At CCST Vancouver, we believe that every student’s journey is more than just an academic pursuit—it is also about being nurtured in faith, knowledge, and community.

Here, students are supported not only in their theological studies but also in their spiritual growth and daily life. Our hope is to help each one grow deeply rooted in both faith and knowledge, so that their learning and living may bear fruit and respond to the needs of the church and our times.

Academic Support

Academically, we host writing workshops each semester to help new students build strong research and writing foundations. Students may also book one-on-one academic advising session with our Assistant Academic Dean for course planning and graduation preparation. Our library holds over 16,000 volumes—nearly half in Chinese—and, together with rich online resources and IT support, provides a solid base for study and research.

Spiritual Care

Spiritually, our weekly chapel brings the community together in worship and fellowship, with students given the chance to lead and serve. Prayer retreats throughout the year create space for reflection and renewal. Many also join the choir to serve through music, while care groups led by the Dean of Students offer mutual support and spiritual companionship.

Attention to Mental Emotional Health

At CCST Vancouver, we care deeply about the emotional and mental well-being of every student. Our Dean of Students is always glad to meet with students, offering a listening ear, encouragement, and spiritual support. Each degree student is also placed in a peer care group where classmates walk alongside one another in prayer and friendship. Beyond the classroom, we regularly host spiritual retreats that allow students to slow down, rest, and be renewed in God’s presence. On campus, our art and music spaces provide a creative outlet where students can relax, recharge, and express themselves.

Last year, we also launched a unique course—“Well-being of Ministry Leaders.” This course addresses the real challenges and pressures of ministry, especially the heavy expectations often placed on spiritual leaders in Chinese churches. Grounded in Scripture and theology, the course helps students rediscover the beauty and wholeness of being created in the image of God. Students learn to embrace their humanity—including their limitations and vulnerabilities—while also practicing healthy rhythms of emotional care and self-care. The goal is to equip future leaders with the strength and resilience they need for a lifetime of sustainable and joyful ministry.

Nurturing Community

In community life, we grow together through activities such as our annual student retreat, where students, their spouses, faculty, and staff gather for learning, sharing, and prayer—welcoming new students into our spiritual family. Students also engage in service opportunities with local churches and organizations, gaining hands-on ministry experience, such as serving at the Canadian Chinese Christian Winter Conference. Even after graduation, our CCST Vancouver Alumni Association continues to be a place of connection, encouragement, and resource sharing. Here is sharing of our M.Div. student, Grace Lei, on CCST Vancouver community life:

CCST Vancouver Student Retreat 2025

The annual back-to-school retreat is an important element of community life and spiritual formation at CCST Vancouver. This year's retreat concluded successfully at Summit Pacific College from August 20 to 22. Rev. Dr. Samuel Ho shared on “The Revelation of Beauty: Theological Reflection and Celebration of Life.” Participants explored the connection between theology and the arts, reflecting on truth, goodness, and beauty, and discovering how art and spiritual devotion can bring renewal. Dr. Ho encouraged us that pastoral ministry and the arts can inspire one another as we witness Christ's incarnation, and drew from Peter’s story in John 21 to remind us to respond faithfully even in setbacks. Students, their spouses, and faculty joined in worship, prayer, and fellowship, deepening spiritual bonds and laying a strong foundation for the year ahead.

Welcome New Colleague: Rev. Dr. Aaron Tang

教牧心靈重朔之旅

十週年感恩活動巡禮

Honoring the Mission, Embracing Change, Moving Forward

CCST Vancouver's mission is to nurture God's servants and equip the laity for His kingdom. In a rapidly changing world, church ministry is becoming increasingly complex. Externally, we continue to witness profound shifts—post-Covid recovery, technological advancements, and growing polarization and fragmentation across cultures and generations—all of which impact the church and its mission. Internally, we have implemented significant changes, including curriculum updates that incorporate interdisciplinary and case-based learning, and upgrades to our student data and library systems, introduction of hybrid classroom teaching environment, all aimed at strengthening our ability to meet these challenges and equip our students to serve effectively in the church and in the world.

As we adapt and move forward, we recognize that transformation is essential for growth and relevance. Yet, through every change, we remain steadfast in our calling to form students who see the world theologically and live out Christ's commands—to love God, love our neighbors, and make disciples of all nations. Confident in our unwavering foundation in Christ, we trust that He will guide us through every challenge and opportunity.

This report highlights the stories of our students and alumni, whose lives and service reflect how our mission is being lived out in the world. We invite you to celebrate with us and partner in this vital ministry through prayer and financial support. Together, we can honor the mission God has entrusted to us, embrace the changes ahead, and advance His kingdom.