Consider the many devoted missionaries who brought Christianity to China. The Evangelical Free Church of China-Grace Church continues their important work. Let me tell you more about this church.
The Evangelical Free Church of China is a Protestant denomination. It has a long history in mainland China and Hong Kong. Today it is one of the largest evangelical denominations in Hong Kong.
The story of the Evangelical Free Church of China begins in 1887. Hans J von Qualen was the first missionary to China from the Evangelical Free Church of America. After studying the language in Canton he established the first chapel in 1888. It was located outside Canton in Henan province. This chapel became the base for evangelism.
By 1925 the mission had grown. There were 28 Chinese and Western Christian workers. Bible classes developed and led to the Canton Bible Institute in 1927. This later became the Evangel Seminary.
The first church was established in Hong Kong in 1937. It was named Tin Chuen Church. In 1949 political changes in China caused many missionaries to relocate. They moved south to Hong Kong along with the Evangel Seminary. The EFCC Headquarters also moved to Hong Kong. This allowed them to continue pursuing their goals.
The Evangelical Free Church of China adheres to seven basic doctrines based on the Holy Bible. These doctrines explain their core beliefs.
They believe in one true God. God is the creator of all things and Lord of the universe. He exists eternally in three persons. These are the Father the Son and the Holy Spirit.
They believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is true God and true man. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. Jesus died on the cross to atone for man’s sins. This allows people to be delivered from sin’s condemnation. He arose from the dead and ascended to heaven. He is the advocate and high priest interceding for believers. He will visibly return to establish His kingdom. He will judge the living and the dead.
They believe that the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity. He came on Pentecost to glorify Christ. He convicts sinners grants new birth. The Holy Spirit empowers believers for holy living. He unites them into one body the Church.
They believe man was created in God’s image. But man became spiritually dead through disobedience. All people are sinners living under God’s wrath. Only through repentance and accepting Christ’s redemption can one enter God’s Kingdom.
They believe the Scriptures are the inspired Word of God. The Old and New Testaments are truthful and trustworthy. They are the final authority for Christian faith and life.
They believe that all men will be resurrected. Believers will have eternal life and heavenly blessings. Unbelievers will face eternal death in hell.
They believe that Satan is the Devil. He is the source of all evil. He works in the hearts of the disobedient and will receive eternal punishment.
The Evangelical Free Church of China also has several organizations. These include Evangel Seminary Evangel Children’s Home Evangel Hospital and Evangel College. They are also involved in social services. These services include elderly centers family services kindergartens and study rooms.
Today there are 52 Evangelical Free Church of China churches in Hong Kong. They are located on Hong Kong Island Kowloon the New Territories and the Islands District. The Evangelical Free Church of China-Grace Church is part of this large and active denomination. It continues to spread its message throughout Hong Kong. Its members are encouraged to serve using their gifts to edify the church.