Recently, Nanjing Union Theological Seminary (NJUTS) hosted delegations from the Foundation for Theological Education in Southeast Asia (FTESEA) and the China Graduate School of Theology (CGST) in Hong Kong.
Rev. Dr. David Esterline, chairman of the Foundation for Theological Education in Southeast Asia, led a four-person delegation to Nanjing Union Theological Seminary on May 9 in the afternoon. Accompanying him were Rev. Shi Li, vice chairman and secretary general of the Jiangsu Provincial CC&TSPM.
During the meeting, the representatives from the FTESEA introduced the key initiatives of the foundation, including faculty training, female leadership development, and the study of contextual theology in Asia. They reiterated the foundation's mission to foster theological education exchange in the Asian region, support theological students and faculty in addressing contextualizing theology issues, and provide "companionship and service" in this process.
Subsequently, the representatives inquired about the doctoral programs offered by the seminary, particularly the Doctor of Ministry program. Rev. Chen Yilu, the executive deputy president of NJUTS, introduced the program's duration, learning objectives, teaching methodologies, and the research interests and directions of some of the Doctor of Ministry students.
Rev. Bernard Wong, president of the China Graduate School of Theology, together with four other CGST delegates, embarked on a visit to NJUTS on the morning of May 11.
Pastor Chen introduced the development history of the seminary, highlighting the recent progress in curriculum development, faculty growth, academic publishing, and student training. During the meeting, President Wong expressed gratitude for the opportunity afforded to the CGST, Hong Kong, to participate in talent development at NJUTS, and he looked forward to further communication and collaboration with the seminary regarding the Ph.D. program teaching. Subsequently, other delegates also shared their efforts in curriculum design philosophy transformation, the establishment of the Doctor of Ministry program, and the creation of an academic support community.
Both parties committed joint efforts to further academic exchanges between the two institutions, a greater scope of academic cooperation, and the exploration of an adaptable Christian theological education in this new era.
After the meeting, the guests visited the exhibition on NJUTS's 70-year history.
After visiting CCC&TSPM on May 15, Mr. Levi Park, international director of the Luis Palau Association, paid a visit to NJUTS on May 16, accompanied by Dr. Wang Xiuyu, associate professor and interpreter of the Luis Palau Association.
- Translated by Poppy Chan
