Biography of Watchman Nee

Watchman Nee, a prominent Chinese Christian leader, left an indelible mark on the global Christian community. His unwavering faith, insightful teachings, and relentless pursuit of Christ’s kingdom have inspired countless believers.

Early Life and Conversion

Born Ni Tuosheng on November 4, 1903, in Fuzhou, China, Nee’s early life was marked by a traditional upbringing. However, his life took a transformative turn when he encountered the Gospel at the age of 17.

A revival meeting led by Dora Yu ignited a spiritual awakening within him, and he surrendered his life to Christ. This encounter marked the beginning of a lifelong journey of faith and service.

The Birth of the Local Church Movement

Nee’s passion for Christ led him to establish a unique approach to church life, known as the Local Church movement. This movement emphasized the importance of local, autonomous churches, free from denominational hierarchies and regional divisions.

Nee believed that the New Testament model of the church was a decentralized network of local congregations, each led by a group of elders. This vision challenged the traditional church structures of his time and has continued to influence Christian communities worldwide.

A Prolific Writer and Teacher

Nee was a prolific writer and teacher, producing numerous books and articles that have been translated into multiple languages. His writings delve into a wide range of theological topics, including the Christian life, the nature of the church, and the sovereignty of God.

Some of his most influential works include The Spiritual Man, The Normal Christian Life, and The Assembly Life.

Download: Watchman Nee Books PDF

Published Books

These are some of the books by him:

• The Spiritual Man (1928), translated in 1969
• Concerning Our Missions (1939), translated in 1942
• The Song of Songs (1945), translated in 1970
• The Breaking of the Outer Man and the Release of the Spirit (1950), translated in 1961
• The Normal Christian Life (正常的基督徒生活) (1938–1939), published in 1940 (messages given in English)
• The Normal Christian Church Life (1938), translated in 1965
• Sit, Walk, Stand (坐行站) (1957), translated in 1971
• What Shall this Man Do? (1961), translated in 1975
• Love Not the World (1951), translated in 1968
• Let Us Pray (1942), translated in 1949
• A Living Sacrifice (1932), translated in 1950
• Authority & Submission (1941), translated in 1950
• The Spirit of the Gospel (1949), translated in 1971
• God’s Work (1940), translated in 1967
• Back to the Cross (1931), translated in 1956
• Grace for Grace (1949), translated in 1968
• How to Study the Bible (1956), translated in 1968
• Practical Issues of this life (1938), translated in 1970
• The Mystery of Creation, translated in 1981

Persecution and Imprisonment

Nee’s unwavering faith and his growing influence on the Chinese church brought him into conflict with the Communist regime. In 1952, he was arrested and imprisoned for nearly 20 years.

Despite enduring harsh conditions and relentless persecution, Nee remained steadfast in his faith and continued to minister to fellow prisoners. His imprisonment became a powerful testimony to the enduring nature of the Christian faith.

A Legacy of Faith and Obedience

Watchman Nee’s legacy extends far beyond his lifetime. His emphasis on the importance of personal holiness, biblical authority, and the centrality of Christ continues to inspire believers today.

His writings have been instrumental in shaping the spiritual lives of countless individuals, and his commitment to the local church model has influenced the global church.

While Nee’s life was cut short by persecution, his impact on the Christian world remains profound. His unwavering faith, his insightful teachings, and his unwavering commitment to Christ’s kingdom serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for generations to come.