Pioneering Years: 2007–2014
“Hungry for the truth, yet lacking shepherds” — this was the shared impression of Elder Li Jian, Rev. Kou Shaoen, Rev. Shen Zheng, and several other pastors after ministering throughout Southern Europe. In response to this urgent need, the International Chinese Biblical Seminary in Europe established the following vision:
For every Chinese church in Europe to have its own pastor and for each pastor to be properly equipped.
On October 15, 2007, the seminary officially opened in Castelldefels, near Barcelona, Spain, with its inaugural class of nine students from across Europe. Rev. Wang Chuansheng served as the founding president, while Elder Li Jian became Chairman of the Board. Sharing campus facilities with IBSTE, the seminary embarked on a new mission in theological education.
In 2011, Dr. Liu Liyu became the second president of the seminary, continuing to strengthen and develop the institution upon the foundation laid by President Wang Chuansheng.
By 2014, the seminary had graduated 31 students, and theological education had already begun to bear its first fruits.
Steady Development: 2015–2018
In 2015, Dr. Wang Guiheng became the third president of the seminary. After years of development, both the seminary and IBSTE had experienced significant growth under God’s blessing. However, the shared campus facilities gradually became insufficient for expanding needs.
Elder Li Jian and President Wang Guiheng actively explored possibilities for campus expansion and new facilities, while continuously improving admissions, promotion, academic affairs, student affairs, and administration. During this period, preparations also began for accreditation through the Asia Theological Association (ATA).
In 2018, Dr. Liao Yuanwei became Acting President, while Dr. Wang Guiheng shifted his focus to campus development projects. By that year, the seminary had six full-time faculty members and a total of 65 graduates, many of whom were already bearing fruitful ministry across Europe.
Impact of the Pandemic: 2019–2022
In 2019, Dr. Liao Yuanwei became the fourth president of the seminary. That same year, four degree programs — Master of Divinity, Master of Biblical Studies, Master of Pastoral Studies, and Bachelor of Pastoral Studies — successfully received ATA accreditation. To further equip pastors throughout Europe, the seminary also officially launched its Doctor of Ministry program.
At the beginning of 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic rapidly spread across Europe, the seminary transitioned entirely to online instruction starting in February. Despite the challenges brought by the pandemic, the Lord continued to guide the seminary. During this unique period, a “Church Leadership Certificate Program” was launched to equip church co-workers throughout Europe.
In February 2022, as the pandemic eased and European countries gradually reopened, the seminary resumed residential instruction. By this time, the total number of graduates had surpassed 110. Theological education did not stagnate amid challenges but continued to move forward and expand.
A New Beginning: 2023–Present
In 2023, Dr. Hu Weihua became the fifth president of the seminary. Building upon years of development and accumulated experience, the seminary entered a new stage of growth. To cultivate future theological educators for Europe, differentiated instructional models were introduced at both the undergraduate and master’s levels, allowing theological education to become more targeted and effective according to students’ needs. At the same time, a Master of Theology program was established to prepare future theological faculty for Europe.
In 2024, the seminary established a Youth Ministry Center to provide strategic support and ministry resources for next-generation ministries across Europe. Preparations also began for the establishment of a publishing house to promote academic publishing and related ministries. In September of the same year, the seminary successfully purchased a new campus facility, expected to provide accommodation for 20 residents and two classrooms, helping to alleviate limitations in teaching and living space.
In October 2025, the Asia Theological Association (ATA) conducted a reaccreditation visit, during which three new degree programs were evaluated for accreditation: Doctor of Ministry, Master of Theology, and Bachelor of Theology. Meanwhile, the seminary also actively began preparations for accreditation through the European Council for Theological Education (ECTE). By that year, the total number of graduates had exceeded 180.
Beginning in 2026, the number of resident full-time faculty members increased to seven, further strengthening the faculty structure and improving institutional development.