Doing Missions with Chinese Characteristics
From the desk of the guest editor.
Cook reviews this recent volume about the first half of Timothy Richard’s career and evaluates the book’s content and approach.
The Wenzhou model for missions is examined; its origins, development, and characteristics, along with its strengths and weaknesses are discussed.
Fulton analyzes the “Wenzhou Model” of missions for how it might be used in twenty-first century missions. He points out some of its strengths, liabilities, and aspects that can be replicated in today’s world and others that cannot.
With the Chinese church’s increasing interest in missions, the authors look at factors that have encouraged this interest and made mission endeavors increasingly possible. They point out fifteen lessons already learned from their involvement in mission.
Gudao explains the necessity of mission for the church. He also speaks about difficulties faced as well as advantages—an inheritance the church has received for the task of carrying out the Great Commission. He concludes by explaining how the Chinese church can participate in missions.
Given governmental laws and China’s situation over past years, the church in China has been creative in how it carries out mission. The author looks at these aspects and how they have influenced mission work both inside and outside China’s borders.
China’s Belt and Road Initiative, first conceived in 2013, will encompass 65% of the world population. Bryant provides background about this initiative and what it will involve, then looks at its significance for missions from China.
WU Xi candidly speaks of difficulties China’s frontline missionaries face as they move into cultures different from their own. Churches and sending agencies need to address these issues if the work of their missionaries is to be effective.