Journal: Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society
Volume: JETS 65:2 (Jun 2022)
Article: Against The Tide: The Ecclesiology Of The Local Churches Movement In The Colonial Context And Its Contribution To A Glocal Church
Author: Jacob Chengwei Feng

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Against The Tide: The Ecclesiology Of The Local Churches Movement In The Colonial Context And Its Contribution To A Glocal Church

Jacob Chengwei Feng*

^* Jacob Chengwei Feng is a PhD student at Fuller Theological Seminary, 135 N. Oakland Ave., Pasadena, CA 91182. He may be contacted at [email protected].

Abstract: The Local Churches movement has achieved a global presence since its inception in 1922. However, it has been much misunderstood, particularly as regards its ecclesiology. Engaging a hybrid methodology that incorporates contextual, theological, and historical approaches, this study investigates Watchman Nee’s context, presents Nee’s critique of Brethren doctrines and practices under the influence of colonialism, and discusses Nee’s Trinitarian ecclesiology and its focus on locality as its ground. An evangelical evaluation of the Local Churches movement’s innovative ecclesiology is then offered, concluding that Nee’s missional ecclesiology proves to be a viable solution in the contemporary multi-ethnic and postcolonial world. Next, the study engages in dialogue between Nee’s ecclesiology with Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen’s constructive ecclesiology, concluding that Nee’s ecclesiology is neither progressive nor primitivist, but glocal in scope, missional in nature, and ecumenical in prospect, fostering the glocal interaction between the global and the local church.

Key words: ecclesiology, Local Churches movement, Watchman Nee, colonialism, glocal church, mission, Brethren movement.

In the latest revision of his Introduction to Ecclesiology, Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen dedicates a chapter to identifying Christian communities in Asian contexts. He reminds readers of a Christian community founded by Watchman Nee,1 which is widely recognized as the “Local Churches”:2

Nowadays one cannot do justice to the rich diversity of Christian communities on Asian soil without mentioning other nontraditional church forms. One of them is called “Local Churches,” a movement currently present in the Global North as well, particularly in the United States. This vibrant movement is stronger in mainland China and Taiwan, and it is also spreading elsewhere

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thanks to its missionary outreach. Founded by Watchman Nee and Witness Lee, this movement focuses on lay ministry and mission and a comprehensive Christian discipleship.3

The Local Churches movement’s exceptional features have been recognized in that t...