So far, local congregations have few problems in finding people willing to dedicate time and effort to church work. Generally speaking, they are financially and educationally less well equipped than their brothers and sisters in the cities, An Xiaohui admits. Different from city churches, who often own former missionary real estate property that now sells for high prices, rural churches can only rely on believers' donations. Yet, aware of the importance of their personal contribution to church life, they manage to keep their local congregations running. Since many people are willing to take over responsibilities in their churches, it is not so much the lack of volunteers but their educational background that is the cause for concern.
Many believers have only superficial knowledge of Christian basics.
While some Christian groups have no meeting point at all, others have twenty. What is more, instances of non-ordained church workers doing baptismal and communion services are reported. An array of duties leaves them little time to devote to individual believers or their own spiritual formation. Some pastors are responsible for several dozens of meetings points, while others have to care for ten thousand demanding believers. Besides, pastors in the countryside often have numerous other roles to fulfill.