亭林耶稣堂

Stepping into a world of unique Christian faith, we find ourselves before the True Jesus Church, or 真耶稣教会 (Zhēn Yēsū Jiàohuì). This church, with its roots in early 20th-century Beijing, stands as a testament to a unique blend of Pentecostal beliefs and Chinese heritage. The True Jesus Church emerged during a time of spiritual fervor, alongside other indigenous Christian groups like the Little Flock and the Jesus Family. Founded in 1917 by Paul Wei, a former silk merchant, the True Jesus Church quickly gained traction in China and Taiwan. Its practices, such as speaking in tongues, faith healing, and footwashing, resonated with many seeking spiritual solace and connection. The church also observes the Sabbath on Saturday. Interestingly, one of the early influencers of the True Jesus Church was Zhang Lingsheng. He advocated for maintaining the seventh-day Sabbath, a practice that distinguishes the True Jesus Church from many other Christian denominations. Today, the True Jesus Church boasts a global presence, with members in over sixty countries across six continents, a testament to the enduring power of faith and community. The True Jesus Church maintains a unique set of ten articles of faith. They emphasize speaking in tongues as evidence of receiving the Holy Spirit and a specific mode of baptism for salvation. The church believes baptism should involve full-body immersion with the head facing down, symbolizing Jesus’ death. It’s a fascinating example of how cultural and historical context shape religious practices. Here, at the True Jesus Church, we see how a faith born in China has blossomed worldwide, carrying its distinct blend of traditions and beliefs to a global community.