The Need In Their Hearts

Editor’s note: This interview with a Beijing pastor was originally published in 2018. Although the situation in the city is changing, many of the things he shared about finding time to share the full gospel, and trying to find an entry point for the gospel, still ring true in many ways.


Stressful and Busy

Pastor: Young people have a very busy lifestyle, and their rhythm of life is becoming increasingly stressful. They live in different districts in Beijing and spend each day in constant busyness.

China Partnership: This means you have many opportunities to come into contact with these young people and share the gospel with them. So in the process of sharing the gospel with them, what do you think is the biggest challenge?

Pastor: I feel that the biggest challenge in sharing the gospel with these young people is getting ahold of their time, because they don’t have time to listen to your gospel. They don’t have the time for you to share the gospel completely, especially the allotted time that we have with them is not enough to present a full understanding of the gospel. Thus, the biggest challenge for me in serving these young people is coordinating our schedules and spending time together.

The biggest challenge in sharing the gospel with these young people is getting ahold of their time, because they don’t have time to listen to your gospel.

CP: Is this challenge particular to a certain profession, or does this apply to young people in different industries?

Pastor: Their jobs are not the same, they come from different professions. Some are teachers, some work in restaurants, some are television station hosts. Basically, they come from all kinds of industries. Our church has around one hundred and fifty brothers and sisters; they are all from different fields.

CP: In these different industries, they work in different environments and probably share different values. Does that bring new challenges to sharing the gospel with them?

Pastor: These young people live in multi-cultural work environments, and it’s truly a challenge for them to receive the gospel. In fact, for all the young people that live in Beijing, their thinking is quite pluralistic. There are plenty of external influences on their value systems each day. In my opinion, young people in this day and age, especially the young people living in a great metropolis, are not clear about their value systems. Even though some may claim they have a value system, in reality, I don’t think they do because they can’t distinguish what is right or wrong. In such an environment, it is a hindrance to the gospel.

Gospel Entry Points

CP: Could you please give an example or a recent testimony from believers in your church?

Pastor: Recently, there is someone from the finance industry. Since I work with young people, I look for opportunities to grab hold of their time, so our church started workplace small groups. I go to them during their lunchtime and spend one and half hour with them.


Never miss a story

Sign up to receive our weekly email with our original articles.

I have been connecting with this brother in the finance industry for about a year, but he remained pretty resistant. He’ll have lunch with me, but he wouldn’t talk religion with me because he feels that religion cannot practically help him materially. But after meeting and talking with him for over a year, through illustrations, or simply repeatedly sharing the gospel, the seed slowly began to grow in his life. Although it seemed to have taken a long time, this brother finally came to our church, and he was gradually able to serve the church.

Young people in this day and age, especially the young people living in a great metropolis, are not clear about their value systems. Even though some may claim they have a value system, in reality, I don’t think they do

CP: Could you please elaborate on how his thinking has changed, what made him willing to come to church?

Pastor: This brother shared that he was experiencing some life-changing moments. The main thing that changed his life was having the word of God repeatedly spoken to him. The word continuously and repeatedly painted a picture of faith in the gospel of Christ Jesus. In the beginning, he was quite resistant to the gospel and didn’t wish to listen to the gospel. But my church’s evangelist and I took every opportunity to share the gospel with him and repeated the message over and over to him. So he gradually came to accept it. But I believe that the Holy Spirit had been working through the entire process, touching both his heart and life.

In the end, he went through a crisis: his mother passed away. In the most difficult time, it was God’s words that comforted him and gave him hope. He saw the frailty of life; a life can depart from this world at any moment. So he decided to turn to God.

CP: In the beginning, he thought that the gospel could not bring any fulfillment materially. Were there any other mental blocks?

Pastor: There were a few major ones; first, he had an incorrect understanding of the gospel. He had heard a lot about Christianity, about Christians, and Christmas, but he did not have a good and complete understanding of the gospel.

Second, when he was distracted by the world and the environment that surrounded him, he didn’t have the mental energy to know the gospel.

Last, he had a weak knowledge of Jesus Christ and the faith. In reality, when a person truly understands the core of the gospel, how Jesus Christ has borne our iniquities, and given us a hope for the future, people will be attracted and conquered by the power of the gospel. So it’s a process to experience the gospel.

In order to communicate the message of the gospel, we need to find an entry point. If you don’t meet their needs, regardless of what you say, they won’t be willing to listen. Therefore, we first need to pray for the person with whom we’re sharing the gospel

CP: For our brothers and sisters going out to share the gospel with young people, what advice do you have for them? How do we present the gospel clearly?

Pastor: For the members of our church, how to share the gospel clearly in its entirety with young people is a great challenge. And for every church. Our church has used different methods and different materials, but I feel that in reality these methodologies and materials are not very helpful when it comes to reaching the majority of young people. They don’t have time to passively listen to your explanation of the content of a brochure or a DVD. Therefore, we need to efficiently and quickly transmit the message of the gospel to them.

I feel that in order to communicate the message of the gospel, we need to find an entry point. If you don’t meet their needs, regardless of what you say, they won’t be willing to listen. Therefore, we first need to pray for the person with whom we’re sharing the gospel. As we pray, we are also preparing to communicate the saving grace of Jesus Christ to that person at the appropriate time.

CP: Therefore, beyond material things, we still need to learn what the real need in their heart is. 

Pastor: Yes, there is a real need in every young person’s life. When we find that point of need, that most insecure and vulnerable place, we can introduce the gospel.


Wang Jianguo is the collective pseudonym for a group of Chinese house church pastors thinking about writing about issues related to the spread of Christianity in their nation. They are committed to preaching a grace-centered gospel, developing resources for the church, and loving China’s urban centers.

Pray for Beijing Christians to be patient and caring as they search for gospel entry points in the lives of those around them.

Share This Story

Further Reading

kenshin-wang-djXirYVc1Fk-unsplash
Xi'an: "Now It's a Metropolis"
Read More
winter-sun-Op0kemnmDYA-unsplash
The J-Curve: Suffering Because Of Sin
Read More
manoj-kumar-kasirajan-fAZEw6xPhz8-unsplash
Xi'an: Rich Cultural Heritage
Read More

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT IN CHINA

With rising pressure and persecution in China, there are two challenges imperative for church leaders. The first challenge is for current leaders to love Christ above all else, and not to stray into legalism or love of the world. The second challenge is to raise up the next generation of leaders, who will humbly model Jesus even if current leaders are arrested.

WILL YOU JOIN US IN PRAYING FOR LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT IN CHINA? PRAY FOR:

  1. Current leaders to grow in their daily walks with Christ
  2. Current leaders to shepherd and raise up new leaders
  3. New leaders who love Christ and will model him to the world
  4. New leaders to love and care for the church

Videos

ABOUT LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

About Shenyang

Shenyang is a city located in northeastern China and is the capital of Liaoning Province. It is known for its rich history and cultural heritage, including the Shenyang Imperial Palace, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Shenyang is also a hub for China’s heavy industry, with companies such as the China First Automobile Group and the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation having their headquarters in the city.

Videos

Stories from Shenyang

About Qingdao

Qingdao is a city located in eastern China and is famous for its beaches, beer, and seafood. The city is home to several landmarks, including the Zhanqiao Pier and the Badaguan Scenic Area. Qingdao is also a major port and has a thriving economy, with industries such as electronics, petrochemicals, and machinery.

Videos

Stories from Qingdao

About Xiamen

Xiamen is a city located in southeastern China and is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful coastal scenery, including Gulangyu Island, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city is also a hub for China’s high-tech industry, with companies such as Huawei and ZTE having research and development centers in Xiamen.

Videos

Stories from Xiamen

About Chongqing

Chongqing is a city located in southwestern China and is a major economic center in the region. The city is known for its spicy cuisine, especially its hot pot dishes, and is also famous for the Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydroelectric dam. Chongqing is also home to several historic sites, including the Dazu Rock Carvings, which are UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Videos

Stories from Chongqing

About Nanjing

Nanjing is a city located in eastern China and is the capital of Jiangsu Province. It is one of China’s ancient capitals and has a rich cultural history, including the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, the Nanjing City Wall, and the Confucius Temple. Nanjing is also a modern city with a thriving economy and is home to several universities, including Nanjing University and Southeast University.

Videos

Stories from Nanjing

About Changchun

Changchun is a city located in northeastern China and is the capital of Jilin Province. It is known for its rich cultural heritage and is home to several historical landmarks such as the Puppet Emperor’s Palace and the Jingyuetan National Forest Park. Changchun is also a hub for China’s automotive industry, with several major automobile manufacturers having their headquarters in the city.

Videos

Stories from Changchun

About Guangzhou

Guangzhou, also known as Canton, is a city located in southern China and is the capital of Guangdong Province. It is one of the country’s largest and most prosperous cities, serving as a major transportation and trading hub for the region. Guangzhou is renowned for its modern architecture, including the Canton Tower and the Guangzhou Opera House, as well as its Cantonese cuisine, which is famous for its variety and bold flavors. The city also has a rich history, with landmarks such as the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, and the Temple of the Six Banyan Trees. Additionally, Guangzhou hosts the annual Canton Fair, the largest trade fair in China.

Videos

Stories from Guangzhou

About Kunming

Kunming is a city located in southwest China and is the capital of Yunnan Province. Known as the “City of Eternal Spring” for its mild climate, Kunming is a popular tourist destination due to its natural beauty and cultural diversity. The city is home to several scenic spots, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Stone Forest, Dian Lake, and the Western Hills. Kunming is also famous for its unique cuisine, which features a mix of Han, Yi, and Bai ethnic flavors. The city has a rich cultural history, with ancient temples and shrines like the Yuantong Temple and the Golden Temple, and it’s also a hub for Yunnan’s ethnic minority cultures, such as the Yi and Bai peoples.

Videos

Stories from Kunming

About Shenzhen

Shenzhen is a city located in southeastern China and is one of the country’s fastest-growing metropolises. The city is renowned for its thriving tech industry, with companies such as Huawei, Tencent, and DJI having their headquarters in Shenzhen. The city also has a vibrant cultural scene, with numerous museums, art galleries, and parks. Shenzhen is also known for its modern architecture, such as the Ping An Finance Center and the Shenzhen Bay Sports Center. Despite its modernization, Shenzhen also has a rich history and cultural heritage, with landmarks such as the Dapeng Fortress and the Chiwan Tin Hau Temple.

Videos

Stories from Shenzhen

About Chengdu

Chengdu is a city located in the southwestern region of China, and the capital of Sichuan province. It has a population of over 18 million people, and it is famous for its spicy Sichuan cuisine, laid-back lifestyle, and its cute and cuddly residents – the giant pandas. Chengdu is home to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where visitors can observe these adorable creatures in their natural habitat. The city also boasts a rich cultural heritage, with numerous temples, museums, and historical sites scattered throughout its boundaries. Chengdu is a city of contrasts, with ancient traditions coexisting alongside modern developments, making it an intriguing and fascinating destination for visitors to China. 

Videos

Stories from Chengdu

About Beijing

Beijing is the capital city of China and one of the most populous cities in the world, with a population of over 21 million people. The city has a rich history that spans over 3,000 years, and it has served as the capital of various dynasties throughout China’s history. Beijing is home to some of the most iconic landmarks in China, including the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven. The city is also a hub for political, cultural, and educational activities, with numerous universities and research institutions located within its boundaries. Beijing is renowned for its traditional architecture, rich cuisine, and vibrant cultural scene, making it a must-visit destination for travelers to China.

Videos

Stories from Beijing

About Shanghai

Shanghai is a vibrant and dynamic city located on the eastern coast of China. It is the largest city in China and one of the most populous cities in the world, with a population of over 24 million people. Shanghai is a global financial hub and a major center for international trade, with a rich history and culture that spans over 1,000 years. The city is famous for its iconic skyline, which features towering skyscrapers such as the Oriental Pearl Tower and the Shanghai Tower. Shanghai is also home to a diverse culinary scene, world-class museums and art galleries, and numerous shopping districts. It is a city that is constantly evolving and reinventing itself, making it a fascinating destination for visitors from around the world.

Videos

Stories from Shanghai

give

A short message about partnering with us.