Lead Article

New Era and New Roles

Changes and Issues for Chinese Ministries in a New Context

Changes in China over the past ten years are dictating changes for the church in China. Kim reviews the main areas of change and the ways these have affected the churches. Then he looks at new roles for both workers from overseas and China’s churches.

Supporting Article

Ministry Insights under a Nationalistic Trend

China has switched to a totally different track that has become a main ideological thread: nationalism—with a whole generation following it. New NGO regulations and other laws leave little space for internationals, especially Westerners, to operate in China as before. Is it possible to present the gospel without a Western format?

Supporting Article

Pastors in China’s New Era

Lee explains the three main reasons why the Communist Party is wary of Protestants: their faith is seen as an ideological threat to the Party, churches can bring foreign influence, and they are a collective action threat. She then explains the various ways pastors are dealing with the actions the Party is using to hold them in line.

Editorials

Reflecting Together on the New Era

From the desk of the guest editor.

Lead Article

A Decade of Change and Future Prospects

Bryant outlines the four areas in which China has most changed over the past decade. He discusses what these involve and their significance for the church in China.

Supporting Article

China’s Place in the World

Fulton discusses Xi Jinping’s “China Dream” that envisions a new role for China on the world scene. He looks at three arenas where Xi seeks to establish China’s superiority.

Supporting Article

Reformed Churches and Church/State Relationships

China’s Reformed churches have a unified view stating that there is separation between church and state: they are two different domains. Since the application of this principle varies by region, the author summarizes four differing perspectives.

Resource Corner

The Registered Church in China

Flourishing in a Challenging Environment

This new publication, by Wayne Ten Harmsel, will soon be available. An excerpt from chapter three is included.

Editorials

Opening the Doors a Bit Wider

From the desk of the guest editor.

View From the Wall

Is Persecution Worsening?

Perspectives on the Changing Religious Policy Environment in China

Is persecution in China increasing? Two house church leaders, one who was imprisoned in a labor camp for a few years, and the other who is a Chinese scholar with strengths in theological education and the history of the Chinese church, give their viewpoints on this topic.