When most people think of China, they picture skyscrapers, the Great Wall or thousands of people crowding busy streets. What many do not realize is that China is also home to one of the fastest-growing Christian movements in the world.
Christianity in China Today
Although Christianity first entered China centuries ago, it exists today in a unique form shaped by history, culture and government policies. In China, there are two main expressions of the Church:
1. Registered Churches: These are officially recognized by the government and operate under the Three-Self Patriotic Movement (Protestant) and the Patriotic Catholic Association (Roman Catholic). They are allowed to gather publicly, but their teaching and activities are carefully monitored and regulated.
2. House Churches: Millions of believers gather in unregistered congregations, often in homes, apartments or rented halls. These churches emphasize spiritual freedom and independence from state control, but they can face pressure, restrictions and even persecution.
How Many Christians Are in China?
The current population of China is 1,415,163,589 as of October 2025. “While China’s population is about 1.4 billion, mission research estimates there remain 100-150 million people still unreached with the Gospel — people who have little to no access to Christian witness, materials, or churches.
Estimates on the number of Christians in China vary widely because of government restrictions and the underground nature of many churches. Official numbers suggest around 30 to 40 million Protestants, but independent researchers and mission organizations believe there may be 70 to 100 million Christians in China today. Some even suggest the number could be higher, making China one of the world’s top 10 countries with the largest Christian population.
Roughly one-third of China’s population (equalling 450-500 million people) still live in rural or village settings. Many of these are in remote or less developed areas, with limited access to trained Christian leaders and exposure to the Gospel.”
Government Attitudes Toward Christianity
The Chinese government recognizes Christianity as one of five official religions. At the same time, the government strictly controls religious practice to ensure it aligns with the state’s goals. This means:
-Foreign missionaries are not legally allowed to evangelize openly.
-Churches must register with the government to operate legally.
-Religious teaching must emphasize loyalty to the state as well as to God.
-House churches sometimes face pressure, including surveillance, closure or arrest of leaders.
Despite these challenges, the Church in China continues to grow — often most rapidly in places where faith demands the highest price.
The Missionary Challenge
Because foreign missionary activity is restricted, the future of the Church in China depends heavily on equipping local believers. Many pastors and leaders lack formal theological training or resources, yet they carry a great burden for sharing the Gospel.
They long for biblical teaching, discipleship materials and encouragement from the global body of Christ.
How You Can Help
You may never be able to travel to China, but you can stand with the Church there through:
-Prayer: Pray for protection, wisdom and boldness for Chinese believers.
-Resources: Support translation and distribution of discipleship materials, and training for leaders.
-Partnership: Your financial gifts enable us to equip the next generation of Chinese Christians to take the Gospel into every corner of their nation.
The story of the Church in China is a story of courage, faith and unstoppable growth. God is at work there, and you can be part of that story!
*Please note that due to security concerns, the image used in this article is AI generated.
