Seminaries in China Kick off New Semester

Following the opening worship and ceremony on September 8, 2025, Yanjing Theological Seminary held a flag-raising ceremony for the national flag at the seminary square in Beijing.
Following the opening worship and ceremony on September 8, 2025, Yanjing Theological Seminary held a flag-raising ceremony for the national flag at the seminary square in Beijing. (photo: Yanjing Theological Seminary)
By Serena TseSeptember 16th, 2025

In early September, registered seminaries across China held opening ceremonies and related events to mark the start of the 2025–2026 academic year, as reported by the seminaries.

Nanjing Union Theological Seminary in Jiangsu Province held its opening worship and ceremony on September 9. Rev. Wen Ge preached on the theme "New Starting Point, New Grace." President Rev. Wu Wei delivered a speech, highlighting the importance of strengthening political literacy, upholding the three-self principles, and advancing the sinicization of Christianity, while encouraging students to deepen their faith and embrace their responsibilities with courage.

On the same day, Jieyang Christian Theological Training Center in Guangdong Province hosted its opening ceremony, spiritual retreat, and freshman spiritual training. Rev. Guo Yun emphasized focused study, remaining true to one's original aspiration, and cultivating moral integrity. Rev. Fan Hongen encouraged participants to respond to God's call, citing Isaiah 6:8, and Rev. Xu Jieping used Elijah's ministry as an example to inspire spiritual growth.

Yanjing Theological Seminary held its opening worship and ceremony on September 8, also launching the second term of its "Pastoral Dual Talents Class," a program designed for individuals proficient in both classical doctrine and Chinese traditional culture. Dean Rev. Wu Weiqing preached on "The Cost of Discipleship," urging faculty and students to uphold their faith and support each other's growth.

Jiangsu Theological Seminary held its opening ceremony on September 5. President Kan Renping emphasized comprehensive school management, patriotism, and adherence to standardized development. Church pastors, faculty, and representatives of both new and returning students addressed the attendees.

Shaanxi Bible School hosted a spiritual retreat for the new academic year from September 4 to 5. Rev. Zhang Linen spoke on "Elijah's Lessons Before Ministry," focusing on obedience, faith, and humility. Rev. Fu Yan discussed Paul's ministry vision and the practice of spiritual exercises, encouraging students to remain faithful to their calling and rely on the Lord for strength and guidance.

The Shanxi Christian Training Center held its opening ceremony on September 4, where Director Rev. Zhang Enlai preached on "Follow Me," encouraging students to follow Christ wholeheartedly and pursue comprehensive growth in faith and academics.

Guangdong Union Theological Seminary conducted its opening ceremony, preschool education, and spiritual retreat from September 1 to 2. President Rev. Cai Bosheng encouraged students to fully devote themselves to both faith and academic development. Provincial CC&TSPM's leaders emphasized raising political awareness, upholding patriotism and love for the church, and maintaining the bottom line of faith and safety. Rev. Tang Yongquan addressed the spiritual retreat, sharing insights on vision and pastoral ministry.

Yunnan Theological Seminary held its opening ceremony on September 1. President Deng Jianwei urged faculty and students to study diligently, cultivate virtue, serve society, adhere to the sinicization of Christianity, and strengthen national community awareness. During opening week, the seminary implemented legal education and orientation programs, including military training, and organized a live broadcast of the 80th anniversary of the victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.

Zhongnan Theological Seminary held a series of opening-week activities from September 1 to 5, including an opening ceremony, thematic education, patriotic studies, and spiritual training. President Rev. Zhu Zhiguo highlighted the importance of adhering to the correct school direction, governing according to law, improving teaching quality and spiritual formation, and encouraging students to advance in both knowledge and faith.

Heilongjiang Theological Seminary began its fall semester preparations as early as August 18. Executive Vice President Rev. Li Meilan emphasized teachers' sense of mission and responsibility, proposed curriculum optimization, creation of diversified learning spaces, strengthened spiritual guidance, and promoted balanced academic and spiritual development, while outlining key tasks for the semester, including academic affairs and student management.

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