Throughout China’s rapidly growing cities, a new wave of unregistered house churches is growing. They are developing rich theological perspectives that are both uniquely Chinese and rooted in the historical doctrines of the faith. To understand how they have endured despite government pressure and cultural marginalization, we must understand both their history and their theology.

In this volume, key writings from the house church have been compiled, translated, and made accessible to English speakers. Featured here is a manifesto by well-known pastor Wang Yi and his church, Early Rain Covenant Church in Chengdu, to clarify their theological stance on the house church and its relationship to the Chinese government. There are also works by prominent voices such as Jin Tianming, Jin Mingri, and Sun Yi. The editors have provided introductions, notes, and a glossary to give context to each selection.

These writings are an important body of theology historically and spiritually. Though they are defined by a specific set of circumstances, they have universal applications in a world where the relationship between church and state is more complicated than ever. This unique resource will be valuable to practical and political theologians as well as readers interested in international relations, political philosophy, history, and intercultural studies.

When Paul writes to believers from prison, we see a pastor who has lost everything the world has to offer, yet through suffering has gained true glory. Paul demonstrates the heart of a pastor and the kind of service God requires. In the context of Xi Jinping’s China, where faithful pastors face imprisonment rather than worldly success, Paul’s words are particularly relevant.

In this interview, originally recorded in Mandarin at Singapore Bible College in 2024, Dr. Ximian (Simeon) Xu of the University of Edinburgh shares about his pietist house church upbringing, scientific background, and how he has uniquely used his careers in engineering and theology to help us understand AI and guide the development of AI ethics, with direct applications for the church.

Leaving China is a particularly difficult decision for house church leaders, many of whom have faced increasing pressure and sometimes imprisonment at home. This meditation on Jeremiah 29 represents their heartache, as well as their desire to follow God faithfully in their new home.

In the wake of Zero Covid policy and increased government persecution, the second generation in the house church are discovering what it means to be persecuted and tested. When things are overwhelmingly difficult, where can we find the courage to face our fears? This heartfelt sermon from a younger pastor in China addresses the disciple Mark’s desire to flee and how he found salvation to be even greater in his weakness.

In a context in which Christians have been forced to either come under the Chinese government's oversight or face persecution, Wang Yi ponders what it means to be a Christian patriot who loves their country and strives for its betterment versus a nationalist who idolizes their nation.

For a house church leader, there are many reasons to seek a seminary education in the West. However, it may come as a shock how much Western seminaries have been influenced by a secular post-Enlightenment culture. This blog post by a house church leader and former seminary student honestly describes the dangers of going abroad for a seminary degree.

Theological education is not only the transmission of knowledge and the acquisition of skills, but also the formation of people and the transformation of life. In this paper, a female leader discusses the challenges facing house church seminaries and offers suggestions for how seminaries can better prepare leaders in any context.

The first and last chapters of the Bible tell us God’s will and plan for humanity, and the consummation of this plan in the new Jerusalem. What was started in the garden will be perfected in the church. These chapters also give us hope in the eschatological tension of this age.

An Interview with J.D. Tseng

J. D. Tseng (pseudonym), the co-editor of Wang Yi’s Faithful Disobedience, is a Christian writer and an editor for Christian media. In this interview he recalls meeting Wang Yi twenty years ago and traces his journey from human rights lawyer to pastor.

Where is God in the midst of evil rulers, slavery, and genocide? He remains on his throne, providing for and protecting his people in ways that we can’t always see. This meditation on God’s sovereignty during Israel’s enslavement in Egypt is addressed to the house church in a time of pandemic and persecution, but speaks to many of the crises we face in our world today.

Enoch walked with God even as he prophesied his judgment. We often compromise our faith when we come up against hardship, or are tempted by material comforts when getting a job or having children. Our only comfort as believers is in salvation, and truly walking with God means putting him first, overcoming all other obstacles and temptations.

The preference for sons over daughters has led to immeasurable suffering for women in China. However, it has also led to great burdens for men, who carry the hopes and expectations of the entire family. The gospel frees us from these burdens, pointing to the true Son who fulfills all of our hopes.

The Bible intentionally uses—and subverts—political terms like "army," "kingdom," and "justice." It is vital that we understand the church as a new world order that supersedes and challenges all worldly politics, so that we ourselves do not become agents of worldly causes rather than God's people.

Written by a lay elder of a baptist church in China who has studied Western political thought, this exposition offers a deeply biblical and countercultural meditation on worldly politics.