Update from Jinling Theological Seminary
Written by: G Lou, Mission Co-Worker in East Asia & Pacific Region
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Greetings in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ!
Recently, I had a few conversations with the leaders of China Christian Council (CCC) and Nanjing Jinling Union Theological Seminary and the topic focused on theological education in China.
As one of our mission partners in China, Nanjing Jinling Union Theological Seminary, often referred to as Jinling Seminary, is the only nationwide Protestant theological seminary in China, and it has played a significant role in the development of Christian theology and theological education in the past decades. The seminary has a rich history of training pastors, theologians, teachers and church lay leaders who have contributed to the growth and development of Christianity in China. Currently the seminary has 22 full-time teachers and nearly 500 on-campus undergraduate students (approximately 80%) and postgraduate students (over 20%, including doctorate students).
As of 2025, Jinling Seminary continues to be a key institution for theological education in China. It operates under the guidance of the China Christian Council (CCC) and the Three-Self Patriotic Movement Committee (TSPM). Rev. Wu Wei, the president of CCC concurrently serves as the president of the seminary. The seminary remains committed to its mission of training qualified church leaders who can address the spiritual and social needs of contemporary Chinese society. It has also strengthened its focus on the indigenization of Christianity, also called the “Sinicization of Christianity,” encouraging students to explore how Christian faith can be expressed in ways that resonate with Chinese cultural and social contexts.
As we continue to serve as the mission partner of Jinling Seminary, we are reminded that the challenges they are facing are significant. The growing demand for well-trained pastors, teachers, and lay leaders in China requires the seminary to expand their resources, enhance the curriculum, and support their faculties and students more effectively. Today, I want to share with you the needs of Jinling seminary and invite you to partner with us in this vital ministry.
- Continuing education opportunities for the faculties
In order to maintain the highest standards of theological education, the seminary needs to provide ongoing training and resources for the faculties. This includes opportunities of short-term study in overseas seminaries for advanced theological research, dialogues, and access to global theological networks.
- Inviting international scholars to teach in the seminary
The leaders of Jingling seminary expect the international scholars’ distinguished contributions to the contextual theology and biblical studies will be valuable to the students and faculties. Their insights can help the seminary to enrich the theological education and provide the students with a deeper understanding of theology.
- In need of theological books
Jinling seminary is in need of recently published theological books and commentaries to enrich the library resources, providing both faculties and students with access to the latest theological scholarship and research. These theological works cover topics such as Biblical studies, systematic theology, pastoral care and church history etc.
Theological education is not just an investment in individuals; it is an investment in the future of the Church. By supporting Jinling Theological Seminary, you are helping to equip leaders who will proclaim the Gospel, shepherd congregations, and serve the communities in China.
As one Lisu minority third-year student of the seminary said: “Studying at Jingling Theological Seminary has transformed my life. The rigorous academic training and spiritual formation I have received here have prepared me to serve my church and community with confidence and humility. I am deeply grateful for the support of donors who make this education possible.”
Thanks to God and the mission partnership with Jinling Seminary. Thank you for your prayers and partnership as we continue to support the seminary to train faithful servants for God’s Kingdom.
In Christ’s service,
Rev. Dr. G. Lou
Long-Term Volunteer for China
“And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.”
— 2 Timothy 2:2 (NIV)
G Lou’s appointment is made possible by your gifts to Disciples Mission Fund, Our Church’s Wider Mission, and your special gifts.