The rapid growth of the church in China has created a critical need for church leaders. Traditional, western models of leadership development are inadequate to meet the need. The challenges to leadership development and suggested best practices are discussed in light of the changes in China and potential future ministries.
To understand the need for leadership development in China, it is crucial to understand what kinds of leaders are needed. Seven types of leaders are identified and described.
A look at past and current business situations in China.
China is "open for business." This was not true twenty-five years ago. In order to "win" in China's marketplace, this author has found, inter alia, the following to be best practices.
In China, the number of Christians is growing constantlyeven the official figure is increasing. The latest estimate from the TSPM/CCC is sixteen million Christians. Among these Christians are a group of people who are busy with their business on weekdays but worship God on weekends; they are the Chinese Christian business people.
Filling the gap for rural church planters working in urban factory areas, shop-churches provide both income and position for effective outreach to factory workers.
A look at one business that is being used effectively to bring the gospel to the people of one community.
One Billion Customers: Lessons from the Front Lines of Doing Business in China by James McGregor. New York: Free Press, 2005, 312 pp., ISBN: 0743258398, US$27.00.
Reviewed by Brent Fulton
He was given twenty-four hours to leave the country. After a week of uncertainty, following an investigation by the police, it was finally made clear he was being expelled for "religious activities incompatible with his status as a foreign expert." Meanwhile, in another city, another foreigner is hailed as a true friend of China and given, what was at the time, the rare honor of permanent residence. These experiences of two equally committed Christian professionals, both of whom felt called to serve in China, are drastically different. There are several issues here, but clearly "retention" or longevity of in-country service is one of them.
Stress and Trauma Handbook: Strategies for Flourishing in Demanding Environments edited by John Fawcett.
Reviewed by Steve Spinella
The editor's point of view.
With the number of Chinese scholars studying abroad increasing and many of them coming to faith in Christ, understanding the challenges they face in returning to China is vital for their ongoing spiritual growth. What is being done to deal with those challenges?