Witness Lee was a Chinese Christian teacher and church leader who founded the Local Church movement in the mid-20th century. The Local Church is a Christian group that began in China and spread to other countries. Here is an overview of some of their key teachings and an analysis of whether they align with the Bible:
One Church Per City
A core teaching of the Local Church is that there should only be one church per city. This is based on verses like:
“To the church of God that is in Corinth…” (1 Corinthians 1:2)
“To the saints who are in Ephesus…” (Ephesians 1:1)
The idea is that the church in each city is unified and not divided into denominations. However, while unity is certainly emphasized in the New Testament (John 17:20-23), the passages above were addressing individual churches in those cities, not claiming they were the only church. There is no explicit biblical command that a city can only have one church.
Avoid Denominations
Related to the “one church per city” teaching, the Local Church avoids labeling themselves as a denomination and rejects denominational divisions in general. They emphasize that the body of Christ is one:
“There is one body and one Spirit…one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all…” (Ephesians 4:4-6)
While denominations are not explicitly biblical, the New Testament does speak of “churches” (plural) in regions like Galatia and Judea (Galatians 1:2, 1 Thessalonians 2:14). So there appears to have been multiple church communities in a broader region, even if they shared the same faith.
Calling on the Lord’s Name
Witness Lee emphasized the practice of “calling on the Lord’s name” for salvation, based on verses like:
“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Acts 2:21)
“[They] called on the name of the Lord Jesus.” (Acts 9:14)
This practice involves sincerely praying and calling out to Jesus Christ. While these verses do support calling on Christ, the Bible presents salvation as a free gift by God’s grace, not dependent on a ritual (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Pray-Reading the Word
Local Churches encourage a practice called “pray-reading” where Scripture is read aloud in a prayerful way. Verses like this are used to support the practice:
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105)
While praying Scripture is beneficial, the Bible does not prescribe a specific method for reading the Word. The emphasis should be on reading Scripture thoughtfully and letting it transform us (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Holding the Ground of Oneness
Witness Lee emphasized the need to “hold the ground of oneness” and avoid division in the church. Verses like Jesus’ prayer support this:
“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one…” (John 17:20-21)
Jesus clearly prays for unity among believers. However, some divisions may be unavoidable in a fallen world (1 Corinthians 11:18-19). The Bible ultimately calls us to unity in essentials while granting liberty in non-essentials (Romans 14:1-12).
Christ is the Reality of All Positive Things
Witness Lee taught that Christ is the reality of all positive things and concepts. This is based on verses like:
“In him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily.” (Colossians 2:9)
“In him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” (Colossians 2:3)
While Christ is supreme over all things as Lord, in Himself He fulfills attributes of God such as love and justice. However, equating Christ to abstract virtues not mentioned in Scripture should be avoided.
God’s Economy
Witness Lee frequently referenced “God’s economy” in his teachings. This refers to God’s plan to dispense Himself into man. Verses used to support this idea include:
“For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:18)
“That Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.” (Ephesians 3:17)
The Bible does teach that God wants to transform believers into Christ’s image by the Spirit’s work. However, the term “God’s economy” is not explicitly stated in Scripture.
Becoming God in Life and Nature
The Local Church teaches that believers can become God in life and nature but not in the Godhead. This is based on verses like:
“[We] become partakers of the divine nature.” (2 Peter 1:4)
“As He is, so also are we in this world.” (1 John 4:17)
However, these verses do not indicate that we become God Himself. We only relate to Him and are transformed by Him. Becoming God is never stated in Scripture and conflicts with clear verses that there is only one God (Isaiah 44:6).
Interpretation of Revelation
Witness Lee’s writings extensively interpret the book of Revelation. For example, he equates the seven churches with seven successive church eras. However, Revelation does not explicitly indicate this timeline. Lee’s detailed interpretation of Revelation’s symbols goes beyond the text itself. Most scholars see Revelation as speaking about general principles regarding good versus evil, not prescribing a specific prophetic timeline.
Criticisms of Christianity
At times Witness Lee strongly critiqued the Christian church at large. For example, he said denominations have become “satanic.” However, the Bible calls us to correct gently and with patience (2 Timothy 4:2, Ephesians 4:2). While Lee’s critiques may have some valid points, his tone was strongly negative about the broader church.
Overall, some Local Church teachings do have biblical foundation when understood in the full context of Scripture. However, some of their unique practices and Lee’s interpretive specifics go beyond or even contradict the Bible’s actual words. As with any church or ministry, their teachings should be examined carefully against the entirety of the biblical text.
The key for any Christian is to have a solid understanding of the Bible and carefully test human interpretations against Scripture as the ultimate authority (Acts 17:11). With discernment and the Spirit’s guidance, believers can wisely judge the accuracy of complex theological claims.
Regarding Witness Lee and the Local Church movement, there are both helpful perspectives and questionable claims. Christians should be open yet discerning, biblical yet gracious. The Bible encourages unity around essential doctrines while allowing liberty on secondary issues (Romans 14:1). Discussing church teachings in a thoughtful, scriptural way helps ensure that our practices line up with God’s truth.
As we strive to interpret and apply the Bible accurately, may our desire be to know Christ more and bring glory to God through His body, the church.