Bridging Cultures and Faith: The Transnational Mentorship of Margaret Barber on Watchman Nee in Twentieth-Century Chinese Christianity

Margaret Emma Barber (1866–1930), a British female missionary, significantly influenced the spiritual development of Watchman Nee (1903–1972), a prominent leader of churches in China. Despite their significant impact, their mentoring relationship remains understudied in scholarly literature. This paper aims to fill this gap by examining the dynamic interaction between Barber and Nee in the 1920s, shedding light on the complex dynamics between Western missionaries and Chinese converts. Drawing on historical documents, personal writings, and contextual analysis, the study will explore Barber’s guidance and Nee’s perception of Barber’s personality and mentorship. The research aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of the cultural and theological exchanges between Western missionaries and indigenous Chinese Christians in twentieth-century China and beyond. The study aims to enrich the narrative of Chinese Christianity by highlighting the significance of mentorship and cultural exchange in shaping its development across geographical and cultural boundaries.