House Church: Investigating Chinese Urban Christians’ Choice of Religious Practicing Site in Wuhan, China

Abstract

Abstract:In this paper, we discuss the reasons why urban Christians choose certain sites for religious activities and explain the rapid development of house churches in urban areas in China from the perspective of individual Christians, through survey data obtained by the Chinese Urban Research Center for Ethnic and Religious Affairs Management in the city of Wuhan. We found that Christians who attend religious activities in urban house churches are generally younger in age, higher in education level, and more likely to be working in independent, private, or foreign-invested enterprises. Further investigation reveals that "Three-Self churches" are few in number and poorly planned geographically, resulting in very limited service abilities, thus being far from satisfactory for all believers. Moreover, the activities of such churches are unvaried and lack attractiveness. On the other hand, in house churches, Christians are able to build tight-knit social networks and house churches are more competitively aware in the "religious market", leading some urban Christians to choose house churches, thereby inciting the fast development of house churches in Chinese urban areas.

How Can the Church Reclaim Backsliders? Analysis of Church Education to Reclaim Backsliders

“…Furthermore, urban Christians' choice of religious practice sites, such as home churches, as viewed in China reflects the need for church leaders to understand the factors influencing religious preferences in diverse urban environments (Han et al, 2018). This appears to be relevant to the issues occurring in Myanmar.…”

“…Urban churches need to pay attention to the church's relationship with the local community in addressing backsliding in urban areas. The church's role in social mobilization, adult education, social media engagement, and community activism highlights the importance of community-centered approaches in addressing backsliders (Chandler, 2017;Han et al, 2018;Isaac, 2005;Ribbens & De Beer, 2017).…”

“…5, No 1, 2024 3 environment brings various social, economic, and political dynamics that can influence religious practices and beliefs. Previous research related to this study includes the work of Han et al (2018). In their study, Han et al (2018) focused on understanding why urban Christians choose specific places for religious activities with regard to meeting the needs of the backsliders in urban areas.…”

“…Previous research related to this study includes the work of Han et al (2018). In their study, Han et al (2018) focused on understanding why urban Christians choose specific places for religious activities with regard to meeting the needs of the backsliders in urban areas.…”