From beginnings at China Evangelical Seminary (Taipei)
In 1970, fourteen churches and missionary societies established China Evangelical Seminary in Taipei, and in the same year, it held its first term opening ceremony. The seminary upheld evangelical truths and trained Chinese believers into coworkers, capable of serving the global Chinese church. It was this vision that led China Evangelical Seminary into its new trajectory.
To continuation at China Evangelical Seminary North America
1986 the Board of CES extended the ministry to Los Angeles and established “China Evangelical Seminary Extension Center of Los Angeles” ("Extension Center") in Monterey Park, California. This Extension Center vigorously promoted extension theological education to believers. Five years into its establishment, The Extension Center hired its former president Dr.Timothy Lin as the primary adviser in 1991.
March 1992 “China Evangelical Seminary Extension Center of LA” was renamed “ China Evangelical Seminary North America Theological Education Center”. In July of the same year, Dr. Katheryn Leung was called to be the Director of the Center. The Center expanded the training base beyond California year after year.
1998 “China Evangelical Seminary North America Theological Education Center” was renamed as "China Evangelical Seminary North America Campus”. The "Master of Christian Studies" program was developed and student recruitment began with the intention of training godly servant workers for Chinese churches in North America.
1999 The new main campus in La Puente (Los Angeles County) provided a good base for the development of the branch campus. By the year 2008, the annual average number of extension students had reached 2400, the number of Master of Christian Studies students also increased to more than 115, with a total 30 extension classroom locations throughout the United States and Canada.
2005 CESNA recruited the first class of Master of Divinity students. Application for ATS begins. Ministry work in Vancouver, Canada begins
2007 the Board of "China Evangelical Seminary North America Campus" reached a consensus with our Alma Mater in Taipei that the North America campus was to become an independent operation, officially renamed as "China Evangelical Seminary North America." Dr. Katheryn Leung was appointed as the first president.
2008 The Board of China Evangelical Seminary North America agreed to the purchase of a new permanent campus, located in West Covina, in order to fulfill long-term development goals. The new campus officially opened in September of the same year. Since then, CESNA has had a broad platform for development as a full-fledged U.S. Seminary.
2009 CESNA recruited its first class of Doctor of Ministry students. CESNA Foundation was formally formed and granted its IRS Section 501(c)(3) non-profit status. CESNA also set up the Timothy Lin Scholarship.
2010 CESNA was granted the associate membership status by the America of Theological Schools (ATS), approved by the United States Immigration to issue I-20 for international students.
2011 CESNA formally became independent from Taipei's China Evangelical Seminary.
2014 Approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education.
2015 ATS formally granted full membership to CESNA.
2016 Formed President's Circle to help raise funds for CESNA's ministry. With the help of donations, CESNA purchased the 'Cameron' Student Dormitory.
2017 Purchased CESNA's first dormitory. Launched the China Master of Theological Studies online program.
2019 International Online MTS degree began.
2018 CESNA 20 year anniversary. Used Lilly Foundation funding to start an alumnus and pastor recharging station. Established endowment fund. Began a partnership with the Chinese Evangelical Free Church Union. China Online MTS degree opened.
August 2021, Dr. Katheryn Leung retired honorably, and Dr. Samuel Liu took over as the second president of CESNA
The above describes the beginning and development of China Evangelical Seminary North America through the years. China Evangelical Seminary (Taipei) began in 1970 with inspiration from the Holy Spirit. Many events confirmed that God wanted us to “equip the saints and serve the church”, and at the same time to expand our coverage to Chinese churches all around the world. In 1986, China Evangelical Seminary North America began operation. By 1998, CESNA began Master’s level courses and like a child growing into adulthood, this shift was a key moment for the seminary. In 2007, with the blessings of CES (Taipei), CESNA became independent. We pray that God’s will be done, that we won’t let Him down, and faithfully and joyfully serve the saints and churches!
