In a land of 1.33 billion people (approx. 1/5th of the world’s population), there is a growing evangelical movement – presently consisting of an estimated 40 million believers.  However, there are only an estimated 3,700* ordained and assistant pastors ministering to these believers – one pastor for every 1,000+ Christians!  As the Church in China continues to grow this ratio will only increase, unless more Christian leaders are trained.

God is using Theological Schools and churches in China to train current and future Chinese Christian leaders with needed ministry insights and methods, and with China Partner you have the opportunity to partner in this much needed ministry.  With a commitment to invest in the lives of Chinese, that they may reach their neighbors, and to do so fully aboveboard and legally China Partner conducts Training Seminars in partnership with registered Bible schools and churches, under the auspices of the China Christian Council.  In an effort to honor the Chinese Church being served, Training Seminars are only planned once an invitation has been given to China Partner to do so.  Influenced by China’s rich history and culture (which varies significantly from Western cultures), relationships of trust and mutual respect must be built up over time with potential Training Seminar hosts, therefore, the China Partner staff strives to communicate regularly with Chinese Christian leaders, and visit in person as opportunities allow.  China Partner’s Interactive Map of Training History records where Training Seminars have been held before and is being added to annually, as four or more Training Seminars are conducted each year.
 
Each Training Seminar covers topics selected in partnership with local Chinese Christian leadership during the Preparation Timeline.   Four core training courses – Evangelism, Pastoral Care, Discipleship and Christian Leadership – are most frequently provided, though the Training Curriculum is continually being changed and updated as particular needs arise, with each emphasizing a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  These seminars are taught by a teaching team consisting of a couple China Partner staff as well as 2-3 pastors, professors, and other qualified individuals.  In light of China Partner’s desire to be good stewards of the resources God provides, most often two Training Seminars are held back-to-back, and sandwiched by visits with provincial and national Christian leaders as well visits with potential future Training Seminar hosts.  The ‘average’ participants for a training seminar varies in each location, but most often it is seminary/bible school students, farmers, and/or the elderly who attend sessions held during the day with a greater influx of young professionals for evening sessions.  The local hosts for each Training Seminar determine the structure and schedule for the 2-3 days the teaching team is in a city, but a general Training Timeline has been assembled to give you an idea.

• Theological Schools in China
• Preparation Timeline
• Training Timeline
• Training Curriculum
• Interactive Map of Training History

Having heard the great need current and future Chinese Christian leaders have for ministry insights and methods and one approach to meeting it, how will you serve the Church in China?
 
*Source: Chair of the National Three-Self Patriotic Movement of the Protestant Churches in China, based in Shanghai, China, 2008