In the summer of 1992, several theological educators in New York envisioned establishing a seminary on the East Coast that used the Chinese language as its teaching medium. However, due to insufficient funding and personnel, we were not able to create such an organization despite the urgent need for a more thorough theological education, especially in Mainland China.
Instead of forming a traditional seminary physically located in New York City, the New York Theological Education Center (NYTEC) is a place where theological education can be provided to Chinese individuals all over the world and our campus becomes an international arena through correspondence courses and other Christian activities.
In that year, a board of directors was also formed. NYTEC was registered in the New York State Department of Education and declared a nonprofit organization by the Registry. Later, it was granted tax-exempt status by the Internal Revenue Service.
The focal activities of NYTEC include study tours of the Holy Land, the correspondence courses, publications and seminars in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Mainland China and North America. Since 1993, NYTEC has produced numerous books in the Chinese language focusing on theological education, Christian faith and religious devotion.
In 2004, NYTEC became an associate member of the Asia Theological Association and in 2005, also became a member of the Association of Christian Continuing Education Schools and Seminaries (ACCESS). In 2012, NYTEC obtained her full membership of the Asia Theological Association.
In 2007, the Chinese Online School of Theology (COST) at NYTEC was officially established. We believe that this school will meet the needs of students around the world, especially those in Mainland China, who are limited in time and resources. Currently, more than 500 students are enrolled in COST. Over 70 students have graduated and many have already become pastors.
Through COST, we believe our mission of “Heart to China” and our close interaction with the churches in China will bring more people to the Christian faith.