MINISTRY//What makes 316NOW special? The teachers

Recently, a longtime Chinese friend explained what makes 316NOW’s online Bible institute an extraordinary blessing to the Church in China. Since she has taken classes with all of our teachers, she can speak with a authority.

We are dividing her comments among our next Ministry Blog posts. The first section concerns our professors.

316NOW’s Bible institute pastors answer students’ questions backed by the authority of the Scriptures. They only say what the Bible says. They never guess when they answer questions. And they never offer their personal ideas as Bible truth. 316NOW’s teachers admit when they don't have an answer to student’s questions, but they will find those answers and report back to the students.

In all of their teaching, 316NOW professors always impress students with their faithfulness to sound doctrine. They treat the Bible as God’s Word.

When students ask Chinese pastors about Scripture teachings, they are treated much differently. Often Chinese pastors don’t have a high regard for the Bible. They are not as educated about the Bible. And they give the impression they don’t have time for their members. When some students have asked pastors a question about the Bible’s teachings, pastors have dismissed their questions. “No one can understand your question,” one student was told. In addition, the official church in China has become a voice for communism. “Biblical truth should be interpreted in light of culture,” Christians are told.

What you can do: 316NOW’s professors strive to model Biblical scholarship and pastoral care for their students. Ask the Spirit to continue to empower these pastors to shepherd their students.