For over a century, the Bürklin family has been closely intertwined with the growth of the Chinese church, walking alongside Chinese believers in faith and service. Their journey began in 1925, when Gustav Bürklin (林立德) left Germany to answer God’s call as a missionary in China. There, he met a fellow missionary equally committed to sharing the gospel. They married and raised their children in China, including Werner Bürklin (林明胆), who later continued their legacy of service.
Despite language barriers and a challenging ministry environment, the Bürklin family developed deep and lasting relationships with Chinese Christians. Werner, deeply influenced by his parents, became an evangelist, traveling the world while maintaining a profound connection to China. When China reopened in the 1980s, he returned to serve the church through leadership training and theological education. His son, Erik Bürklin (林铭立), did not initially see himself following in his father’s footsteps. However, after joining China Partner, he discovered his own calling to support and equip the next generation of Chinese Christian leaders.
A Century of Partnership: Serving, Not Directing
The Bürklin family’s ministry has never been about promoting a particular church structure or imposing outside methods. Instead, their focus has been on serving and strengthening Chinese believers, recognizing that the Chinese church should lead its own growth. As Erik puts it, "We are not here to tell the Chinese church what to do; we are here to serve them."
Through China Partner, the Bürklin family has provided theological training, pastoral resources, and leadership development for Chinese Christian communities. Their work has never been about planting churches or evangelizing but about equipping and encouraging Chinese believers as they lead their own churches and ministries.
Over the years, many who participated in China Partner's training programs have become pastors, seminary professors, and church leaders. The impact of this ministry is not measured in numbers but in the relationships formed and the long-term spiritual growth of those they have served.
At the same time, the Bürklin family has always understood that God's work is far greater than any single ministry or individual effort. Their role has never been to introduce something new but to walk alongside their Chinese brothers and sisters, learning from them, supporting them, and witnessing God's faithfulness in China.
A Legacy of Faith and Love
Born and raised in China, Werner Bürklin held a deep connection to the country. He often described himself as “like an egg—white on the outside, yellow on the inside,” reflecting his deep cultural and spiritual ties to China. His love for the Chinese church was so profound that he even expressed a desire to be buried there, seeing China as his true home.
At the heart of the Bürklin family’s story is an unwavering trust in God’s sovereignty. They have never sought to build their own legacy but have always understood that it is God who builds his church. Erik echoes this sentiment, recalling Jesus’s words to Peter: “On this rock, I will build my church… It is God who continues to build his church, and it is our privilege to take part in his mission.”
This understanding has shaped their ministry with humility, recognizing that the Chinese church is not dependent on foreign involvement but is sustained by God himself. The Bürklin family simply walks alongside Chinese believers as fellow laborers in Christ’s kingdom.
Looking to the Future: Walking Together in Faith
As the Chinese church continues to grow and face new challenges, the story of the Bürklin family serves as a reminder of what true partnership in ministry looks like. Their journey highlights the importance of walking alongside rather than leading, empowering rather than controlling, and serving rather than directing.
As 2025 marks the 100th anniversary of the Bürklin family’s journey in China, this milestone is not just a celebration of history—it is a testament to God’s faithfulness and the strength of the Chinese church. The church in China has flourished not because of foreign involvement but because of God’s hand at work among his people.
Regardless of church affiliation or background, God is at work in China’s Christian communities in powerful ways. His church is diverse, resilient, and ever-growing.
To learn more, KAIROS has produced a video documenting the Bürklin family’s story and its impact on the Chinese church. This film offers a glimpse into a century-long journey of faith and service, encouraging all who seek to engage in God’s work.
As we reflect on this legacy, let us also consider how we can pray, learn, and support God’s mission in China, not as outsiders, but as fellow participants in his unfolding work.
Originally from Webpage 'ChinaSource'
CCD reprinted with permission
