關注中國及世界各地華人教會的生活與見證，探討教會牧養、領導、政教關係及變遷中的挑戰。
I sat across from a Chinese Christian in the lobby of a Beijing hotel as he rearranged the cups and plates on the coffee table between us. Having cleared a space at the center of the table, he pointed to a cup sitting at the edge, near one corner.
This article from the Gospel Times website in October of 2011 is about the launch of BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) in Beijing.
Pastor Jin briefly looks at the history of the church in China and how it influences today's church as well as the changes the present-day church faces. He identifies six challenges facing the church and also looks to the future. In a side bar, he challenges the North American church.
中国教会应有的转变… … …
If there are to be more active and mature working relationships between foreign and local believers, it is essential that there be a better understanding of the degree to which local Chinese churches are poised to be able to take one the responsibility of helping their own communities and those beyond. The time may be ripe for there to be more dialogue on how foreign believers can transition from taking an active initiative in reaching out to local communities to that of taking on a more supportive, facilitative and mentoring role.
Editor's note: This editorial originally appeared in "The Structure of China's Urban Church" (CS Quarterly, 2011 Spring)
China's rapid economic and social changes have compelled the churches in China to transform. By far the factor that contributed most to the need for structural changes within the Chinese house churches has been urbanization. Other factors have contributed as well: the one-child policy, increasing availability of higher education, and increasing opportunities for theological education and leadership development.
Over the past sixty years, the Protestant church in China has grown exponentially. Most of this increase has taken place in what are often called house churches. Many of these congregations meet in large buildings and are still called house churches. Therefore, the debate of whether it is better to meet in smaller groups in homes or to gather together in a larger venue. In addition, there is also debate about whether individual home-based congregations should join together in larger networks. This article will examine the question of a proper place for Christians to meet together.
When interacting with church leaders in China, questions about the church inevitably emerge. At some point, issues concerning church structure will be brought up. How they respond will deeply affect the long term growth of the church. It is both exciting and agonizing to observe.
The ratio of men to women in the churches of China is about 1:2. Sometimes the ratio is even more skewed: as much as one man for every three to five women. This article explores the wide range of issues these gender inequalities create within the church.
The concept of four mainstream occupations or four types of people is deedly rooted in traditional Chinese culture: gentlemen (shi), farmers (nong), artisans (gong), and merchants (shang). Some see these as the cornerstones of a state or nation. This tradional background is still indirectly influencing the way men directly view religious occupations, in indirectly the church. And, yet, although women are within the same mainstream workforce and societal group as men, their attitude towards subcultures, including Christianity, may be different. This may be a factor contibuting to the gender imbalance.
As believers we can be a force for change while fulfilling our responsibility to Gods creation.This is one man's story.