It’s time for our annual look back at the most popular posts on our blog in 2017. Here is what you, our readers, particularly liked this past year:
1. New Religion Regulations to Take Effect in February, by Brent Fulton (September 13, 2017)
The new religion regulations are sweeping in scope and, if fully enforced, could mean major changes for China’s unregistered church, not only in its worship and meeting practices, but also engagement in areas such as Christian education, media, and interaction with the global church. Yet the nature of these activities and, indeed, of much religious practice throughout China, makes enforcement extremely problematic.
2. 10 Things NOT to Do on a Short-term Trip to China, by Joann Pittman (May 1, 2017)
To assist in your training and preparation, here’s a helpful list of things to avoid on a short-term trip to China. We hope that with these things in mind, your team will have a fruitful experience serving those in the Middle Kingdom.
3. Reflections on the Reformation 500 and the Gospel Conference, by Jackson Wu (May 26, 2017)
Thousands of Chinese believers were united in spirit as we studied the truth. The conference successfully brought people together for the purpose of worshiping the one King of all nations.
4. Western vs. Chinese Theology, by Tabor Laughlin (August 11, 2017)
In my Bible-related conversations with him, we talk about things he has recently preached on. We talk about things I have been learning from the Bible. We talk about stories from the Bible. But for him, a book of “Systematic Theology,” where the information is organized in a list of common themes in the Bible, would be of little or no concern.
5. Draft of New Religious Regulations, by Joann Pittman (September 26, 2017)
In April of this year, President Xi Jinping gave a speech at a national conference on religion in which he outlined his vision for the role religion can and should play in Chinese society. As is often the case with speeches from top leaders, his themes were painted in broad strokes, with very little specifics.
6. My Private Space, by Barbara Kindschi (August 25, 2017)
In my twenty years in China I have had the privilege of being both a hostess and a guest. I count those times as priceless moments of learning and joy. The gift of hospitality—friendly, welcoming, and generous treatment offered to guests—is still ready and waiting to be opened.
7. International Students in China—an Unreached Diaspora?, by Phil Jones (October 6, 2017)
Is this an invisible and unreached people group? Compared to the West how many organizations or individuals are dedicated to serving international students in China? Are these students the ones to start and strengthen gospel movements back home? What are the challenges and opportunities?
8. The “Why” Behind China’s New Overseas NGO Law, by Brent Fulton (February 1, 2017)
With the implementation of the new Overseas NGO Law it is imperative that organizations engaged in China become familiar with the provisions of the legislation, along with subsequent documents and pronouncements that continue to provide clues as to how the law is actually being carried out.
9. The Foreign NGO Law: An Infographic, by Joann Pittman (January 9, 2017)
On Sunday, January 1 China’s new law governing foreign NGOs in China went into effect. The good folks at China Development Brief have put together a helpful infographic covering the basic information about the law.
10. Effective Outreach among Chinese—No Visa Required, by Narci Herr (June 2, 2017)
For those who live near university campuses, opportunities to reach out to Chinese students and researchers with the gospel are well within reach and don’t require a visa or plane ticket. Churches wanting to minister among Chinese often need look no further than the closest college campus.
