In recent years, Chinese Christian leaders have begun expanding their mission beyond China’s borders. Among them is a Christian educator from China (pseudonym: L), who transitioned from leading a house church in a major Chinese city to helping establish a Christian school and faith community in Southeast Asia. Unlike traditional church-planting approaches, L sees education as a powerful instrument for shaping the next generation of Christian leaders. In this interview, he shares his journey, the challenges he has faced, and his vision for Christian education as a foundation for a lasting spiritual legacy.
A Ministry Rooted in Family Discipleship
L’s ministry began in 2012, when he and his wife planted a house church in their apartment. At the same time, they operated a small business focused on marriage and parenting education, using biblical principles to support families. Their unique evangelistic model—centering faith around family life—drove rapid growth. By 2016, the community had grown from 10 members to over 150, largely through parenting groups that led people to Christ.
Recognizing the importance of education in spiritual formation, L and his wife envisioned a mission that extended beyond their home country. Their conviction was twofold: (1) Chinese Christians should be active participants in global missions, and (2) Christian education can serve as a vital bridge to faith for families.
Southeast Asia: A New Frontier for Christian Education
As policies in China became more restrictive toward religious activity, L began to seek a location where faith-based education could flourish. One neighboring Southeast Asian country emerged as a promising option for several reasons:
- Educational Options for Chinese Families: Many Christian parents from China were seeking opportunities to educate their children in a faith-based setting abroad.
- Relative Religious Freedom: Local laws allowed for greater openness in operating Christian institutions.
- Cultural Accessibility: The region’s proximity and cultural familiarity made it a natural fit for outreach.
- An Unexpected Opportunity: “When we arrived, we saw that God had already prepared the way,” L recalls. Rather than starting from scratch, the team was invited to serve in an existing school ministry.
Building a Kingdom-Oriented School
What began as a plan to open a small kindergarten has grown into a thriving educational community serving both local and Chinese students. The school provides a Christ-centered learning environment that goes beyond academic instruction to emphasize spiritual formation, character development, and a Kingdom mindset.
“Education isn’t just about subjects—it’s about discipleship,” L explains. “The earlier children encounter biblical truth, the deeper their foundation.” Their vision is to raise a generation of young believers equipped to impact society—whether they remain in their host country or return to China in the future.
L has observed that many students from Christian families, especially children of pastors and missionaries, carry unseen spiritual burdens. “They often know Scripture well, but struggle to own their faith personally,” he notes. “Some have grown up in the shadow of their parents’ ministry.” The school thus prioritizes helping students cultivate a genuine and personal relationship with Christ, rather than simply inheriting religious tradition.
A Dual Mission: Local Ministry and Global Preparation
For L, Christian education serves a twofold purpose:
- Ministering to Local Families: With a growing number of local students enrolled, the school is also a platform for sharing Christ’s love with those who have never heard the gospel. “We’re not just educators—we’re witnesses,” he says. “Our goal is to serve and bless the local community while living out our faith.”
- Preparing Chinese Students for the Future: Many older students come from Chinese Christian families. “They are the future of the Chinese church,” L says. “We’re equipping them to return home—or go wherever God leads them—with a strong foundation in faith and leadership.”
This dual mission, he believes, is a profound privilege. “God has placed us at a crossroads between two worlds. We’re shaping leaders who can influence both.”
Challenges in the Mission
Though the school enjoys relative freedom, challenges remain:
- Financial Limitations: Many students come from ministry families and require financial assistance.
- Cultural Integration: Merging students from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds into a unified Christian environment takes intentional effort.
- Sustainability: Ensuring the long-term stability of the school requires wisdom, especially as the ministry grows.
Still, L remains hopeful. “We started with little, but God has always provided—resources, teachers, and partners. He’s been faithful every step of the way.”
A Broader Vision for Christian Education
L’s dream is not limited to one school. He believes Christian education is a powerful vehicle for missions and encourages others to consider its potential. “If Chinese churches overseas each started a small kindergarten or school, they would create centers of gospel witness rooted in community,” he explains.
“Education builds trust. It meets real needs. And it opens doors for churches to grow organically.” For him, investing in children is one of the most strategic ways to transform society.
Encouragement for Aspiring Educator-Missionaries
To those considering Christian education as a mission strategy, L offers this guidance:
- Start with Families: Equip parents with biblical tools to disciple their children.
- Build for the Long Haul: Ministries rooted in education require patience and sustainable support.
- Think Generationally: Missions isn’t only about planting churches; it’s about raising disciples who will carry the gospel forward.
- Create Hubs of Faith: Schools can become spiritual anchors for communities.
Conclusion: Equipping the Next Generation
As more Chinese Christians step into cross-cultural ministry, L’s story illustrates how education can become a vibrant mission field. While church planting remains vital, forming young hearts and minds in biblical truth ensures that faith takes deep root.
By investing in students today, L and his team are equipping the leaders of tomorrow—individuals who will carry the hope of Christ into every corner of the world.
Image credit: Husniati Salma via Unsplash
Andrea Lee
Andrea Lee writes at the intersection of faith, culture, and Chinese Christianity.As Content Manager at ChinaSource, she curates stories, nurtures a community of writers, and shapes the editorial direction to reflect the depth and diversity of the Chinese church experience. Born and raised in Taiwan, Andrea studied Chinese Literature at Tunghai …View Full Bio
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