Training vs Seminary

[aron]

Originally Posted by Watchman Nee

If the return of the Lord should be delayed, it will be necessary to raise up a number of young people to continue the testimony and the work for the following generations. Many co-workers have already prayed concerning this matter with the hope of providing a suitable place for the purpose of training young people. My thought is not to establish a seminary or a Bible institute, but to have young people staying together to live the Body life and practice the spiritual life. In such a place they would receive training for the purpose of edification, by learning to read the Scripture, to pray, and to build up a good character. On the negative side, there would be training for the purpose of learning how to deal with sin, the world, the flesh, and the natural life. At a suitable time, the young people would return to their respective churches in various places to be tempered together with other saints to serve the Lord in the church. I have purchased over ten acres of land at Chenru, in the suburbs of Shanghai. Planning for building on that site is in progress, and before long, young people will be able to go there for training.

~Watchman Nee, Watchman Nee’s Testimony. Comp. K.H. Weigh. Anaheim: Living Stream Ministry, 1991: p. 41-43.

What is the difference between a training, versus a seminary or Bible institute? According to the paragraph above, it is to have a seminary or Bible institute but strenuously deny that it is so; rather call it a training, so as to distinguish it from the fallen and corrupt religious system. Other than that I can see little or no difference.

Just change the label, and all things are new! Who knew?