Protestant missionaries first appeared in the early 19th century. Protestantism took a dominant position in Europe and was entering China. The period from 1807 to 1842 was the time Protestantism began its dissemination in China. Quite a number of missionary churches, including London Missionary Society, Dutch Reformed Church, American Baptist Association, American Church Mission, Church Missionary Society, Protestant Episcopal Church and so on, began their activities in China from that time. Many of them were teachers, doctors, professors, writers and so on. At that time, since the Qing government forbade Christianity, the missionary churches could only propagandize religion secretly.

Although Protestantism came to China later than Catholicism, Protestant missionaries adopted measures appreciated and easily accepted by Chinese. For example, they were more enthusiastic in participating various social activities. They set up colleges and universities, hospitals and charity organizations. In this way, they received warmer welcome from Chinese people. They expanded their cause to Chinese hinterland and even some remote regions and were more successful than Catholic churches.