Through his testimony, many became acquainted with China’s suffering church. His story was one that needed to be shared, and by God’s grace it became a great source of encouragement to those who heard it. . . . There is another story, however, that could have been told if anyone had thought to ask.
I am truly grateful to China Source and to guest editor Robert Menzies and his fellow contributors for the 2023 summer issue of the ChinaSource Quarterly that focused on the Pentecostal church in China.
From the desk of the guest editor.
Prior to 1949, while some of the independent, indigenous Chinese churches were not Pentecostal, the larger church networks had Pentecostal roots. Pentecostal beliefs and practices continue to define a large segment of Chinese churches today.
The religious passion of Christian peasants encouraged them to rethink traditional understandings of Christian life and ministry. Before 2000, house churches focused their mission primarily on domestic China, but after 2000, this focus shifted from China to other countries resulting in two international mission movements.
Liu tells us about Mission China 2030, revival, spiritual gifts, Chinese houses of prayer, and persecution among China’s urban house churches during recent years.
New religious regulations implemented in 2018 have caused churches to be shut down and foreign workers to leave. The author addresses developments in church networks and the emergence of churches with a Pentecostal identity.
In this issue of the CSQ we take our first in-depth look specifically at the Pentecostal church in China. To help us weave this strand into the tapestry, we are honored to have contributors who have been active participants in and observers of the Pentecostal church in China.
If the last seven decades in China have taught us anything, they have surely taught us never to underestimate the power of the Holy Spirit. I am confident that you will be encouraged as you read these eye-witness accounts of the story of Pentecost in China.
The world in which Jesus grew up and spent his earthly life was in many respects a microcosm of our world today.
As mission in China goes through changing circumstances, it is important to remember that the growth of the Chinese church is primarily the missio dei (mission of God) rather than our mission.
When facing situations in which right and wrong choices are not quite so black and white, we need each other more than ever to discern the right path to take. In supporting each other, I believe we should also give each other the benefit of the doubt more often than not.