The tapestry of the Chinese diaspora is rapidly evolving in the post-COVID era—and the UK is no exception. With the introduction of the BNO visa, the UK has welcomed tens of thousands of new immigrants from Hong Kong. Together with the steady flow of mainland Chinese students, long-term residents, and British-born Chinese, the landscape of the Chinese community is becoming increasingly vibrant—and complex.
In such a time as this, what is the next chapter for the Chinese ministry in the UK?
On April 26, 2025, leaders, church workers, and believers gathered at a Chinese church in London for NEXT 2025, a full-day conference centered on “connection, encouragement, envisioning, and Bible engagement.” The conference set out to explore the future of the Chinese ministry amid uncertainties and opportunities. Here are some of my personal observations and reflections from this meaningful day:
1. Connection and Inclusiveness
One of the most encouraging aspects of the conference was its openness and intentional inclusiveness. Held in Cantonese, Mandarin, and English with live interpretation, the event broke down language barriers and welcomed anyone passionate about Chinese ministry—regardless of background or position.
To kick things off, attendees were invited to submit their first impressions of Chinese ministry in the UK, forming a live word cloud on screen. Words like “traditional” (傳統), “busy” (忙), and “complicated” appeared at the center—an honest snapshot of the challenges the Chinese church is facing today.
Many Chinese believers are deeply committed to serving the church, often taking on heavy responsibilities. But without rest and reflection, this zeal can lead to burnout. Are we pausing long enough to listen to God—and to each other? Are we open to change so we can better engage with today’s world? These are important questions we need to bring into the conversation.
2. Looking Beyond the Chinese Community
The arrival of Hong Kong immigrants has brought energy and leadership into UK churches. At the conference, several pastors shared how these newcomers not only adjusted but took initiative—broadening the church’s reach beyond ethnic lines.
This is a hopeful sign of the Chinese community integrating into the wider body of Christ. As keynote speaker Rev Andrew Chai reminded us, the Chinese church must not remain inward-looking. We are called to participate in the great commission—crossing cultures to reach people beyond our own.
An inspiring example came from the Chinese Church in London, which shared about its outreach to the homeless. This is a glimpse of how Chinese churches can be a redemptive presence in wider society. There is still much more to be done.
3. Engaging the Next Generation with New Tools and Leadership
The world is changing faster than the church can keep up. Without thoughtful adaptation, the church may struggle to connect with young people who find meaning and identity elsewhere.
One session spotlighted Alpha Youth as a tool to help young people explore faith using technology and media in a relatable way. This is particularly significant for engaging British-born Chinese youth, who often navigate tensions between their Chinese heritage and the British culture they’ve grown up in. Alpha offers a space that feels safe, open, and non-judgmental—something the next generation desperately needs.
4. A Missing Piece: Student Ministry
Despite the many encouraging discussions, one crucial area felt overlooked—student ministry. Every year, thousands of Chinese students come to the UK, many staying for just one year to complete a master’s degree. This creates a narrow window to build meaningful relationships and offer spiritual guidance before students return home.
These students are part of Gen Z—digitally native, culturally diverse, and spiritually curious. Traditional approaches may no longer resonate. How can we engage them meaningfully through online platforms, mentoring, and contextual outreach? This question deserves more attention as we envision the next chapter of ministry.
5. Bridging the Divide Between Cantonese and Mandarin Speakers
One of the most thought-provoking moments of the conference came from Dr. Yinxuan Huang spoke openly about the division between Hong Kong and mainland Chinese believers—a sensitive topic that is often left unspoken.
As someone who grew up in China and later lived in Hong Kong for eight years, I’ve witnessed firsthand the depth of these tensions. The political unrest in recent years has left lasting scars. Many Hong Kong believers still carry wounds of fear and mistrust, while the pressures of migration and cultural adjustment only add to the weight they bear. Understandably, some may choose to keep their distance from people or settings that remind them of past pain.
This divide is affecting more than just interpersonal relationships—it is fragmenting the Chinese church in the UK. When congregations remain in separate linguistic or cultural silos, opportunities for dialogue, cooperation, and shared mission are missed.
Yet our faith calls us to something greater. The path toward trust and healing is long, but it must begin with honest acknowledgment and a willingness to listen. While no single gathering can resolve such deep-rooted issues, moments like this—where pain is named and compassion is invited—are essential steps forward.
Conclusion
NEXT 2025 provided both a reflection of the challenges facing the Chinese ministry in the UK and a glimpse of where it might go next. As the Chinese community continues to evolve, may we listen carefully, serve wisely, and respond faithfully to the opportunities before us.
