Dozens of initiatives have emerged over the past decade, and the vision for holistic ministry in the cities has taken root in most places around the world. While city-focused initiatives are rapidly and dynamically emerging everywhere, I find there is a great deal of confusion regarding what city reaching is, what we mean by the process, and how we achieve our goals.
Reaching the cities of China requires an urban strategy and the combined efforts of church. Serving the city, seeking good for the city expresses God's love for the city and contributes to carrying out his plan for the city.
Editor's Note: This editorial originally appeared in "Civil Rights Movement in China" (ChinaSource, 2005 Spring).
One of the wonderful things about cross-cultural living is the nearly constant barrage of surprises. After living in a country for nearly ten years, it is easy to fool yourself into thinking that you have the place figured out, that you know what is up and what is down, what is in and what is out. Sometimes, you even seem to know what to expect and what not to expect. But when those thoughts creep in, beware something is likely to come out of left field and remind you that you are still pretty clueless about all the little things that go on in the society around you. The unexpected may throw you for a loop and make you frustrated, or even angry. However, more often than not, it can be a positive experience, something which opens a window allowing you to see that the society which you so poorly understand, and which you sometimes think barely functions, is, in fact rather "normal." Then, at least for a few minutes, you might have the feeling of being an insider instead of the outsider that you in reality always are.
Short-term China trips can have an impact beyond what is usually anticipated and often impact not only the Chinese but also the team members themselves and those who support and send them.
Two principles for ensuring that the efforts made by overseas churches are effective and long lasting are explained with real examples of what can happen both when they are followed and when they aren't.
Four essentials for effective service in China.
Encountering the Chinese: A Guide for Americans by Hu Wenzhong and Cornelius L. Grove.
Reviewed by Sarah Doyle and G. Wright Doyle
The importance of due diligence in evaluating potential cross-cultural partners in China ministry.
Five essential ingredients for effective partnerships.
The story of churches partnering together to serve cross-culturally in China.
There is a growing trend for groups of churches in a city or region to partner together to develop a strategy for effective ministry. Recently a group of churches did just that and choose to focus their ministry efforts on one city in China. Here is an interview with a church leader who has been part of the process.