneering a different kind of church among forming society. As China’s role in the world by Christians overseas. Therefore, sharing of China are the weak links that require for- to the earlier “learn now and apply now” edging the problem, she went on to explain China’s urban influencers. Predominately col- has changed, so has the role of the church in the gospel in China today requires both eyes tification. approach during the Cultural Revolution. that the church was seeking to address it by lege educated, many have overseas study and China, and so have the roles of leaders within to be open—one eye toward lessons learned This patchwork method is unworkable in the creating more activities that would appeal to work experience and advanced degrees. While that church. These roles are multidimensional from the past and one eye on the churches’ Theological Education: Short-Term hope of developing a new generation of excel- men. Along these lines the church had recently generally not in direct opposition to the offi- and multifaceted, taking the church beyond needs in the present. Seminars to Systematic Training lent Christian leaders. secured a piece of property outside the city cially sanctioned churches under the TSPM, its traditional four walls and living out what it Small and Mid-Sized Cities: Focus of Because of its social makeup, the Chinese and was preparing to construct one of China’s these leaders nonetheless choose to work out- means to be salt and light in every corner of church had been in survival mode for a long For now, within the entire country, the Future Church Growth first Christian retreat centers, one of the main side the official umbrella. society. time. Church leaders were unlikely to have Chinese government has generally suspended purposes of which will be to host family activi- After thirty years of open reform, the any formal theological instruction or even any all active offensive action against house ties in which men will feel comfortable partici- Last year’s massive earthquake in Sichuan One is also; however, sobered by the reali- Chinese economy has expanded rapidly. type of schooling. This lack of training was churches. Other than a few specific locations pating. province proved to be a turning point for zation that none of these leaders is older than One indicator of this expansion is the rate very common in rural churches. and individual incidents, the two sides are at China’s emerging urban church. A key figure 50 and that they have virtually no older leaders of urbanization. Government reports show a truce—house churches are still not recog- Like Zhang, Sister Li has spent most of in the church’s response was Brother Job, an to whom they can look for guidance in facing that in the year 2008 fifty-nine percent of nized by the government but are not restrict- her life serving in the church. As a young intellectual and professional from a city in the many challenges that greet them with each the Chinese population resided in towns and In urban churches today, leaders, as well ed by it either. This changeover is actually a evangelist who rose up through the ranks to Eastern China who typifies the new awareness new day. Apart from a few older “uncles” who cities. This percentage will continue to grow as members, are much more likely to have tremendous opportunity for strategic growth become a respected leader in one of China’s among urban believers of their God-given role emerged out of the Cultural Revolution in the to seventy or seventy-five percent within the received higher education, including some in the house churches. Rather than focusing major rural house church movements, Li has in society. early 1970s, the previous generation of leader- next ten years. With this urban population who have returned to China after studying on increasing attendance, they should put witnessed both the glorious revival at the heart ship simply does not exist, as no pastors were increase, the urban church should grow as abroad. This higher level of literacy and cul- their efforts into raising the quality of their well. of one of the fastest growing church move- Within days of the quake, Job and his formally trained in China from the early 1950s ture among church members demands lead- leaders. If every local house church were led ments in history, as well as the pain of broken colleagues from cities across China were on to the early 1980s. ers with comprehensive and systematic theo- by a formally trained pastor or minister, the relationships, burnout, and oppression at the the scene, coordinating the delivery of emer- In early 2009, Chinese house churches logical training. As a result, having preachers entire house church movement would have a hands of local political leaders. Coming out of gency supplies donated by churches around With China’s emerging role in the world, held their fourth urban conference. House with inferior qualifications, or having no very different outlook. a church culture that had encouraged young the country. Only a few months earlier, in the the issues that these leaders confront in days church leaders from all parts of the coun- preacher at all, is a challenge many house women to remain single in order to fully dedi- aftermath of some of the most devastating to come will no longer be limited to matters try convened to discuss church growth. churches face. The vast majority of church Overseas agencies should no longer cate themselves to serving the Lord, Sister Li snowstorms in China’s recent history, these of their own country. Together with Christian Participants acknowledged that the focus of leaders are not seminary-trained. This lack of conduct brief training sessions in China, but has—like many of her fellow evangelists—sub- same leaders had gathered to discuss how they leaders globally, they will be called upon to Chinese house churches has shifted from qualified leaders is a reflection of how quickly should instead invest in solid, long-term theo- sequently married and now lives a somewhat as Christians could do a better job respond- decide and act in ways that have implications rural villages to cities, and urban churches churches in China have grown; it is also logical education in order to develop gifted more settled life as she raises school-aged ing to such crises in their country. Little did beyond China’s borders. Hence the impor- will see the most growth. In fact, attendance indicative of the practical attitude Chinese leaders who are sought after in every urban children. they know at the time that God was preparing tance now for the international faith commu- at rural churches has been very low. Most churches have toward formal theological church. Short-term seminars and retreats are them for protracted involvement in Sichuan. In nity to update and fill out its understanding young and middle-aged adults have jobs training. It is not that the theological training useful for church members who should in Today the movement’s top leader is no Job’s words, “The May 12th earthquake thrust of China’s emerging Christian leaders, and in the cities; only the elderly, disabled and is unavailable but that most training is geared turn make sure the right pastors can receive longer in China. Various splinter groups have underground Christian churches in China onto for these leaders to build new bridges to the children stay in the villages. The evangelistic toward meeting the needs of the moment. either two or four-year advanced degrees in emerged out of what was once viewed as a the surface, from the sidelines onto center church outside China. ‹‹ emphasis has definitely shifted to the cit- Today, it is more urgent to raise the theologi- theology. It is difficult to gauge the exact rather monolithic church structure. Sister Li stage. They became sons of light, building a ies. However, the discussion around cities cal qualification of existing church leaders number of seminaries needed throughout 22 23 FEATURE ARTICLES CONNECTIONS 70-t/0 FEATURE ARTICLES

China, but each province should have at Otherwise, if and when the Chinese govern- all house churches is even needed. Most foreign lands come to mind. They have big least three and a minimum of one-hundred ment relaxes further its policies and legiti- churches are experimenting with different ambitions and big plans in far away places nation-wide. Every provincial city with a mizes house churches, churches throughout approaches according to the leader’s under- but overlook the people around them. This POLICY, IMPLEMENTATION, AND population over 500,000 should have a cam- the nation will find themselves in a quan- standing. is the deception of human vanity. Where pus, totaling 1,000 campuses in the entire dary of not having adequate pastors, in is the mission field? Right where we are! country, similar to the military school cam- both quantity and quality. Now is the time Many factors impact the way a church Chinese churches have tasted God’s good- puses set up by both the Communist Party to invest in the future. is governed, including social geographic ness and are now ready to share with their SHIFTING OFFICIAL PERCEPTIONS and Kuomintang during the Sino-Japanese location (city verses countryside), physical own people. Overseas Christians should War. Church Administration: Standardized geographic location (coastal versus inland), make sure believers and churches inside Structure and Contents and member demographics. Other unique China understand this. OF THE CHURCH IN CHINA The process can be divided into two issues such as real estate ownership can main stages. First, identify a select group of In the past, external pressure forced house also potentially affect church dynamics and Social Services: A Light on a church ministers and leaders in each prov- churches in China to be cloaked in secrecy. relationships within the body. Overseas Lampstand before All People Brent Fulton ince with a certain level of education and A church’s leader, for security reasons, often Christians can help churches in China rec- ministry experience and then send them to made decisions unilaterally. Under more ognize the importance of their internal sys- Traditionally, Western churches are a source Persistent reports of Christians in China prosecution has grown significantly. Without North America, Korea, the Philippines or normal circumstances, particularly in cities, tems, the significance of democracy, trans- of social services and charity work. This is being harassed, fined, detained, and oppressed discounting either the reality of incidences of parency and openness, and the principles one aspect the churches in China are lacking. through discriminatory policies often lead out- Christian persecution or their seriousness, what and diversity for governing a body of believ- Of course, the recognition of Christianity side observers to conclude that the Chinese is remarkable is how much Christian activity ers. Also, Christians from overseas should and the legitimacy of house churches have government is pursuing a concerted and con- takes place on a daily basis that is technically be cautioned against over-emphasis on any played a big role in the church’s social stand- sistent policy to restrict Christian activity and not allowed yet goes unchecked. specific denomination or its traditions lest ing. As countless volunteers from house stem the growth of Christianity. While these churches in China again follow blindly one churches joined the relief effort after the troubling incidents remain a reality of life in Policy vs. Implementation: Unraveling the set of sectarianism. 2008 Sichuan earthquake, local government China, a survey of the larger picture suggests Mystery and residents began to notice and applaud that they are the exception rather than the rule, Mission: Power for Church Christians’ social services. However, oppor- and that there may be room for cautious opti- In any given week, somewhere in China, Development tunities of this nature are rare and unique. mism concerning future policy toward China’s urban believers are holding services in rented

For a Christian, the foremost mission is Without long-term and deliberate planning, Christians. office buildings, hundreds of unofficial Bible to evangelize. A church without missions churches and social services do not readily schools are offering classes, children are attend- is dead. However, when the authorities merge. Most churches are busy with their The ’s basic ing Sunday schools and youth meetings, books loosen their grasp on churches many own affairs, worrying about whether exposing stance toward religion has not changed since containing all kinds of Christian content are churches become too comfortable. Some their identities is agreeable with the authori- it was spelled out in Document number 19 in sold openly in bookstores across the country, white-collar churches in the cities become ties. 1982. Commonly referred to as the “three des- businesses are conducting chapel services for like country clubs or social gathering ignates” formula, this policy restricts religious their employees, students are meeting for cam- places for their members. Rather than Will too much charity work impact the activities to approved locations, requires that pus Bible studies, local Christian-run non-gov- spreading the gospel, they spend their church negatively? Very few even consider they be conducted by approved clergy, and ernmental organizations are offering a host of time talking about themselves and their service part of church survival or growth. limits their scope to the geographic sphere in services to individuals and families with various family problems. China can never be Social work is just not part of what a church which a given member of the clergy is permit- needs—and those involved in these activities changed by overseas workers alone without active sharing of the gospel by Chinese is about. The reality is that there are too ted to practice. In theory, the policy limits suffer no repercussions at the hands of authori- Singapore for two years of training. After this authoritarian style of leadership cannot believers. Overseas workers should aim many social ills in China today. The govern- the growth of the church by rendering itiner- ties. Yet during that same week, somewhere receiving diplomas, they would become the bring about healthy church growth. Many to advance the competence of witnessing ment does not and cannot do anything for ant evangelism illegal, severely restricting the else in China, believers could be detained, teaching staff in future seminaries in China. house churches, especially the larger ones among Chinese churches. Once a church those who are subsisting on the margins of number of leaders qualified to serve in church- fined, arrested, or otherwise harassed for par- Second, local churches should register educa- in the cities, have begun to put internal enthusiastically participates in outreach, society. Therefore, local officials are willing es, and effectively placing a cap on the number ticipating in any one of these activities. tion and training centers in their own cities structures, guidelines and by-laws in place. it will be transformed from the inside and happy to see volunteers provide for the of churches that can operate in any given city and recruit students to learn from the for- This is not only a sign of maturity for the out, and as it tries to equip others, it will needy. As long as a church is recognized in or region. Since the gray area activities are, for the mally trained faculties. Students should be house churches but a necessity to ensure discover its own weaknesses. To help the community, it should proactively provide most part, not specifically proscribed by law, it selected by local churches and should com- growth. Nevertheless, the social environ- each church in China to begin its own social services, concretely demonstrating Ever since Document 19 was released, is up to local authorities to decide whether and mit to full-time study for at least fifty percent ment in China is very complex and varies missions work and to regard missions as Christ’s love to its neighbors, being a light there has existed a gray area in which activi- when to prosecute. Given the sheer number an imperative responsibility should be the of the duration of the training. If it is pos- widely from city to city. As far as internal on a lampstand for God. Overseas churches ties that are neither specifically permitted nor of Christians in China (estimates vary from 60 goal of each and every Christian worker to sible to form a coalition accreditation board church administration, in terms of both China. have rich experience in the area of social specifically prohibited are allowed to exist. to 80 million or more) and the fact that most with members from seminaries inside and the essentials and the discretionary, there service and thus have much to offer. What is Although Party policy has basically not changed are operating outside the official Three Self outside China, the graduates would receive are no set patterns to follow. In addition, Another caution is to note that shar- more, if churches in China can shine in their for more than twenty-five years, and although Patriotic Movement/China Christian Council degrees recognized both domestically and church denominations do not exist in ing the gospel is about glorifying God, not social service work, it could one day very well the types of incidents mentioned at the outset structures, it would be impossible for authori- internationally. Pooling resources together to China. It is still not clear what administra- putting on a show for others to see. Often lead to full acceptance by the government. ‹‹ of this article continue to occur, this gray area ties to systematically and consistently go after invest in seminaries in China should be the tive model should be adopted by a particu- times when a person considers missions, between “normal,” or registered, religious activ- anyone whose activities fall within the gray goal of every Christian organization overseas. lar church or if a standardized system for returning to Jerusalem or traveling through ities and those activities that result in official area; to do so would consume an inordinate 24 25 FEATURE ARTICLES CONNECTIONS 70-t/0 FEATURE ARTICLES

amount of government resources, and in any to grow (although there are some unofficial believers in question can attract funds from case would not be considered a priority for urban groups meeting on a regular basis that overseas—then local officials may prey upon the Party, whose chief concerns are continued number several hundred or more). A group them for personal gain. Anti-crime campaigns Q&A ON economic growth and social stability. that is part of a larger network, particularly if with quotas for a certain number of arrests the network spans several provinces, is also can also prompt local officials to crack down CHINA TODAY Where, then, is the tipping point? Why much more likely than an isolated entity to on Christian activities that had previously are some (in reality, most) gray area activi- draw official attention. gone on unhindered. On the other hand, in FOR THE ties ignored, while others are attacked with areas where Christians enjoy good relations a vengeance? There are a handful of triggers Complicating the effects of these factors with officials (some of whom may be believers REST OF THE which, if present in a particular activity or are the political winds that blow frequently themselves), church activities are less likely situation, will greatly increase the likelihood across China, sparked by the efforts of top to encounter interference by local authorities, WORLD. of official intervention. leadership to address some pressing issue or unless or until a directive comes down from crisis. While generally not directly related to higher in the system requiring official action. Foreign involvement (real or perceived) Christian activity, these political winds can WE ASKED A COLLEAGUE WITH DEEP in religious activities will greatly increase the nonetheless create great difficulties for believ- chance of these activities being restricted. The ers. In both the run-up to last year’s Beijing The Shape of Things to Come? EXPERIENCE AND INSIGHT THESE FOUR presence of foreign personnel or foreign funds Olympics and this year’s 60th anniversary While in practice the space for Christians QUESTIONS. suggests to Chinese officials that these activi- of the founding of the People’s Republic, for to operate (within the parameters listed ties are being engineered or at least supported example, a huge security net was cast over above) has been gradually increasing, policies, from abroad, and that the foreign entity the city of Beijing. Gatherings of Christians as mentioned earlier, have been basically stag- 1. How can the church around the involved is seeking to use religious activities that had hitherto gone unnoticed, or at least nant. However, events during the past year world best pray for China and our in China for political ends. The interplay dur- untouched, were shut down, and not a few suggest that a shift may be under considera- ous universities, government researchers, Security Bureau official or a police officer sisters and brother in the faith? ing the past year between the government Christian leaders were detained. tion that would bring existing policies in line officials, and a half dozen recognized unreg- to discuss a broad range of topics. These and ethnic groups that enjoy foreign support with reality. istered church leaders. One of the house exchanges in the past were mere interroga- Pray that God would raise up Chinese from high-profile religious leaders abroad It goes without saying (although it can be church representatives in that meeting spoke tions. These days they are more often seen leaders, men and women after His heart, is the most obvious case in point; however, missed or conveniently overlooked by outside In March 2008, unregistered urban of the need for the house church to com- by many church leaders as an opportunity to lead China’s growing church. Pray for Christian groups can also run afoul of the observers eager to identify cases of “Christian church leaders from across China met to con- municate with the government, while at the for a discussion about mutual concerns. This wisdom in responding biblically to oppor- government by receiving foreign funding, persecution” in China) that blatant criminal sider how they could more effectively engage same time holding firm on the position taken act of reaching out exemplifies the manner in tunities presented by China’s rapid social allowing foreigners to preach or teach, or uti- activity on the part of Christians is grounds in addressing social needs. These leaders not unanimously by the house church leaders which many urban unregistered church lead- change—massive urban migration, redefini- lizing overseas entities as a mouthpiece when for prosecution. In a well-publicized case only advised the Public Security Bureau (PSB) participating in the meeting: ers are building bridges of trust with govern- tion of family roles, the “one-child” genera- they face government pressure. The Chinese earlier this decade, Gong Shengliang, founder of their intention to meet; they invited mem- ment. tion, rampant materialism, and the lack government is particularly concerned about of the South China Church, a large unregis- bers of the PSB to attend as observers. “Only God can control the spirituality of a moral and ethical foundation. Lift up foreign NGOs channeling funds to social tered Christian movement, was arrested and of faith; no worldly authorities have the right Christianity continues to gain ground as the believing “Daniels” and “Esthers,” in groups in China whose agendas are suspect, quickly received a death sentence. Apparently These theoretical discussions took on to control a man’s spirit….House Churches a legitimate area of intellectual pursuit as well business, government, education, and the especially when these NGOs are perceived as framed on trumped-up charges of abusing a much deeper meaning in the aftermath of (any true church) will only submit to Christ as a legitimate topic within China’s ongoing media; that they would know their role in having an “anti-China” agenda. young women within the church, Gong soon the Wenchuan earthquake on May 12th. The and reserve the right to make decisions on social discourse. As recently as fifteen years bringing about godly transformation within became somewhat of a poster child for the result was a coordinated and still ongoing their own, and they would rather die than ago, there was only one Christianity Research these institutions. Pray for the training of Related to this first trigger would be persecuted church in China. As a result of relief and rebuilding effort that is indeed prec- to accept the control of any worldly authori- Institute in a Chinese university which was Chinese missionaries to go cross-culturally, whether the Chinese group or individual mounting international pressure, his sentence edent-setting, in that there are a number of ties….The government has been entrusted by independent of the religious bureaucracy and both to ethnic groups within China and in question is perceived as having political was commuted to life in prison. Concern over aspects that in the past would have been con- God with the authority to maintain external control. Today there are more than thirty. beyond China’s borders. Pray for China’s motives. Criticizing the government, taking Gong’s case continued for years until evi- sidered threatening to the government. First, public order. If the government can limit leaders, that they would recognize the posi- an activist stance on sensitive issues such dence finally came to light indicating that he it consists of a large number of unregistered its governing to areas of maintaining public The strides that are being accomplished tive role that Christians are playing in the as urban migrant or ethnic minority rights was indeed guilty of raping numerous teen- churches working together in a coordinated order in external conduct, then according to for the cause of religious freedom are prima- building up of their nation. Ask God to or AIDS, or supporting those who do would aged church members, among other crimes. effort. Secondly, it is very overtly Christian, the teachings of the Bible, the House Church rily a result of the efforts of China’s own peo- make China a blessing to the nations. likely attract government attention and pro- Unfortunately, the international community’s with the lead organization, an indigenous will definitely obey those in authority within ple from within the country through positive voke a negative response. Leaders even in the unquestioning assumption of Gong’s inno- NGO, using “Christian” in its name and a the boundary that God has set.” interaction with their government. Chinese official church, although enjoying a somewhat cence severely tarnished the image of overseas cross in its logo. The Chinese government officials are watching and carefully weigh- 2. What are the roles of any kind of protected status, risk quick censure and loss Christians in the eyes of Chinese officials, has not only allowed this work to continue, A key factor in the current situation is ing the future role of the church in Chinese cross-cultural workers within China of position should they become involved in who saw Gong’s supporters as uninformed but the Civil Affairs Bureau has helped to how the unreigstered church now engages society. In this very fluid environment, the today, whether Korean, Western, Latin, any unsanctioned political activities. and politically motivated. facilitate the work. government. This kind of engagement is hap- international Christian community has an Indian, African, Chinese diaspora? pening not only in big events such as the opportunity to be proactive in supporting The size and scope of the unofficial group Finally, the degree of corruption and In November, 2008, the Research and March and November meetings, but more Christians who are carving out a new space Business is the language of China today and its activities is also a factor. It is generally greed among local officials will have consider- Development Centre of the State Council significantly it is taking place on a routine for the church in Chinese society and in and as such presents myriad opportunities considered safe to have unofficial “house” able bearing on how Christians are treated. (China’s equivalent of a Cabinet) hosted the basis at the grassroots level, with profound encouraging government officials to take risks for believers from other lands to live out meetings of 30-40 people. Beyond that, most If Christians are seen as an easy mark for first-ever official consultation on the house effect. Many unregistered church pastors and in not merely allowing but also sanctioning a their faith in the marketplace. Teachers of groups choose to divide and then continue fines—particularly when it is known that the church, drawing together scholars from vari- leaders meet on a regular basis with a Public new degree of religious freedom. ‹‹ English and other subjects are still welcome 26 27 FEATURE ARTICLES CONNECTIONS 70-t/0 FEATURE ARTICLES

in Chinese universities and, increasingly, ferent times received a similar call to take the In the Beginning, Poor Vision in private high schools and even primary Gospel to Muslims within China’s borders THIS ARTICLE WILL BE DIFFERENT. INSTEAD OF DISCUSSING GREAT NATIONWIDE TRENDS AND GLOBAL IDEAS, THIS STORY COVERS AN AREA OF ABOUT THREE schools. and to Muslim nations beyond. The distinc- knew, over thirty years ago, that I was tives of the movement included: a sense of Isupposed to live in China. Just after KILOMETERS AND DEALS WITH ONLY ONE SMALL COMPANY. IT IS MORE ABOUT WHAT WAS DONE WRONG THAN RIGHT. HOWEVER, IN THE PROCESS, WE HAVE SEEN A Opportunities exist in less-developed Christ’s imminent return, intentional reliance arriving in the late 80s, I learned that for- LITTLE OF WHAT JESUS HAS BEEN UP TO AND THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE ENCOURAGING areas for professionals in agriculture, medi- on God alone to provide the resources needed, eigners could have their own businesses. I cine, small business development, appropri- a Muslim focus, and totally indigenous lead- believed I should try to use business in some ate technology and related fields. Those with ership. The vision was revived in the 1980s way but was not sure how. I had owned a Chinese language ability can assist in training when house church leaders begin to meet small business previously. If I had put my church leaders, whether at the formal semi- with recently released evangelists of the origi- vision into words then, it would have looked BUSINESS AS MINISTRY IN CHINA nary level or through informal mentoring. nal “Back to Jerusalem” band who had been like this: I will serve God and the church by Perhaps the greatest need is for those from imprisoned in the 1950s after traveling as far teaching, using my company as a platform and outside to model personal commitment, as Xinjiang Province in China’s far West. These my business as access to reach influential people Patrick Lee integrity, a healthy family life, and godly church leaders took up the cause and began to disciple for Christ. Now, that does not sound While I had been told by the Lord not to for the cut. stewardship in whatever sphere in which they advocating the training and sending of evan- too bad, does it? But, as I look back, I see actively share the gospel through words (that Transformation Begins have been called to serve. This way Chinese gelists from within China. Today dozens have that Jesus disagreed with virtually all of it. is another story), two other local employees We began to teach the Scriptures, and our My friend then said all those who acted Christians will see more role models in a vari- been sent out of China with varying degrees were sharing the gospel verbally, and by now employees began to understand they had an were from our company. I began to believe ety of church and vocational contexts. of success and scores are being trained in twenty employees were relatively strong believ- obligation to their communities and families. Jesus when He indicated our business was the cross-cultural ministry both inside and outside Our Business Was the Ministry ers and could pray effectively. I called them Nightly prayer meetings developed in their ministry for us. China, often with the assistance of experienced Jesus had been showing us that our together and explained my problem. I needed community. Many groups of believers were 3. What mistakes must be avoided in this cross-cultural workers from outside China ‹‹ business was not about access to influential their help. Could they each take ten names formed. Many lives were changed. potential expat ministry in China? people, it was the core of the ministry itself. I and agree to pray every day for each of those Two- to Four-Second Windows of began to see this clearly when we had about individuals? I just wanted to get their names Today, at the beginning of each work day, Opportunity To put this in the positive: two hundred employees. At that time, I before God every day. They agreed. So, we a handful of employees meet to sing praise Another thing Jesus taught us was that to looked carefully at Jesus’ story of the talents made laminated pages, each showing about songs. During lunch breaks, groups form to be ready to seize investment opportunities, we Invest in People, not Projects. Talk to and the minas and realized that all Christians ten people, pictures and basic information. On study the Scriptures, pray and sing. At the end needed to be ready to act. Sometimes, these local believers whose lives have been positively were business people by definition. We are Saturday mornings we often got together for of the day, someone takes time to talk to the opportunities came in two- to four-second win- impacted by foreigners in China, and you will given resources belonging to our master and three to four hours of prayer. We would each Lord about anything that came up during the dows of opportunity. learn that the foreigners placed a high pre- a command to “do business until I return.” switch our cards with someone else and then day. We do not want to take home a burden mium on friendship. They realized that their When He returns, He will look for increase pray for the individuals on the new card the that only He can handle. During times of trou- One day, I parked my car at the company calling was first to serve, and that this service or profit. Anyone who cannot offer Him any next week. ble, you will find people praying in the work- and noticed a dwarf-like gentleman who said, needed to take place in the context of relation- profit will be in great trouble. We cannot shops, hallways or on the roof. “Hi Boss.” I explained I did not know him and ships, not primarily by dispensing programs safely ignore this delegated responsibility. During the next six months, people started I was not his boss. He answered, “You will be or building structures, as important as these coming to Christ, until approximately eighty Recently, I asked one of our ex-beggars soon. I have been looking for this company for activities may be. So, I began to try to find out what percent of the company confessed they were if anything was happening in the community a long time” (apparently we have a reputation resources had been given to me. Money? believers. There was no plan or strategy. Things where many of our employees live. He imme- in the beggar community). The clock started Build Local Capacity. Foreign teachers Power? Wealth? I did not have much of those. just flowed together in a very natural way. Each diately me told six stories. I will share three. In ticking, and I had to decide on the spot if I have done much in past decades to equip Then I thought, “What is valuable to Him?” week, between two and ten people seemed the meat market, a fight broke out and a meat was going to do anything. When he spoke, Chinese church leaders. Yet, going forward the Immediately, I began to think about people. to find Christ. Then, I realized one day, that seller, waving a clever, rushed someone. Out of he revealed some sort of mental handicap. I emphasis needs to be on investing in those They are certainly valuable to Him! Yikes, I for three weeks I had not heard about anyone the crowd jumped a man who stood between decided it was an investment opportunity from who will equip their peers. had two hundred people depending on me coming to Christ. I was worried that we had the two and stopped the fight. He spoke calm- the Lord. It took us three months to help him as my employees! What if I were responsible done something to offend the Lord. ly and got the two to resolve their problem. get his ID straightened out. Eventually, he Be Catalytic. Aim to build relationships for them in some way? What if one day the landed a trial position. He quickly became a that result in local people and resources com- Lord sat across from me at a table and said, I asked three people if they had heard A girl was hit by a car. The driver fled and believer. ing together to accomplish more than you as a “Tell me, what did you to do to invest in Xiao of anyone receiving Christ lately. Those three she was left lying on the road in pain and una- foreigner will be able to do alone. Those whom Chen, the cleaning lady?” Or, what if I said to had led twelve people to Christ that week, but ble to move. A large crowd gathered to watch. People from the street often have no work you connect will thank you, and, should you Him, “Here, Lord, you gave me three talents, none of them were in the company. It seemed Again, someone stepped out of the crowd, experience and find it difficult to learn how need to leave prematurely, the work will go on and I have produced three more.” Then he we had saturated our market (our company), checked the victim, picked her up, put her in a to conduct themselves in a working culture. in your absence. answered, “Three? What do you mean three? and the Lord was moving into other areas cab and went to the hospital with her. One individual in our factory, when he saw I gave you six!” I became more than a little (neighborhoods and relatives). Jesus was show- me walking down the aisle, got up from his concerned. So, I thought of a plan—it was ing us that the business was not access to On a walkway, a bike rider came too close position to come over and talk with me. I 4. What can you tell us about the Back to really more of a cop out. I decided that, when ministry opportunities, but was, indeed, the to a girl who was walking. A peddle hit her in explained that he must stay in his position Jerusalem Movement? I would talk with the Lord on that day, if I ministry itself. the leg, cutting her and ripping off her skirt. A and continue working to add value, and if not, could say that I had brought those people to couple was approaching and saw the incident. he could not stay. However, he wanted to do During the 1940s several Chinese Him through prayer, then, maybe it would go The husband took off his jacket, wrapped it things differently. Sorry, I said. Christian leaders in different locations at dif- better for me. around her and took her to a hospital to care 28 29 FEATURE ARTICLESLE CONNECTIONS 70-t/0 FEATURE ARTICLES

Then, he asked to be allowed to talk to each by local believers. We had been praying for Y VERY FIRST TRIP TO group leader, one day at a time. He noticed that our local orphanage, perhaps because it is a MAINLAND CHINA WAS STRATEGIC OPTIONS FOR THE BACK they often had tasks they did not like to do. He good place to see kingdom activity happen- wanted to be able to do those tasks for them—to ing. However, for years, we could do nothing. M IN AUGUST 1990. serve them. I agreed to try this for a while. Six Then, one day, the local orphanage director MY FIRST STOP WAS SHANGHAI. I months later, he was elected the most valuable just happened to meet our folks at the hos- RECALL THAT WHEN I WAS CROSSING TO JERUSALEM MOVEMENT employee in the company. His language difficulty pital because we were sponsoring operations disappeared. I even overheard a mature Christian for orphans from another city. Intrigued, he THE LARGE BOULEVARD NEAR WHERE THE say she liked being in Bible studies with him visited our company and is now allowing us MAIN TRAIN TERMINUS WAS LOCATED, because he had such great understanding of the to help the local orphanage. There are many Samuel Chiang Scripture. He has one big smile and is often heard children with cerebral palsy. We have started I FELT I HAD COME HOME! UPON singing hymns as he works. a special needs program in which we locate REFLECTION, IT WAS NOT THE FOOD, Taiwan did not provide good instruction on still serves as the world’s factory, plays A semi-literate person may have gone to and train people to care for these children. history. However, the real truth at that time host to many migrant workers from all school and may have the marginal skills for It has been so successful that we have taken NOR SOUNDS, NOR ANY OF THE was that I was a very poor student of history over China. While the population gener- a specific context, like work, but learns best His Company, Not Mine it to one other city and are now preparing to ENVIRONMENT, IT WAS THE LOCAL in general. I made a point to learn history ally unites together with “putonghua,” and most easily through oral communica- Another of my vision misconceptions was take it to another one. and become a student of the subject. I dis- that is Mandarin, the migrants meet “heart tions. Moreover, there are both literates and that I would use my company to serve Christ. DIALECT—SHANGHAINESE. THOUGH covered that Chinese history was inviting. to heart” when they discover a dialect in post-literates who are highly efficient in the The stories of the talents and minas helped me So, Jesus has shown us that while we I COULD ONLY MUTTER A FEW WORDS common, such as Hakka, spoken by their language but prefer to learn orally. When see that the resources never belonged to the serv- may be a small company, if we are willing, peers. This “oneness” by dialect, through China acknowledges a literacy rate of approxi- IN THAT DIALECT, I DO KNOW THAT I ants. They were stewards. I began to see that through us He can: Orality in Society its historical culture, actually unites peo- mately ninety-one percent, that amounts to I too was only a steward. The company was, t plant a factory and a church hun- GREW UP LISTENING TO IT FOR OVER ple—for those who speak it—and divides approximately 117,000,000 who are illiterates indeed, His. dreds of miles away in a very poor :&"34 "/%*58"4&913&44*7&  The richness of Chinese history gives a people—those who do not speak nor (that is the combined populations of Canada, community strong foundation to the continued practice appreciate the underlying customs. Spain, and Kenya). So, how many more When I started believing this, it brought t lead a majority of our employees to COLORFUL, LOUD, SEEMINGLY of an oral preference culture—where storytell- hundreds of millions of functional illiterates many, many changes. For example, when I faith in himself ARGUMENTATIVE—AND IT WAS MY HEART ing, poetry, art, drama, chants, dances and The second tension can probably be and semi-illiterates are there? Or, what is the viewed it as my company, and my accountant t transform the lives of beggars other cultural forms of communication are described as “having culture,” versus “hav- general population size of the oral preference LANGUAGE. left, I prayed: “Lord, please help me. I need a through work and a viable identity highly treasured. With approximately 400 ing no culture.” In the Chinese thinking, learners? good accountant, and You know good account- in the body of Christ dialects spoken in China, there are many dis- this is further exacerbated with a “literates” ants are very hard to find. Please help me!” As a t raise up a trained force of Christians tinguished cultural customs which are passed versus “illiterates” comparison. In a 2008 The Chinese church both inside and out- steward, I began to pray, “Lord, Your accountant to help orphanages care for children Towards the end of that ministry trip I from generation to generation through oral UNESCO publication, China listed those side of China, in general, can be commended got married and is leaving town. You need a new with cerebral palsy and other handi- also visited my relatives. They made many means. having literacy as recognizing a minimum for a literate approach in discipling the accountant.” It is much easier when we take our caps and provide foster care for local dishes, talked about the best places to of 2,000 characters for those living in the church and reaching the general population; correct position and let him handle the rest. He many handicapped orphans who can get xiaolongbao and invited me to taste my In Western societies, the historical devel- cities and a minimum of 1,500 Chinese however, just how effective are we in reach- did promise an easy yoke, right? then live in a normal home mother’s favorite dish from when she was a opment of languages has generally followed characters for those from rural villages.3 ing the larger body made of oral preference t raise up a large group of faithful youngster there—steamed lotus root. The a track where individuals commence life as A difference of 500 characters is not sig- learners? Once I understood the company was His, He people who will invest hundreds of relatives told stories about the long lost tribe “oral” learners; then as we went off to school, nificant, but the underlying prejudice is began to assemble a team to run His company. hours in prayer for the Kingdom of of , about the Cultural Revolution—its many of us learned abstract shaped items huge—often equating illiterates as having In general, oral speaking societies or One of the wonderful team members He brought God in their neighborhoods various activities and the regretful loss of called alphabets. We found that in sequenc- no culture. Imagine carrying this baggage communities use various forms of compli- was a man who had spent many years in a city t cause many people to live out the books burnt—and about Chinese history. ing these letters we made sounds and words; all around Asia and forgetting the richness mentary oral communication forms to trans- several hours away doing poverty relief work. He characteristics of Christ by stringing them together we composed of other oral preference cultures! mit knowledge in farming, family protocols, joined us, and we planted a daughter factory out I remember sitting there, nodding logical sentences.1 We learned to read. The food preparation, medical treatments, medi- in the mountains where he had been doing his So, what has Jesus been showing you? ‹‹ politely, listening. Finally, without much Chinese language evolved along the lines of cine and other practices including religion. relief work. Our thought was to take some of our verbal interaction from me, they asked me hieroglyphs with the special feature of com- Orality as Practice There are five powerfully linked tools for factory work to that area. He has managed it very if I had understood them. I indicated that bining sound and image. In contrast to the the practice of orality to take place: adher- well and the community is being transformed I had understood their verbal communica- more abstract thinking societies, Chinese Oral preference learners4 not only ence to memory recall; practice through through the financial input of our employees. tion. But then they got specific and asked if society has been much more imagery (or include the illiterate but also the function- repetition; use of storytelling; employment of Now, there is a thriving church there. I had understood or learned about Chinese concrete) based.2 Working in China must ally illiterate and semi-illiterate. In general, visual objects or symbols; and dissemination Patrick Lee has been in business for 26 years. history when I was growing up (in Taiwan). I take into account this huge contrast and an illiterate is one who cannot read or through the avenues of the arts, song, music, 5 While in the collectible market, his company confessed that I did not know or recall much the resulting logical approach versus a more write, one who hears words but does not dance, drama and poetry. True Religion Cares for Orphans and was recognized as the best in the world in about Chinese history. I was not certain imaged-based approach. “see” them. Words to them are pieces of Widows their particular market segment which they which impression I had left with my relatives: sound and picture with some meaning. A Indeed, Chinese society today continues My partner also had a passion for help- innovated into existence. the Taiwanese education system was not very In a fast changing society where rural functionally illiterate person may read sim- to make music and tell stories—in larger cit- ing orphans. In his past work, he had started a rigorous and did not teach Chinese history migrants are drawn to the mossy smell of ple materials but does not receive or share ies, storytelling competition is a large event. foster care program that brought handicapped Reprinted from ChinaSource, Winter 2006, Vol. well, or, that I was a poor student of history. “green” in the cities, there are two large ten- concepts through print, nor do they trans- There are forms of artistry (Xiang Sheng) that 8 No. 4. orphans out of institutions and into homes in Knowing them, they probably granted me sions that exist between city and rural folks. mit values through print media. are appreciated year round. And who can for- the community. It has been entirely managed grace and decided the educational system in Guangdong, the melting pot province that get the experiences of going to Chinese herb- 30 31 FEATURE ARTICLES CONNECTIONS 70-t/0 FEATURE ARTICLES

alists who practice their craft with distinction Jerusalem Movement examine which strategic ORALBIBLE.COM/VIDEO.HTM. (and often keep the oral knowledge within the approach to take (print versus oral)? Will the STORYING WORKSHOPS WWW. SWBTS. MEMBER CARE IN CHINA family-clan). missionaries from China be willing learners of EDU/INDEX.CFM?PAGEID=1082 (FT. Buddhist and Hindi worldviews so that they WORTH, TX, MAY 19-23, NOV. 3-7) AND WWW.ONESTORY.ORG can be more fruitful? Will the missionaries Harry Hoffman WWW HRONOLOGICAL IBLE TORYING COM Orality for the Road Ahead from China be willing to learn and distinguish C. .C B S . Member care in China is secondary trauma. The training has that Islam is incredibly diverse? Will the mis- D. WWW.ORALSTRATEGIES.COM growing. Experiencing new life as they become been received very positively, but it is a new topic, which has never been addressed “The Back to Jerusalem Movement” cap- sionaries from China be willing to learn the E. WWW.AVERYWILLIS.ORG Christians, more and more Chinese are moti- and taught in Chinese churches before. tures both imagination and excitement. In a Persian culture and contrast this to the Arabic vated to be missionaries, both within the coun- Bing search, one can find over to 2.6 million culture? III. ORALITY MINISTRIES. try as well as outside of China. Central Asia, WWW.INTERNATIONALORALITIYNETWORK.COM Personal Wholeness (Self Care) entries. Many of them report that there are the Middle East and the Muslim and Buddhist Dealing with trauma and secondary trauma WWW.ONESTORY.ORG 100,000 Chinese missionaries who are part of The history, language and culture of world are regions many of the Chinese believers can bring people to the end of themselves. the Back to Jerusalem movement. How will China inform reflective practitioners of mis- 1 A body of literature and studies have WWW.GO2SOUTHASIA.ORG feel called to. The topic of self care is discussed much in the they go cross-culture? How will they engage sion that many of the critical elements already matured on “Multiple Intelligences.” See link available WWW.GODS-STORY.ORG/BIBLEATLAST.HTM Chinese church, which, generally speaking, is peoples of the surrounding nations—Central exist to bring the gospel to other major as of 08/July/2009 at www.thomasarmstrong.com/ WWW.SIUTRAINING.ORG In May 2008, the church in China was quite performance and task oriented. For sure, multiple_intelligences.htm for an overview primer WWW.STORYRUNNERS.COM Asia and also the Middle East and North religions. Orality as a practice and a com- on this subject. For resources on this subject see: mobilized in response to the earthquake in the ability to accomplish much is a strength Africa? munication strategy is deeply embedded DNA literacyworks.org/mi/resources/index.html WWW.WYCLIFFEONESTORY.INFO Sichuan China. Christians made up 70-80% of the Chinese church. We ran and are still within the Chinese culture. By prayer, adopt- WWW.YWAMONESTORY.ORG of the volunteer workers, having been sent by facilitating “People Helper Trainings,” teaching Let us look from within China first. ing contextualized oral strategies in the heart 2 For a good discussion on these concepts WWW.ORALSTRATEGIES.COM their churches from all over the country. Many people skills for self reflection and basic counseling. Self care communicates a major Aside from the Han Chinese, there are 55 language and buttressed by history, the mis- please see the Chinese Traditional and Simplified WWW.ST4T.ORG of the volunteer workers, leaving their jobs versions of the book Making Disciples of Oral Learners, paradigm shift to the Chinese Church, and the other officially recognized minorities in China. sionaries of the Back to Jerusalem Movement ed. Avery Willis and Steve Evens, (London: ILN, 2009), and home, committed to live and serve for demand for these kinds of trainings is huge. The ethnic minorities represent approximately can engage, converse and live out the gospel pages 93 & 94 in both books. two years within the disaster area. As my team 105 million people. Will the Chinese church, among the Buddhist, Hindi and Islamic cul- IV. MISCELLANEOUS and I helped and served, taught and trained, Team Work (Relational Care) and indeed, the international church, be will- tures. 3 Education For All Global Monitoring ALL THE FOLLOWING RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE gave and counseled alongside the local volun- Rumor and research says that one of the main ing to learn the heart language of the ethnic Report, 2008. Link available as of 08/July/2009 at FROM WWW.IMB.ORG FOR $5.00 EACH teers, the following member care related top- reasons for missionary attrition is problems minorities, or will they force the ethnic minor- International Orality Network, a global unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0015/001547/154743e.pdf TELLING GOD’S STORY VIDEO ics appeared to be of great importance to the and conflicts with other missionaries. In ities to learn the Chinese language so that network of over 100 mission agencies, pro- MAKING DISCIPLES OF ORAL LEARNERS church. my experience, the same is true for Chinese 4 There are also literate and highly literate they may be reached? Heart language choice vides extensive resources and training to reach (AVAILABLE IN CHINESE, SOON IN KOREAN, missionaries. The sociological changes in China people who prefer to learn in an oral form. These are INDONESIAN AND SPANISH) matters in reaching the unreached.6 the oral preference learners. (A short resource categorized as “secondary orality learners.” over the last thirty years resulted in large scale ORALITY AROUND THE WORLD DVD list is provided at the end of this article.) The Church as a Sending Body (System diversity and perceived dichotomies, one of “TELLING THE STORY” WORKBOOK—A PRIMER Care) which is the change from Confucian thinking The ethnic minorities within China, ON CHRONOLOGICAL BIBLE STORYING Local Churches were and are still sending each with their colorful and rich history, Will we, together, be willing to assist 5 Paul H. DeNeui, Communicating Christ and social structure to something new, which Through Story and Song: Orality in Buddhist Contexts, FOLLOWING JESUS: MAKING DISCIPLES OF people into the earthquake region to help, serve hasn’t yet been labeled. This makes team work share neighboring borders with other coun- the Chinese church to know that the very (Pasadena: William Carey Library, 2008). ORAL LEARNERS—SEVEN AUDIO MODULES and comfort victims. The “Role of the Sending and relationships very difficult and one of the tries including Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, historical foundations of the orality practices OF 400 STORIES Church” is a big member care related topic highest training demands. Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Russia, from China are suitable as practice and are an 6 See J. Dudley Woodberry, From Seed to C. ORDER “MAKING DISCIPLES OF ORAL in many parts of the world, and the “Code India, Afghanistan and Tajikistan. Which indispensable strategy along the Silk Routes Fruit: Global Trends, Fruitful Practices and Emerging LEARNERS” AUDIO BOOK FOR $5.00 AT: of Good Practice,” both for sending churches Member care in China is developing. We strategy will the Back to Jerusalem Movement across Asia? ‹‹ Issues amongst Muslims. (Pasadena: William Carey WWW.STORYRUNNERS.COM/RESOURCES/ and sending agencies is frequently discussed. have been teaching about member care in local Library, 2008). Clearly, learning the heart language is a MDOL.ASPX Looking at China, there are good examples of missionaries take? Will they keep the cultural necessary variable for both initiation of communities of missionary training schools, but has not been a prejudice of “illiterates” as having “no cul- D. BASIC BIBLE STORYING BY DR. J.O. sending churches and not so good ones. big draw. Usually, one finds 20-30 year old can- believers and increased fruitfulness. A combination of TERRY: WWW.CHURCHSTARTING.NET/ ture” or will the new missionary force come This article first appeared in China “heart language” and “learning strategy” incorporation BOOKS.HTM didates full of motivation and passion to reach to appreciate the unique culture of each peo- 20/20, a publication of ChinaSource, further increases the fruitfulness. Trauma Care (Emotional Care) the lost. However, I was 29 when I moved to E. ORALITY CONSULTATIONS The workers who volunteered in Sichuan ple group? August 2009. Reprinted with permission. China and 32 when I burned out. Only then 1. WWW.INTERNATIONALORALITYNETWORK. after the earthquake were faced with trauma was I willing to hear and learn from other ORALITY RESOURCES COM and crisis. Meeting children who lost their Going beyond the borders of China, 2. WWW.CALL2ALL.ORG parents, visiting communities who lost 80% people’s experiences. There are many success crossing through the neighboring countries, I. HOW YOUR CHURCH CAN START A STORYING of their children and teachers after the school stories of Chinese missionaries. But more and travelers including the missionaries from the PROJECT. collapsed, and facing death and shock all more we hear about stories of crisis, broken Back to Jerusalem Movement will encounter A. IN THE U.S.—VISIT WWW. around is not an easy task. It takes a certain set marriages, domestic violence, the need for inner large religious blocks: Buddhism, Hinduism REALLIFEMINISTRIES.COM/LEADERS of skills, information, training and courage to healing, depression and loosing faith. Member and Islam. The approach to these long-lived B. IN AN UNREACHED PEOPLE GROUP—VISIT be able to effectively and relationally function care is vital for Chinese missionaries to be pre- historical religions requires a different strat- Samuel Chiang serves with the International WWW. FINISHINGTHETASK.COM in an environment of trauma and death. pared for the issues they face on the mission Orality Network. He and his family have lived egy, one that includes an understanding of C. IN A BIBLELESS PEOPLE GROUP—VISIT WWW. field. ‹‹ in Hong Kong since 1991 serving China and ONESTORY.ORG Closely connected is the topic of “Secondary worldviews, gaps and barriers, as well as a the global church. combination of oral strategies. Trauma,” which refers to those people who For more information on Member Care in care for, or are involved with, those who have II. HOW TO DO BIBLE STORYING. China:http://www.chinamembercare.com Harry been directly traumatized. My team and I During these early days of the Chinese A. VIDEO OF GRANT LOVEJOY “INTRODUCTION Hoffman or email in English or Chinese: TO ORALITY” DOWNLOAD AT WWW. have produced booklets and spent dozens of missionary preparation, will the Back to hours training volunteers about trauma and [email protected] 32 33 REVIEWS CONNECTIONS 70-t/0 REVIEWS

authors, through story, interviews, narratives, and part three relates how these people con- Preserving Memories and personal biographical sketches, provide ducted themselves throughout the campaign. an understanding of individual and collective Character descriptions make for entertaining memory. reading. Readers are easily enticed to align oneself with some, and to dislike others. Ultimately, the reader begins to understand What Will They Say? the prevalent fear that dictated how people behaved, what drove individuals to come up with more and more creative ways of self-crit- icism until there was nothing left hidden and no such thing as a private life; and ultimately, Samuel E. & Roberta Chiang The following books, all written on what destroyed families and institutions. Out of Mao’s Shadow: hear him crack a-joke-a-minute in his 120 China in the recent years, will be minute long soliloquy. He is so hot that Yang Jiang’s goal was to show how these discussed: The Struggle for the Soul of scalpers are able to charge US$439 per ticket intellectuals were reformed, after describ- a New China (Paperback) by per show—princely sums at a time when ing what they were like before the hoped-for Baptism (An English Philip P. Pan China’s economy is still being compared to reformation. The cast of characters reflected Xinran has written a touching book titled Translation of Xizao, that of Angola.) this “need for washing,” but they are, unsur- China Witness. As a famous former radio Paperback) by Yang Jiang, Published by Simon & prisingly, human. They represent any man show host, she recorded twenty interviews Schuster, New York, 2008 Or will they label this period as both a or any woman, anywhere in the world, in over a period of two years, beginning in 2006. Translated by Judith M. time of globalization and global de-leveraging Remaking a New China their humanity—some have affairs, or think Her journey took her throughout China, and Amory and Yaohua Shi ISBN 978-1-4165-3706-9 with profound effects on Chinese citizens? Baptism, written by one of China’s of having them, some are unscrupulous in in her words, she wanted to “record the emo- (The boom—bust cycles are a literal eco- famous playwrights, Yang Jiang, deploys a their desires to “get ahead,” some are crafty tional responses to the dramatic changes of Published by Hong Kong nomic revolution, a trend that Chairman Mao clever use of fiction to describe the tumultu- in their business dealings, teenage children the last century,” because “China’s younger University Press, 2007 could not have contemplated.) ous period of post-liberation into the Cultural are rebellious, and the entire cast, in general, generations are losing touch with earlier gen- Factory Girls: Voices from Revolution. She is an avant-garde writer who resists, for the most part, this “new author- erations’ struggles for national dignity.” ISBN 978-9622098312 China, in its second revolution within published her first and only novel in the ity.” Out of fear, they all pass their remake the Heart of Modern China the last forty years, is seeing the emergence 1980s, when speaking up was not the new with flying colors, but the washing does not The average age of the interviewee was China Witness: Voices (Paperback) by Leslie T. of two societies, two cultures—rural and normal. have the anticipated effect. Any discerning in the seventies, with the oldest being ninety- from a Silent Generation Chang urban—and the division is creating tension. reader would ask these questions: what did seven. Through her interviews, Xinran is able (Paperback) by Xinran Rural people are either coming or going, and The original Chinese title of the book they change from, why did they have to be to preserve memories, establish milieu and Published by Picador an in the cities, people are arriving or exploring was “Xizao.” It literally means “bath,” and changed, and were they really changed, or describe the character of people. These are Published by Vintage Books, imprint of Pan Macmillan, further ashore. Families are divided into the was designated as one of the first mass not? the people who have clammed up, but they London, Great Britain, 2009 older (Cultural Revolution relics), and young- movements of “The Three Anti-Campaign” are also the people who have lived through 2009 er (one child policy—princes and princesses), of 1951, directed against corruption, waste, Yang Jiang’s novel captures the epoch the “unofficial” history. Their “class” back- ISBN 978-0-330-50670-0 the haves and the have-nots. Furthermore, and “obstructionist bureaucrats.” Targeting history and memories of that period. grounds are diverse, from Yao Popo, the medi- ISBN 978-0099501480 families have to sort through two ideologies bureaucrats, managers, former members Officially, in 1981, the Chinese Government cine woman, and a policeman who entered or religions—atheism or communism, and of bourgeois classes, businessmen, profes- rewrote the history of the Cultural the police force as the People’s Republic was In 2049, at the centennial anniversary Buddhism or Christianity. These combustible sionals, and intellectuals, the “bath” was Revolution. The official version is the one founded, to overseas educated people, like the celebration of the founding of the People’s variables are yielding a lack of peace and har- expected to remake, these individuals, for the studied in schools. The population that “pioneers of China’s Oil,” and General Republic of China, what will the Chinese say mony in China. New China. lived through the Cultural Revolution literally Phoebe. The interviews make for enjoyable Samuel Chiang, Global Coordinator— about this period in their history? How will clammed up and tried to erase their memo- reading. At times, Xinran digresses a bit too International Orality Network, along they characterize these first sixty years? Will A range of authors have tried to capture The campaign of “washing” was similar ries. Yang Jiang’s novel describes fictional much in “psychoanalysis” of a person or with his bride, Roberta Chiang, serve they consider this to be an “inflection” point the moods and the generations within China. to the western idea of “brainwashing.” The lives within real events, and keeps the memo- situation, but not enough so as to cause the the global church with a special for China in the 21st Century due to the We have selected four different authors, idea was to have all the “filth” of the Old ries of living in a surreal period in China’s reader to lose hope. It is also obvious that focus on the Church in China; he also build up of wealth, creation of opportunities, two from within China, and two Diaspora Regime “washed away,” so that rebirth could history alive. she is still working through her own “China serves on the Board of ChinaSource. and willingness to engage risk? Chinese. The subjects of these authors cover take place in the “New China.” The trans- angst”—dealing with the implications of Roberta has assisted in the marriage a span of over sixty years, documenting tales lators of this novel chose the English term Who really writes history, and who are her parents joining the party, her mother’s partnership over the past twenty plus Will they capture this period with patri- of four generations—of liberation, cultural “Baptism,” (as opposed to the Chinese title historical figures? Would historical figures absorption with it, and then her own “com- years, while Samuel has assisted in otism and strength, as they have hosted the revolution, the 1989 generation (referring to “Bath”) because it implies a similar concept have implemented a change or contributed to munist youth” years. the parenting partnership. She is very Olympics, shall host the World Expo, and the 1989 Tiananmen Square Protests), and of “passage through water leading to a new continuity? Are their ideas and actions con- interested in the area of spiritual are releasing, imminently, an epic film about the current mobile generation (migrant work- life.” sidered influential at that time or afterwards? There is a theme, over and over again direction, the ancient church, loves the founding of the New China featuring ers who are utterly dependent on their sole Finally, what was the effect of the Cultural throughout the interviews, that “life was to read and garden. They have three Chairman Mao? Or will they bracket this device—the mobile phone). Written in three parts, part one describes Revolution that may be linked to a larger extremely hard, sometimes beyond endur- children and have lived in Hong Kong period as the Zhou Li Bo era? (China’s long how New China recruits talent from every theme? ance, but it was also very simple.” Almost since 1991. standing and very “hot” comedian, for whom It is clear that historical epochs have quarter, part two shows how this cast of without fail, each interviewee, when asked if the crowds willingly fork-over US$55 to just consequential implications, and the four characters was really in need of “washing,” they would share the story of their times of 34 35 REVIEWS CONNECTIONS 70-t/0 REVIEWS

want and uncertainty with their adult chil- Who writes the unofficial history? Pan in various provinces across China. Leslie neck speed economic development, the talk dren and grandchildren, said “no.” They rivets the reader with the story of a dead T. Chang has written a fascinating account of money is everything. It breaks the law, CHINA RESOURCES ON THE WEB said: “They would think we were foolish. heroine from the Cultural Revolution, who of the female migrant workers who have replaces the law, and in family circles, dis- They would laugh at us. They wouldn’t wrote over 400 pages of Chinese characters produced household goods and world class solves the traditional Chinese family struc- www.afcing.org/bookstore care. Everyone these days is only interested in her own blood while in prison. It was brands. ture. What the father says is no longer “law.” Large selection of simplified script evangelism, apologetics, and in money and material things. They can’t discovered later that she had also written The migrant girls, through money, change the understand us.” Again, “fear” rules the day. documents of 180,000 and 200,000 words family power structure. discipleship resources. in blood. It took a daring film maker to The Cultural Revolution left an indel- document the discontinuity in history and to www.amitynewsservice.org ible mark on Chinese history. The implica- preserve a long-ago voice. Modern technol- Trajectories to the Future tions of this period are being lived out by the ogy “YouTubed” this documentary, now a The Liberation of China ushered in a Communicating the news and views of the China Christian Council. generation that Xinran interviewed—often reference point to “sanity” during the insane foreign system—Communism; people lived Includes directory of registered churches in China. with fear and confusion. The changes they time of the Cultural Revolution has been pre- through the various “Anti-Campaigns” to have endured continue and are further com- served. “remake” themselves for the New China; they pounded by a society undergoing economic did what they were told. Cultural Revolution www.asiaharvest.org revolution. In their lifetime, for example, But he does not stop there. Pan deals marked a dark period in China’s history; peo- One of the most comprehensive sets of profiles available on China’s this generation has witnessed the transition with large macro-societal issues, ranging from ple survived, buried their memories, and lived from a two-wheel society into a four-wheel medical care to how one actually does obey in fear and shame. The 1989 generation, in ethnic minorities, written by Paul Hattaway, author of Operation China. society—there are approximately 1,000 new the law in China. Approximately 70% of contrast, continues to seek the truth. cars added to the roads in the city of Beijing, China’s wealth is concentrated in about 4% each day! of the population. In lucid prose, Pan brings In her book, Factory Girls—Voices from The mobile generation takes risks, broke www.bdcconline.net to reality the skewed distribution of wealth the Heart of Modern China, Chang provides the mold of fear and shame, and “remade” The Biographical Dictionary of Chinese Christianity--recording the life through factual stories of miners, corrupt a portrait of the modern Chinese women: themselves into new people; they love the Hope officials, a rich entrepreneur (who followed young adults (16—30) who are risk-takers, test of life! Yet, their quest for economic stories of hundreds of significant figures in Chinese Christianity across How will China continue on its path of the law), and the razing of houses. Just as a think nothing of lying, practice deception advancement is leading them in the same the centuries and around the world. economic development? How will the older reader feels alliance with the real heroine in to get ahead, capable online and capable direction and characteristics that China was generation be taken care of? Who will speak her cause, a reader would feel equally out- in English, constantly taking “just-in-time” trying to be liberated from: corruption, into issues on the environment and sustain- raged and sympathetic to those who lost out courses on etiquette and technical subjects, waste, and obstructionist bureaucracy. www.chinasource.org ability? Can a nation move forward without in the race to get ahead. send money home, send more money home, Articles, book reviews, training resources, forums and blogs related to dealing with its past? and may have multiple sexual partners. The older generation can be excused if Economic development ushered in they feel somewhat confused—the very rai- faith-based service in contemporary China. Includes links to other helpful human darkness, but a distinct ray of hope Wonderfully nested in the book is son d’être of the liberation and revolution for sites plus information on ordering the quarterly ChinaSource Journal. exists with the 1989 generation; they are not Chang’s own quest to discover her roots as which they gave their lives seems to be wast- afraid to seek the truth, and to speak out well as a braided story of how the Chinese ed. Furthermore, the ever advancing Chinese about it. Buried in one of the chapters is the handle roots and genealogies: the Chinese currency, the RMB, adds to changing family www.digitalbiblesociety.org story of a network of Christian lawyers who view history of family genealogies not as facts dynamics—the family structure is inverted Information on ordering Chinese Treasures, a CD-ROM containing are working to make systemic changes. Pan or recorded stories, but as a means to estab- and subverted, again. uses such examples to demonstrate hope for lish a moral standard to guide the living— four Chinese versions of the Bible, commentaries, Bible study China. “genealogy listing is a history not of simply Seasoned China watchers, are search- resources, video resources, and 177 Chinese Christian books in what happened, but what ought to happen if ing in their hearts for the true motherland. people behaved as they should.” (If you did Is it any wonder that church leaders in and both simplified and traditional script, contributed by 30 different Fear not behave a certain way, you are not includ- outside of China might be challenged in organizations. Philip P. Pan’s Out of Mao’s Shadow— In this time of global de-leveraging, ed in the genealogy!) determining how to assist the Church to be The Struggle for the Soul of a New China is China is awash in excess capacity. In the relevant? Are we surprised that crowds of an important contribution to the knowledge province of Guangdong, affectionately known Chang aptly demonstrates that family people paying Zhou Li Bo so that they can www.globalchinacenter.org of China, the character of its people, and the as the world’s workshop, approximately 20% tensions exist, stemming from changes in laugh? What will the celebrants in 2049 say Historical and cultural analysis of Christianity in the Chinese context, possible trajectories of the nation. Through of all factories sit currently unused. However, the nature of relationships. In the fast-paced about this period in history? ‹‹ eleven in-depth factual narratives, the readers the remaining factories still employ millions mobile phone culture, connections mean both in China and among the Chinese diaspora. are guided toward a ray of hope for the pos- of people, producing “Made In China” goods. everything and relationships can be discarded sibility of the birthing of a soul of the New Where do the employees come from? Are as people may change jobs every two to six www.gmi.org/store/CD.html#OpChina China. Pan covered the spheres of media, they full of fears and shame like the older months. Relationships are redefined in terms business, government, medical, education, generations, or are they truth seekers like the of “what can I get so that I can get ahead.” Operation China CD-ROM available from Global Mapping, Inc. and law with an underlying positive tone on 1989 generation? religion (Christians who are influential). He Factory girls are changing the power focused on the 1989 generation, those who Officially known as migrant workers, structures within China. In a Confucianism www.omf.org/omf/us/resources_1/newsletters/global_chinese_ministries came of age during the Tiananmen Square many of the factory employees are female, context, what the father of the Chinese family Global Chinese Ministries, a monthly newsletter for praying for Protests, now in their forties. under-aged, and come from rural villages says is “the law.” In a generation of break- Chinese peoples all over the world. 36 37 REVIEWS CONNECTIONS 70-t/0 REVIEWS

account of China’s Christian his- tory from Aikman’s sincerity is well known and his Fellowship, drafted a letter to this effect.1 www.prayerforchina.com 1949—1979, yet, as fewer and fewer of these claims for Christian transformation and glo- However, the Sinim Fellowship is only original patriarchs remain alive to tell their bal power are well founded. mentioned once in Aikman’s book, and the Daily prayer items, profiles on stories, a wealth of Church history from that ‘authorized representative’ who is to speak well-known Christian figures era is being lost forever. One of the revealing themes that was for China and is recognized by the ‘uncles’ is BOOKS ON CHINA, somewhat teased out in the book is the not mentioned at all (nor are Paul Hattaway’s in China, and information on Subsequent chapters titled ‘Uncles,’ “Back to Jerusalem” movement, and the books). Was this just an oversight? Or did ordering the Intercessors for ALREADY REVIEWED IN AN EARLIER ISSUE and ‘Aunts, Nephews, and Nieces’ wonder- potential actualization of this goal. Aikman’s journalistic instincts tell him to China prayer calendar. fully present the body of Christ in China. Aikman simply broad brushes this issue, and stay away from the real controversies? I sus- While not covering the whole church body leaves it in a curious state. The heart of the pect the latter! in China of course (there are many other question regarding the ‘Back to Jerusalem’ http://ricci.rt.usfca.edu church networks that are not mentioned), a goal is, “Would China be able to send t the turn of this century, China David Aikman’s Jesus in Beijing, a study real sense of body dynamics at work emerges. 100,000 evangelists across the Silk Road to The Ricci 21st Century Roundtable A captured the imaginations of many of China’s Christian history within her region- Aikman explores three areas of interest: the bring the gospel back to Jerusalem?” on the History of Christianity in with the lure of billions of people to be al and global context, is significant. house church ‘networks’ and the possible served, and equally tantaliz- ing billions of numbers of Christians in China; theology Paul Hattaway has written two books China contains profiles of key dollars to be made in trade. Consider this: Libraries are stacked full of books on the and an indigenized ‘Confession of Faith’; touching in different ways on the ‘Back to institutions and individuals and China alone accounted for 41% of the growth military, political, and economic prowess of and an additional cast of multi-generational Jerusalem’ theme: The Heavenly Man, a directory of relevant archives of the total world oil demand in the last 12 nations, but seldom is there a contribution leaders who are making an impact in China. co-authored with Brother Yun, and Back months;1 40% of the world’s cement; 31% from a sociological viewpoint, and much less While I suspect much foreign assistance was to Jerusalem. Both books have raised the worldwide. of global coal; 30% of iron ore; 27% of steel from a Christian perspective supported by a provided to put together the ‘Confession of dreams and ire of many! products; and 25% of aluminum.2 cast of Christian characters. That is why this Faith,’ I do believe the articles were a signifi- book is remarkable, significant and destined cant achievement in that the house church www.servingchina.com Borrowing from the geo-political prac- to become a ‘timeless’ book, required reading groups came to a common agreement on the So what about Back to Jerusalem? Is Connects interested individuals tice from the United States of attempting to for many years to come. precious faith –no small achievement given the concept a vision, or a legitimate move- with short- and long-term service secure one’s own backyard (Latin America), the difficulty Chinese Church leaders have on ment, and what will be the future of the with its neighbors in the Association of Succint yet finely detailed, Aikman starts agreeing on many things. mainland Chinese Church in Central Asia opportunities in China. Also Southeast Asian Countries.3This will create with the historical journeys of the Nestorians, and into the Middle East? th contains useful background and the world’s largest tariff- free trade zone for Franciscans, Jesuits, and the 19 century Only a brief four pages in the book are nearly 2 billion people, with a combined Protestants to China. He shows how ‘tent- devoted to , or ‘Sister Ruth’, who The origin of the ‘Back to Jerusalem’ orientation resources. gross domestic product of more than 2 tril- making’ and illegal ‘smuggling’ to support has been enabled by the Holy Spirit to write vision came to several groups of peo- lion US dollars by 2010. ministry in china have precedents back in the many songs, which have become known as ple in China, and is well documented in 1800’s. His short section on ‘Opium Boats “Songs of Caanan.” I suspect there will be Aikman’s book. However, Hattaway’s Back www.zgbriefs.org and Christian Tracts’ may lead readers to many future volumes on Sister Ruth, and to Jerusalem gives the impression that the Weekly email summary of the reflect that perhaps God had a very good rea- many derivative stories across China on how entire house church movement, especially news in China, including church son to close China to the outside world in the the indigenous songs are used by God. in the rural areas, is imbued with the ‘Back middle of the last century. The Heavenly Man is a quasi-auto- bio- to Jerusalem’ vision. I do not believe this is news, sent free-of-charge. Overall Aikman’s survey of Christianity graphical account of Liu Zhenying, known really the case. After introducing the roots of Christianity, in China skillfully weaves a tapestry of the as Brother Yun, who is the ‘heavenly man’ and how china’s doors closed and reopened China Church that incorporates such diverse of the title (the book explains the origin of The original vision to preach the gos- to the outside world, Aikman aptly moves themes as seminary training, the ministries of the name). In the broadest sense, this book pel from China ‘Back to Jerusalem’ was to on to establish the ‘Patriarchs’ of the mod- foreigners in China (and their code words), is one man’s perspective on how the Church involve only seven countries: Afghanistan, ern Christian faith in China, a faith that is the State Church, the Catholic Church, some in China has developed (though Aikman Iran, Arabia, Iraq, Palestine, Syria, and – vitally! – indigenous. Perhaps not wanting of the mainland Chinese Christians overseas, provides a much better, deeper, and broader Turkey. One of the original groups formed to offend, he fails to mention three decades- and the relationship of official bodies in the perspective). to carry out the vision was called the worth of pastors and Christian leaders who international realm. ‘Back to Jerusalem Evangelistic Band,’ but disappeared during China’s attempt to wipe From a spiritual/devotional viewpoint it it could hardly be called a movement. In out Christianity, but he does focus instead on Jesus in Beijing has not been without is a passable book, as no one can, or should fact, all activities asso- ciated with ‘Back to those whom God has preserved: Wang Ming its critics. The Wall Street Journal review took argue with someone else’s experience in Jerusalem’ stopped in 1949—1950, though Dao, , , Moses Xie, Aikman to task for providing only anecdotal Christ. But the book professes to be more by that time some of the Chinese Christians 1 British Petroleum (BP) statistics for China, as and Li Tianen. Biographical descriptions and evidence to support a book that claims to be than just a devotional read. had got as far as Xinjiang. reported by Asia Times, www.atimes.com/atimes/ China/F123Ad09.html contex- tual nuances will allow any student of a serious sociological study. Elsewhere, espe- 2 www.ceramicindustry.com/CDA/Articleinformation/ Christian history to appreciate these presenta- cially among people who have participated in Brother Yun is presented as the ‘author- features/BNP_Features_Item/0,2710,125927,00. tions as eyewitness accounts. China ministry, suggestions were made that ized representative’ who speaks for the html Aikman was ‘paid’ to write the book in order house churches around the world. In fact, 3 The 10-member ASEAN (Association of Southeast 1 Hattaway, Paul. The heavenly Man: The Asian Nations) are: Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Furthermore, Aikman has probably to expose and to bring down the Church we are told, a grouping of house churches remarkable true story of Chinese Christian Philippines, Singapore and Thailand, Cambodja, whetted many people’s appetites for a fuller in China. I find both accusations absurd. with 58 million adherents, called the Sinim brother Yun. Monarch Books UK & USA, 2003 p Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam 291 38 39 REVIEWS CONNECTIONS 70-t/0 REFLECTION

In Hattaway’s book, the original vision ers are also discovering the challenges of the I believe the ‘Back to Jerusalem’ vision has been greatly expanded to include cities, educational differences, legal means of is alive, and is still in the hearts of many not only the Islamic world, but also the work- ing, and accountability. The new social- church leaders in China (comprising of peo- Buddhist and Hindu worlds. He gives a list edu- cation-legal realities are very significant. ple in house churches, official churches, and of not seven but 51 countries. Is this really a Christians in the market place). This is why new vision, or a self-serving vision from the If the rural house churches are aging Aikman’s chapter on “Artists, Writers, and TORREMOLINOS AGREEMENT West? Many Christian leaders in China have swiftly, and if the younger leaders are in a Academics,” is significant and ties in well the desire and passion to take the gospel mode of urban migration, where does that with China’s Christian future. Could it be back to Jerusalem. I have heard this passion leave the ‘Back to Jerusalem’ movement, that God is creating several layered strategies expressed myself as early as 1991. But if which is, in fact, tied to the rural house to bring the Gospel back to Jerusalem?2 you were to ask these church leaders which churches? What about the 100,000 cross- coun- tries are involved in this vision, many cultural missionaries who are under train- Aikman has excelled in telling China’s could not name the original seven, let alone ing and are ready to go? I ask the question: contemporary Christian history up to the new Gathered around the theme “Back to from around the world to join together to re- well as the spiritual renewal of the enlarged list of 51! Where are they? How many are under train- century. Jesus in Beijing is a first-rate, time- Europe” in response to the Macedonian evangelize Europe. churches in spiritual crisis. ing right now or able ‘to go,’ legally. There less book that is a must-read for anyone who call to “come over and help us” (Acts 16:9), Chinese publications, such as the Great seems no evidence of any such mass training is interested in what God is doing to prepare approximately 40 church and evangelical Furthermore, and because of the spir- 3. Facilitate, in cooperation with Commission Bi-Monthly Journal takes the Silk under way. China in the 21st Century. ‹‹ mission leaders who work in Europe met itual crisis spreading throughout Europe, we European churches, the integration Road, the traditional route from China to to pray and discuss the need to evangelize affirm that this missionary effort demands of the missionaries that God is sending Jerusalem, as the one run- Europe and to strengthen the Church of our an integrated, intentional and united effort into the harvest force ning through Central Asia Lord Jesus Christ on this continent. between European churches and the rest of the that is already in and into the Middle East.1 world. Europe. This agrees with Aikman’s Upon the conclusion of our meetings, research and under- stand- we first and foremost express our gratitude Therefore, we commit to: With the purpose of extending God’s ing of the original ‘Back to to God for the Spirit-led and sacrificial 1. Encourage a prayer movement from Kingdom on the continent of Europe, we Jerusalem’ intentions. work of European churches in the past around the world for the commend ourselves in brotherly and sisterly and at present, both on this continent and spiritual renewal of European churches. love to the grace of God the Father, Son, and However, in Back to beyond. Secondly, we recognize that God is Holy Spirit. Jerusalem, Hattaway and raising a missionary force from other regions 2. Promote the mobilization of his associates insist on two of the world. Therefore, and in light of the missionaries from other continents to additional silk routes, which continent’s urgent need to receive the contribute to evangelism, discipleship Torremolinos (Málaga, Spain), conveniently include the Gospel afresh, we call upon churches and church planting in Europe, as May 15, 2009 ‹‹ Hindu and Buddhist worlds. Such an enlarged vision would require an army of people for its fulfillment, and raises the question if there are really 100,000 Chinese cross-cultural mis- sionaries prepared and ready to go into the difficult parts of the world, legally. Many China Church watchers have become resoundingly concerned with the claims of this new movement. No small amount of controversy exists The rural house church movement in with the ‘Back to Jerusalem’ concept in and China is currently facing tremendous chal- outside of China with respect to human lenges. Regional development and globali- and financial resources. In fact, a formida- zation means the mossy smell of money ble group of ‘Patriarchs,’ the same people is located in the cities, and many of the introduced in Aikman’s book, are standing younger house church leaders are migrating up against the modern version of ‘Back to Sam & Robbi there. The rural house church is, once again, Jerusalem,’ with Samuel Lamb being the most Chiang gray- ing swiftly. These same migrating lead- vocal! 2 For an insightful look at the back to Jerusalem 1 Great Commission Bi-Monthly (ISSN 1537- Movement, please refer to the december 2004 1875), April 2004 issue of china 20/20, www.china2020.org 40 41 COLOPHON GLOBAL REPORT CONNECTIONS Vol. 8. No.3 456%:.*44*0/*/" INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIP ASSOCIATES-IPA 3&-&7"/5$0/5&95 .*44*0/"3:53"*/*/('"$6-5:%&7&-01.&/5 Russ Simons $0/5&956"-53"*/*/('03:0631I%PS.5I

4"*"$4IBTJUBMM WEA Mission Commission We’ve changed our name! Vijverlaan 3 3062 HH Rotterdam What used to be IPA-Interdev Partnership "DBEFNJDTo%FHSFFTSFDPHOJTFEBSPVOEUIFXPSME The Netherlands Associates, is now IPA- International &DPOPNJDBMGFFT Partnership Associates. This change was timely 8PSMEDMBTT-JCSBSZ Mr. Bertil Ekström because IPA has grown from 14 to 44 partnering *OUFSOBUJPOBMWJTJUJOHGBDVMUZ associates from around the world. This more accu- Executive Director "TJBOMPDBUJPO  rately reflects who we are. 0OTJUFBDDPNNPEBUJPO WJTBBTTJTUBODF Dr. William D. Taylor Editor Guided by our Mission: “To the glory of God: Christ’s Church present, unified and ministering 8FCXXXTBJBDTPSH  effectively among all peoples”, March found most Mr. Kees van der Wilden &NBJMSFHJTUSBS!TBJBDTPSH of us in Costa Rica for our yearly Summit. At this Managing Editor 4"*"$4 10#PY ,PUIBOVS #BOHBMPSF Summit 3 more Latin Americans joined IPA. It was the first time for some of us to hear some ses- *OEJB Mr. Anton E. Smeele sions from Spanish into English through simulta- Publisher neous translation equipment.

Mr. K. Rajendran, We are passionately driven to do all we can ties and for guiding the work of the MC in the Chair Mission Commission to reach the remaining least reached peoples. next three to five years. This was made possible INTERNATIONAL BULLETIN Consulting Editor Our means to accomplish this ambitious goal is through the excellent collaboration and facilita- through church and mission agencies from the tion of IPA”. Subscriptions north and south working together as true partners. OF MISSIONARY RESEARCH www.weaconnections.com One challenge this year is the complete Last year, it was most fulfilling to join with re-design of our partnership training materials, In-depth Analysis of Mission History and Trends Images MANI (Movement for African National Initiatives) to make them more relevant and flexible to the ChinaSource, Foxnews website, in Feb08, in South Africa, and the WEA Mission emerging missions world. Secondly, we have set Choose a FREE gift when you subscribe today Bertil Ekström Commission, in Oct08, in Pattaya, Thailand. a goal to mentor young leaders with collaborative competencies, and to invite them to our future 1 year (four issues) Enquiries In both gatherings IPA served as advisors Summits. At our Costa Rica Summit, we were plus The Best of IBMR / $23 [email protected] to have more interactive sessions resulting in mandated to seek those with partnering DNA, to Save 28% off the single-copy price. Fifty past articles on a CD-ROM. concrete outcomes. Bertil Ekström, Executive walk with them in their journey to become the Design, Print, Advertising Director, WEA Mission Commission, stated: next generation of authentic partnering leaders. ‹‹ 2 years (eight issues) www.initialmedia.com plus Islam and Christianity: Contemporary Mission Insights / $41 “The leadership of IPA played a crucial and Save 36% off the single-copy price. Receive a free 47-page booklet of decisive role in the Mission Commission con- Connections is published by informative reprints from past issues of the IBMR—a $10 value. Initialmedia on behalf of the sultation held in Pattaya, Thailand. Based on WEA Mission Commission. their experience and knowledge in conducting You will receive in-depth analyses of mission trends, reports on major Visit www.InternationalBulletin.org, evaluations, analysis and partnership dialogues, FRQIHUHQFHVDQQXDOVWDWLVWLFDOXSGDWHVRQJOREDO&KULVWLDQLW\SUR¿OHV call (203) 285-1559, ISSN 1872-1974 IPA was responsible for leading the whole proc- of current and past missionary leaders, dissertation notices, and timely or mail a check payable in U.S. funds to: ess of missiological reflection and planning of Report by: book reviews. IBMR, P.O. Box 3000, Denville, NJ 07834 future activities by the different task forces, Russ Simons networks and forums related to the MC. The International Subscribers are able to read current issues online. Published quarterly by the conclusions and outcomes of the consultation Co-ordinator IPA Available as an e-journal for just US$9.97 per year. OVERSEAS MINISTRIES STUDY CENTER © 2009 Initialmedia serve as invaluable tools for defining the priori- 2009-18 42