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“We have started work on building a new centre because we really need to be able to train more students to meet the huge need for theologically trained pastors,” says Liu Meichun, Director of the Dean’s Office and New Testament Professor at the Nanjing Union Theological Seminary. The college receives some funding from the government and some churches. The new centre is being built close to the site of the new Amity Printing Press. “At our current centre we have 180 students, 60 in each of the three year groups. At the new college we hope to be able to take in 500 students. We currently have 300 applicants for the next intake but we can only accept 60, which is frustrating because we need all 300 – and more! Those who apply must be under 35 years old and be recommended by their local church. “The Church in China needs young voices. Churches are used to listening to elderly pastors who were educated before the Cultural Revolution. Now we need new voices to preach the Word of God. Young people sometimes feel that older preachers are conservative, but both young and old are patient with each other, have mutual respect and get on well together in their congregations. Everybody wants a renewal in the Chinese Church.” (WR410/12-04.07) [2 photos] Contents |
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