Tuesday, January 13th, 2026
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Understanding Church in China
"Understanding Church in China" provides background and contextual content to help global readers better understand Christianity in China. This column focuses on historical developments, institutional frameworks, and key concepts that shape church life today, supplying essential context often missing from headline-driven coverage and enabling a clearer reading of the Chinese church within its social and historical setting.

The Three-Self Principles: Origin and Its Chinese Version

The Three-Self formula, also known as the Three-Self principles, is a missiological strategy used to establish indigenous churches. Its principles are: self-governance, self-support, and self-propagation. First coined in the mid-19th century by various mission theorists, it remains in use today in the Three-Self Patriotic Movement (TSPM) on the Chinese mainland.

Theological Education Sunday in Chinese Churches

For several decades, churches in China have observed a special practice known as Theological Education Offering Day. On a designated Sunday, all offerings collected in worship services are dedicated to supporting theological education.

Celebration of Bible Day in China

In 1995, the Bible Publication Committee officially designated the second Sunday of December (including the preceding Saturday) as "Bible Day" in China. The day is dedicated to activities that inspire Christians to deepen their love and respect for the Bible, including Bible seminars, exhibitions, musical performances, prayer meetings, and voluntary donations.
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