On the Localization of the Evangelistic Work of the Disciples of Christ at Batang in the Border Region of Sichuan and the Close of Its Mission 1919–1932

Abstract

Abstract In 1908, The Disciples of Christ from the U. S. established a mission in Batang/Ba’an located in the Border Region of Sichuan, aiming to launch evangelistic, educational, medical work, etc. Chuanbian Ba’an Jiduhui was established by the baptized Chinese and western Christians in 1919. This paper discusses the localized characteristics of the Disciples’ evangelistic work in Batang and its interaction with a local society through the examination of the initial Contract signed by all the baptized members in 1919, the organizational features and membership structure, evangelistic work, the situation of local pastors and other employees, and the entrustment of the mission work to the local Board of Trustees before all the missionaries evacuated Batang in 1932. It reveals how missionary activities affected the social lives of both Hans and Tibetans through organized activities in Batang, and how complex local factors, especially armed conflicts, conversely restricted missionary activities. Serving as a typical case, the study indicates that a local society in modern China, with its own logic for development, did not passively accept the impacts of the West and globalization.