On November 14, 2024, nearly 80 Chinese pastors, church leaders, theologians, and educators from around the world gathered at the picturesque Biola University. Together, they celebrated the historic establishment of the Institute for Advanced Studies of Chinese Christianity (IASCC) and the Biola Research Initiative for Chinese Theology.
Rev. Dr. Jonathan Li (李洁人), Dr. Kevin Xiyi Yao (姚西伊), and Dr. Ian Sun (孙毅) shared the spark that led to the IASCC. Despite their different locations, fields, and circumstances, they discovered through prolonged prayer and fellowship a shared vision: God had clearly and unmistakably impressed upon the hearts of this generation of theologians a vision for the flourishing of Chinese theology, the rise of a new generation of Chinese theologians, and the development of a unique Chinese theological education model.
“Lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest.” (John 4:35) The harvest is vast, but the workers are few. Churches are in dire need of pastors who are aligned with God’s heart to shepherd his people. Many seminaries, however, have drifted away from practical applications, producing graduates ill-equipped to lead congregations. Furthermore, theological research often remains disconnected from the realities of church life. Instead of advancing the church’s growth, it sometimes lags behind or even obstructs progress, becoming more of a disruption than a catalyst.
We live in a time of extreme uncertainty. The global church is facing immense challenges, including secularization, the loss of youth, a leadership vacuum, the rapid acceleration of artificial intelligence, ethnic divisions, and deep societal polarization. This is a critical moment, a turning point in history. The Lord calls his faithful servants to remain steadfast, carry out their mission, and fulfill the charge entrusted to them: “Feed my lambs” (John 21:15).
In light of these needs, the time has come to launch a Chinese theological movement that integrates academic research, theological education, and pastoral ministry. The IASCC aims to:
- Promote a Chinese theology that reflects the socio-cultural contexts of Chinese churches.
- Explore a path for theological education that meets the needs of Chinese churches.
- Foster an organic integration between research centers, seminaries, and churches, to promote unity, healthy growth, and impactful ministry.
The establishment of the IASCC is timely, arising in response to the special circumstances of this era. It seeks to guide the church’s work toward unity and healthy development in the generations to come.
Through testimonies shared by pastors and scholars from around the world, the conference illustrated how every step of the IASCC’s journey—from vision to reality—has been marked by God’s presence. The announcement of plans to establish a research center in mainland China sparked particular excitement, as it affirmed God’s ongoing work among the Chinese people.
Indeed, all of this is a testament to God’s grace. Over the past century, God has shown extraordinary mercy and blessings upon the Chinese people. He has continually used remarkable and unexpected ways to save, mold, and nurture his children. Despite the suffering, oppression, and chains that have bound many, God has faithfully raised up generation after generation of devoted followers in China. The mighty winds of the Spirit have carried the gospel forward, unstoppable and eternal.
The inaugural conference was organized by Dr. Leonard Sidharta (戴永富) and the local ministry team. The day-long event was remarkably efficient and content-rich, providing invaluable insights and guidance for the future of Chinese theological research, education, and pastoral ministry. The conference not only addressed pressing challenges but also proposed practical solutions.
Prominent figures in the field of contemporary Chinese theological studies delivered inspiring presentations on topics such as “Theological Research in the Context of Chinese Culture,” “Excellence in Theology and Ministry,” “Christian Faith and Flourishing Life,” and “The Mission in an Era of Extreme Uncertainty.” Renowned theologians, pastors, and theological educators spanning three generations—such as Dr. Carver Yu (余达心), Rev. Dr. Joshua Ting (陈世钦), Dr. Thomas Qu (瞿旭彤), Daniel Fong (方达恩), Dr. Ximian Xu (徐西面), Dr. Herbert Ho (何凯立), Dr. Yonghua Ge (葛拥华), Dr. Zhiqiu Xu (徐志秋), Dr. Xuefeng Zhang (张学峰), and Dr. Ling Li (李灵)—shared their insights. These individuals, deeply rooted in both Eastern and Western traditions, have dedicated their lives to shining the light of Christ and inspiring millions in the Chinese-speaking world. Their gathering was no accident but a divine appointment, as God surely intends to work through this faithful group to accomplish great and unprecedented things in China.
Simultaneous interpretation was provided throughout the conference by Andrea Lee from ChinaSource. Her dedication and tireless efforts enabled English-speaking participants to fully engage with the event’s content, exemplifying a spirit of service and selfless commitment.
Brother Jason Liu (刘彪) hosted the event, supported by a team of young volunteers who served in various roles. Their youthful energy and passion filled attendees with hope and confidence for the future of the Chinese church.
After a brief midday break, the afternoon sessions delved into the practical details of the IASCC and the upcoming projects of the Biola Research Initiative for Chinese Theology. This was followed by the formal inauguration ceremony of the Biola Research Initiative for Chinese Theology. The dean of Talbot School of Theology Ed Stetzer and the president of Biola University Barry Corey each delivered speeches. Their heartfelt words revealed a deep admiration for the Chinese people and culture, underscoring why the first Center for Chinese Theology was established at Biola University.
The day concluded with an inspiring sermon by Rev. Dr. Jonathan Li at the closing banquet. Against the backdrop of an era defined by extreme uncertainty, he challenged attendees to reflect on this generation’s theological mission and how to fulfill it—a call to action that felt like a trumpet blast. The banquet was also a time of joyful reunions and reluctant farewells, as brothers and sisters in Christ exchanged blessings and set out anew on their journeys.
Throughout the conference, several key messages were emphasized repeatedly. These insights are deeply valuable and merit careful contemplation.
Not an Institution, but a Movement
The IASCC is not merely a research institution. Institutions are often cold, mechanical, dogmatic, and rigid. Movements, however, are entirely different—they are vibrant, inspiring, and filled with life and passion. A movement belongs to the people, requiring unity, cohesion, and collective effort.
The establishment of the IASCC and the Center for Chinese Theology aims to effectively promote church ministry and development through the integration of theological research, education, and practice. These three areas must work in synergy, complementing one another and operating as a unified whole. For far too long, these elements have functioned independently, each focused on its own priorities. The purpose of the IASCC is to end this disjointed approach, as unity is God’s will and his work.
We are all God’s creation, his children, sharing one baptism, one faith, and one Spirit. No one is an outsider. At this opportune moment in history, each of us can experience spiritual growth through this movement and become those who are ready to enter the promised land and partake in the glorious life to come. The IASCC, as a movement, holds profound potential to bring about lasting and far-reaching impact.
The grand mission and the vast scope of challenges we face are immense. No individual or church can tackle these challenges alone. The mountains of division are high, and the barriers of isolation are formidable, but unity remains God’s intention. The IASCC opens its arms wide, seeking like-minded companions to join in this sacred endeavor.
Looking back, we see how the wondrous God often chooses pivotal moments in history to ignite transformative movements. These movements stir the hearts of his children, pour out his Spirit, reshape lives, and write a magnificent story of the Creator and creation in glorious harmony—a story of redemption that transcends time and space.
Not Merely a Subject of Study, but Life Itself
The research focus of IASCC is life itself. Whether viewed from a historical perspective or approached through present realities, its starting point is always the needs of life—reflecting its phenomena and revealing its essence.
As the hymn proclaims, “This is my Father’s world,” everywhere we look bears the fingerprints of God; every sight reflects his glory. The God we believe in is real, ever-living, and eternal. He is the Creator of all things, the Architect of salvation for humankind, and, in a profound sense, the Author of history. He has already prepared abundant provisions for our present needs, while also fulfilling our deepest longings for the future—a glorious land of incomparable beauty.
Our focus of study is not pyramids, terracotta warriors, or mummies. Instead, we engage with the saints and ancestors of faith—the great cloud of witnesses. Streams of living water flow endlessly, and their testimonies remain vibrant and alive. Our research is not buried in dusty archives or fossilized relics; our lives are already connected to Christ, the head of the church. We bear the genetic imprint of Jesus and carry his marks. As we step into creation’s fields, we see the unchanging rhythms of time dancing upon countless ancient ginkgo leaves, shimmering with the music of eternity.
Because life is the focus, it must be dynamic—an experience, a process. The challenges facing the church today are both immediate and tangible: wars and disasters, ethnic divisions, moral corruption, fragile family structures, inflation, rising crime from economic strain, the growing wealth gap, societal polarization, illegal immigration waves, the “involution” and resignation of youth, rampant drug abuse, media suffused with lies, the disruptions brought by artificial intelligence, and the pervasive fog of helplessness and despair. For every believer, spiritual warfare is ever-present, unfolding every moment and in every place.
The God we believe in is not abstract; he is specific and practical.
The establishment of the IASCC is a response to this chaotic age. Its mission is to claim the high ground, recover what has been lost, and speak both to the church and to society. It seeks to proclaim the unchanging God, his eternal love, and his salvation—across different times, circumstances, and cultural contexts.
Not an Ivory Tower, but a Lighthouse and Searchlight
Theological research has never been, nor should it ever become, an aloof and detached pursuit. It is not meant to be confined to an ivory tower where one buries themselves in ancient texts, oblivious to the world, practicing a “hear nothing of the outside world, focus only on the classics” approach. Nor is it a retreat into a secluded room, unconcerned with the changing seasons. Theology is about humanity—about God who became flesh for humanity, was crucified for humanity, shed his blood in sacrifice, rose from the dead, ascended to heaven, and ultimately gathers his people in eternal paradise. Theology is, at its core, the study of God—learning to break free from sin, transcend suffering, and journey from the ordinary to the holy.
We need not shy away from the term “advanced” in the name “Institute for Advanced Studies of Chinese Christianity,” as if it implies exclusivity or detachment from the general populace. “To stand tall is to see far; to be great is to be inclusive.” Theology must reflect Christ’s own example—adopting his heart and seeing the world through his eyes. Lift your gaze to the Father, and then lower it to see the bleeding woman on the roadside, reaching out to touch the hem of his garment. Only by seeing the Father can we truly see our brothers and sisters sitting in darkness.
If we do not stand high enough, we cannot hear the echoes of footsteps resounding through the valleys. Generations of missionaries have paid the ultimate price for the spread of the gospel. Consider those who entered the Hexi Corridor—noble figures like George Easton and George Parker, standing at the wind-blown gates of the Jade Pass. When the heavenly melody of a violin filled the air, people gathered to hear them proclaim the gospel of the Kingdom. Or consider Pastor Zhang Guquan (张谷泉), martyred while leading the Northwest Gospel Team ever westward, seeking to reach unreached lands. They shed tears, sweat, and blood for the gospel, leaving behind prayers and songs of praise along ancient trails, which deserve to be heard, remembered, and shared.
If we do not stand high enough, we cannot see the wilderness of Azazel in the modern Gobi Desert. We may not see a young Uyghur girl named Guli (古丽), born into a family dominated by extreme Islamists. Because of her unwavering faith in Jesus Christ, she was persecuted and cast out. No local church dared to take her in. On Sundays, she could only venture into the desert to worship and pray alone.
Height represents perspective, not superiority or detachment from reality. It carries no intention of creating hierarchies. A lamp must be placed on a stand, not hidden under a bed. Lighthouses, always standing tall on cliffs and rocky shores, shine their beams far and wide, guiding ships through clouds and fog, ensuring they do not lose their way.
The IASCC and the theological research centers soon to be established are God’s work and meet the needs of his Kingdom. As Christians, each of us is a work of God’s hands. He refines us in the fire, shapes us, and molds us for his glorious Kingdom. He is the potter; we are the clay, vessels formed by his hands. The treasure within the vessel is a great mystery of theology: how the treasure is placed inside, and how the vessel is prepared to hold it, are profound questions.
The vision of the IASCC is clear, and its goals are well-defined. God will undoubtedly choose faithful and wise servants, call them, refine them, protect them with his boundless care, and elevate them to high places.
“I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what he will say to me, and what answer I am to give to this complaint” (Habakkuk 2:1). Ultimately, it is not about us—it is all about him.
Editor’s note: This article was originally written in Chinese and was translated and edited by the ChinaSource team with permission.
Originally from Webpage 'ChinaSource'
CCD reprinted with permission
