“The Holy Residence of God.” That is what Zion Church means. It is a fitting name. The story of Zion Church is one of resilience. It reflects faith amidst changing times.
Zion Church first emerged in 1901. Pastor Yu Xisheng a Chinese American founded it. The location was Youlanmen in Haizhu District. Today this area is known as Yanting Dongjie.
In 1913, Zion Church relocated. Its new address was Xihao 2 Malu. The church moved again in 1935. The downtown area grew. Zion Church needed a new space. It moved to Xiguayuan. Today it is No 392 Renmin Zhonglu.
Construction began on a new church building. It was completed in February 1936. The church was named Zion Christian Church. This translates to “the Holy Residence of God”.
Zion Church joined the Guangdong Council. This was the Church of Christ in China in 1947. The Cultural Revolution brought closure. Religious activities ceased. Guangzhou Municipality later acted. A new policy on religion took effect. The church was returned. Religious activities resumed on September 21, 1980.
The fellowship hall was reclaimed in 1983. Various ministries gradually restarted. By 1989, baptisms numbered 776. Sunday worshippers totaled about 500.
But there is also a Zion Church in Beijing. It faced significant challenges. In 2018, it was banned. Church members persisted in assembling. They shifted locations to avoid detection.
On October 20, police raided several congregations. This occurred around 10 am. Multiple meeting sites were targeted. Locations included Guomao, Wangjing, Yizhuang and Shijingshan. Sunday worship services were disrupted. Authorities registered attendees’ identities. Twelve people were forcibly taken away. Elder Qin Guoliang was among them.
Most were released that evening. Elder Qin Guoliang faced detention. It lasted 14 days. The charge was “illegally organizing a gathering.”
Senior pastor Jin Mingri issued a prayer letter. This occurred after the raids. The letter noted increased government control. Suppression of house churches intensified in 2024.
The prayer requests were specific. Comfort was sought for those questioned. The Lord’s watch over Elder Qin Guoliang was requested. Respect for religious freedom was also called for.
Ezra Jin from Beijing Zion Church played a leading role. He was part of Mission China 2030. This movement aimed to mobilize Chinese house churches. Government pressure impacted Zion Church. It was forced to give up its building lease. Members formed small groups. They encouraged “walking worship.”
Zion Church balanced evangelical theology. It also incorporated charismatic practices. The church faced persecution for its revival.
Today, Zion Church stands as a testament. It shows the enduring spirit of faith. It reflects a community. This community seeks to worship. It persists through trials. Its history embodies resilience. It also embodies devotion.