Dallas Theological Seminary Launches First-Ever Interactive Online Video Courses in Chinese
"Chinese is the most spoken language in the world and the second most common language on the Internet. We can reach developing leaders in one of the largest countries in the world?and one with a rapidly growing Christian community."
(Dallas, Texas)?Chinese pastors and leaders all over the world will now have access to top-quality theological training due to a first-of-its-kind online video program formally launched by Dallas Theological Seminary.
The program, which according to a news release has been in the development stages for the past two years, initially included 24 students as part of a "beta test" model. As the program grows, hundreds of students will be able to take part. (Photo: DTS)
"We have been afforded an unprecedented opportunity to impact people for Christ," said Dallas Seminary President Dr. Mark Bailey speaking in the news release. "Chinese is the most spoken language in the world and the second most common language on the Internet. We can reach developing leaders in one of the largest countries in the world?and one with a rapidly growing Christian community."
What makes the program unique is its use of flash-based video in an interactive classroom setting. Two courses are available for fall enrollment with five more coming online next spring. Eventually 20 classes will be offered, allowing the student to complete his or her Certificate of Graduate Studies, or the equivalent of the first year of any degree program at the seminary.
The classes are available in traditional and simplified Chinese scripting, Yarbrough said. Students may also alternate between Chinese and English which assists in gaining English proficiency. Students are required to meet the seminary's admission requirements and to agree with the Dallas Seminary doctrinal statement. Scholarships are available for those in need.
Additionally, Dr. Bailey said, small groups of Dallas Seminary professors have been traveling to China each semester to provide training on everything from leadership development to Christian education, worship and preaching.
"These are exciting days as we see God open the door to impact the future of tens of millions of Chinese Christians," Bailey said.
