Founder
Pastor Zeng Linfang (1919~2011)
- 1996-2011 Founder and President of the California Overseas Theological Seminary, USA
- 1966-97 Founder and President of the Hong Kong Overseas Theological Seminary
- 1964-66 President of the Hong Kong Chinese Theological Seminary
- 1946-49 Dean of Academic Affairs, Bethel Theological Seminary, Shanghai
1996-2011 Founder and President of the California Overseas Theological Seminary, USA
1966-97 Founder and President of the Hong Kong Overseas Theological Seminary
1964-66 President of the Hong Kong Chinese Theological Seminary
1946-49 Dean of Academic Affairs, Bethel Theological Seminary, Shanghai
Pastor Zeng Linfang was the founder of the Hong Kong and American Overseas Theological Seminary. Since 1966, entrusted by God, he single-handedly and solely by faith founded the seminary.
From 1946 onwards, he had already devoted himself to theological education, serving successively as lecturer, professor, dean of academic affairs, and president in many renowned theological seminaries in Shanghai and Hong Kong. He was renowned for teaching practical theology such as hermeneutics, preaching, and pastoral studies, as well as his insightful analysis of the Old and New Testaments. He was also a pioneer of modern spiritual theology, and his courses on spiritual advancement and spiritual life attracted many dedicated students to study at overseas theological seminaries. It is often said that “Overseas Theological Seminary is Zeng Linfang; Zeng Linfang is Overseas Theological Seminary.” Upon reflection, this is indeed an exaggeration.
The rector authored over a dozen books throughout his life, each a bestseller, often selling out quickly. His works on “Hermeneutics” and “Preaching” have become required textbooks in many theological seminaries; his books on edification, such as “Speaking from the Heart” and “A Clear Stream in the Distant Valley,” which root life in Christ, remain bestsellers and have been reprinted many times.
Pastor Zeng Linfang served the Lord for over sixty years and served as rector of the theological seminary for over forty-one years. For over forty years, adhering to the principle of faith that “when God rises up, He will take responsibility,” he never solicited funds from any person or organization. He himself “gave everything he had, doing his utmost,” setting an example of faithfulness and devotion. He not only witnessed the Father’s faithfulness and great grace but also became a widely recognized example and testimony in this generation. He always humbly gives glory to the Father and the Savior Jesus Christ.
Today, he has taught over five hundred graduates, scattered across five continents: the United States, Canada, European countries, Africa, Australia, Latin America (including the islands of the Chaldean Sea), Asia, Southeast Asia, and Muslim countries, truly living up to the name of his “Overseas” seminary!
The dean consistently expects of his students, and in his teachings both in and out of the classroom, to:
1. Be skilled in preaching and correctly interpret the Bible.
2. Be zealous in sharing the gospel and leading people to Christ.
3. Be able to lead various special meetings.
4. Possess a beautiful spirituality and spiritual abilities.
5. Have rich theological knowledge and faithful, virtuous character.
6. Be good shepherds of the church and help the church develop its ministry.