Students at Hong Kong seminary represent 120+ churches

Chinese Mission Seminary (CMS) was founded in 1987 in response to the challenges of Hong Kong’s re-incorporation into China. Being located in Hong Kong gives CMS a unique and strategic position to reach China’s Mainland. With a population of 1.3 billion people and a rapidly growing Church, China’s need for trained leaders is great. Short-term mission trips to China are a required part of CMS practicum.

The interdenominational seminary’s vision is three-fold and guides curriculum on such topics as the "evangelization of the Chinese people," "Christianization of Chinese culture" and "transformation of the Chinese churches for a broadening Kingdom vision." CMS offers theological training for about 1000 lay leaders annually and also says their strongest aspect of training is spiritual formation, offering individual mentoring, chapel and annual silent retreats.

With 120 graduates, CMS says their student body represents over 120 churches as well. They publish a semi-annual magazine on spirituality called "Conversations." CMS is playing a vital role to alert churches in Hong Kong of China concerns through regular seminars, short-term missions and providing graduates for pastoral leadership.

While studying in Toronto, faculty scholar Hoi Yan Chan serves in a local Chinese Baptist church as a counselor and Sunday school teacher while working on his thesis proposal. "There is no doubt that my academic training on theology equips me as a Sunday school teacher," he says. "The fellowship I am now serving is largely composed of young people who are often challenged by the diverse cultures in Toronto, so my special focus of study on the interaction of Western and Chinese values is helping me in my pastoral work."