CHRISTIANITY IN CHINA

Not to be surprised - I've been reading a lot about China recently.  Things like:

"The last 25 years have seen the greatest growth of the church since Pentecost - in Mainland China!"

"In Lanzhou, I witnessed 250 people being baptized."

"In Liaoning I saw hundreds gathering at 6 A.M. in the pitch dark to prepare for an 8 A.M. service that was packed with 1,000 worshippers."

Remember, all missionaries were expelled in 1952.  God, through His suffering people, has raised up to Himself a glorious church - and has done so largely without buildings.  He has also done so without programs, money, or western involvement!  Without western involvement, the Chinese church is NOT yet divided by denominationalism!

There are already more evangelicals in Mainland China than there are in the United States.  These evangelicals have a high view of the Bible, the Trinity, and the person of Christ!  For the most part, they hold to traditional premillenial eschatology and are open to charismatic gifts while avoiding extremism. 

Yet there is a tremendous need for theological training!  About 20 seminaries produce pastors and leaders, but in most provinces the ratio of pastors to Christians ranges anywhere from 1/10,000 to 1/60,000.  That fact might raise appreciation in America for one's pastor/teacher!

Most of Chinese Christianity is marked by unimaginable poverty!  This poverty hinders the growth of the church as people struggle to survive.  Millions are heading for the major cities where they will not be able to find work. 

While mainline denominational Christianity in the West has sunk largely into apostasy - in China, zealous and costly adherence to the biblical gospel has resulted in what is probably the greatest revival in church history!  Some wonder if this massive, Spirit-directed movement will provide the spiritual renewal and impetus for a major surge in worldwide evangelism in the 21st century? 

Want to help?  Pray that:

• God's Spirit will continue to guide this spiritual awakening.
• government forces will see the advantages of a growing Christianity.
• Western influences will not spoil the fervor of this awakening.
• leaders will be called and trained to ground the church theologically!