Protestant Worship with Chinese Characteristics: Reflections on a Chinese Worship Service

Abstract

Abstract The article explores the latent impact of traditional Chinese culture on worship in one Three-Self Patriotic Movement Protestant church in a mid-sized, provincial city in central China. Employing a case study approach, the author visited the church under consideration numerous times over a several-year period and interviewed pastors, evangelists, and members about their worship services. The author’s conclusion is that subtle aspects of the Chinese tradition, and above all Confucianism, can be seen in the worship services of this church. Additionally, the author suggests that these influences can be seen in worship in provincial urban churches around the country and considers the probability and process of change taking place in their worship services.