The Symphony of Theological Education

　　Theological education is like a rigorously structured yet creative symphony, with each voice telling the story of the integration of theologia (theological wisdom) and praxis. When I assumed the role of President of the Hong Kong Baptist Theological Seminary (HKBTS) in 2009, I committed myself to composing this spiritual symphony—a work that transcends time and space in accordance with the will of God. The theologia we seek is not a static accumulation of knowledge but an artful form of living—the art of discerning “the affection of Christ Jesus” (Phil 1:8) in complex situations. Such wisdom is like a stream of melodies in a symphony, playing heavenly harmonies in different movements of life.

　　In our teaching practice, HKBTS upholds a distinctive philosophy of theological education: a lifelong learning process in which teachers and students work together “under God.” This kind of learning requires three basic attitudes, which can be likened to different parts of the body. The first is ears that are humble and open, always ready to hear God’s voice. The second is discerning eyes which are able to see through the falsehood of worldly values. The most important of all are hands that practice the truth, willing to respond positively to the pressing needs of contemporary society. As theological educators, we are particularly concerned with the problems of poverty, ecological crises, the needs of youth and the elderly, and the social, economic, and political-ethical challenges of our time. These concerns do not stem merely from social obligations, but from a deep conviction that true theologia must give rise to concrete life practices that demonstrate the love of Christ within contemporary social realities.

The First Movement: Intellectual Dialogue in Theological Salons

　　In the grand theatre of theological education, Theology Salons resemble sonatas charged with tension, resonating with the sparks of intellectual collisions. In the fall of 2019, when Hong Kong society and churches were facing unprecedented challenges, we started this journey of intellectual dialogue with the Theology Salon on the theme “Let’s Talk about Dietrich Bonhoeffer.” Thereafter, HKBTS held a series of salons both on and off campus, and later online (due to the pandemic), on such themes as “On Ephesians,” “The Preaching, Teaching and Shepherding in the Current Situation Hong Kong,” “Reflection on the Origins of Baptists in a Turbulent Age,” “Reflection on the Separation of Church and State in a Turbulent Age,” “Preaching in Hong Kong Today: Insights from Arnold Yeung and Thomas Long,” “Theology: What for?” “Reflection on Ecclesiology: Church’s Mission and Function from the Perspective of Ephesians,” and so on.

　　These salons feature an innovative form of dialogue, wherein I ask the keynote speaker a series of spontaneous yet heartfelt questions to inspire the participants to think deeply. This mode of dialogue completely broke away from the one-way communication model of traditional theological education and fostered an open, dynamic space for exchanging ideas.

　　In the following years, the Theological Salons—whether held on campus, off campus, or online during the pandemic—continued to serve as valuable resources for theological reflection in churches. Each Theological Salon was like a well-polished prism, refracting the spectrum of Christian truth from diverse angles. Notably, when the salons were moved online during the pandemic, we found that they overcame geographical boundaries, attracting participants from North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia, thereby allowing Hong Kong’s theological reflections to resonate more widely with churches around the globe.

The Second Movement: The In-Depth Integration in Mini-Conferences and President’s Classrooms

　　If the Theology Salons are like inspiring music, our mini-conferences resemble delicate and beautiful chamber music—beautiful and intimate, showcasing a deep faith through personal interaction. In 2023, as the pandemic subsided and the new academic building was inaugurated, we launched these small yet deeply engaging gatherings in the grand conference hall on the third floor of the building. The “mini” in “mini-conferences” refers not only to the scale—each hosting just 10 to 20 participants—but also to the intimate and heartfelt nature of what was being shared. That is the true charm of the mini-conferences: no authoritative pulpits, only dialogues among equals; no standard answers, only sincere sharing of life stories.

　　Over more than a decade of cultivating HKBTS’s practical theology, I have not only been an initiator and a strategist, but also a frontline participant in recent years, often sharing and interacting in person with others, instead of just doing supportive work. Since June 2020, I have been leading the “President’s Classroom” mini-seminars, where I have shared my knowledge and ministry experience with hundreds of pastors and church leaders in response to the current situation of churches in Hong Kong. In early 2024, I began a Guided Reading Seminar, leading students to study Stanley Hauerwas’s Peaceable Kingdom: A Primer in Christian Ethics and to rethink the peaceable kingdom of God. As of this writing, I am preparing to launch the second Guided Reading Seminar this coming August, in which I will discuss and analyze Paul Tillich’s The Courage to Be with the students page by page, guiding them to learn from and reflect on it.

　　Over the past sixteen years, HKBTS has gradually developed a practical theology with theologia that has blessed and edified the pastors, church leaders, and brothers and sisters we have encountered. In recent years, I have become increasingly convinced that practical theology is particularly effective in helping churches address the challenges they face today. I look forward to promoting it widely and sharing this practice-oriented approach of “doing theology” with other theological educators—an approach that begins and ends with lived experience.

The Third Movement: The Transformative Power of Life and Death Education

　　Life and death education is not a clinical subject in our practical theology, but a heartwarming poem of life—echoing the deep meaning of ultimate concern. As Hong Kong society grapples with the lasting impact of the pandemic and the deepening challenges of an aging population, more and more people are being confronted with life’s impermanence and the reality of death. In response to this pressing need, HKBTS’s Lay Theological Education Department has collaborated with various Baptist churches for three consecutive years beginning in 2023 to organize Christian Life and Death Education Symposiums. Each event has drawn an overwhelming response, consistently filling every seat.

　　Since promoting Christian life and death education, HKBTS has received a great deal of positive feedback. On October 24, 2024, we were recognized as one of the top five “My Favorite Caring Businesses or Organizations” by the CarerEPS Platform—an affirmation of public appreciation for our efforts in this area. This recognition marks a meaningful milestone in HKBTS’s ongoing commitment to advancing practical theology.

The Fourth Movement: Spiritual Formation and the Theology of Singing

　　I recall expressing my hopes for church music education in the “President’s Word” of the May 2009 issue of the Newsletter. I envision HKBTS not only as a seminary of knowledge and a seminary of prayer, but also a singing seminary—one that sings in times of prosperity as well as in moments of darkness.

　　Singing, as a practice of spirituality, transcends the limits of rational cognition and verbal expression. It enables us to wholeheartedly engage with God’s reality, His work, His creation, and the mystery of salvation. When words fall short in expressing God’s greatness, hymns and music become more fitting vessels, capable of conveying spiritual dimensions beyond rational analysis and transforming intellectual understanding into deeply emotional experiences. This act of singing is not merely an expression of our faith—it is a form of spiritual formation. It is its unique power to inspire that far surpasses that of language alone, awakening the spiritual memory of believers and fostering communal resonance. Through melodies and harmonies, theology can be shaped into life narratives, confessions of faith become prayers, and ultimately, we experience God’s presence and move toward spiritual wholeness.

　　Through my ministry at HKBTS, I have gradually come to understand the importance of singing as a spiritual practice. I have come to the deep realization that the capacity and depth of one’s singing often reflects the depth of one’s spiritual life. When a minister experiences the love of God and seeks to magnify Him, he will—whether in joy or sorrow—be able to sing from the spirit, with the whole body: vocal cords, emotions, intellect, and heart. This is a spiritual practice. And this life practice becomes a living testimony that reveals the intimacy between God and His people. One’s experience of God’s love through singing can inspire others to sing and experience God’s love, and awaken them to His faithfulness and the joy of communion with Him. This, too, is a form of phronesis (practical wisdom): in singing, we come to better understand the affection of Jesus Christ, have the same mindset as Him, and grow in awareness of His emotions, attitudes, thoughts, and ways. I pray that our students will sing in this way, embracing this ethos. And I pray that God will make HKBTS a singing seminary—one that bears witness to and experiences His love through our singing and praise.

　　With these thoughts in mind, I realized that next year marks the 75th anniversary of HKBTS. The first thing that came to mind was not to organize activities like academic seminars, banquets, exhibitions, or open days, but rather to hold a thanksgiving service—bringing together choirs from Baptist churches to offer music as worship to God. I look forward to a re-enactment of our 60th anniversary Diamond Jubilee Concert of Praise, where 280 choir members from various churches and organizations joined voices in a beautiful offering to the Lord.

　　Nearly fifteen years have passed since that unforgettable worship service, and God has faithfully guided HKBTS every step along the way. We know that we walk in His grace; the pillar of cloud by day and fire by night never leaves us. There are many ways to express our gratitude to God, but singing praise is essential. For this reason, we are organizing the 75th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service and Concert of Praise. God’s greatness and mystery exceed description—we must feel them deeply to feel them fully. Only through singing our praises can this reality be fully understood. Through our singing, may we grow to understand the affection of Jesus Christ, share in His mindset, and be shaped by His heart. In this way, singing becomes our phronesis, allowing us to taste the joy of the Spirit and bring us into deeper communion with God.

The Final Movement: The Everlasting Melody of Practical Theology

　　As we approach the historic milestone of HKBTS’s 75th anniversary and look back, we envision the development of practical theology as a grand symphony: the Theological Salons unveil the depth of thought; the mini-conferences and the Guided Reading Seminars foster mutual sharing of life stories; life and death education speaks to ultimate concern; and the theology of singing nurtures spiritual wholeness.

　　Within this tapestry, each element is interconnected and mutually enriching. Those who engage with any one aspect will discover its deep and integral connection to the others. This is the unique beauty of practical theology—it is not a one-track train, but a vibrant network of life. Through this network, we nurture not only knowledgeable theologians and eloquent pastors but also servant-leaders and disciples who live out their faith in diverse contexts. They translate theologia into lived experience—like composing musical offerings that glorify God. This music transcends time, bearing witness to the eternal truth until the coming of the Lord.

Aug 2025