Chapter 3 Self-Narration and Theological Formation of Contemporary Chinese House Church Networks
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Within the field of Pentecostalism in China, there have been many important studies which cover the pre-1949 period or Western missionary contributions. Post-1949 China has often focussed on ‘suffering’ as a core theme of Pentecostal identity in China. However, owing to the existing challenges of limited access and outdated sources, there has been little detailed exploration of the fundamental structure and make-up of contemporary Chinese House Church Networks (chcn). Drawing on insider knowledge, primary sources, oral interviews and supporting secondary literature, this chapter seeks to lay a stronger foundation for future research and dispel some long-held misconceptions. Utilising self-identifying language, concepts and theological expressions deriving from within chcns, this study explores how chcns share strong similarities with broader global charismatic expressions of Christianity, without wanting to identify with the term Pentecostalism itself. This is followed by an overview of the five major chcns currently operating within China, which represents how they understand and define their own historical development and current configuration, self-narration and theological formation.