In-depth Faith Reflection and an Integration of Theology and Practice

　　Hill Road Journal, being rich in content, is the result of masterful research by a good number of theological educators, and it provides me with the best impetus for in-depth faith reflection on certain areas of my ministry such as pastoral ministry (issues 1, 12, 15, 24), preaching (issue 10), teaching (issues 13, 24), leadership and missions (issues 9, 18, 30).

　　From the perspective of “users” or “customers,” reading HRJ is the process of re-interpretation of both theology and inter-disciplinary integration for our target audience. In the process, whether we accept or receive, whether we find the content relevant and practicable, whether we get help and whether our life quality will be improved depends on whether we regard “listening” as the center of communication, just like the propagation of the gospel (Rom 10:14-15). From the communicator to the receiver, “listening” becomes the emphasis for both sides. This also enables both to return to the core. This too is the impulse for both to take on new challenges. From the angle of “communication” and “reception” alone, no differentiation should be made between the two. Nor should we make any comparison. In modern language, we are the “stakeholders,” who need to be humble to remain open to each other, especially to God above. Only then can we meet in the form of inter-subjectivity, from being to becoming. In this way, we can make the most out of each other.

　　Hill Road Journal helps to broaden my horizons. Putting into practice what has been integrated allows me and the community that I serve to get the most out of life and see our lives transformed. There is a group of experts in theology and writing who themselves “listen” to reality and then make revisions and improvements, humbly allowing the “communicator” and the “audience” to come together to meet more fully so that they enrich each other and live life to the fullest.