Dean’s Greeting
I am Rev. John Cha, and I greet you warmly.
Welcome to United Christian Seminary in New York.
This seminary was founded to guide those who have received God’s calling and hold a deep desire for theological study onto the path of pastoral ministry.
In the first century, the disciples who followed Jesus were trained for one year and then appointed as apostles and missionaries of the gospel
(Mark 1:16–20; 2:13–14; 3:13–14).
Ordination to the ministry normally requires three years of seminary study and two years of pastoral internship, a total of five years. At United Christian Seminary, however, the core essentials of the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) program are condensed into six months of coursework, followed by six months of pastoral internship. After this, qualified candidates are guided through the process of pastoral ordination.
“And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ”
(Ephesians 4:11–12, NKJV).
Following the tradition of the early church, our goal is to train and send out pastors within one year. Even those who are busy with their work and have little time to study can apply with confidence. Take up the challenge in faith.
“Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: ‘Whom shall I send, And who will go for Us?’ Then I said, ‘Here am I! Send me.’”
(Isaiah 6:8, NKJV).
Do not worry about preparation, review, or homework. By simply attending seminary and listening attentively to the lectures, you will gain an understanding and memory of biblical knowledge to the point of being able to teach others. As the dean, I myself studied Greek, Hebrew, and theology while also working, so I well understand the needs of busy people. Without placing any burden on you, we will help you absorb even Hebrew and Greek with ease.
“But what does it say? ‘The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart’”
(Romans 10:8, NKJV).
In the midst of rapidly changing world affairs, this is an urgent time. As it is written, “the time is short”
(1 Corinthians 7:29)
and the situation is such that we would not be surprised if Jesus were to come at any moment.
“In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.”
(John 14:2–3, NKJV).
The life plans of believers who have been called should be made with the truth in mind that the time left in our lives is short. Are you reading the Bible alone without a teacher’s help? Do you feel spiritually isolated like Elijah, alone in your walk?
“And there he went into a cave, and spent the night in that place; and behold, the word of [Yahweh] came to him, and He said to him, ‘What are you doing here, Elijah?’ So he said, ‘I have been very zealous for [Yahweh] God of hosts; for the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life.’”
(1 Kings 19:9–10, NKJV).
We praise your earnest, thirsty faith. You do not need to be alone. Join us and come through the open door.
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.”
(Revelation 3:20, NKJV).
There is an open door leading to the resurrection of life (John 5:29). We joyfully invite those who will run with us wholeheartedly on the highway that leads to salvation.
“Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy [the prophetic declarations of your future usefulness] with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all.”
(1 Timothy 4:14–15, NKJV).
Devote yourself wholeheartedly to the truth of the gospel, and we will help you take hold of your “citizenship in heaven”
(Philippians 3:20).
“Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
(Philippians 3:13–14, NKJV).
“Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.”
(1 Timothy 4:16, NKJV).
I sincerely hope you will grant me the joy of working together with you as a fellow laborer. Thank you.
Rev. John Cha, Dean
Biography of Rev. H. John Cha
Rev. H. John Cha was born in 1956 in the Republic of Korea. He graduated from the State University of New York, Empire State College, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. After studying New Testament Greek (Koine Greek) and Hebrew under Rev. Dr. Young-In Kim, pastor and theologian, he entered Yeshiva University in New York, where he received advanced training in Biblical Hebrew under the mentorship of Professor Joseph Angel, a well-known Jewish biblical scholar.
In 2023, he traveled to Israel to take part in an exploration of the site of Solomon’s First Temple and was awarded a Pilgrim Certificate by the Israeli government.
John Cha earned his Master of Divinity (M.Div.) from World for Jesus Mission University and his Doctor of Theology (Th.D.) from Saint Mission University. He currently serves as the pastor of Immanuel Church in New York and also works as the dean of United Christian Seminary.