Since the 1920s, due to the influence of the May Fourth Movement and constant aggression and oppression from the western imperialist powers, Chinese nationalist movement quickly gained popularity. In such a situation, Christianity, as part of the western culture, was naturally regarded as one of the instruments of western powers. As a result, a non-Christian movement started, which, to a great extent, awakened Chinese churches and Christians.

Sources in 1922 said that the World's Students Christian Federation would hold a conference in Beijing. Students in Shanghai decided to set up a federation of non-Christian students as a reaction to the news. This started the biggest non-religious wave since the May Fourth Movement in China. Soon after, students in Beijing also announced to set up the Non-Religious Grand Federation and were supported by students throughout China. In 1924, students in Shanghai set up the Non-Christian Grand Federation, and advocated to oppose Christianity and anything sponsored by Christianity.

During the Northern Expedition (1926-1927), Christian churches in China were impacted and some missionaries withdrew from China. There were also riots and dropouts in missionary schools. However, after the war, people realized that Christianity was different from imperialism in nature and the non-Christian movement came to an end. This movement, on the one hand, reflected the development of Chinese patriotic national movement, and on the other hand, pushed forward the nationalization of Chinese Christian churches.