Ideas

Editorial reflection and analysis on issues shaping Chinese Christianity.

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The Paradigm Shifts as the Pendulum Swings

Preventing infiltration through preaching, seen as a national security concern, has become a valid reason for prohibiting foreign missions whenever the pendulum swings towards the restrictive side…. I propose revisiting the concept of missions in order to find a breakthrough.

Where to Work in the Diaspora?

Mission-sending organizations have limited personnel and resources to invest. How should they make good decisions?

The 20th Party Congress: A Roundup

In an unprecedented move, the 20th Congress of the CCP approved Xi Jinping to take up a third term as the General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party. To help our readers understand the ramifications of the event, we have a roundup of articles and podcasts.

A Necessary Task

As the number of expatriate cross-cultural workers in China, and the scale of their work, has shrunk dramatically, it is vital that we take time to reflect on what we have done and how we have done it.

Will History Repeat Itself?

Whether a century ago or today, whatever our China stories may purport to tell us about being apolitical, of “leaving our politics at the door” or “staying out of politics,” one of the hard lessons of history is that foreign Christian involvement in China is unavoidably political.

5 Theological Truths and Church-State Relations (1)

The statement declares, “Christian churches in China are eager and determined to walk the path of the cross of Christ and are more than willing to imitate the older generation of saints who suffered and were martyred for their faith.”

Are You Ready for the Diaspora?

For many ministries this time of increased religious restriction in the Chinese mainland has sparked a heightened interest in the Chinese diaspora. Here are four essential questions for your sending group to consider.

When the “Golden Age” Is Over

If we grasp the opportunity offered by this moment, what might we discover about ourselves and our ministries that could well benefit the Chinese church, as well as the global church, and could even contribute to the birth of a new mission paradigm for the future just as what happened during the second half of the twentieth century?

Yes, Yes, Yes—Member Care Is Part of the Mission

While creating awareness for the need of member care for Chinese missionaries, I have struggled to find solid, culturally correct resources. This Quarterly is truly a gift with so much to discover, so much more than a wrapping and big ribbon.

Enduring Friendship

When our friendship storyline is out of step with the larger cultural narrative, whether in China or in the West, how do we as the body of Christ continue to build bridges of understanding?