At the invitation of the Foundation for Theological Education in Asia and the Pacific (FTEAP), Rev. Chen Yilu, Vice President of CCC, Director of CCC&TSPM’s Theological Education Commission, and Executive Vice President of Nanjing Union Theological Seminary (NJUTS), and Mr. Zhou Xuebin, a full-time teacher of NJUTS participated in the 2023 FTEAP Board Meeting in Atlanta, Georgia, US, from October 31 to November 6, 2023.

At the meeting, Rev. Chen Yilu shared the theological education ministry of NJUTS and CCC&TSPM on behalf of the two institutions. Rev. Chen highlighted NJUTS’ recent achievements, the research on the Chinanization of Christianity in China, faculty development, NJUTS’ 70th anniversary and other ministries. Additionally, he introduced CCC&TSPM’s recent efforts in teacher training within key disciplines. The Board of Directors acclaimed the cooperation with the CCC&TSPM and NJUTS in 2023, and expressed their commitment to sustaining the partnership with both institutions.

During the meeting, the two representatives also visited Candler Theological Seminary of Emory University and other local theological education institutes. Rev. Chen Yilu engaged in discussions with members of the theological education community to foster mutual understanding and friendship.

This fruitful trip marked the first visit to American churches after the COVID-19 pandemic. Chinese representatives communicated with Board members, who came from different places with various denominational backgrounds and gave extensive attention to both the achievements and challenges of the theological education in the Church in China. Both new and old church friends expressed their willingness to maintain the good rapport and provide continued support for the theological education of the Church in China.

Translator & editor: Bei Feng