View From the Wall

Opportunities and Challenges When Foreign Workers Leave China

A Chinese author reflects on the positives and negatives that leaders, seminaries, and churches face when cross-cultural workers leave the country.

View From the Wall

Why Believers Need to Understand Chinese Church History

We must know the past to understand the present. For the most part, Chinese Christians do not understand Chinese church history; therefore, they often have no means to properly respond to changes in society. A look back at Chinese church history shows us that many of the difficulties faced by today’s Chinese church have similarities to those that have confronted the church over the years. Not only can history suggest appropriate ways to respond to today’s difficulties, it can help us discern God’s purposes in the present.

View From the Wall

Pastoring a Charismatic Church in Shanghai

Pastor Cui shares how his church has dealt with a growing congregation and the need for room by adopting a “big church, small congregations” model. He explains this concept and details the benefits this model has brought to the church, the pastors, and the congregations.

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.

View From the Wall

These Thirty Days

In order to experience his Muslim friends' Ramadan period, Rev. Mark chose to observe this Muslim holy month. He shares some of his experiences during that month and the lessons God taught him. He finds similarities between his experiences and those faced by Christian workers who cross cultures to share the gospel.

View From the Wall

Returnee Ministry at Home and Abroad

Large numbers of Chinese students who have studied abroad are returning to their homeland. For those who have come to know Christ while overseas, many easily become lost to the church and Christ upon their return. While there are a variety of reasons for this, churches and organizations both overseas and in China need to cooperate to prevent this. The author gives some concrete suggestions of how this can be done.

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.

View From the Wall

A Glance at People with Disabilities in China

The author provides us with some statistics regarding disabled people in China and then looks at what the government and various organizations are doing to serve this segment of the population. She provides brief overviews of their situations in the areas of accessibility issues, laws, rehabilitation, education, employment and the church.

View From the Wall

Christian Generosity from a Chinese Cultural Perspective

Four incorrect assumptions often hinder Chinese Christians from understanding biblical generosity. Lee discusses elements of these assumptions involving poverty, prosperity, earthly examples of biblical generosity—including filial piety—and when it is best to start learning to be generous.

View From the Wall

Encouragement and Advice from our Chinese Colleagues

An anonymous, small-scale study done by an agency among its Chinese coworkers provides insight into benefits foreign workers bring to their workplace or team as well as advice for improving relationships with their team members and friends.