When night falls in a typical apartment building in a city in northwestern China, a warm light shines from a single window. There is no cross, no pulpit, no choir. Three chairs surround a small tea table, hymns playing on the phone, and a well-worn Bible nearby. This is the humble beginning of the church.
Three are enough…if we come together in the name of the Lord.
“At that time, I thought three people were enough. If we gathered together in the name of the Lord, the church had already begun,” Pastor Wang recalled.
From an initial gathering of just three people, a small church guided by the principle of slow growth gradually took root in everyday life and quietly reshaped perceptions of what the church is.
Vigil and faith outside the ICU
Shortly after the church was established, Pastor Wang and his team met a couple who were experiencing a life crisis. His wife was hospitalized in the ICU with kidney failure, and for several days Pastor Wang and his fellow believers stood guard outside the ward, praying, comforting, and simply being close to the family.
I felt that God had saved me. I want to believe in Jesus.
“God protected her and gave her one last chance to accept Christ as Lord of her life,” said Pastor Wang. When her condition stabilized and she was transferred to the general ward, she said, “It was difficult while I was in the hospital, but I felt that God had saved me. I want to believe in Jesus.” She was baptized immediately.
Although she eventually passed away, her testimony brought deep comfort and encouragement to the congregation. Pastor Wang and other members also helped arrange the funeral for her husband and child. The prolonged illness placed a financial burden on the family and left them socially isolated. Church members prepared simple meals for funeral attendees, bringing warmth and vibrancy to the home.
In the end, my husband also chose to be baptized, although he did not continue attending this home church. “I respect each person’s choice,” Pastor Wang said. “The most important thing is that they repent and come to faith.”
Subtle changes in daily life
Sister Quy, a devoted church member, initially faced tension at home as her husband struggled to understand her faith. During the pandemic, when in-person meetings were canceled, she continued to read the Bible, sing hymns, and warmly welcome fellow believers into her home. They sat together on the couch, talking about daily life, sharing testimonies, and sometimes singing hymn after hymn.
Their services truly touch people’s hearts.
Mr. Choi also participated in visiting the sick, vulnerable, and people in need. As time passed, her husband Mr. Chen witnessed her faithful service and saw his heart gradually soften. Although he has not yet been baptized, his attitude towards faith has clearly changed. “Their service really touches people’s hearts,” he said.
Wisdom of “slow growth”
In an era where scale and speed are valued, this church has chosen a slower, more steady path. In seven years, they have established family meetings only five times. “We don’t need large numbers. We focus on cultivating an attitude of dedication so our members truly understand what it means to be disciples,” Pastor Wang explained.
The Church does not require its members to remain in one place and respects their freedom of choice. “Where people gather is their decision. As long as they want to grow together, we will accompany them. And we will not do them any harm.”
From simple Bible studies to structured discipleship training, the church centers on home-based gatherings that allow faith to grow naturally in daily life. “Every gathering is an encounter with the Lord and an encounter with the truth. This process cannot be rushed,” Pastor Wang said.
rooted in everyday life
Today, what started as a group of three has evolved into a stable and flexible model. That means an open home for consistent gatherings and an emphasis on discipleship. Faith is not confined to church buildings, but is part of everyday life.
A patient and steady approach may be the key to developing the next generation of faithful followers.
Looking to the future, Pastor Wang maintains a pragmatic and steady attitude. “We may not be able to do great things like some famous pastors, but we can do simple, down-to-earth work within our abilities.” This patient and steady approach, he believes, may be the key to developing the next generation of faithful believers.
As night falls, the nondescript windows continue to glow, and soft hymns drift through the quiet streets. For seven years, this house church in northwestern China has demonstrated extraordinary powers of patience and presence, demonstrating how faith can thrive in the most mundane of circumstances.
Originally published in English by ChinaSource. Republished with permission.
Written, translated, and edited by members of ChinaSource staff, often using original material published in Chinese. In this case, this article was originally published in Chinese by Christian Times, the English version was published by China Christian Daily, and republished by ChinaSource. All names mentioned in this article have been changed to protect those involved.
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