Leadership Lessons From Underground Chinese Pastors

My recent trip to China inspired me to come out of a self-imposed blog retirement. Why? Basically because what I observed and learned must be recorded, at least to remind me of the kind of leader I am supposed to be...

My first trip to China was over twenty years ago. It was quite an adventure; it felt kinda James Bond-ish. Along with a few Filipino pastors, I smuggled Bibles across the border and secretly delivered them to couriers who delivered them to pastors in rural areas of China.

Our training in Hong Kong was intense. Our mission was eternal. Our cargo was priceless. Our Chinese contacts were risking their freedom to accept our smuggled Bibles. We were risking being yelled at and sent back to Hong Kong. If caught, we would be deported; they would end up in prison.

Much has changed since my first trip to China. Each time I return I am impressed with all God is doing in a land that has tried so hard to keep Him out.

I am not a prophet or the son of a prophet, but I felt a strong prophetic word as I taught fifty Chinese pastors last week. Here's the word: "Years ago thousands of pastors and missionaries came to China from all over the world to smuggle Bibles and to teach the Chinese church. In the coming years thousands of pastors and church leaders will come to China from many nations, not to teach, but to learn from the Chinese church."

They seemed puzzled why people would come to China to learn from them. That response only underlined the accuracy of the word I delivered.

Here are two lessons I think the church in every nation can learn from Chinese church leaders:

1. HUMILITY. The Chinese church leaders are not so impressed with themselves that they can't learn from others. Many of us are way too impressed with our ministries, our theology, our programs, our buildings, our books and our budgets to learn from others.

2. HUNGER. Every time I visit my friends in China I am impressed and convicted by their spiritual hunger. They want more worship, more prayer, more teaching, more training, more grace... Too many of us in the West are overfed and have need of nothing. We need to learn spiritual hunger.

What about you - are you humble and hungry, or self-confident and full?

 

Comments

[Matt]

You are certainly right about the James Bond kind of feel, in regards to smuggling precious bibles to the leaders there. Well written there sir! China is certainly an amazing place where thousands everyday are turning to Christ! God bless them, and you too!

[ts]

This is very encouraging and I agree with your view that we in the West need more humility and hunger. Personally, I am asking the Lord to open the door for my family and I to find a job position in China so that we can help build up the church there. We would go as "tent makers" and unaffiliated with any denomination.

[Rene Julian]

Years ago, a wise man from Mississippi advised me to remain teachable. Through the years, endeavoring to remain teachable has enabled me to remain true.
A few weeks ago I read (& re-read, re-read...)"Take my yoke upon you and LEARN FROM ME, for I am gentle & HUMBLE in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."