China Lutheran Seminary

by Thomas Yu (CLS President)

Global Views Monthly once had a catchy heading: “Man power is the power of a nation”. It reported on the survival strengths of Israel that makes the best use of its human resources under the shortage of natural resources. The same principle applies to a private corporate whose creativity and prosperity rely heavily on its investment on human resources.

God's kingdom is no exception. The resurrected Christ has given the Great Commission to His Church. The two main tasks of the Great Commission- "preaching the Gospel" and "equipping the servants" - are both related to the development of human resources in God’s Kingdom. It involves not solid training of full-time clergy but also sound equipment of common laity. Only with well-rounded training can the Body of Christ, i.e., the Church, witness the power of His amazing Grace through the help of the Holy Spirit.

Over the past 15 years, in the light of the abundant grace of the Cross and the gospel of "righteous by faith", China Lutheran Seminary, with its outstanding faculty, has provided balanced and challenging theological/ministering education to the Chinese churches and communities. 10 years ago, the worship hall and housing units were completed. We then started the reconstruction project with regard to both the software and hardware: reforming the curriculum, expanding evangelical reach, encouraging faculty growth, improving efficiency, deepening worship and devotion, reinforcing internship, and emphasizing ministering and counseling to the students.

With our original vision, we are now ready to stride ahead with the last phase of reconstruction, to build the Theological Education and Churches Resources Center. Our goal is to offer excellent teaching and learning environment to those who are called to serve. The mission of China Lutheran Seminary will be carried on and strengthened with the completion of the project which helps to incorporate regional resources, develop strong and talented servants, and play an active role in completing the Great Commission for God's Kingdom.