Chinese Protestant Pentecostalism and Its Global Spread, 1907-2024
Author: Dr. Wenjuan Zhao
Keywords: Chinese Protestant Pentecostalism, Hong Kong Pentecostal Mission, True Jesus Church, Jesus Family Church
Abstract
This article surveys Chinese Protestant Pentecostalism from its origins in 1907 to the present day. It investigates the origins of Chinese Pentecostal and Charismatic movements and their links to Western Pentecostal missionaries, then elaborates on how Chinese indigenous Pentecostal-Charismatic churches came into being under Chinese leadership despite opposition and rejection from both Chinese and Western mainstream denominations. Particularly, it highlights the formation and adaption of three remarkable local Pentecostal-Charismatic churches—the Hong Kong Pentecostal Mission, the True Jesus Church, and the Jesus Family Church—given their unique experiences of the Holy Spirit. These indigenous churches expand abroad to the Chinese diaspora. Focusing on the Pentecostal revivalist overseas mission work of John Sung (宋尚节) and others, this article explores how Chinese Pentecostals became linked to the rest of the world and extended their profound influence on overseas Christians—reshaping local ecclesiastical landscapes through a new form of Pentecostal preaching and practice.
Published
Date: May 2025