Editor's note: In China, all legal Christian activities must take place within registered religious venues under the unified administration of CCC&TSPM. Churches that choose not to come under this management operate as house churches. This article outlines the legal procedures for establishing a registered Protestant church in China. In practice, however, different regions may present varying challenges due to differences in local enforcement.
Anyone seeking to establish a Protestant church in China inevitably encounters the concept of the "Three-Self"—self-governance, self-support, and self-propagation. It means the church must be independent in its administration, finances, and mission, free from reliance on foreign influences. To many, the term "Three-Self" may sound remote, even like a political slogan. Yet for anyone aiming to build a legal and open church in China, it represents the essential threshold that must be crossed. This article examines the process of starting from the ground up to build a church.
Step One: Gather a Steady Community of Believers
The foundation of a church is not its building but its people. At the outset, it is essential to have a stable community of believers who can form a preparatory team and elect leaders.
This group carries responsibilities that extend beyond worship. They must oversee finance, administration, and security, while also assuming a degree of social responsibility. From a social perspective, a church is not only a worshiping body but also a social organization.
When reviewing applications, religious affairs authorities typically focus on several key factors: whether the church has a fixed membership list (rather than being assembled temporarily), whether it has a core management team with clear responsibilities and oversight, and whether there is a genuine need for regular gatherings rather than a passing impulse.
In short, the first step in establishing a church is to "gather people" rather than "stack bricks."
Step Two: Secure a Legal Venue
The question "Where is the church?" lies at the core of the application process.
The legality of a venue generally depends on three main factors. First, property rights must be clearly defined: the site should either be owned by the church or leased on a long-term basis, with the property owner's consent for its use as a religious venue. Second, the facility must meet safety standards, including fire protection, electrical compliance, and adequate ventilation, along with a fire emergency plan. Third, community recognition is often required, with some locations asking for a neighbor's statement or community certification to prevent disputes.
For these reasons, private residences and community activity rooms typically cannot receive direct approval. In practice, the essential prerequisite is to secure a venue that passes government inspections. In some areas, approval authorities even conduct on-site visits to measure exit routes, check the number of fire extinguishers, and review seating arrangements. Safety standards are non-negotiable and cannot be compromised.
Step Three: Develop a Charter and Management Regulations
If a church is considered a "faith family," its charter serves as the "family rules." When applying for official approval, a charter is not optional, but a must. A well-prepared charter should clearly address at least the following areas:
- Purpose: Adherence to the Three-Self Principles, independence, self-support, and lawful gatherings.
- Organizational Structure: Appointment of a director, secretary, treasurer, and supervisor.
- Financial System: Revenue sources, public accounting, and audit procedures.
- Activities: Worship services, Bible study, small groups, and festival observances.
- Safety System: Assignment of a fire officer and establishment of an emergency evacuation plan.
- Amendment Procedure: Defined steps for future charter revisions.
The charter demonstrates that the applicants are not a "random gathering" but a group with a clear governance system. This is not about bureaucracy, while systems form the foundation of trust. Without them, external oversight is impossible. With them in place, believers can confidently entrust their devotion, time, and commitment to the church.
Step Four: Submit the Application to the Religious Affairs Bureau
Once all preparations are complete, the application can be submitted to the county- or district-level religious affairs bureau. The following documents are typically required:
- Application Letter: Stating the organization's mission, purpose, scale, premises, and personnel.
- Meeting Minutes and Membership Roster: Of the preparatory group.
- Proof of Premises Usage Rights: Property ownership certificate or long-term lease agreement.
- Floor Plan and Fire Emergency Plan
- Draft Articles of Association and Financial Management Regulations
- Description of Funding Sources
- Community Opinion or Support Letter: Required in certain regions.
After submission, the religious affairs department will review the application within the statutory timeframe. This review may include an on-site inspection and consultation with surrounding communities. Ultimately, the bureau decides whether to approve the church's establishment. This step represents the transition from informal gatherings to legally recognized construction.
Step Five: Obtain Approval and Officially Register
Once the application is approved, the church can begin preparing the venue and conducting limited activities. At the same time, a formal registration application must be submitted to the relevant religious affairs bureau. After review, the church will receive the "Registration Certificate of a Religious Venue," which serves as its official "identity card."
With this certificate, the church is legally authorized to hold worship services, holy communions, and festivals; recruit volunteers and staff; and conduct training sessions, weddings, funerals, and other religious ceremonies.
Step Six: Ensure Daily Compliance Operations
Many may assume that once the certificate is obtained, everything is settled. In fact, the opposite is true: post-registration management presents long-term challenges. Key requirements for ongoing compliance include:
- Financial Transparency: Accounts must be open, clear, and auditable.
- Event Filing: Festivals and special gatherings must be reported in advance.
- Safety Inspections: Regular fire and sanitation inspections must be conducted.
- Foreign-Related Activities: Prior approval is required for foreign participation or inflow of foreign funds.
- Publishing and Dissemination: Books, handouts, and online materials are subject to clear regulations.
In short, registration represents not "freedom" but "responsibility." It is the only legal path for a church. While this path is neither quick nor easy, it ensures the stability and longevity of the church. Faith is like a fire, and institutional systems are like a lampshade; only when both are in place can the light endure.
Relationship with the Three-Self System
Since China's legal system only recognizes churches managed through the Three-Self system, a congregation either legally exists within the Three-Self system or gathers as a house church, occupying a gray area. The Three-Self system doesn't act on one's behalf; it acts more like an "intermediary" and a "bridge." In many places, establishing a new church requires the approval or recommendation of the local Three-Self church. It serves as both an entry point to the system and a buffer between believers and the government.
A Practical Reminder
Establishing a Three-Self church is a legally compliant process, but it comes with practical challenges:
- Complexity: Requirements vary by location and often require repeated communication.
- Relationships: Maintaining good relations with local Three-Self churches can be essential.
- Responsibility: Leaders serve not only as spiritual guides but also as legal representatives, accountable for safety, order, and finances.
Prospective founders must ask themselves: Are you ready to assume legal responsibility, accept social scrutiny, and expose the church to official oversight?
Conclusion
Building a Three-Self church from the ground up may appear cumbersome, but the process can be summarized in four essential steps: people → venue → system → registration. While neither quick nor easy, this path ensures the church's stability, legality, and long-term sustainability.
Originally published by "Career Survival Guide," with minor abridgments
- Edited by Mark Cui, translated by Poppy Chan
