With the advent of new missiological theories and emerging criticism in the West of former missionary practices, the Chinese church's desire for independence was indirectly supported by theological developments abroad, Ting remarks. Thirdly, the TSPM emphasizes the importance of good church administration. The principles of Three Self underpin any healthy church development. By promoting the Three Self movement the church wants to create the conditions necessary for the smooth running of the church, Bishop Ting points out. Finally, in Bishop Ting's opinion, the crucial and most important step for successful church administration is the development of a genuine Chinese theology.
Theology constitutes the theoretical foundation on which church management is based.
Therefore, the building of Chinese theology and the aims of the TSPM are inseparable. Bishop Ting admits that some believers in China still hold theological reflection to be unnecessary, while others have little interest in healthy church administration. In fact, both are necessary, Bishop Ting reminds his readers. Moreover, in order to appeal to believers, the church must develop a theology suited to contemporary Chinese life and society. This explains the need to adapt to socialism, a problem inherent not only in religion, but also in science, education and the arts in China.