Tag: Chinese Families
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
Reaching the Second Generation
Children of Chinese immigrants face unique challenges growing up in New Zealand. Based on their experience, the authors address these issues and discuss ways to share the gospel with these young people.
Supporting Article
Introducing Modern Chinese Education
Following a brief overview of the history of China’s educational system, the authors compare underlying Eastern and Western worldviews and then the practical implications these have for expatriates teaching in China.
The Impact of Family Issues on Chinese Missionaries
Thinking Through an Approach to Spouse- and Children-Needs of Chinese Missionaries
The Chinese church passionately desires participation in missionary sending to unreached peoples. Field research findings with Chinese missionaries and with prospective Chinese medical missionaries highlight issues related to the needs of the Chinese missionary’s nuclear family. Although mission-sending organizations can help, much of the impetus for resolving difficulties faced by the Chinese missionary’s spouse and children must come from the Chinese missionaries themselves.
Chinese Filial Responsibility and Missionary Sustainability
Parent and Extended Family Issues and Their Effect on Chinese Missionary Sustainability
The Chinese church passionately desires participation in missionary sending to unreached peoples. Nevertheless Chinese missionary attrition rates are high. A study performed using interviews with long-term Chinese missionaries and focus groups with short-term Chinese medical missionaries revealed several factors related to missionary attrition. This article examines the role of one of those factors—parent and extended family issues—and offers suggestions for resolving difficulties.
Supporting Article
A Theology of Family for the Chinese Church
Due to the historical influences on family structure and ethics, many new Christians have no background for a Christian marriage and family. Sound doctrine and the ability to utilize the gospel to transform familial ethics are critical needs in China. In addition, due to a lack of accurate understanding of the doctrine of the church, there is a scarcity of guidance on managing the family as well as its relationship to the church. Li Jin presents the doctrine of the Trinity as a foundation for a Christian family.
Resource Corner
Sharing Christian Marriage and Family Testimonies Online
Two online resources highlighting Christian testimonies about marriage and family issues.
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.
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.