My Twelve Years of Study
Patrick Chan
(M.Div.)
The Rev. Chan, his wife RoseKelly, and their son Timothy.
Resuming the Theological Journey
It has been exactly twelve years since I graduated with a Bachelor of Theology degree in 2014. Upon graduation, I recognized that in an era where educational attainment is generally high, entering pastoral ministry with only a Bachelor’s degree might prove insufficient in the near future. Therefore, in the first year after graduation, I resolutely decided to return to my alma mater to pursue a Master of Divinity degree. Seeing that many of my seniors and close friends had been unable to complete their second degree for various reasons, I made a vow to myself at the very beginning of my studies: I would see it through to the end and never allow myself to give up. However, various changes in the church, my own family, society, and my personal life at times shook my resolve to pursue further studies. However, when my wife was called to study at the seminary, it was a turning point for me, and I chose not only to resume but to complete my studies. Thanks to the grace of our Heavenly Father, this year I will stand on the stage at the graduation ceremony alongside my wife.
Longing for Further Growth
After taking a leave of absence and then resuming my studies, I found a subtle shift in my mindset toward attending classes and studying. I was initially driven simply by the need to earn a degree, but then my motivation gradually evolved into a passionate desire to study the Bible, theology, and practical skills. I increasingly hoped to engage in a dialogue between my years of pastoral experience and the biblical and theological knowledge I have been acquiring, to integrate them, and to develop my own perspective among the many theological and ethical stances. In addition, I long to learn different ministry skills from various teachers, which will enhance my pastoral ministry and help me meet the needs of these rapidly changing times. Compared to the early stages of my studies, I have become increasingly aware of my own weaknesses and needs, and as a result, I now have a deeper longing to grow and deepen my knowledge—hoping to repay our Heavenly Father’s grace and meet the spiritual needs of my brothers and sisters in Christ.
Breaking through Confusion and Struggles
Over the past twelve years, I have witnessed the arrival and departure of various professors. From them, I have learned different approaches and methodologies in areas such as Bible studies, theology, history, and practical ministry. These differing schools of thought once left me feeling quite bewildered and confused. In particular, I wondered: When responding to the needs of churches and social issues, are N. T. Wright’s “New Perspective on Paul” and Stanley Hauerwas’s ecclesiological ethics the only voices and solutions? If we were to break down the message of the Gospel into fragmented pieces, would we be able to reintegrate them? What value and significance do the hard-won achievements of the Reformers—the fruit of their lifelong efforts—hold for us today? Can we possibly supplant the contributions of the countless sages since the Reformation with the efforts of just one or two generations? Do we truly understand their perspectives and ideas? These intellectual struggles have troubled me for years.
Later, as I attended Dr. Kai-hsuan Chang’s course on “Apocalyptic Paul,” I realized that biblical studies are not limited to a single, unchanging approach. While the perspectives of different scholars have value, they also carry limitations. Within the context of the church, we need to learn to listen to diverse voices (including those of fellow believers and scholars), discern God’s will for churches at this moment, and understand how (in practical terms) God wants us to shepherd His flock and lead them to respond to the needs of our time. Furthermore, Prof. Fook-kong Wong’s teaching on biblical theology helped me find my own path among the many different approaches to biblical study. It enabled me to move beyond merely parroting the ideas and opinions of this or that teacher or scholar, and instead beginning to develop my own biblical theological position and methodology. As stated in the book How to Think Theologically, every Christian is a theologian, with their own reflections on their faith. Prof. Andres Tang also frequently reminds students: “Right Faith, Right Action.” Faith is not merely about seeking understanding; true faith directly influences who we are and what we do. Lastly, Prof. Nathan Ng has reminded us on many different occasions that the best way to understand a person’s thoughts and life is to study primary sources rather than rely on others’ retellings. This has made me look more critically at all sources; I no longer rely solely on a single narrative or secondary sources, but instead seek out original texts or additional perspectives with repeated comparison, reflection, and learning.
Finally, I would like to thank every teacher, staff member, classmate, family member, friend, and fellow church member who has helped me on my journey of theological study. Above all, I give thanks to the Triune God who saved me and called me. May glory and praise be to Him forevermore.