In a rapidly shifting religious landscape, Chinese house churches have faced increasing challenges in recent years. For one pastor and his congregation, these changes have become an impetus to embrace a greater mission—cross-cultural evangelism. In this interview, a Chinese pastor shares his journey from leading a thriving church in China to starting a new congregation in Thailand, shedding light on the opportunities and challenges of cross-border ministry.
Building a Church Amidst Changing Times
The pastor’s ministry began in a major Chinese city in 2002, where a small group of believers gathered to reach professionals in the workplace. By 2019, the congregation had grown to over 600 members, primarily focused on evangelizing professionals and strengthening Christian families.
However, the landscape had shifted in 2019. “Due to changes in the religious environment and later, the pandemic, we could no longer hold large gatherings,” the pastor explained. Their church transitioned into a decentralized model, meeting in nearly 60 house churches. Yet, this shift was not entirely reactionary. “It was a prepared transition,” he said. “We saw this as an opportunity to establish independent churches rather than a single large congregation with multiple small groups.”
A New Mission in Thailand
Rather than perceiving increased restrictions as solely a challenge, the pastor and a small team saw it as a divine nudge toward global mission work. In 2022, he and several others relocated to Thailand—not to escape, but to expand their vision for cross-cultural ministry.
“We were not forced out of China,” he emphasized. “We made a proactive decision to engage in cross-cultural mission work.” Unlike some churches that relocated abroad due to external pressure, his team intentionally sought a place where they could serve effectively. Thailand, with its religious diversity and openness, offered them opportunities to minister, particularly in prison outreach, supporting the poor, and engaging in evangelism. The pastor noted that while other locations were considered, Thailand’s relative freedom to minister, existing contacts, and strategic location for reaching other Southeast Asian countries made it the ideal choice.
Challenges of Ministry in a Foreign Land
Despite Thailand’s openness to religious activities, the pastor and his team encountered cultural and structural challenges. “Thai churches have their own way of doing things,” he noted. Evangelism often involves large-scale events with giveaways and entertainment, a method that differs significantly from the discipleship-driven model his team is used to.
Another major challenge has been financial sustainability. “While our church in China remains strong, financially supporting a new church plant in Thailand is not easy,” he admitted. Many of their Thai congregants, including Chinese expatriates, are not in a position to give generously. Additionally, their inability to access Chinese financial resources freely has made the work more difficult.
Embracing a New Perspective
Despite these challenges, the pastor sees their work in Thailand as a necessary shift in the mindset of the Chinese church. “Historically, the Chinese church has been inward-focused,” he observed. “We need to step beyond our national identity and embrace a kingdom perspective.”
This realization deepened when he encountered missionaries from Japan, a country often viewed with historical tensions by Chinese people. “Seeing Japanese missionaries serving selflessly in other countries, despite Japan itself having a great need for the gospel, was humbling,” he reflected. “It reminded me that mission is not about where we come from, but where God calls us to go.” This challenged his own assumptions about prioritizing national concerns over global outreach.
The pastor’s perspective was further shaped by a Korean pastor’s challenge during a mission conference in Chiang Mai. “He pointed out that among the 200 mission agencies there, not a single one was from mainland China,” he recalled. “His words struck me deeply—we had always talked about missions, but when would we actually go?”
This conviction led his church to reevaluate its approach. Previously, they aspired to build a large, well-structured congregation similar to mega-churches in the US or Korea. However, after reflecting on decentralized church models, they prioritized a church-planting movement over institutional expansion. “Smaller, multiplying communities are more effective in mission work,” he explained. “It allows us to focus on spreading the gospel rather than maintaining a massive organization.”
Balancing Perception and Mission
The pastor also expressed concern about the ways in which certain high-profile church relocations have impacted the broader Chinese church. He pointed to a widely publicized case of a Chinese church that sought asylum abroad, emphasizing how their portrayal as victims of persecution had unintended consequences. “Their actions, while understandable, have drawn more scrutiny to churches that remain in China,” he noted. “It has made the environment even more challenging for those still serving there.”
He believes that while persecution is real, how churches navigate it should be carefully considered. “Rather than positioning ourselves as victims, we should focus on being faithful to our calling, whether inside China or abroad. The mission must always be at the center, not personal or political narratives.”
A Call for Greater Engagement
Looking ahead, the pastor envisions a greater mobilization of Chinese churches toward global missions. “Many churches are beginning to see the value of sending workers abroad,” he said. However, he cautions against viewing relocation solely as a means of avoiding difficulties. “If you move abroad, make sure it is for the sake of the gospel and not just for survival.”
His advice to other pastors considering relocation is twofold: develop a strong theological understanding of cross-cultural missions and foster a spirit of cooperation rather than competition. “Too often, we see people trying to build their own empires,” he warned. “True mission work requires humility and a willingness to work together.”
As Chinese churches navigate an increasingly complex environment, this pastor’s story serves as both an inspiration and a challenge. Rather than retreating in the face of difficulties, his journey exemplifies a proactive embrace of the Great Commission—one that extends beyond borders and into the heart of global mission work.
Image credit: Tom Lorber 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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