Mimi Lin (Chinese name: Lin, Tung 林彤) was raised in Taiwan. Her life was turned around by Jesus in her last year in college while studying alone in USA. She pursued a career in biology for a several years, until God turned her life around again in 2010 at a mission convention. She is currently serving at Dallas Theological Seminary as Enrollment Advisor for the Chinese Program. Since 2024, she starts in the Doctor of Education program at Regent University, focusing on higher education management and leadership. Her passion is to equip adult Christian believers in the Chinese world for God’s mission, whether in formal or non-formal theological education.
What is your research about? What led you to your research topic?
I’m currently very early in my doctoral program. But I’m interested in the effectiveness of distant Christian education, particularly in student retention. Because most of our students lives in areas where Christian faith is persecuted, the best way to study is via internet. But online study is very different and difficult than the traditional classroom method. Online students need more attention and support. I’m interested in researching the unique factors in Chinese theological education context.
How are you identifying your calling?
It took me a long way to get on my current path. I thought I was going to be a biologist because I love outdoor. But thinking back, my very first major in undergrad (not by choice) was in adult education. It took two life-turning points to bring me back to adult education. I’d say a good discernment of the environment – the opportunities God brought to you – is helpful in identifying one’s calling. I often think I’m not qualified for doing education – education is never on my radar! But I love being an advisor to help students navigating their academic studies and ministry directions.
What have you learned from your leadership experiences?
I am always a mid-level leader in the group. I need to work with a leader who is good with visions and goals. But I’m the type of leader who executes the visions and goals with supports and delegations. I am good in both team and individual work.
What has your experience been with PANAAWTM?
I was introduced to PANAAWTM about 2 years ago by a former colleague and mentor. It is amazing to see the support and network of women from Asian/Native American background working towards advancing theology and ministry issues. I attended the annual conference for the first time this year. I also participated in the initial stage of the doctoral application mentoring program. (I didn’t continue due to the different nature of my indented doctoral program application process.) I really appreciate the support and information from those initial sessions.
What brings you hope and joy?
Jesus is my hope and joy. It may sound cliché, but God is the joy and hope that sustains me when I feel disappointed or unfair. And all I’m serving now is for His Kingdom.
Comments