In an ordinary apartment building in a city in northwest China, a warm light glows from a single window as night falls. There is no cross, no pulpit, and no choir. Three chairs surround a small tea table, a phone plays hymns, and a well-worn Bible rests nearby—the humble beginnings of a church.
"At that time, I thought three people would be enough. As long as we gathered in the name of the Lord, the church had already begun," recalled Pastor Wang. From that first gathering of just three people, a small church guided by the principle of "slow growth" has gradually taken root in daily life, quietly reshaping perceptions of what a church can be.
Vigil and Faith Outside the ICU
Shortly after the church was founded, Pastor Wang and his team met a couple going through a life crisis. The wife had been admitted to the ICU with kidney failure, and for several days, Pastor Wang and fellow believers kept vigil outside the ward, praying, offering comfort, and simply being present for the family.
"God preserved her and gave her a final chance to accept Christ as the Lord of her life," Pastor Wang said. When her condition stabilized enough to move to a regular ward, she said, "It was hard in there, but with God, I felt saved. I want to believe in Jesus." She was soon baptized.
Although she eventually passed away, her testimony brought deep comfort and encouragement to the congregation. Pastor Wang and members also assisted her husband and child with funeral arrangements. Prolonged illness had left the family both financially strained and socially isolated. Church members prepared simple meals for funeral guests, bringing a sense of warmth and life back to the home. Eventually, the husband also chose to be baptized, even though he did not continue attending this home church. "I respect each person's choice," Pastor Wang said. "What matters most is that they repent and come to faith."
Subtle Transformation in Daily Life
Sister Cui, a devoted member of the church, initially faced tension at home because her husband struggled to understand her faith. During the pandemic, when in-person gatherings were suspended, she continued to read the Bible, sing hymns, and warmly welcome fellow believers into her home. They would sit together on the sofa, chatting about daily life, sharing testimonies, and sometimes singing hymns one after another.
Cui also participated in visits to the sick, the weak, and those in need. Over time, her husband, Mr. Chen, witnessed her faithful service and saw his heart gradually soften. While he has not yet been baptized, his attitude toward faith has clearly shifted. "Their service really reaches people's hearts," he said.
The Wisdom of "Slow Growth"
In an era that emphasizes scale and speed, this church has chosen a slower, steadier path. Over seven years, it has established only five home gatherings. "We don't need large numbers. Our focus is on cultivating commitment, so members truly understand what it means to be a disciple," Pastor Wang explained.
The church does not require members to stay in one location but respects their freedom of choice. "Where people gather is their decision. As long as they want to grow together, we accompany them, and they won't be harmed in any way by us."
From simple Bible study sessions to systematic discipleship training, the church centers on home-based gatherings, allowing faith to grow naturally in daily life. "Every meeting is an encounter with the Lord and with truth. This process cannot be rushed," Pastor Wang said.
Rooted in the Ordinary
Today, what began as a three-person gathering has developed into a stable and flexible model: open homes for consistent meetings, and a focus on nurturing discipleship. Faith has become part of daily life, not confined to a church building.
Looking to the future, Pastor Wang remains practical and steadfast: "We may not do great things like some famous pastors, but we can do simple, grounded work within our capacity." This patient, steady approach, he believes, may be key to cultivating the next generation of faithful believers.
As night falls, the ordinary window continues to glow, soft hymns drifting into the quiet street. For seven years, this northwest house church has demonstrated how faith can thrive in the most ordinary settings, showing the extraordinary power of patience and presence.
(The names of the characters in the article are not disclosed for safety reasons.)
Originally published by the Christian Times
- Edited and translated by Poppy Chan
