Sermon is usually the most crucial part of Sunday services in Protestant churches, as it provides believers with spiritual nourishment. Therefore, delivering a well-prepared Sunday sermon is a key aspect of pastoral work.
The two churches introduced in this article have indeed brought some new vitality to their congregations through their group ministries, although they are still immature.
Different churches target different groups of people. The article shares the positive explorations of four churches in serving believers or attracting newcomers.
During the recent Holy Week and Easter in 2024, after visiting churches in some provinces, editors of the Gospel Times shared similarities and differences in the activities they observed.
From southeastern coastal cities to the northeast and even to the dry northwest regions, different mission teams and individuals are engaging in prayer walking. Grace is one of them who have witness God's work during the walks.
Understanding both the registered and unregistered aspects of the church in China provides a more comprehensive picture of the dynamic interplay within the Christian sphere, shedding light on the various challenges and opportunities that each sector encounters.
During the joyous celebration of the Chinese New Year and the return to their hometowns, the editorial team of the Gospel Times had the opportunity to connect with grassroots churches. They discussed the changes observed in hometown churches during the grand festival.
Under the pretext of arranging a marriage for my aunt's child, a cult member pulled my aunt into it. Over just three days, a group of people staged a performance in front of my aunt, convincing her that Christ had truly returned and was standing right in front of her.
On the first Sunday after the lunar new year, I visited a rural church which can accommodate 100 people at least, but there were only 11 people attending the service.
As there is a great need to care for left-behind elderly people and children in the countryside, some urban churches have extended ministries to rural areas.
The liveliest places during this Spring Festival, aside from tourist attractions, are temples and God of Wealth temples. The expectation for the God of Wealth and good fortune far outweighs the desire to celebrate the Spring Festival joyfully. People seek help from deities in the hope of improving their economic income for the coming year.
As the largest annual migration in the world is ongoing, a large percentage of the church in China has suspended services and many migrant workers stop attending church in their hometowns during the Chinese New Year.
The Wutongshu Youth Growth Service Center of the Taicang Three-Self Patriotic Movement (TSPM) in Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province, conducted a psychological charity workshop on winter vacation.
A special conference, claimed to be initiated through collaboration among churches and pastors from Hong Kong and mainland China, was suspected to have been organized by the Korean cult 'Shincheonji Church of Jesus.'