1. Are there many Christians in China?
There are approximately 16 million Protestant believers in China—about 1% of the total population.
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2. Are there groups—like Baptists or Presbyterians—in China?
There are no denominational distinctions within the Protestant Church in China. The churches are “post-denominational” and practice mutual respect in matters of faith and worship, maintaining unity in diversity. The only distinction is between Catholic and Protestant churches.
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3. Can foreigners do missionary work in China?
The term “missionary” carries negative cultural and historical baggage and Chinese law forbids traditional missionary presence. Missionaries were often regarded as destroyers of Chinese culture and collaborators with imperialistic forces in China. CBF representatives work within the law partnering with the China Christian Council, The Amity Foundation, local churches, educational institutions, and non-government agencies. We worship in registered churches and some of our Envoys are able teach English classes in the church using the Bible as a textbook. CBF aids lay training schools and seminary education. We teach in universities and colleges to improve the English ability of Chinese students to prepare them for participation in the global economy and international community. We cooperate with church, government and non-government agencies in providing disaster relief, building elementary schools, and bringing electricity and clean water to poverty-stricken areas. To further our work, we have registered our charitable organization in Hong Kong as CBF, LTD, and CBF Representative Brenda Lisenby is currently the director of that office.
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4. Is the church very strong in China?
Since 1979, the churches have been allowed to reopen and a revival is under way. Although the Cultural Revolution has been likened to the “valley of the shadow of death,” Christians praise the Lord for seeing them through those days and strengthening the believers in China. They also praise the Lord that they can now worship openly. There are more than 13,000 churches open now for public worship, along with approximately 25,000 chapels and house meeting points. Lay leaders have played a significant role in the work of the churches since the reopening.
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5. Does CBF smuggle Bibles in China?
No. There is no need. Bibles are published in China by Amity Printing Press in partnership with United Bible Society. They are sold in local churches, Christian Council offices, and seminaries all over China. Anyone may purchase a Bible and there is no requirement to sign your name or register in any way.
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6. How does CBF relate to the non-registered (sometimes called underground or house churches) churches in China?
CBF in China does not relate to non-registered churches in China. This is an issue for the Chinese Christians to resolve, in accordance with their conscience, their call, and in consideration for the laws of their country. We do not interfere with their internal affairs, but pray for Chinese Christians and for more effective implementation of freedom of religion.
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7. Can we do a building project in China—build a clinic or a school or a church building?
Yes! We welcome you or your church or organization to partner with various projects. We have several that require funding. Supporting such projects strengthens the witness, communication, and understanding in China between Christians and non-Christians. Unfortunately, individuals cannot actually do the “building” with their own hands. Groups are invited to inspect project sites, evaluate need, commit to assist in specific ways, return home to raise funds or fulfill whatever the commitment is, and return to view the completed project and celebrate with the local people.
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8. Doesn't CBF funding a hospital or a school project just mean that the Chinese government has to spend less of its own money?
No. First, there is little or no money that comes from the CBF General Budget for CBF in China projects. Our projects are adopted and funded directly by churches or individuals. Secondly, the Chinese government is engaged in massive reform in all areas of society, especially in the poverty-stricken countryside. They have limited money and it must be spent. By coming along side of them and assisting them in their efforts to serve their people and improve the quality of life, they are able to do more than would originally have been possible and to do it at a faster pace. We help their resources go further. Third, it is our hope that by involving the Chinese Christians in this partnership, they also are strengthened, increasing opportunities for a witness in society.
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9. How do Chinese Christians feel about the work of CBF in China?
The Chinese Christians have responded positively to our ministry. In fact, it is the Chinese Christians that are giving us introductions to local governments and schools. And we ask the local Christian Councils to present the funds to the relevant local bodies. This allows them to get to know and build good relations with local governments, dispel misunderstandings about Christianity, and present a witness for Christ within the context of their culture and society.
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10. Don't you compromise your witness by cooperating with a Communist government?
On the contrary, we are taking light and love to places that have little or no exposure to the Gospel. It is a mystery to them why so many people in America care about the poor and backward peoples in the Chinese countryside. At the very least, a seed is planted and decades of mistrust and suspicion can begin to be put aside. At the very most, there may be unexpected harvests.
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11. Why would I be any good as a teacher in the Summer English Program? I don't know Chinese.
No need to know Chinese! Your students will help you. The qualifications for participating in our summer program are a college degree, good health, under the age of 70, and a desire to share your life with Chinese students who want to learn English. Professional teaching experience is helpful, but not required.
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12. Can I live in China short-term?
You can live in China as a short-term teacher or a long-term teacher. You can teach long term, for 1 or more years, or you can come as a very short-term teacher, visit in any of the English classes where CBF representatives or Envoys are teaching, and get to know the peoples and the church in China. CBF in China and the Chinese people welcome you!
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13. I have this question about China:
If you have a question about China that is not answered here, please feel free to email us. Simply put “A Question” in the subject line and send it to us at info@cbfinchina.org.
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