Articles on Christian Life
Supporting Article
Engaging the Highly Mobile Generation of Chinese Intellectuals
AFC adopted an innovative ministry model that focuses on supporting micro-communities, which reflect the highly mobile character of overseas Chinese intellectuals….Each micro-community exists to serve actual needs. Collectively, these micro-communities embody the ecosystem of the gospel—the variety of Christian life and the diversity of people groups.
ChinaSource Perspective
Praying for Church Leaders in China
Chinese pastors and ministers are often under tremendous pressure—from the state, their congregations, and family issues. While believers in the global church cannot be physically present in China, we can support these workers through intercessory prayer.
Supporting Article
Fatherhood, a Sacred Leadership Calling
Due to mistaken theological understandings regarding ministry and family, the importance of fatherhood is often neglected. The author discusses the role of the father and what it means to be an effective father.
Supporting Article
Missional Mothering in China
This mother and ministry worker shares her personal encounters with God’s guidance, grace, and power throughout her varied experiences in pioneer church planting and raising a family in frontier areas of China.
Book Reviews
The Shaping of Christianity in China Today
A Book Review
Two book reviews provide Eastern (WANG Jun ) and Western (Richard Cook) perspectives on Surviving the State, Remaking the Church: A Sociological Portrait of Christians in Mainland China by Li Ma and Jin Li in which the responses to faith by Chinese Christians in mainland China since 1949 are explored through many interviews.
View From the Wall
Families, Churches, and China’s Transition
Historical influences on family structure and how this structure has collapsed in recent decades are reviewed. The author then recognizes that family order has been established by God and must be restored. This is essential for China’s transformation. The role the Chinese church should play in this restoration needs to be thought through.
Supporting Article
The Decay of the Chinese Family
The stresses and conflicts found within Chinese families are increasing with urbanization that often forces families to live apart. After discussing some of the major pressures that families face in today’s China, the author delineates some of the principles needed for building a good family foundation.
Lead Article
The Preeminence of Love in Chinese Families
The author begins by explaining “love” as historically defined by Mohism and Confucianism, that is, universal love versus love based on blood kinship. He delves into the differences between these two kinds of love, especially as they relate to family structure and authority as well as to extended family relationships. He then turns to Christian love, its relationship to these two ideologies and how it can influence the culture.
Resource Corner
Sharing Christian Marriage and Family Testimonies Online
Two online resources highlighting Christian testimonies about marriage and family issues.