Summer 2017

Supporting Article

Three Changes in Urban Churches

The author sees two major categories of urban churches in China that are experiencing transformation and goes on to discuss three main areas where he sees this transformation taking place. Viewing these changes as positive, he also believes they are growing stronger.

Resource Corner

Affluenza: A Documentary on Urban Consumerism

A look at the affects of affluence on American society with a view to better understanding what is happening in China today.

Lead Article

The City and the Church

Towards an Urban Theology in China

As China becomes increasingly urbanized, an urban theology for ministry is needed. As modern man finds himself slowly enmeshed in urban living, he experiences materialism, relativism, and an increasingly segmented society. He questions what is real and true, and who God is. These questions can become points of contact for urban ministry. Dr. Ma provides some guidelines for forming an urban theology for ministry in urban China.

Supporting Article

Urban Public Space and New Media Ministry

After defining “new media” and what it encompasses, An looks at the various ways the church in China views it, what it means for the church, and how it can affect the church. He then gives some thoughts on how the church should deal with it—not only the challenges it brings, but how it can be used positively.

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.

Peoples of China

Conversation with a Migrant-Worker Church Minister

An interview by Dr. Mary Ma with the minister of a migrant worker’s urban church which identifies a number of issues characteristic of urban churches comprised of migrant workers from rural areas. These concerns include living conditions, economic status, long work hours, mobility, and other factors that all contribute to the church’s spiritual health and stability.

Book Reviews

A Much-Needed Update about Chinese Christianity

China’s Urban Christians: A Light that Cannot Be Hidden by Brent Fulton
Reviewed by Li Jin

Due to urbanization and social change, China’s churches look different today than they did a number of years ago. Urban churches, with unusual diversity, now comprise a major part of Chinese Christianity. Fulton identifies many of the changes the church has experienced that now characterize it and discusses challenges it faces in current society.

Editorials

Urban Urgency and the Great Commission

The guest editors' point of view . . .