About us
President's Warm Welcome
Have you found your life direction? Have you heard God’s call? See the sacrificial fire blazing on the altar? When you saw this letter on the website, did you find that God is touching your heartstrings, opening your heart’s eyes, and letting you see that the world is burning and how many souls who need to be saved are headed for eternal perdition? How many families and churches are waiting for your revival? It’s time to join the ranks of China Evangelical Seminary North America (CESNA)’s equipment!
CESNA is an international seminary located in East Los Angeles that teaches in Chinese. Rooted in biblical truth, exalting Christ and His cross, we eager to preach the gospel of God, with the ambition to equip saints and serve churches.
CESNA was originated from the China Evangelical Seminary in Taiwan in the early years. Over the years, with God’s use and blessing, she developed from an education center into a branch campus. In 2007, it became independent from Huashen in TW. The internationally renowned Dr. Liang Jieqiong (Katherine) served as the founding dean (rested in the Lord 2022). Thanks to the hard work of Dean Liang and other teachers and colleagues over the years, CESNA has become a formal member of the American Association of Canadian Theological Schools (ATS), and all academic degrees are accredited by the United States, Canada and internationally. The college has also been approved by the U.S. federal government to issue I-20s to international students coming to study.
To date, we has developed various equipping ministries and has trained many doctoral and master’s students, as well as tens of thousands of students taking extended courses, serving in various churches, institutions, and missionary fields, becoming a blessing to this generation. Are you also willing to join this CESNA family? We are sincerely waiting for you!
May God bless you and, through you, bless this generation!
China Evangelical Seminary North America
President Rev. Samuel Liu
CESNA Milestone
All started from China Evangelical Seminary taiwan
In 1970, fourteen church and mission groups with a common vision established the Chinese Evangelical Theological Seminary in Taipei. In October of the same year, the college held its first opening ceremony to adhere to the truth of the gospel and train Chinese-speaking believers to become workers suitable for the Lord and to serve the Chinese church worldwide. This vision has pushed Chinese theological education to a new milestone.
The birth of China Evangelical Seminary North America
In 1986, Taiwan CESNA Board of Directors extended the school’s ministry to Los Angeles and established the “China Theological Extension Los Angeles Center” in Monterey Park to vigorously promote theological education for believers. A total of 15 students were selected. In 1991, Dr. Lin Daoliang, the former dean of CESNA, was hired as the center’s consultant.
In March 1992, the “Extension Ministry” was renamed “North American Theological Education Center of China Evangelical Theological Seminary.” In July, Dr. Liang Jieqiong (Katherine) was hired as the director of the center, and the training base outside California was expanded year by year.
In 1993, besides the original three places, CESNA Theological Education Center had added four classrooms in California and three in other states.
In 1994, a series of evangelism and missions courses were launched in the summer, and the Cantonese course came into being. A new extended course base was opened, with a total of 193 new students registered.
In 1995, the center had provided education and coaching courses, and launched the “Chinese Scholars Ministry” missionary course.
In 1996, we launched the “Teacher Training” two-year basic course series. On the 10th anniversary of the center’s establishment, the number of students attending classes increased from 172 in the first year to 1,000. The number of regions offering courses has also increased from 1 to 12. The number of full-time and part-time teachers increased from 4 to 18. The number of churches cooperating and participating with the center has increased from 1 to 110, and 30 students have transferred to the college.
In 1997, Classes were held regularly every season in eight districts in the greater Los Angeles area. New branches are constantly opening in other states, and classes are held from time to time.
In 1998, “China Evangelical Seminary North America Education Center” official transformed into China Evangelical Seminary North America Campus, and started to offer “Christian Studies” Master Program, in partnership with churches, gave training to churches leaders in four areas, namely teaching, mission, counseling, and pastoring.
In 1999, the school building in La Puente, Los Angeles County, was opened, providing a good base for the development of the branch.
In 2000, multimedia audio-visual teaching MTEE officially debuts and enters the multimedia era.
In 2001, the first class of students graduated from the Master of Christian Studies program. Added a teaching leader equipment course.
In 2002, we implemented “Online Distant Learning” course. In April, the first CD interactive media “Church History” course was produced.
In 2003, The ministry was extended from the United States to Canada, and classes were officially launched in the Toronto area. Missionary courses were added.
In 2004, a symposium of directors from CESNA all campuses was held to propose CESNA’s International Vision. There were more than 100 students in the Master of Christian Studies program; 27 graduates; more than 1,000 students in the extended program taking courses throughout the year, with a total of 30 classrooms in the United States, Canada and Canada.
In 2005, the first enrollment for the Master of Divinity program. The board of directors had decided on the school expansion plan and was preparing to apply for ATS. Ministry started in Vancouver, Canada.
In 2006, the Toronto School District had registered with the government and planed to build a “satellite school district”. Seeking cooperation to promote extended theological education.
In 2007, the board of directors of “Chinese Evangelical Theological Seminary North America” reached a consensus with its alma mater in Taipei to become an independently operated system and officially changed its name to “Chinese Evangelical Theological Seminary North America”. Raise funds for school expansion, find a location, and register with the state government. In September, Dr. Katherine Liang was appointed as the first dean. Registered with the Toronto School District.
In 2008, after two years of careful prayer, the board of directors of the North American Chinese Evangelical Theological Seminary agreed to purchase a new campus in West Covina for the long-term development needs of the college. On October 25, the college held its 10th anniversary celebration, and the new campus was officially opened at the same time, giving CESNA a broader platform for its development. CESNAF was established and registration completed. The college has established a number of scholarships and is preparing to add a doctoral program in pastoral care.
In 2009, the doctoral program in pastoral ministry officially opened for enrollment. CESNAF obtains tax exemption number. Apply for SEVIS, site visit. Approved in June. ATS accepts applications for associate membership from colleges. The “Dean Lin Daoliang Scholarship” was established to seek theological training in cooperation with churches of various denominations.
In June 2010, he became an associate member of ATS. The college signed a contract with the “Loving Family Association” to cooperate in family ministry lectures. The library successfully operates with KOHA. Recruit international and Chinese students and issue I-20. An English version of the college’s introduction was published, and the college’s degree courses and non-degree courses were officially separated.
In 2012, more than 30 teachers and students participated in the CMC conference service. The Academic Affairs Department established the “Master of Theology” course and assembled an executive team to apply for ATS full membership.
In 2013, we collaborated with 10 Chinese churches to translate Stephen Ministry Handbook. Construct an online course platform and explore the computerization of the entire school. ATS employees visit schools and conduct audits. Raise funds for student accommodation. Begins German Extension Theology course. Recommended to raise funds for the Lam Tao Leung Old Testament Chair Fund.
In 2014, we fully prepared to apply for various documents for ATS full membership and updated BPPE. Apply for tax exemption approval for religious groups. Revise the “Employee Job Description Form” to determine the job responsibilities of each position, and conduct an evaluation of the entire hospital’s work at the end of the year. Stephen’s Chinese Ministry Seminar was held in our hospital.
In 2015, it passed the ATS audit, was approved for up to 7 years, and became a formal member. Co-organized the “Summer Workshop for Christian Doctoral Students” with the “China Christian Research Center”. Discuss the theological education ministry in China.
In 2016, the President Circle was established and increased to 6 members. Use interest-free loans and fundraising donations to purchase Cameron student dormitories. Co-organized a seminar on “Christianity and China” with the “Chinese Christian Research Center”. Started theological education ministry in China. Through the construction of the online theology course “Master of Theological Studies”.
In March 2017, the student dormitory “Harmony House” was opened. Establish and enhance comprehensive online courses and the entire college’s e-system. Carry out Chinese recruitment and local theological training, propose China MTS online course series, and go to Beijing and Shanghai, China respectively in May to promote it. The Extended Theological Education launched the “Special Ministry Certificate Course” series of courses, and once again co-organized a seminar with the “Chinese Christian Research Center” to train doctoral students in Chinese Christian Studies.
In 2018, Huashen North America celebrated its 20th anniversary. Launched the Lilly Endowment, Inc. Fund for Alumni Pastoral Care Gas Station. Establish an endowment fund. Cooperate with the Evangelistic Association. Start the China MTS online course.
In 2019, the international MTS online course started.
In 2021, he received the Lilly Endowment, Inc. fund to establish a “Vigorous Church Ministry” to assist Chinese churches.
In August 2021, Dr. Liang Jieqiong retired, and Dr. Liu Xiaoyong took over as the second president of Huashen North America.
In 2022, he received the Lilly Endowment, Inc. Fund and successively established the “Public Theology Center” and the “Spiritual Character Formation Center”, and established the Spiritual Formation Diploma (SFD) and the Master of Workplace Ministry (MPM).
In 2023, it once again received Lilly Endowment, Inc. funds to establish a cross-generational inheritance ministry (Welcome Children Program). It passed the ATS review again and was approved for up to 10 years. At the same time, the college also created a five-year comprehensive strategic plan.
The above is the birth and growth journey of the Chinese Evangelical Seminary North America. From a common dream of people in the Holy Spirit in 1970 to the realization of the vision, CESNA was born. Facts from all aspects have verified that God’s intention is for us to “equip all saints and serve all churches” and at the same time extend the reach of service to Chinese churches around the world. In 1986, CESNA Extended Education in North America started, and in 1998, it was restructured to add master’s degrees. This stage seems to have entered adolescence and is an important milestone in the history of the college. In 2007, we received the blessing from our alma mater. It was like a married daughter who could take care of the housework independently. May God’s will be satisfied, let us live up to His good will in fulfilling us, and faithfully provide God-pleasing services to the churches and saints! In August 2021, the first dean of the college, Dr. Liang Jieqiong, retired, and the second dean, Dr. Liu Xiaoyong (Samuel), took over, completing another stage of “inheritance and inheritance” of the college. The college has also received several grants from Lilly Endowment, Inc. to continue to expand the college’s multi-faceted services to the church. May God’s will be fulfilled and CESNA will be a blessing to all churches!
Related
- Statement of Educational Effectiveness
- CESNA's eNews (Quartly)
- Admission
- Catalog (Chinese)
Contact Us：
- Mon~Fri : 09:00 - 17:00
- 1520 W. Cameron Ave. #275, West Covina, CA 91790
- Tel：626-917-9482
- Academics Extension：143、147
- academic@cesna.edu
- Development Extension：161、165
- development@cesna.edu
- TEE extention：183
- tee@cesna.edu
Social Media
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TEE REGIONAL CLASSROOMS
CESNA is willing to partnership with churches to open more regional classrooms.
Welcome you consult with TEE through tee@cesna.edu
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Boston
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Among Chinese Seminaries in North America
CESNA Is The No. 1 Choice
Pure faith and licensed: The China Evangelical Seminary North America is registered with the Bureau of Private Post-secondary Education (BPPE) in California, is licensed, can issue I-20 visas, and is recognized as a full member by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) (see below). It offers doctorate in pastoral ministry, master of theology, master of divinity, master of Christian studies, etc. There are resource exchanges with Taipei China Evangelical Seminary. The local Chinese media rated us as “the best Chinese seminary in North America.”
Favored by alumni pastors: the teaching is rigorous, the teachers are excellent, the graduates are high-quality, and the degree of cooperation is high. Our graduates are welcomed by Chinese churches everywhere, and many alumni have become the first choice for hiring pastors.
Non-denominational and unbiased: CESNA is a non-denominational theological school. It teaches the historical evolution and theological theories of all major denominations and uses biblical truth as the criterion. Therefore, it has the support of Chinese churches of all major denominations.
Well-read: The campus library has inter-library cooperation with several seminaries in North America. See right for library times.
Accreditation by the U.S. Federal
and Canadian Association of Theological Schools
- Accredited by California Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE)
- U.S. federal law permits China Evangelical Seminary North America to admit international students
- American-Canadian Association of Theological Schools (ATS) Member Ten-Year Certification
- Open Time：
- Mon-Fri : 09:00 - 17:00
- Closing Time：
- Mon., Tue., Thur. Fri. 12:00 p.m.~1:00 p.m.
- Wed. of the 1st & 3rd week of Each Month 12:00 p.m.~1:00 p.m.
- Wed. Chapel & Lunch Hour: 12:00 p.m.~1:00 p.m.
- Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays
- 1520 W. Cameron Ave. #106, West Covina, CA 91790
- Tel：626-917-9482 X 220、221
Welcome To Visit CESNA Campus
Contact: 626-917-9482 X 161
development@cesna.edu
Resident Faculty
Major Teaching Subject: Biblical Books, Old Testament Theology; Biblical Languages, Hermeneutics
Major Subject Taught: Systematic theology, Christian Ethics, Public Theology, Theology of Work, Neo-Calvinism, Faithful Stewardship, Workplace Conflict Management, Marketplace Mission
Major Subject Taught: Church History, Augustinian Theology, Protestant Theology, Modern Chinese Church History, Christianity and Postmodern Thought
Major Subject Taught: Systematic Theology, Church History, The Seven Ecumenical Councils, Martin Luther’s Theology, The Pentateuch, Historical Books of the Old Testament
China Evangelical Seminary North America
Pledge Of Faith
To equip saints, staff, and leaders in the church, and provide training from basic to professional to leadership. In recent years, Chinese churches in North America have had an increasing need for gifted Christians in various internal and external ministries, such as participating in discipleship training, family ministry, and overseas missions. In order to meet this need, CESNA upholds the mission and spirit of Taipei China Evangelical Seminary, and equips gifted ministers with a balanced spirituality, academics and ministering, so that they can serve with focus according to their gifts. Therefore, we are committed to cultivating part-time or full-time servants in various professional fields for Chinese churches in North America, so that they may serve the Lord with their majors. We also work with the church to cultivate leaders at different levels and with different scopes of influence, so that their service may bring greater, broader, and deeper impact because of their effective spiritual leadership.
In partnership with churches, we plan and implement diverse courses that balance the study of the Bible, theology, and ministry. Based in Los Angeles, we extend training networks throughout North America, using appropriate teaching methods and media. Regardless of denomination, we assist churches in nurturing believers through the truth, fostering personal spiritual growth. We work closely with Chinese churches in North America to design balanced, purposeful, and direction-oriented diverse curricula tailored to their needs. Through studying the Bible, theology, practical ministry, and counseling education, we nurture dedicated coworkers to serve faithfully in the church, each fulfilling their role, engaging in global mission work, and accomplishing the Great Commission entrusted by God.
- This institute is a theological seminary: cultivating Christian workers who pursue balanced growth in spiritual life, knowledge, and ministry.
- This institute is an evangelical seminary: firmly believing in the Bible, upholding the evangelical faith, emphasizing prayer and preaching, and building up the church.
- This institute is a Chinese evangelical seminary: rooted in the Chinese cultural context, training believers who use the Chinese language, and serving the global church.
- We believe that the Holy Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, are entirely the revelation of God, written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, without error in their original form, and are the supreme authority for faith and conduct.
- We believe in the one true God, eternally existing as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, the Creator, Sovereign Ruler, and Sustainer of all things.
- We believe that Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary, who offered Himself and shed His blood as an atonement for the sins of mankind. He rose bodily from the dead, ascended into heaven, and will return again according to His promise.
- We believe that the Holy Spirit is of one essence, power, and glory with the Father and the Son. He works within the Church, laboring and guiding believers into all truth.
- We believe that mankind was created in the image of God, but in Adam fell into sin, and therefore stands in need of God’s salvation.
- We believe that sinners who repent and receive Jesus Christ are born again, and through faith in Him are justified.
- We believe that all who are justified are sanctified by the Holy Spirit and enabled to live a holy life.
- We believe that believers will be raised unto eternal life, and unbelievers unto eternal punishment.
- We believe that the Church is one body with Christ as its Head, composed of those who are born again by the Holy Spirit, and that its members are called to fellowship in worship, communion, and service.
Marriage and Human Sexuality
Marriage – The Bible clearly teaches that marriage is an institution ordained by God. China Evangelical Seminary North America (CESNA) affirms marriage as the union of one man and one woman in a covenant commitment established by God. Therefore, CESNA faculty, staff, and students shall not participate in same-sex unions or marriages, and CESNA’s property or resources shall not be used for such purposes.
Human Sexuality – The Bible teaches that legitimate sexual relations are to be expressed only within the covenant of marriage. Accordingly, CESNA opposes all forms of immoral sexual behavior, including adultery, homosexual practice, and pornography.
- Hotline：626-917-9482
- Address：1520 W Cameron Ave., West Covina, CA 91790
- Inquiry：development@cesna.edu
- Tel：626-917--9482 X 161
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