December, known as "Christmas Month" by Chinese Christians, features diverse celebrations across urban and rural churches. This year, large city churches hosted tree-lighting ceremonies and festive events, while rural churches often celebrated earlier due to staff shortages. Programs included nativity plays, songs, and dramatic performances, such as Wenzhou Liushi Church’s plays on missionaries William Soothill and Matteo Ricci. House churches embraced localized celebrations with Chinese-style decorations, fan dances, and skits. In recent years, there has been a shift from gala-style festivities to smaller, flexible activities starting as early as November, with a focus on Advent reflection and charity events, highlighting the spiritual meaning of Christmas.

China's Generation Z is roughly estimated to be 280 million. Accounting for around 20% of the domestic population, those born between 1996 and 2012 stand out as a characteristic generation influenced by digital devices, diverse truth, global concerns, and mental issues. The church in general admits the difficulties in attracting and retaining those people who are more likely to favor a vibrant, dynamic, and relational faith community rather than traditional church life. This month, we offer five inspirational articles (new and old) to explore how to reach Gen Z and understand them more.

Recently, several foreign Christian organizations visited China, reinforcing global Christian fellowship and strengthening ties with local churches. In Shanghai, the China-U.S. Christian Fellowship launched, fostering spiritual connections between Chinese and American Christians. In Beijing, the Hour of Power delegation exchanged ideas on church service and pastoral care. The Outreach Foundation, active in China since 1994, continued its longstanding relationship with Hangzhou’s largest church and other places. In Xi'an, China Partner visited local leaders as long-time friends. International events like the inaugural Amity Cup Ping Pong Tournament brought together participants from 32 countries for charity and friendship. Similarly, the YWCA of Singapore’s visit to China’s YWCA emphasized collaboration in social service and women’s empowerment. These connections extend beyond Sino-American relations. A Seoul church visited Shaanxi CC&TSPM, while the United Evangelical Mission engaged with Christian leaders in Beijing and Jiangsu. In a world marked by increasing division, these interactions remind us of the unifying power of faith. As an American pastor stated, “We continue to believe in the power of friendship and relationship.”

The Fourth Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization (Lausanne 4) was convened in South Korea from September 22 to 28, attracting more than 5,300 people from 200 countries to talk about the global mission to accelerate the fulfillment of the Great Commission. The main topics covered not only the church, mission, and the Holy Spirit, but also the environment, justice, persecution, sexuality, and the younger generation. Alongside the publication of the State of the Great Commission and the Seoul Statement, Lausanne 4 aimed to "let the church declare and display Christ together," addressing challenges for the unfinished task of global evangelization and calling for unity and collaboration. 

Since 2009, the period of vigorous growth in China's churches has subsided due to various reasons. While some churches have seized opportunities for development during special times (such as leveraging online gatherings during the pandemic), many grassroots churches generally feel the strain of stagnation and struggle to maintain vitality. Coupled with other factors, this has led many pastors to adopt a laid-back mentality. However, some churches have seized development opportunities. A detailed examination of these vibrant church cases reveals seven key insights in this month's two featured articles.

In July, the Everyone Asia 2024 Conference drew over 11,000 participants from 46 countries to Indonesia, aiming to inspire global Christians to fulfill the Great Commission by Pentecost 2033. The conference placed a special focus on Asia, which accounts for around 60% of the global population, sharing insights on the state of Christianity in China, Vietnam, Japan, Myanmar, and other nations. Recognized as a crucial region for reaching everyone with the gospel, local Christians discussed their unique approaches. Another significant highlight of the month was the official visit of the World Evangelical Alliance to China, marking their first visit in seven years and signaling hopes for a long-term relationship.

Father's Day, commonly observed on the third Sunday of June, honors the role of fathers and father figures in our lives. This year, churches across China participated in these celebrations, highlighting the importance of men in the community. Despite being outnumbered by women in Chinese churches, men play a vital role. We would like to offer you a feature article about men's ministries throughout China, including family pastures, men's camps, and tailored teachings. Additionally, we present the testimonies of two Christian men who share how God's grace has touched their lives.

This month, the World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary, Rev. Prof. Dr. Jerry Pillay, paid his first visit to China since he took office in January 2023. As the WCC executive committee is set to meet in China next year, the significant visit was "to engage with church and religious leaders at national and regional levels in Shanghai, Nanjing, and Beijing," paving the way for closer collaborations with Christians and inter-religious partners. Pillay requested the Protestant Church and Catholic Church in China to "work together on the Nicaea 2025 celebration," the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, to "express Christian unity both in China and to the world."

Easter, one of the most important holidays for Christians, was largely celebrated across churches nationwide this year. Starting from Lent, some churches offered daily devotionals for their congregations, and many Christians were devoted to fasting and praying. Entering the Holy Week, traditional liturgical events like foot-washing ceremonies, communion services, and the Stations of the Cross pilgrimage were carried out. On Easter Sunday, Christians in China commemorated the resurrection of the Lord along with evangelistic rallies and baptism services.

After the Chinese New Year, the Chinese church appeared to resume all activities and ministries in March. Both within China and beyond its borders, Christian conferences and forums have come to life. This month, we spotlight three pivotal conferences addressing key themes: the sinicization of Christianity, kingdom theology, and reconciliation in Northeast Asia. They emphasize the importance of integrating Christianity within the rich tapestry of traditional Chinese culture, the deepening of Chinese pastoral workers' understanding of kingdom theology and its implications for ministry and service, and the necessity of healing divides in a region marked by historical tensions and conflicts.