[Dissertation] The Significance of Adopting the Leadership of the Apostolic Church for Chinese Urban House Church Leaders

This research explores the challenges Chinese urban house church leaders face and provides an overview of the leadership models of house churches during the apostolic era. By conducting interviews with participants, the researcher identifies similarities between the two eras of the church. The participants represent diverse churches and denominations, and they are categorized into three groups: full-time elders, lay elders, and lay believers. The primary objective of this study is to identify biblically sound strategies that can support Chinese house church leaders in effectively navigating external political persecution and internal pressures. The literature review and research data consistently demonstrate that Chinese house church leaders can draw valuable lessons from the Apostles in various areas, including preaching, casting visions, teaching doctrines, establishing church governance structures, managing pressure, and fostering a deep connection with the Holy Spirit. Despite the small size of house churches and the rapid shifts in gathering locations, when leaders persistently engage in learning from these areas, the churches are more likely to experience healthy growth and development. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Peter Yan, with a Doctor of Ministry degree from Columbia International University in the U.S., Instructor at TTi, Pastor of a house church in Shanghai.