Chapter Two: The History of the Local Church Pt 1
Overview: The history given here starts with Watchman Nee and goes through to "recent" times (the time of this books writing). Rather than quote the "background history", I will only briefly outline it in point form. If anyone wants further insight into what exactly was written, you can either ask me to post more on a particular time period, or you can buy the book for yourself on Amazon.
- WN born in China around the turn of the century and influenced by the reaction of some Chinese churches against Western missionary practices.
- WN (1903-1972) was the strongest influence on WL.
- WN disenchanted with "sterile formalism" of his Christian education, starts a "house church" modelled after the Plymouth Brethren type (1922).
- WN introduced to writings on the spiritual life (inc. Madame Guyon, Jessie Penn-Lewis, Andrew Murray, JN Darby)
- WN writes "The Spirital Man" (late 20's.) - here an overview of this book and the theology of it is given.
- WN moves to Shanghai, and starts his own church: "The Little Flock" (1928).
- 1938, "Concerning our Missions" and "The Normal Christian Church Life" published.
- WL had been taught about dispensations as a child, and about two natures within man (attended a Christian school, but wasn't converted until early adulthood).
- In 1927, WL was elected as a member of an executive committee of his denom, but he rejected it and left the denom.
- In the 1930's, WL enters the Little Flock - and begins ministering there the same year.
- 1940's - WL a "close and invaluable associate" of WN. Trained under WN from 1939 - 1942.
- WL imprisoned by the Japanese MPs in 1943, and had tuberculosis for 3 years after his release.
- WL back in Shanghai teaching 1946-1948.
- At a Little Flock worker's meeting in 1948, worker control over the local churches was established. From
Leslie T. Lyall's "Three of China's Mighty Men" (published by the Oversea's Missionary Fellowship in 1973)* Duddy quotes: "
It appears that 1948 marked a turning point in Mr Nee's church practices and the beginning of a hierarchical system of central control which differed little from the organization of denominational churches. There are those who believe that here we are witnessing the growing influence of Witness Lee, who later was to exercise such autocratic control over the churches in Taiwan."
- As the communists advance on the mainland, Nee appoints Lee as the leader of the Little Flock of Taiwan.
- A dozen years later, serious splits develop in Taiwan and Hong Kong. "
Some of the Little Flock accepted Witness Lee's leadership. Others believed he had deviated from the teachings of Watchman Nee by introducing questionable doctrines and unscriptural forms of worship. A number of Little Flock leaders and assemblies in different cities of Southeast Asia cut their ties with Witness Lee."
- WL considered Taiwan his base until 1962, when he came to the US.
- Late 60's, LC starts to use the "Jerusalem Principle" (Acts 8:4). Whole groups of Christians emigrate to establish a church. About 70 emigrate from California to Huston in 1969, others went to Seattle, Chicago, Akron and Atlanta in 1970. By 1974 there were some 40 or 50 LC's in the US. In '79, approx. 50 to 60 in existence.
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If there are disagreements about the order of events, let us know. I believe the author is trying his utmost to present the facts. His reference to Leslie T. Lyall's book is a new one to me. I haven't read it, and can't comment on it. It isn't any sort of expose on the LC or WN or WL, as far as I can tell - it seems to praise WN and two other Christian brothers - all three of whom had some fellowship and mutual respect - and speaks specifically about their movements. If you are interested in checking out this book, you can find it here:
http://www.amazon.com/Three-Of-China...nas+Mighty+Men