Articles in this Issue
Lead Article
The Church’s Greatest Crisis Comes from Inside
With the lack of pastoral ethics and recent church expansion, the use of power often becomes a problem. The causes of power abuse and the church’s response are explored.
Supporting Article
Beyond Courageous Leadership and Servant Leadership
What Does Leadership Failure in the West Teach the Chinese Church?
The author looks at positive and negative results of both courageous and servant leadership. From Willow Creek Community Church and the moral failure of its pastor, he draws out lessons to be learned for China’s churches.
Supporting Article
Not Ruling Over but Feeding the Sheep
Thoughts on the Boundaries of Authority and Power in the Chinese Church
What type of church structure would be best for China’s churches? Considerations include China’s historical church governance, the church’s place in society and government, and how to handle situations of power abuse.
Supporting Article
Being on Guard against “Spiritualized Political Correctness” in the Church
Spiritual political correctness is a form of legalism shrouded by an appearance of spirituality. While it shapes believers’ thoughts and behavior, over time it harms faith and the church and prepares the ground for the abuse of power by pastors. This requires our serious attention.
Book Reviews
When a Celebrity Pastor Falls, Will There Be Apostates?
A Book Review
This novel, in Chinese, is based on the life of Watchman Nee. It looks at his complex relationships as well as his thinking and that of those around him.
ChinaSource Perspective
Walking in the Light and the Need for Vigilance
A word from the president of ChinaSource.
Resource Corner
Online Videos on the Church and Misuse of Authority
Four videos that deal with the abuse of power in the church.


Mary Li Ma
Mary Li Ma (MA Li) holds a PhD in sociology from Cornell University. Currently a research fellow at the Henry Institute of Christianity and Public Life at Calvin University, Dr. Ma and her husband LI Jin have coauthored articles, book chapters, and are the authors of Surviving the State, Remaking the Church: …View Full Bio

LI Jin
LI Jin is a PhD student at Calvin Theological Seminary. Prior to seminary he was a PhD candidate in economic history at a Shanghai university. He writes on Christian thought for both public and Christian media outlets in mainland China and Hong Kong. LI Jin and wife Mary Li Ma have coauthored articles, book …View Full Bio