Written by Nicky Andrews

 

In yesterday’s blog, Cheuk Chung Lau, leader of Chinese ministries for OM in the UK, explored the developing Chinese church scene in the UK since the launch of the BNO passport scheme in 2021. Today Cheuk Chung talks more about OM’s growing involvement, and some easy steps that UK believers and churches can take to build relationships with their local Chinese communities:

Nicky Andrews: What is OM doing to build up the Chinese church in the UK?

Cheuk Chung Lau: I’m so excited about the NEXT Conference. This is a day conference promoting increased collaboration between Chinese churches, run jointly by OM, the Bible Society, the Alpha Course and, new this year, London City Mission. The 2025 event drew 150 pastors and laity, and was run in Cantonese, Mandarin and English. This year is super-exciting because of a special missions tie-in: we’re hosting NEXT twice during the Logos Hope UK visit this summer and autumn, actually on board the ship!

On July 4^th NEXT will be in London during that port visit, and then in late October will be held again in Liverpool while the ship is berthed there. The latter event will be really accessible for the many Chinese churches throughout north-west England.

I really pray our Chinese visitors will draw inspiration from being in such a unique environment, a ship given over to proclaiming God’s glory among the nations, with such a multi-national, multi-cultural crew.

Exciting too that in January the first public launch event for the Logos Hope tour happened to be in London’s biggest Chinese church!

Is there anything with OM for young people in particular?

I really value TeenStreet (TS) OM’s  week-long teens’ camp, with a great setting at Capernwray in Lancashire. It’s 1^st-7^th August this year. I’ve been involved in promoting TS amongst Chinese churches for the past 3 years and it’s been great to see UK Chinese youth groups coming to an international event like this, along with youth from other diaspora churches, like the Turkish-speakers I mentioned previously.

Alongside encouraging personal discipleship, I love that TS encourages young people from every background to develop a heavenly identity, being God’s people first and foremost. That’s especially key for young people from a diaspora, whether born here or not; some of the Chinese youth are second-third generation Britons, others just arrived via BNO.

At some point each one will face a crisis of identity  (distinct from what young ‘indigenous’ Brits experience) asking  “who am I, where and with whom do I belong, and what is my goal in life?” Our youth often ask questions like, “do I use my Chinese name or adopt an English one? Should I forget my heritage, stop speaking Cantonese?”

If we can address these issues with them, it will greatly benefit them personally. And from a missions viewpoint, there will be a generation who can cross cultural barriers abroad much more easily: ‘tentmakers’ in secular jobs but with a missional purpose.

How can UK churches embrace Chinese people?

This is another important point. Historically, many ethnic Chinese from Malaysia and Singapore have spoken English as their first language  and preferred to settle in ‘white’ churches. For HKers, I mentioned issues often arising between the ‘old’ generation and the ‘new’ arrivals; in fact some new arrivals, especially those who speak English well already and are keen to integrate rapidly, decide to avoid any hassles by joining ‘English’ churches.

They may or may not be believers already; many HK people have arrived here with a favourable impression of Christianity (e.g. from the history of missions in east Asia) and associate it positively with British culture. It may even form part of the reason for coming here!  So they’re curious about churches and UK Christians.

And this applies too to the many students from mainland China. Mandarin-speaking Chinese churches make some great connections with these students, and so do English-speaking student groups like UCCF and Friends International who will hope to integrate their Chinese friends into local English-speaking churches.

What means most to Chinese people?

Being Chinese myself, I can say that warmth of welcome is the number one thing. So if a church can offer English lessons, hospitality, introduce us to UK culture, adapt to the practicalities of settling here…what a great start in building relationships.

Another big thing for us is when UK people make an effort during Chinese New Year or Mid-Autumn Festival, host an event where we can get together. It doesn’t have to be very authentic but there would be a definite ‘wow factor’ of “you’re aware of our culture and you arranged something fun for us!”

How could a UK church partner with a local Chinese congregation?

Welcoming churches and leaders into local evangelical associations would be very positive, to build up relationships between pastors and reduce isolation. If your own church has unchurched Chinese people attending, an English-speaking person from a Chinese church might consider coming along to assist communication, act as a bridge.

Conversely, for small Chinese churches, I would explore whether their pastor would appreciate your help with children’s and youth ministry; small churches rarely have the manpower to support that. Nearly all school-age Chinese children are bilingual and are accustomed to express themselves in English, which many adults in a church can’t do. It’s all about looking to the future generations.

How can people be praying for Chinese ministry in the UK?

• As many BNO people are now applying for ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) may they find settlement not only in the UK, but also eternal security through Jesus Christ our Lord.
• Please pray for the new generation growing up in dual cultures. May they find their unique identity in the UK while also embracing their East Asian heritage.
• Pray also for the Chinese churches, that they may discern their role within their communities—reaching the Chinese as well as the least reached where they are. May more churches be open to getting involved in cross-cultural ministry, both near and far.