Space, Place, and Face
As urbanization has redrawn the landscape of China, its effects have been far reaching, altering not only the physical geography but also the social fabric in multiple dimensions.
Urban Church
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Denominationalism in China: Pre or Post?
While many would applaud the church’s “post-denominational” character as evidence of the unity of the church in China, others today are asking whether a return to denominations is not only inevitable but should, in fact, be welcomed.
The Greying of China and the Church’s Response
As China’s elderly population mushrooms and its working-age population shrinks, Christian families find themselves caught in the middle of this demographic divide. Cultural expectations and legal requirements put the onus on them to care for older family members, but neither the government nor the society at large are adequately prepared to support this effort.
Church Leader Development in China
The development of leadership training within China’s unregistered church has followed a trajectory that roughly parallels that of the larger society as it has experienced major advances in education, a rising standard of living, and massive urbanization.
The Changing Face of Urban Mission
In recent months I have been delighted by the exposure Chinese Church Voices has provided to indigenous perspectives on faith and mission. The simple blog provides an important window for non-Chinese speakers into questions Chinese Christians are raising. In turn, it provides those of us in the West with an opportunity for greater dialogue and understanding.
Filling the Void
In past decades, China's church had much less of a public presence. The gospel message was conveyed primarily through clandestine small group meetings or personal relationships.
The Church Today is on a Training Ground
Crossing the river by feeling the stones, a popular Chinese idiom, is a fitting way to describe Chinas emerging urban church. Its leaders have no older generation to look up to, and the opportunities and challenges they face are unprecedented in Chinas history. In this article published in the Christian Times, one pastor describes the dangers facing todays urban church leaders. He cautions them to be humble and teachable, as the decisions they make will affect an entire generation.
Faith Going Public
The authors review the origins and history of the house church movement then go on to discuss the current urban house church situation including civic engagement and Christian publications.
The Growing Church in China’s Cities
A look at the urban church today (2009).
A New Era for House Church Leaders
The church in China is experiencing change in strategy as well as a change in position. It is preparing to engage the world.
God is Moving in the Cities of China
As the greatest rural to urban migration in history continues in China, God is at work. He is opening doors for Christians to impact…
Multiplying Healthy Churches in the Cities of China
It is estimated that by 2015 half of all China’s people will live in the cities. What are the effects of urbanization on the church in China?