Have you heard of a church that began in Beijing in 1917? That is the True Jesus Church. Today, we will explore the story of the True Jesus Church. It stands as a testament to faith and perseverance.
The True Jesus Church is a non-denominational Christian church. It emerged during the Pentecostal movement. The church’s origins trace back to Paul Wei. He was a silk merchant. Wei later adopted the Christian name Paul.
Early followers were influenced by charismatic practices. These practices came from various sources. The Apostolic Faith Mission in China was one. The Seventh-day Adventist Church was another. The Pentecostal Assemblies of the World also played a role. Faith healing was important. Baptism of the Holy Spirit was also key. Footwashing was a significant practice. Sabbath keeping was also observed.
Paul Wei claimed divine revelation. He said that a voice instructed him to be baptized facedown in a river. Wei said Jesus Himself baptized him. After this, Satan appeared. Wei defeated him with a newly acquired sword. The True Jesus Church emphasizes signs and miracles. Members believed they were restoring the apostolic age.
The True Jesus Church expanded quickly. By 1949, it had around 120000 members. These members were spread across seven hundred churches. The Chinese Civil War caused problems. The church lost contact with congregations in China. Isaac Wei was arrested in 1951. He disappeared.
Li Zhengcheng replaced Isaac Wei. He led the True Jesus Church into the Three-Self Patriotic Movement. Persecution still occurred. Li Zhengcheng spent over twenty years in jail. The True Jesus Church abroad declared autonomy. Headquarters moved to California in 1985.
The True Jesus Church practices baptism via full body immersion. This is for both adults and infants. Holy communion is also practiced. Speaking in tongues often happens during prayer.
The church believes sacraments must fulfill three requirements. They must have been performed by Jesus Christ. They must relate to salvation. They must be what Jesus instructed His disciples to perform. The True Jesus Church has ten articles of faith. One must speak in tongues. This proves receipt of the Holy Spirit. Baptism should be with the head facing down. It must be in natural water.
The True Jesus Church faced persecution in China. The communists cracked down in the 1950s. The church was officially disbanded worldwide in 1958. Remnants revived the church in Taiwan and California in the 1980s. The CCP has destroyed True Jesus Church signs in recent years. They have confiscated hymnals. In some cases, they have razed church buildings.
Melissa Wei-Tsing Inouye has studied the True Jesus Church. She notes similarities with Mormonism. Both are restorationist churches. They claim to have restored the true gospel.
Today, the True Jesus Church has members in over sixty countries. Some scholars estimate up to 3 million members. Here in Ozone Park New York, the True Jesus Church stands as a beacon of faith. It received its IRS ruling in 1986. It continues to serve its community. The True Jesus Church’s story reminds us of faith. It shows resilience and the global reach of belief.