Editor’s note: An urban house church pastor speaks frankly about human nature, the necessity of relying on the Holy Spirit as he navigates complicated church-state relations, and a God-centered approach to ministry.


Sinful Human Proclivities

People are sinners. They have tendencies towards atheism, pantheism, and polytheism. Humans also have tendencies toward relativism, secularism, and pluralism. This is the church’s biggest challenge.

The most fearful times are when we don’t look to God. For those of us who are called, fear should not be in our vocabulary. The only fear is when you lose focus. If I don’t look to Christ and pray, I become truly terrified. Everything seems dark.

Reformed churches have another struggle: the academization of truth. I’ve been thinking about this a lot recently. The profound study of Reformed theology – the study of history, languages, syntax, and so son – can easily lead to the academization of truth if we don’t maintain balance. Truth must be missional. Otherwise, the natural consequence is that faith becomes ritualized. Then, gradually, life becomes secularized.

If I don’t look to Christ and pray, I become truly terrified.

This is what history and reality have shown and taught us. Some people were very devout in service in China, but after studying at certain seminaries for a few years, they ended up losing their faith altogether. This is a great lesson for us.

Another struggle is our own personal weakness, the corruption of human nature. When training co-workers, I emphasize worldview, values, and outlook on life.

Tests in Ministry

Ministry must pass the tests of money, power, and sex. How do we handle these things? We must have open and transparent financial management; we have elders to provide checks and balances on power; and we must strengthen the building of covenant families. But the most important thing is that the Holy Spirit builds the lives of the saints through God’s word. Only then can we truly ensure that our ministry is sustainable, stable, and effective. This corruption of human nature is actually our biggest struggle. The key lies in the Holy Spirit, through God’s word, governing us.

On the other hand, we see the environment as God’s work, and God’s work is infinitely loving and infinitely just. He uses all things for the good of those who love him. The environment is not that big of a deal.

Ministry must pass the tests of money, power, and sex. How do we handle these things?

We cannot deviate from Christ for a moment. It’s easy to shift from a God-centered approach to a human-centered one, focusing on yourself, the effectiveness of your ministry, the number of people in the church. Our church advocates knowing what we ought to know and doing what we ought to do. Regardless of circumstances, you already know who you are, who and what you believe in, and what you should do – your calling, intentions, the purposes and goals of ministry and your methods of ministry. To complete the mission God has called us to, we focus on these. We know we are God’s servants, and stewards of various gifts.

In ministry, especially serving in a metropolis, we face many fears. If we don’t look to Christ, we will not be able to face these challenges and be freed from our struggles. I have personally experienced this: I cannot lose focus for a moment. As I pastor, I have had to deal with church-state relations for many years, as well as the process of ministry. If I do not pray constantly and have a relationship with God, I cannot lead brothers and sisters to have their own relationship with God. I also can’t face the challenges of dealing with the government or just the struggles of pastoral ministry, especially my own personal struggles.

What Kind of Gospel?

We must always remember that we are not just preaching the gospel – we must ask ourselves: what kind of gospel are we preaching? When we plant churches, we are not just planting churches, we are planting a certain kind of church.

In ministry, especially serving in a metropolis, we face many fears. If we don’t look to Christ, we will not be able to face these challenges and be freed from our struggles.

For example, once I was in [another country in southeast Asia]. Someone came to me and told me they would donate several million to build a church! I knew that money which comes in like this is very dangerous. So I said, “I’m very grateful, thank you very much. But when we plant a church, it is God who sends and leads. We don’t rely on chariots or horses, but on the Lord of hosts. We build the church according to his word. If you are willing to obey this and still want to give, no problem. But if we just build the church according to your design because you donated, then we cannot give an account to God.”

In the end, that person was actually just a nominal Christian. If we have not passed the tests of money, power, and sex, we can be easily tempted by this sudden influx of money. Ultimately, the power of decision would lie in the hands of the donor. We ask God to have special mercy on us, so our church may truly uphold, defend, and adhere to the truth – no matter the circumstances.


Jiang Aizhong is a pseudonym for a Chinese house church pastor.

Pray for Chinese churches to set in place wise safeguards against the ministry tests of money, power, and sex.

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Further Reading

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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