Traditional Chinese 真耶穌教會 Hanyu Pinyin | Simplified Chinese 真耶稣教会 | |
The True Jesus Church is a Christian Church that originated in China during the Pentecostal movement in the early twentieth century. The TJC is currently one of the largest Christian groups in China and Taiwan, as well as the largest Non-denominational church in the world.
Contents
History
Denomination: Independent
Established: 1917
Founder: the Lord Jesus Christ
Membership: 1.5 million in 60 countries
Essential Doctrines: One True God, Salvation, Water Baptism, Baptism of the Holy Spirit, Washing of Feet, Holy Communion, Sabbath (Saturday), and Christ's Second Coming
The True Jesus Church was established in 1917 in Beijing, China. The early workers, having received the Holy Spirit and revelation of the true gospel, began preaching the truth of salvation to every province of China. The power of God manifested mightily through the presence of the Holy Spirit and through accompanying signs and miracles.
Development in Asia The gospel spread to Taiwan in 1926 and rapidly to other parts of Asia and the Pacific. Under God’s guidance, the church developed rapidly throughout Asia and became one of the largest Christian churches in Taiwan.
Development in other continents Starting in the 1960’s, churches were established in North America, Europe, and Australia. And under the continued guidance of the Lord, the gospel has also reached Africa, Central and South America, and Russia.
Outlook The Lord Jesus commissioned His disciples to proclaim the gospel to every nation (Mark 16:15-16) and to attend to the spiritual needs of all believers in the church (Jn 21:15-17). We pray that the power and the guidance of the Holy Spirit will enable us to fulfill these commissions. We will continue to expand this ministry by reaching out to all people. Through prayer, studying the Scriptures and mutual encouragement, we strive to deepen the members’ relationship with the Lord. Ultimately, the church may present herself holy and pure to the Lord.
Why “True” Jesus Church? The God we worship is the true God; thus His church is the true church. The Lord Jesus called Himself the true vine. The church, which is His body, is therefore called the true church. The true church preaches the true and complete gospel, which is confirmed by the Holy Spirit, signs, and miracles. (References: 1 Jn 5:20; Jn 15:1,5; 17:3)
Auckland
In Auckland there are only two churches, Auckland and East Auckland. Even though the number of churches are small, there are many church members. By Treyson Tsen
Mainland China
In mainland China most of the True Jesus Church congregations are members of the Three-Self Patriotic Movement, and usually meet on Saturdays in TSPM church buildings as separate sabbatarian sub-congregations. However, since TJC practices such as healing and tongues are "frowned upon" in the TSPM other congregations are independent Chinese house churches.
Taiwan and the United States
Outside China member churches of the TJC look to the central synod of the TJC in California. In 1967 TJC church leaders from outside mainland China met for the first World Delegates Conference in Taiwan, and an international headquarters was established in Taichung, Taiwan, where a seminary was opened. The headquarters was subsequently moved to California in 1985.
United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, True Jesus Church congregations were established as a result of immigration patterns in the 1960s and 1970s, coming largely from Malaysia and Hong Kong, the latter especially from Ap Chau. This would result in a number of congregations being established throughout the country, particularly in Northern England and Scotland, such as Leicester, Newcastle, Sunderland, Elgin, and Edinburgh.
Practices
The church practices baptism for both adults and infants, with holy communion. Speaking in tongues is practiced and usually occurs while in prayer.
The Church believes that the sacraments must fulfill three requirements according to the Scripture. Firstly, they must have been performed by Jesus Christ himself as an example. Secondly, the sacraments must be directly related to one's salvation, eternal life, entering the Heavenly Kingdom, and having a part with Jesus. Lastly, they must be of the sacraments which Jesus Christ instructed the disciples to perform as well. There are ten essential doctrines and beliefs that the True Jesus Church believe in order to worship God correctly. According to them, one must speak in tongues as evidence of having the Holy Spirit The mode of baptism also determines salvation. The correct mode should be with the head facing down (in the manner of Jesus' death) and only in natural ("living") water.