Founded in 1917 the True Jesus Church has a rich history. It began in Beijing China during the Pentecostal movement. The church’s early followers were influenced by various groups. These included the Apostolic Faith Mission. Also the Seventh-day Adventist Church and the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World impacted their practices. Faith healing baptism of the Holy Spirit footwashing and Sabbath keeping were central.
Paul Wei a silk merchant who became a Christian was a key figure. He adopted the name Paul. He and other early workers like Zhang Lingsheng and Barnabas Zhang shaped the church. Zhang Lingsheng advocated for observing the Sabbath. Barnabas Zhang later left to form a separate movement.
The church grew significantly. By 1949 it had around 120000 members in 700 churches. The Chinese Civil War caused disruptions. The True Jesus Church lost contact with its churches in China. Isaac Wei Paul’s son led the church’s international expansion. He established a strong organizational structure. He was arrested and disappeared in 1951. The circumstances of his death remain unknown.
Li Zhengcheng took over leadership. He guided the church into the Three-Self Patriotic Movement. This was a government initiative. Despite persecution the True Jesus Church persevered. The international branch declared its autonomy. It moved its headquarters from Taiwan to California in 1985. The Chinese branch was reconstituted after the Cultural Revolution. It remains a substantial presence.
Today the True Jesus Church has members in over sixty countries. Estimates suggest millions of members worldwide. The True Jesus Church in San Francisco is part of this global network. It continues to follow the core beliefs and practices established by its founders. It’s a testament to resilience and faith. It stands as a vibrant community of believers. The church carries forward a legacy. It’s a legacy built on faith healing and the power of the Holy Spirit.