China (CPM) — A China Partner training team is in Jieyang city this week for pastoral training.
There are over 100 church leaders who have come from the south/east Guangdong province to be equipped in Christian counseling and leadership–to train the trainers.
China Partner conducts Training Seminars in a variety of different contexts in China. In part, this is because the contexts available are so varied. Unlike in the West, most theological schools do not offer any degree higher than a bachelor's degree, even if they are named a seminary. However, there is one exception: Jinling Union Theological Seminary in Nanjing which offers a master of theology degree (no school offers a doctorate program).
Generally speaking, seminaries in China offer a 4-year bachelor's degree while Bible schools offer 2 or 3 year programs (or sometimes shorter). Without a set of official standards, the level of education offered over these years varies from school to school, and the entry requirements vary as well (with some Bible schools accepting junior high school graduates).
Often, these schools will have some sort of dormitories available for students to live in while attending. There are at least 23 theological schools in China, each naming themselves as they see fit, whether it be seminary (12), Bible school (6), training center (3), training class (1), or theological class (1). These are listed below.
In addition, multiple churches have "training centers" or "training classes" as a part of their local ministries to train local volunteer church leadership. These are general short-term, non-resident programs which vary in length (4 months, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, etc.) and content (determined by local Church leadership and present needs). This training is at times held within the sponsoring church's building, or the church may have a separate building that is called a "training center."
Please pray for the teaching team this week. It's packed full, and there's a lot to do. Pray for clarity of mind as the teachers teach, for health because of long hours, and for receptive hearts.
Want to know more about how important training is in China? Click here.
