A Diverse Group of Leaders

Posted on 18 April 2009.

What is your image of a Chinese house church leader? An elderly man who has spent many years in prison for his faith, but continues to boldly preach the Good News in spite of persecution?

A young teenage girl with little education who has already led hundreds to the Lord but struggles to disciple them? A graduate in his early '30s recently returned from postgraduate studies overseas who has gathered together a group of like-minded individuals to study God's Word? Someone in his middle-age who went through the Cultural Revolution and thus lost out on his formal education, but now sees the Lord working in miraculous ways as he shares God's truths from his heart?

China's house church leaders can be all the above and more. A very diverse group, they are old and young, come from cities and rural areas, have little education and postgraduate degrees. From such differing backgrounds, they have much to share and learn from one another. Older leaders have a wealth of knowledge gained from many years of experience. Younger leaders may have easier access to Biblical training materials available online, as well as a greater understanding of the new generation that needs to be reached. However, these different groups of leaders sometimes find it difficult to relate well with each other.

Nevertheless, in at least one aspect all these leaders have something in common. "I have met with numerous leaders," writes a contributor to ‘China Source', "and their hearts are all the same: they are looking for a safe environment to be real, to admit to their struggles and to be encouraged that they are not alone... I find this especially true in China where the concept of saving face is so important. It is very difficult for leaders to admit to others their own struggles and the truth about what is going on in their lives."

Look back at the various house church leaders described in the first paragraph of the text and think through the needs of each group. Then lift such leaders to the Lord in the light of your insights.

Pray for the different groups of leaders to have greater understanding of one another and to be willing to humble themselves and learn from each other. Pray for a Holy Spirit-inspired unity to grow amongst them.

Pray that these church leaders might be a support and encouragement one to another, and that each one might find those with whom he can admit his struggles and find an empathetic ear.