For over a decade, YMCA Bavaria in Germany has been fostering connections with its counterparts in China, strengthening ties through youth exchanges, cultural programs, and faith-based dialogues. Michael Götz, general secretary of YMCA Bavaria (CVJM Bayern), recently shared insights on this enduring partnership and the organization's recent visit to China.
Founded in 1903, YMCA Bavaria is a network of 105 local YMCA associations with 12,500 members, supported by 4,250 volunteers and 200 staff. As part of the German YMCA, which comprises 1,400 local associations and over 310,000 members, it is committed to youth development, education, and international collaboration. This extensive network aligns with the broader global YMCA movement, which is active in more than 120 countries.
The relationship between YMCA Bavaria and China's YMCAs dates back to international YMCA events. Inspired by the hospitality, commitment, and faith of their Chinese counterparts, the German team sought to establish official partnerships following their encounters at the World YMCA Council in 2010. "We felt a strong connection based on our shared Christian values and the desire to serve young people," Götz recalled.
Since 2011, YMCA Bavaria has facilitated many study trips, youth exchanges, professional staff visits, and volunteer placements in China and Germany, engaging over 1,200 participants, particularly in partnership with Guangzhou and Hong Kong. A highlight of these efforts is the annual international Y-Camp in Bavaria, where around 150 young people from across Asia, Africa, South America, and Europe gather every August to cultivate friendships, develop leadership skills, and deepen their faith. "In collaboration with the Confucius Institute of Nuremberg-Erlangen, we also run a one-week Chinese-German Summer Academy prior to the camp. This academy focuses on mutual language and cultural learning," said Götz.
In March, YMCA Bavaria paid a visit to China, under the arrangement of local YMCA teams. During their travels, they attended church services in Shanghai and Xi'an, witnessing firsthand the dedication and faith of local Christians.
"Despite challenges, their faith remains vibrant and inspiring," Götz noted. A particularly significant moment was their exchange with Rev. Wang Jun, chairperson and president of the Shaanxi Provincial CC&TSPM. "He generously shared insights into the rich Christian history of the province, the current status of church life, and the ongoing development in theological education and pastoral training. We had a very open and respectful conversation on the sinicization of Christian ministry and the church's response to contemporary challenges."
"Regarding sinicization, it's my impression that since the early years of the Three-Self Patriotic Movement (TSPM), especially since 1954, Chinese churches have taken active steps to shape their ministry in a culturally rooted and context-sensitive way. Historically, missionaries such as Matteo Ricci and Hudson Taylor already emphasized the importance of contextualizing the gospel in Chinese culture, language, and philosophy. From my very first visit to China in 2008, I was impressed by how confidently Chinese Christians live out their faith within their own cultural context," he added.
"The contextualization of Christianity in China is already at a very advanced stage." Götz said, "In Germany, we constantly face the same challenge: we need to contextualize the gospel into our own cultural settings. Teenagers often live in a completely different cultural world than their parents or grandparents. Even among youth, many subcultures require their own form of gospel translation. This does not even take into account the large number of people who have migrated to Germany—each of whom needs the gospel to be contextualized in a way that speaks to their own background and life experience."
He also noted a major project on a Chinese Bible commentary, expected to be completed by 2027 or 2028. "This will certainly be a groundbreaking milestone for the church in China."
In addition, the delegates were impressed by the thoughtful leadership and the church's social engagement, including media ministry and care for the vulnerable.
During this trip, German delegates also visited Nanjing and Guangzhou, where they were particularly impressed by the social programs, especially in support of people with disabilities, seniors, and families, often led by local churches or the YMCA.
"This encounter, alongside other moments of hospitality and faith, reminded us how much we can learn from one another and how strong the spiritual ties between Christians across cultures can be," Götz reflected.
While YMCA Bavaria's formal partnerships are primarily with China's YMCAs, many programs naturally integrate engagement with local churches. Looking ahead, the organization plans to deepen these relationships through a newly established "China Competence Team" in Germany, which will focus on youth exchanges, interfaith dialogue, and collaborative projects.
During their visit to China, the delegation also had the opportunity to explore rural community projects near Chengdu, where they were moved by the YMCA's work in supporting vulnerable populations. "The humility, care, and joy of the staff were truly inspiring. We learned so much about community work in a Chinese context and the power of small acts of kindness," Götz said.
From experiencing Chinese hospitality to engaging in profound cultural to enjoy natural beauty and faith-based exchanges, many young participants described the trip as life-changing. "One participant shared that meeting a Chinese mother advocating for her disabled son at a bakery in Nanjing was the most inspiring moment of the trip."
In 2024, the Guangzhou YMCA hosted a Sino-German Youth Exchange Camp, further solidifying the foundation of this partnership. "Young people discover shared dreams, understand each other's cultures, and grow in confidence and leadership."
YMCA Bavaria plans to make these camps an annual tradition, alternating between China and Germany, to allow more young people to experience such transformative engagements.
Beyond China-based exchanges, YMCA Bavaria's GlobalCastle Language Camps offer young people an opportunity to connect with peers from across Europe in an English-speaking environment. These camps provide an enriching space to explore faith, develop leadership, and build international friendships. "We have welcomed Chinese participants before and hope to invite even more in the future," Götz said.
Guangdong Province, Hong Kong and Bavaria have enjoyed a strong friendship for over twenty years. Götz believes that Christians from both regions can play a crucial role in strengthening these ties. "Christians can be ambassadors of peace and understanding. By sharing life, listening deeply, and engaging in joint projects, we build bridges of hope."
"Besides our connection with China, we have strong partnerships with organizations in Chile and Ukraine. Many of our 105 local YMCA branches in Bavaria are also engaged in partnerships with other countries. In Germany, our YMCA is very active in supporting refugees from Ukraine, Afghanistan, and Syria through various local initiatives."
Through youth exchanges, joint service projects, and prayer, believers can cultivate a spirit of mutual respect and cooperation, demonstrating that "faith connects people across cultures and serves the society."
Götz expressed his deep gratitude to the Chinese Christian community: "Your faith, hospitality, and perseverance are a great encouragement to us. You remind us that faith can shine even in challenging times. We thank you for your friendship and trust and pray that God will continue to bless and strengthen you as you serve your communities with love."
