Radical Sources of Change: The Conviction and Practice of Our Disciple Community

　　Things are in the process of change and the question is how the change should occur. Over the past five years, HKBTS has gone through many changes. This allows us to gradually experience being in Christ Jesus as always a uniquely different kind of experience. The change that the Seminary has undergone during this time is not confined to its appearance, but can also be found in the soul of the community and within its deep spiritual life. “Actions are in accord with speech” is one thing I can say about it as an insider. But, how can all these changes possible?

　　For new students, teachers, and staff, “disciple community” is a term that they quickly encounter upon entering the Seminary and soon afterwards begin to identify with as they become more and more a part of this community. Being a disciple community has become a large part of our identity at the Seminary and this principle lights the path forward. It means that as we undertake or receive theological education, we adopt the attitude that Jesus Christ is our Lord and also adopt the same mindset as Christ Jesus.

　　Theological education is a matter of great importance. The psalmist says, “I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me.” (Psalm 131:1; English Standard Version) Therefore, HKBTS attaches great importance to the exercise of worship, prayer, and spiritual life. Such exercises, which are extra class activities, have become the hallmark of the Seminary. A disciple community must primarily learn to follow Jesus Christ together. In doing so, members highly regard being humble and quiet, as well as practicing listening and patience before God because discerning the word of God and His leading is of the utmost importance. How blessed is this practice! How steady is this experience!

　　Within the disciple community, every one of the members is indispensable while none of them have dominance over the others. Only when we follow Jesus—keep looking at Him and not ourselves—can our hearts and our eyes be humble. We achieve this by not being self-interested and not being self-righteous. In these few years, HKBTS has taken the road of discipleship: Being humble before God, thinking of others more than ourselves, admonishing one another when necessary, jointly seeking and discerning the heart of the triune God. Whether inside or outside the classroom, this is the lesson the HKBTS disciple community seeks to learn together.

　　Things are in the process of change and the question is how the change takes place. For all these changes there is a radical source. For HKBTS, the source is the conviction and practice of the identity of being a disciple community.