History Milestones
Under God’s guidance, LOGOS continues to expand its educational presence, equip many servants for ministry in churches and mission fields around the world, and establish a strong foundation in theological education and spiritual formation.
Founding Years
In the 1980s, the General Assembly of the Evangelical Formosan Church launched church-planting and missionary initiatives but faced a shortage of ministry workers. In response, the Lord moved the church leaders to establish a seminary to equip more workers for the gospel. In May 1989, the Seminary was officially established as Logos Evangelical Seminary.
In its early years, the Seminary held classes in the basement of the Evangelical Formosan Church in Los Angeles. A few months later, it rented classroom facilities at William Carey University in Pasadena.
In August 1990, the Seminary was registered with the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE), with authorization to offer the Doctor of Ministry, Master of Divinity, and Master of Christian Studies degrees. In 2006, the Master of Theology program was established to prepare students for doctoral studies and enhance their professional ministry competencies.
Midterm Correction
To meet the needs of the Evangelical Formosan Church and other Taiwanese-speaking churches, the Seminary originally offered instruction in Taiwanese. In 1994, the Seminary received approval from U.S. immigration authorities to issue I-20s, significantly expanding its ability to enroll international students. That same year, Rev. Stephen Tong visited the Seminary and shared a message on “Midterm Correction.” After extensive discussion and prayer, the faculty and staff reached a consensus to broaden the Seminary’s founding vision from serving Taiwanese-speaking churches to serving Chinese churches worldwide. In response to the growing need for ministry leaders among Chinese churches, the Seminary transitioned to Mandarin as its primary language of instruction.
A New Leap Forward
Since its founding, the Seminary has remained committed to providing quality theological education and operating in accordance with the rigorous standards of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS). By God’s grace, in 1996 the Seminary acquired a beautiful campus in El Monte, along with student housing at Good Shepherd House in San Gabriel. These developments helped the Seminary progress toward full ATS membership while providing a more stable environment for teaching and learning and laying a strong foundation for future growth.
In 1999, the Seminary became a Full Member of ATS, becoming the first Asian seminary accredited by the association. Student enrollment also continued to grow steadily. By 2004, the Seminary’s 15th anniversary, more than 200 students had graduated.
For the Seminary’s long-term development, the Board of Trustees established a foundation in 2000 to raise a permanent Endowment Fund. Through responsible investment and stewardship, the fund’s earnings would help support the Seminary’s ongoing operational needs and establish a strong financial foundation for the future.
A New Name
In 2007, the Seminary entered a new chapter in its history by officially changing its Chinese name from “Tai Fu” (台福)to “Logos” (正道). The new Chinese name more closely reflects the meaning of the Seminary’s English name, Logos, while expressing a broader vision: the Seminary was established not only to serve the Evangelical Formosan Church, but also to serve churches more broadly. Beyond serving the Evangelical Formosan Church, the Seminary’s greater mission is to equip workers for God’s kingdom and fulfill the Great Commission of making disciples of all nations.
In 1999, the Seminary became a Full Member of ATS, becoming the first Asian seminary accredited by the association. Student enrollment also continued to grow steadily. By 2004, the Seminary’s 15th anniversary, more than 200 students had graduated.
For the Seminary’s long-term development, the Board of Trustees established a foundation in 2000 to raise a permanent Endowment Fund. Through responsible investment and stewardship, the fund’s earnings would help support the Seminary’s ongoing operational needs and establish a strong financial foundation for the future.
A New Name
In 2007, the Seminary entered a new chapter in its history by officially changing its Chinese name from “Tai Fu” (台福)to “Logos” (正道). The new Chinese name more closely reflects the meaning of the Seminary’s English name, Logos, while expressing a broader vision: the Seminary was established not only to serve the Evangelical Formosan Church, but also to serve churches more broadly. Beyond serving the Evangelical Formosan Church, the Seminary’s greater mission is to equip workers for God’s kingdom and fulfill the Great Commission of making disciples of all nations.
Expanding Our Reach
As Logos celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2009, the Seminary entered a new era of growth. In response to the increasing need for quality theological education among churches in the American Midwest, the Seminary established a Chicago extension site in 2009, offering courses in the Master of Christian Studies program. In 2012, Logos–Chicago received ATS accreditation to offer the Master of Christian Studies degree and acquired a new campus.
In pursuit of higher standards, Logos began the accreditation process with the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) in late 2007 and received accreditation in 2012. WSCUC accreditation positioned Logos among recognized institutions of higher education, enabling greater exchange of resources and expertise with leading educational institutions and strengthening its connection with the global academic community.
During 2012–2013, Logos launched two new programs: the Master of Christian Studies with a concentration in Intercultural Studies and the Logos Total Immersion Program (Logos-TIP) Certificate, responding to the growing need for intercultural ministry both overseas and in North America. At the same time, in response to the Church’s call for strong leaders to address the unprecedented challenges and opportunities of the twenty-first century, the Seminary began developing a Ph.D. program to equip scholars with vision and sound theological foundations.
By this time, Logos had more than 650 alumni faithfully serving Christ in more than 20 countries around the world through the power of God and with the heart of Christ. Their commitment and the fruit of their ministry continued to testify to the Seminary’s founding vision: “Attempt great things for God; rescue a million souls.”
In pursuit of higher standards, Logos began the accreditation process with the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) in late 2007 and received accreditation in 2012. WSCUC accreditation positioned Logos among recognized institutions of higher education, enabling greater exchange of resources and expertise with leading educational institutions and strengthening its connection with the global academic community.
During 2012–2013, Logos launched two new programs: the Master of Christian Studies with a concentration in Intercultural Studies and the Logos Total Immersion Program (Logos-TIP) Certificate, responding to the growing need for intercultural ministry both overseas and in North America. At the same time, in response to the Church’s call for strong leaders to address the unprecedented challenges and opportunities of the twenty-first century, the Seminary began developing a Ph.D. program to equip scholars with vision and sound theological foundations.
By this time, Logos had more than 650 alumni faithfully serving Christ in more than 20 countries around the world through the power of God and with the heart of Christ. Their commitment and the fruit of their ministry continued to testify to the Seminary’s founding vision: “Attempt great things for God; rescue a million souls.”
Campus Renovation
In early 2013, recognizing the need for expanded facilities to support the development of the Ph.D. program, as well as the growing needs of the library and chapel, the Seminary began envisioning a comprehensive campus renovation. The goal was to transform four separate office buildings into an integrated, modern campus.
After three years of planning and sixteen months of intensive work, Phase I of the Logos campus renovation, Buildings B and C, was completed in March 2017. God accomplished far more than we could have asked or imagined. With grateful hearts, we give thanks and worship Him for His abundant provision.
After three years of planning and sixteen months of intensive work, Phase I of the Logos campus renovation, Buildings B and C, was completed in March 2017. God accomplished far more than we could have asked or imagined. With grateful hearts, we give thanks and worship Him for His abundant provision.
Timeline
Major Milestones
2024
Celebrated the 35th Anniversary of Logos Evangelical Seminary
WSCUC Approval to Offer Six Distance Education Programs
Approved for the Doctor of Ministry, Master of Theology, Master of Divinity, Master of Christian Studies, Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies, and Master of Arts in Family Ministry programs.
2023
Received Funding from the Lilly Foundation for the Christian Family Parenting and Care Initiative
Phase III of the campus renovation project began with demolition.
2022
Launched Research and Strategic Planning for the Compelling Preaching Initiative
Focused on equipping and nurturing the next generation in the postmodern and post-pandemic era.
2021
Rev. Huang Cheng-Pei Appointed as the Third President of Logos Received a ten-year accreditation renewal from the Association of Theological Schools (ATS).
2020
Revised the Seminary’s Governing Policies and Regulations
2019
Completed Phase II of the Campus Renovation Project
Celebrated the Seminary’s 30th anniversary and revised its vision and mission statements.
2018
Established the Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies Program
Phase II of the campus renovation project began.
2017
Completed Phase I of the Campus Renovation Project
2016
Launched e-Campus: Synchronized Cloud Classes
The comprehensive campus renovation project was launched.
2015
Established the Ph.D. and Master of Arts in Family Ministry Programs
Campus renovation began.
2014
Celebrated the 25th Anniversary of Logos
Leadership transitioned from Rev. Liu Fu-Li to Rev. Lin Kuo-Liang, who became the second President of Logos Evangelical Seminary.
Acquired the Third Student Residence, House of Blessings
The residence includes 10 units.
Received ATS Reaccreditation
2012
ATS Approved the Chicago Campus to Grant M.A. Degrees Beginning August 2012
Logos became accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
2009
Launched Online Registration
Began offering an experimental Master of Christian Studies program in Chicago.
2007
Launched Online Campus Ministry
Renamed as Logos Evangelical Seminary
Assisted in establishing Taiwan Logos Evangelical Seminary as an independent institution.
2006
Established a Sister-School Relationship with Chung Yuan Christian University
2001
Began Developing Asian American Ministry Initiatives
1999
Became a Full Member of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS)
1996
Opened the New El Monte Campus
Opened Good Shepherd House Student Residence
1994
Authorized to Issue I-20s for International Students
Expanded recruitment from Taiwanese-speaking students to Mandarin-speaking students.
1989
Rev. Liu Fu-Li Appointed as the Founding President
Logos Evangelical Seminary was officially established.
