China’s urban churches have undergone significant changes over the past two decades, shaped by urbanization, a new generation of Christians, and changing social realities. This month, we explore the development of urban churches, from church planting to their changing role in China’s wider Christian landscape.

Our Featured Story explores why choosing a spouse has become increasingly difficult for many single Christians in China. Drawing on the experiences and reflections of single believers, the story examines the social, cultural, and church-related factors shaping Christian relationships today. We also revisit two perspectives from experienced singles ministry workers and pastors on how churches can better understand and support single Christians as they navigate relationships and marriage.

This month, we covered the Asia Conference on Church and Mission 2026 held on June 9-11 in Manila, Philippines, under the theme "Disciple or Die 3.0." Centered on disciple-making and action, the conference called Asian evangelical leaders, amid a context where only 8.2% of the population are Christians, to move disciple-making from conference discussions into practice.

From AI-powered ministry to the resilience of Tibet's Catholic community, this month's stories explore how Christians are responding to a changing world while remaining rooted in faith.

This month, we offer you a featured article about reconstructing the contextual narrative in postmodern pastoral care. It reflects on a common concern among grassroots pastors and ministers: despite great efforts in preaching, training, and church management, many believers still feel spiritually directionless. Addressing postmodern struggles such as isolation and meaninglessness in urban life, the article explores how the Four Gospels offer models for contextualized pastoral care by presenting Jesus' message in ways suited to different audiences.

This month, we remember the life and legacy of Joseph Tong, a pioneering theologian and educator whose influence has deeply shaped theological education for the Chinese church worldwide. Born in Fujian Province in 1941 and later migrating to Indonesia with the family, Rev. Tong was one of the four brothers among the "Five Tong Brothers" who devoted themselves to ministry. He authored the books Foundations of the Christian Faith and Theological Reflection and Reconstruction of Faith, which have become essential reference books for many local pastors.

This month, we invite you to journey with us across time and geography. We explore the historical footprints left by Norwegian and Danish missionaries—legacies of service that continue to shape local communities a century later. We also look at the modern complexities of faith in the public square, from the legal challenges of preserving heritage sites in Tianjin to the quiet, persistent revival work being led by theology graduates in China’s rural heartlands.

Alongside our ongoing news coverage and featured columns, we are introducing more non-news content this year. Through interviews, personal stories, and reflective pieces, we hope to offer you deeper insights into the life, faith, and witness of the church in China beyond the headlines.

This December, Christmas once again becomes a moment when faith, culture, and public life intersect in visible and meaningful ways across China. While Christmas is not a public holiday, churches throughout the country marked the season with worship services, choirs, performances, and community outreach—often drawing the largest congregations of the year. From Beijing to Shanghai, Ningbo to Inner Mongolia, congregations gathered in multiple Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services, responding to the spiritual hunger of both believers and seekers.

This November, the World Council of Churches (WCC) convened its executive committee meeting in China — the first time since 2016 — hosted by the China Christian Council and National Committee of Three‑Self Patriotic Movement of the Protestant Church in China (CCC&TSPM). The six-day gathering (November 20–25) unfolded under the theme “Christ, Culture, and Context”, blending formal business with pilgrimage encounters throughout Hangzhou. Apart from the conference, the delegation also visited Nanjing and Shanghai to meet church leaders, ministry heads, and officials.