Our History
ChinaSource began with a practical question: How could Christians and organizations engaged with China share what they were learning and work more effectively together?
Nearly three decades later, the people, places, and questions have changed. But the importance of trusted information and relationships has not.
How It Began | 1997
In 1997, several North American evangelical organizations came together at the Billy Graham Center of Wheaton College to establish ChinaSource.
They saw a need for more reliable information about China and its church, and for stronger relationships among those seeking to serve. ChinaSource began as a collaborative platform for exchanging insights, connecting people, and exploring ways to work together.
A Journal for Deeper Understanding | 1999
In 1999, ChinaSource published the first issue of ChinaSource Journal. The publication offered a place for thoughtful, in-depth examination of Christianity in China and the issues shaping the church.
It was later renamed ChinaSource Quarterly to reflect its publication schedule.
Building Research and Relationships | 2000s
In 2000, an organizational merger brought additional Chinese studies expertise into ChinaSource, strengthening its research work and expanding its relationships.
Throughout the decade, ChinaSource convened consultations, first in North America and later in Asia. These gatherings brought together leaders from dozens of organizations to share what they were seeing, discuss emerging challenges, and consider where working together might make a difference.
Responding to a Changing China | 2002–2011
In 2002, ChinaSource held the first China Challenge conference, bringing together churches, organizations, and individuals interested in exploring opportunities to serve in China. The conference continued annually through 2011.
As rapid urban migration reshaped China in the mid-2000s, ChinaSource turned more attention to cities and the emerging generation of church leaders. Consultations on urban ministry, business as mission, and ministry among migrant workers brought Chinese and international Christians together and helped open the way for new collaborative initiatives.
Expanding Across Borders | 2006–2010s
ChinaSource expanded its work to Hong Kong in 2006. During the following decade, we also strengthened our digital presence, making research, analysis, and practical resources more accessible to readers around the world.
Initiatives in Christian education, leadership mentoring, and stewardship created further opportunities for Chinese Christians and international organizations to share experience and address changing needs together.
A New Chapter | 2020s–Present
Chinese Christianity has continued to change. New generations of leaders are emerging, Chinese Christian communities are growing across the world, and the circumstances facing churches and ministries inside China remain complex.
ChinaSource has been changing too.
More Chinese pastors, scholars, and writers are now contributing directly to our publications. Our growing bilingual work reflects a commitment to making these conversations accessible in both Chinese and English—not only helping the global church learn about Chinese Christians, but also creating more opportunities to learn from them.
In 2025, we restored the original name of ChinaSource Journal, recognizing that the publication has always been defined more by the depth of its content than by a fixed publishing schedule.
In 2026, we launched a redesigned website to make our growing collection of stories, perspectives, research, and resources easier to explore.
What began as an effort to share information and connect organizations has grown into a broader conversation across cultures, languages, and generations.
Much has changed since 1997. But we remain committed to listening carefully, sharing trustworthy insights, and building relationships that help people learn and serve together.