From Learning to Serving: The Transformative Journey of Seminary Studies

Ye Cao and his family

　　With a deep reverence for God and a passion for service, I entered the gates of the Hong Kong Baptist Theological Seminary. Little did I realize that this quest for knowledge would soon become a soul-stirring baptism—God, with His boundless grace and subtle guidance, gradually shaped me into a servant fit for His service.

A Hall of Knowledge: Opening the Door to Spiritual Wisdom

　　The seminary curriculum is like a grand hall of knowledge, each course serving as a key pathway to spiritual wisdom. In the course “Systematic Theology” taught by Dr. Andres Tang, I gained a more comprehensive and in-depth understanding of Christian doctrines and realized that faith is not a mere personal pursuit but also involves responsibility and commitment to the church, society, and the world. This realization is like a guiding light, leading me to focus on building character in my life and to strive to become a preacher who glorifies God and benefits others. The course “Biblical Interpretation” taught by Dr. Kai-hsuan Chang guided me step-by-step from accurately understanding the literal meaning of words to carefully analyzing sentence structures and interpreting passages, so that I could appreciate the Bible’s profound subtleties and message. Dr. Curie Qu’s course “Christian Ethics in a Cultural Context” inspired me to engage in profound reflection on real-life situations. It guided me to consider how to apply Christian ethical principles in daily life, how to remain sober and rational in a complex and ever-changing social environment, and how to provide constructive assistance and guidance to believers on challenging issues within Christian ethics.

The Cultivation of Spirituality: Transformation through Challenges

　　Life at the seminary was not only about accumulating knowledge but also about cultivating spirituality. The prayer meetings on Wednesdays and Fridays were the cradle of my spiritual growth. The monthly one-on-one meetings with my spiritual mentor provided me with consolation and soul nourishment amidst academic pressure and life’s challenges. In addition to my growth through prayer and communication with my mentor, attending classes was also highly rewarding. In the course “Pastoral Care,” Rev. Brian Lam, Dr. Chi-yeung Lam, and Mr. Carter Pang helped me understand the essence and importance of pastoral care. Through case discussions and practice reports, I learned how to use pastoral care techniques to care for and counsel believers. Rev. Lam’s explanation of the mentor-mentee relationship helped me understand that a true mentor-mentee relationship involves the transmission not merely of skills but also of one’s life. Dr. Ken Lui’s course “Homiletics” enabled me to master the art of preaching without notes, effectively utilize language techniques, objectively evaluate and identify areas for improvement in my sermons, and make necessary adjustments. Although each preaching sermons without notes was a rigorous challenge to me, it fostered my own growth through the process of refinement, allowing me to emerge as a more confident and mature preacher.

Preparation for Service: Rooting and Growing through Practice

　　The seminary not only provided me with a wealth of theoretical knowledge but also offered me valuable research opportunities. Through my research project on the Baptist Oi Kwan Social Service, I gained a deep understanding of how to apply theological knowledge in practice. In this research, I saw how a church combined faith with action, caring for disadvantaged groups through diversified services. This made me realize that as a servant of God, I must not only preach the gospel but also care for and help others through actions, putting into practice the teaching of “love your neighbor as yourself.” Under the careful guidance of Dr. Lui, I completed my thesis titled “The Homiletics of Wei-fan Wang: The Practical Integration of Traditional Chinese Culture and Homiletical Techniques” for the Senior Integrative Colloquium (SIC). Studying Rev. Wei-fan Wang’s works not only enhanced my academic capabilities but also led me to a profound reflection on my preparation for ministry.

　　Looking back on my studies at the seminary, my heart is filled with gratitude. God has guided me with His grace through the ocean of knowledge, across the valleys of spirituality, and into the fields of ministry, allowing my fledgling spiritual life to gradually mature into a servant of the Lord who is growing in knowledge, vibrant in spirit, and committed to service. In the future, I will continue to walk on the path of ministry with even greater determination, bringing glory to the name of the Lord.