An Overview of Theological Education in China —Trends and Challenge

By Dr. Yilu CHEN

Greetings in the names of  Chinese Christians and theological seminaries in China!

Firstly let me express my gratitude to the Association of Protestant Churches and Missions in Germany for inviting me to this conference, through the conference I know that our European friends really concern about theological education of the Church in China. It makes us know that we are not isolated. Since Chinese church tradition is close to the mainstream churches, it is exactly identified with and respect European theologians. Chinese seminary students can remember many names of European theologians.Many ambitious students dream to study in Europe, especially in Germany, because Germany has produced a lot of famous theologians. CCC  takes the relationship with the  European churches very seriously.

I ever studied in the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Hong Kong, I had a very good relationship with the European missionaries who worked there. So I could know the European theological understanding of Mission. I found their understanding of Mission very profound, and gave fully respect to non-Christian tradition and embodied the spirit of tolerance and fraternity of Christianity. It is very different from some missionary organization which want to use Chinese to do mission to Muslim countries with imperialistic method. China's Church does not oppose Mission, but it stresses to evangelize among its own people, especially take the social service seriously. We are really illuminated by the idea of upholding academic study and social service  European churches.

CCC\TSPM held transitional conference in February, 2008.  we voted new leadership of the two national church organizations. New leaders are much younger than the older generations. The chairperson of TSPM Elder FU Xianwei was in charge of church of Shanghai for a long time and full of experience, the president of CCC Rev. Gao Feng was the highest leadership of church of  Shandong Province. President Gao Feng, Secretary General Rev. Kan Baoping(CCC), Secretary General Rev. Xu Xiaohong are all the alumni of Nanjing Union Theological Seminary. They graduated in the seminary in 1980's, now they are the high leaders of the national church organizations, it is the achievement of Chinese theological education. Pastor GAO Feng ever studied in USA, and now is still doctorate candidate  of Lutheran Theological Seminary in Hong Kong. Rev. Kan Baoping ever studied in Canada. They are in charge of theological education and foreign ministry, I believe they will base on their works with open mind and the spirit of seek the truth from facts...

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