For a believer in Asia, church means
the world to them. Majority of the new converts are disowned by their family
and often they come to live with the pastor until they’re reestablished. Often
pastor’s home is where the abused women or their children run to. A church is a
place of refuge and the pastor is the symbol of trust and security because he’s
often been to prison for his faith in Christ.
While Christianity is in decline in
Europe and North America, masses of people in Asia are turning to Christ.
Twenty thousand people are accepting Christ in India every day. In China,
twenty five thousand people are following Christ every day. What is the secret
of this explosive church growth? Today I want to discuss seven characteristics
that are making the church in Asia explode with new converts.
First, the emphasis is on the message not the building. They would like
one but majority of the church in Asia do not own a church building. Most of
the believers meet in homes, parks, riverside or even in caves. Having church
in public places makes it visible to non-believers and they too are drawn to
Christ. Not having hefty church mortgage frees up resources to care for the people
in the local community.
Second, worship is the main part of the service. It is the loudest part of the service when everyone vocalizes their gratitude. Coming out of the idol worshipping culture, it is easy for
them to direct their love, devotion and commitment to a God who has saved them
from utter destruction. When they go to church, they are energized to worship
God and ready to express their devotion to their Savior, Healer and Deliverer.
Third reason why the Asian church is exploding
is emphasis on prayer. Most people
have come to the Lord because someone prayed over their sickness and they’re
healed. They understand that prayer works. They don’t have access to medical
doctors, lawyer, insurance or a financial professional. Christians pray everywhere
about everything!
Fourth, signs, wonders and miracles are the life blood of the church in
Asia. Over eighty percent of the new believers come to church because they’ve
experienced a miracle themselves or someone they know. Interestingly,
Christians don’t make a big deal about the miraculous. It is a great tool but
it is not sensationalized. Miracles are an everyday part of their lives.
Another characteristic of the Asian
church their witness. Believer often
do not know a lot of theology but they are bold about telling others what Christ
did for them. Often sharing their faith with non-believers causes them to be
kicked out of their own homes and school, beaten, persecuted and even
imprisoned.
The sixth reason for Asia’s church
growth is persecution. Just like in
the Book of Acts believers scatter because of persecution. Wherever they go,
they take their faith with them and start a new work. Christians are encouraged
to turn the other chick instead of seeking political justice. Just like Saul, this
causes their persecutors to be convicted. Often the persecutor becomes the
promoter of the Gospel.
Last but the not least, the church in
Asia is a giving church. There is not
much teaching or emphasis on giving but they give much more than ten percent to
the work of the Gospel. Often it is in the form of produce, livestock or real
estate. They are hospitable, fellowship together over meals and other social
events.
Please pray for the revival to
continue in Asia. Our brother and sisters need you and your prayers. Will you
pray for the church in Asia today? I know you will.
“I will build my church; and the gates
of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18 KJV).
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