WE INITIATIVE : a Chinese Global Mobilization Network

Unveiling the Global Chinese Church's Evolving Role in World Evangelization and Collaborative Partnerships

The global Chinese ecclesiastical body is positioned to fulfill its role in the worldwide propagation of the Christian faith. There is a growing awareness within this community that such an endeavor necessitates collaboration with the international missionary community. In light of post-covid era, this endeavor can be articulated through the establishment of a virtual network.

We have been extended an invitation to assist the global Chinese faithful in dispatching cross-cultural emissaries to mission frontiers.

The WE Initiative aims to achieve the following four fundamental objectives, constituting the bedrock of the Chinese missional ecosystem:

1. To serve as a platform for gatherings of Chinese missional leaders, facilitating networking, strategic deliberations, and the exchange of resources.
2. To foster connections between Chinese mission leaders and their international counterparts, thereby facilitating mutual exchange.
3. To serve as a repository of resources for the Chinese Church as it embarks on cross-cultural missions to unreached ethnic groups.
4. To formulate viable models for collaboration between Chinese mission entities and international organizations.

The Chinese Church must enhance its capacity for global cross-cultural missions within a presently incomplete ecosystem. Existing gaps span areas such as mobilization, local church support structures, mission education, vetting processes, candidate selection, training protocols, deployment procedures, member care, and leadership cultivation. Assistance is being sought to establish the entire missional ecosystem from its foundational level.

Beyond Mainland, the global Chinese Christian community is dispersed worldwide. Traditionally, the Chinese diaspora was primarily concentrated in regions proximate to the Mainland, particularly within Southeast Asia. Following the Second World War, multiple waves of Chinese migration transpired, especially around 1949. These migrations encompassed destinations such as Taiwan (21 million), Hong Kong (7 million), Singapore (2 million plus), scattered enclaves in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand, as well as substantial populations in the United States (nearly 4 million) and Canada (just under 2 million). In recent times, Chinese migrants have established a presence in nearly every corner of the globe, even in unexpected locales. Africa is now home to over 2 million Chinese individuals, while Europe hosts 1 million. Russia accommodates 200,000, Brazil hosts 300,000, and even Scandinavia sustains a population of 45,000 Chinese residents.

Dynamics of the Global Chinese Church: Unveiling Patterns and Potentials

In the United States, the remarkable presence of nearly 2000 Chinese churches underscores the vitality of this ecclesiastical movement. Similarly, Canada boasts an impressive network of 500 Chinese churches, indicative of a widespread establishment of these religious communities. Europe, too, bears witness to the footprint of the global Chinese Church, as over 150 churches grace both the continent and the United Kingdom. Among these, several prominent training institutes contribute to the ecclesiastical and educational fabric.

However, beyond the sheer numerical growth, a series of noteworthy phenomena is surfacing within the global Chinese Church. One particularly salient phenomenon revolves around the interconnection observed among new immigrant churches. Many of these fledgling congregations maintain close ties with their originating mother churches, creating a unique channel for cross-generational interaction. This symbiotic relationship paves the way for the second generation to minister to the local populace, all within the evolving paradigm of post-Christendom thought. As these immigrant churches engage in nuanced interactions with the communities they serve, their influence extends beyond the realm of faith, impacting the social and cultural landscape as well.

Moreover, the more traditional global Chinese Church entities in regions such as Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, the United States, and Canada, carry a distinct role within the potential partnership scenario. These established churches have amassed a wealth of experience in mission involvement, capitalizing on accumulated wisdom and resources over time. This reservoir of knowledge presents a valuable asset that can be harnessed to facilitate the mission efforts of their Mainland counterparts. By offering guidance, resources, and strategic insights, these established churches can help streamline and fortify the initiation of missionary endeavors.

The envisioned partnership encompasses a fusion of strengths, drawing not only from the established Chinese churches but also from the wider international community. This collaboration harbors immense potential to elevate the efficacy of the Chinese global network. As the collective knowledge, resources, and experiences converge, the impact of the global Chinese Church on the global stage is poised to multiply exponentially. Such a synergy can result in a harmonious blend of cross-cultural insights, innovative approaches to missionary work, and a heightened ability to address the evolving spiritual needs of a diverse world. In conclusion, the global Chinese Church stands as a testament to the remarkable growth and influence of faith within the Chinese diaspora.

The emergence of interconnections among immigrant churches and the invaluable contributions of established entities foreshadow a promising future of collaborative action. By leveraging the collective strengths of these diverse components, the global Chinese Church is poised to redefine the contours of modern evangelization and cultivate a more interconnected and impactful global faith community.