Asia Lutheran Seminary

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Asia Lutheran Seminary
Chinese :亞洲路德宗神學院
MottoTruth Shared
TypeSeminary
Established2005
Founder Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod
President Dr. Jon Bare
Address
8/F, Chun Hoi Commercial Building, Number 688, Shanghai Street, Mong Kok, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Website https://en.asiaseminary.com/

Asia Lutheran Seminary (ALS) is a Lutheran seminary in Hong Kong. It was established by the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod on May 29, 2005. ALS offers training programs ranging from certificate courses to a Master of Divinity degree. Originally focused on training pastors and evangelists for China, the school has now expanded its services across Asia and beyond. ALS is an accredited member of the Asia Theological Association. [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]

Contents

History

In 1975, missionaries from the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) started theological teaching in Hong Kong. [6]

In 1977, the South Asia Lutheran Evangelical Mission (SALEM) was founded to enhance theological training for future Chinese Christian leaders of the region. [7] [6]

In 1997, Hong Kong returned to Chinese rule, and SALEM became an independent church. [7] [6]

In 2005, the Asia Lutheran Seminary (ALS) was established by SALEM at 688 Shanghai Street, Kowloon. It was for training Chinese-speaking pastors. [3] [7] [2]

From 2005 to 2010, Dr. Lawrenz served as president and primary teacher of ALS, with the help of visiting professors from the USA and WELS. [7] [8] [9] [6]

In November 2009, the first class of students from Asia Lutheran Seminary successfully graduated. [10]

In 2011, Dr. Steve Witte became president of ALS. [6]

In 2017, the first East Asia class of Master of Divinity graduated. [6]

In 2021, Cheung, Kwok Fai became the first full time Chinese professor at the school. [6]

In 2022, ALS became an accredited member of the Asia Theological Association. [1] [6]

In 2023, Dr. Jon Bare becomes the president of ALS. ALS was tasked with serving as the regional seminary of Asia. [6] [8]

On June 1, 2025, Asia Lutheran Seminary (ALS) celebrated its 20th anniversary, as well as its expansion to serve students across Asia and beyond. [8]

Programs

Asia Lutheran Seminary offers the following degree programs (all accredited by the Asia Theological Association): [1] [4] [11]

In addition, there are language programs for [11]

Other information

Asia Lutheran Seminary is located at: 8/F, Chun Hoi Commercial Building, 688 Shanghai Street, Mong Kok, Kowloon, HONG KONG. [5] [12]

The Mission of ALS is "To prepare Christians to serve as leaders of Confessional Lutheran groups across Asia." [13]

The school library was established in 2008. Its collections are mainly on Christianity, philosophy and Lutheran theology, and available in both English and Chinese. [14]

The school is an accredited member of the Asia Theological Association. [1]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "Our Members". Asia Theological Association . Retrieved 2025-10-22.
  2. 1 2 Jonathan Bare (2024). "Now is still the time". Forward in Christ.
  3. 1 2 "亞洲路德宗神學院開幕典禮暨感恩崇拜 (Asia Lutheran Seminary Opening Ceremony and Thanksgiving Service)" (in Chinese). Christian Times. May 20, 2005.
  4. 1 2 "Asia-Oceania: Asia Lutheran Seminary". Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod . Retrieved 2025-10-22.
  5. 1 2 "亞洲路德宗神學院 (Asia Lutheran Seminary)". Chinese Church and Organization Directory (in Chinese). Chinese Christian Network Development Association. Retrieved 2025-10-22.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 "History". Asia Lutheran Seminary. Retrieved 2025-10-22.
  7. 1 2 3 4 Xie Dachao (March 15, 2015). "南亞路德會—華人牧者自治自理年代 (The South Asia Lutheran Evangelical Mission—The Era of Self-Governance for Chinese Pastors)". Christian Weekly (in Chinese).
  8. 1 2 3 "Asia Lutheran Seminary celebrates 20 years of gospel ministry". Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod . Retrieved 2025-10-22.
  9. "南亞路德會舉辦羅永志博士榮休崇拜 (Dr. Luo Yongzhi's Retirement Service, hosted by the South Asia Lutheran Church)". Christian Weekly (in Chinese). No. 2556. August 18, 2013.
  10. "南亞路德會聖經學院及亞洲路德宗神學院舉行聯合畢業禮 (South Asia Lutheran Bible College and Asia Lutheran Seminary held a joint graduation ceremony)". Christian Weekly (in Chinese). October 25, 2009.
  11. 1 2 "ASIA LUTHERAN SEMINARY Academic Catalog 2025-2026" (PDF). Asia Lutheran Seminary. Retrieved 2025-10-22.
  12. "Contact". Asia Lutheran Seminary. Retrieved 2025-10-22.
  13. "Mission". Asia Lutheran Seminary. 2025-10-22.
  14. "Library". Asia Lutheran Seminary. Retrieved 2025-10-22.