Integrating Theology, Church, and Ministry in a Chinese Seminary

A perennial challenge for theological education is the integration of what is learned in the classroom with students’ church life and ministry. Is there a connection? How can greater connection be fostered? Many seminaries earnestly wrestle with these questions. Whereas some of the underlying issues are common to all seminaries, others are influenced by the cultural context in which theological education, church life, and ministry take place. In additional to cultural factors, the history, lifestage, and current state of the church and of theological education are different in each context. The integration of theology, church, and ministry is crucial to the effectiveness of a Chinese seminary. The great need for theological education for Chinese Christian leaders has rightly been sounded and should continue to be, but simultaneously seminaries must think seriously about how to promote quality theological education. Beginning with a programmatic article by Dr. David Dockery, a leading proponent for effective integration, this book represents the efforts and reflection of experienced scholar-practitioners who work out a vision for integration in the context of a diaspora Chinese seminary in San Jose, California.