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China's urbanization has a direct impact on the church

China's emergence into the global marketplace has brought with it a new sophistication, reports MNN.

Erik Burklin with China Partner says people are migrating to the urban centers. That's both good and bad for the church. On the upside, he says many of the Christians coming into the city are young entrepreneurs and bring with them a strong financial base and vision. When that happens, the church often benefits.

On the downside, "They are now bringing with them the secularization and the concern for materialism. This is putting pressure on local pastors."

How is church growth anything but a positive? The growth of the church in China is outpacing its resources, especially in the rural areas. China Partners estimates 3,700 ordained and assistant pastors ministering to roughly forty million believers -- that's one pastor for every 1,000+ Christians.

Without proper training, heresy can often result. Burklin explains that "the majority of the church leaders never have a chance to go to a seminary or Bible school. They're starting and birthing new churches and are desperate and hungry for good training materials, for books, for seminars that will equip them and help them."

China Partner conducts Training Seminars in partnership with registered Bible schools and churches, under the auspices of the China Christian Council. Burklin says, "We get invited, on a regular basis, by these Christian leaders to conduct short-term training seminars. Once again, we are preparing to go in May."

The team teaches core training courses - Evangelism, Pastoral Care, Discipleship and Christian Leadership, although as the needs change, they adjust the curriculum. Pray that God would give wisdom to those involved in developing this new curriculum.

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TAGS: China urbanization China Partner Training Seminars China Christian Council church growth

[02/13/2010]

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