Corey Jackson, a senior pastor at Trinity Park Church, situated in the diverse community of Cary, North Carolina, candidly shares the challenges faced by American congregations amid the current political climate of the United States. Demographically diverse with Democrats, Republicans, and a significant chunk of politically “homeless” or undecided, the church faces divisions over the nation’s political future. Despite the situation replicating in many parts of the nation, Jackson reveals his secret weapon in navigating this turbulent landscape: drawing inspiration from the Christian community in China.
Despite the prevalent views among American adults about China’s geopolitical role, fostering a climate of fear and competition such that 83% view China unfavorably according to a Pew Research Center survey, Jackson suggests a paradigm shift in perspective. As followers of Christ, he encourages Christians to consider their relations with China not through the lens of economic or political rivalry but as followers of Jesus first, placing societal influence and national priorities secondary.
Highlighting the prodigious growth of Christianity amid brutal persecution under President Xi’s rigid regime, Jackson estimates the Christian population in China to be between 40 to 116 million. Focusing on the power of the Gospel, despite the relentless indoctrination of atheism and materialism, it prompts all American Christians to support the Chinese Christian population, eschew rising anti-Chinese rhetoric, and encourage political advocacy.
Jackson acknowledges the increasing volatility of US-Chinese relations and its expected political exploitation during the forthcoming elections. The escalating anti-Chinese vitriol poses a conspicuous threat to the East Asian community in the United States, who fear an increase in anti-Asian violence. This fear is underpinned by the surge in xenophobia against individuals of Asian descent worldwide amid the pandemic, with approximately three quarters of Chinese Americans reporting racial discrimination last year.
Arguing against further fueling divisive rhetoric, Jackson cites Biblical references to encourage Christians to correct widespread misconceptions and reject stereotypes about China and its people. As believers and followers of Christ, Jackson argues for fostering mutual love and understanding, working towards universal peace and harmony, and sowing goodwill among nations irrespective of geopolitical tensions.
Through his advocacy work, Jackson emphasizes the importance of standing for repressed Christians worldwide, spotlighting the systemic injustices within China’s house church network. Pastors are frequently intimidated and prevented from preaching the gospel, while followers endure invasive surveillance and unannounced evictions.
He also shares inspiring examples of Christians in Chinese prisons, ministering to their fellow prisoners and jailors through hymns and stories about Jesus, despite their challenging circumstances. Jackson calls on the global Christian community to advocate for those persecuted for their faith around the world and argues for a more humane consideration for people in other, more oppressive political landscapes.
In this journey towards understanding and unity, Jackson describes the universally challenging process, crucial for believers worldwide where they prioritize their faith and belief over political privileges. Through the example of Pastor Wang Yi from the Early Rain Reformed Church in China, who was sentenced to a nine-year prison term for preaching the Gospel, Jackson implores believers to surrender completely to Jesus and view the rising geopolitical conflict through a lens of faith.
Concluding, Jackson suggests that as followers of Christ, we need to acknowledge how our actions, both public and private, affect not only our economic and physical security but also the growth of gospel witness throughout the world. Advocating for an anti-discriminatory approach towards individuals of Chinese descent, he emphasizes the importance of living a life committed to the service of God and the growth of His kingdom.
Corey Jackson is serving as a senior pastor at Trinity Park Church in North Carolina and is the founder and president of The Luke Alliance.
