Partners International was founded 68 years ago when we supported our first Chinese evangelist, Calvin Chao, after missionaries were interned or kicked out of China in the 1940s. This began a cutting-edge movement of partnership with the indigenous Church that has defined our ministry for six decades.
The China of today is much different from the one Calvin Chao knew. A growing middle class, educated urban elite, and increased political and economic power have made China one of the most complex and forward-moving cultures on the planet. And, surprisingly, one that is increasingly Christian despite continued Communist rule.
China has gone through tremendous transformation over the past 20 years. The impact of urbanization, booming economic growth, migration, and drastic social change have been both positive and negative. The Chinese people are starting to have a sense of “globalness” as their influence in world affairs increases. Yet, these changes have also polarized Chinese society, particularly in moral values and economic status.
New structures of church leadership and management are emerging. Many traditional churches struggle to survive as their young people migrate in huge numbers to China’s cities. New ministry strategies are forming quickly, and Chinese believers are increasingly concerned for social issues and community development. While many churches have obtained legal status from the government, others remain underground. Persecution continues in a sporadic and localized way.
Despite these challenges, we continue to see new and promising missions efforts springing up within China with leaders who have a vision for ministry far beyond China itself.
Vision & Strategy
Having many ethnic minorities and strong Buddhist and Muslim religious groups, many of the Christian churches in western China are not as strong as those in the east. Our strategies include advancing evangelistic and development work in unreached parts of China and building up ministries that are ministering to underserved socio-economic groups such as emerging urban churches, college ministries, children, and the disabled. We also help our partners develop their organizational structure and ministry capacity, our goal being to enhance their long-term impact and sustainability.
How You Can Be A Partner
We invite you to partner with us in building the Church in East Asia. Learn about God’s work in the region and the pastors and leaders serving Christ there. Pray for the region. Sponsor A Child. Join our initiative that focuses on the needs of women. Use your professional skills. Join a short-term ministry team from your church. Financially sponsor a ministry outreach. Working together, we’ll see God build His Church in the least Christian regions of the world.
