Canadian Chinese School of Theology Vancouver

Vision statement of CCST Vancouver

Based on biblical truth, we provide relevant theological training to nurture God's servants to pass on ministry and mission, fulfilling Christ's commandment.

Mission statement of CCST Vancouver

To nurture God's servants and equip the laity.

Motto of CCST Vancouver

'And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.' 2 Tim.2:2 (NIV)

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Latest Events

Honoring the Mission, Embracing Change, Moving Forward — Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of CCST Vancouver

More than a decade ago, a group of visionary pastors, deeply concerned for the Chinese churches in Canada, recognized the challenges and opportunities brought by waves of immigration and the growth of second-generation believers. Out of a heart to equip a new generation of pastors and lay leaders, they founded the Association of Canadian Chinese Theological Education, which gave birth to the Canadian Chinese School of Theology. In 2015, the Vancouver campus officially began offering classes. Today, we are thankful as we celebrate the 10th anniversary of CCST Vancouver.

There is a saying: 'It takes ten years to grow a tree, but a hundred to nurture a person.' Over the past decade, guided by God's gracious hand and the faithful support of many companions, CCST Vancouver has achieved important milestones: first gaining official recognition from the Province of British Columbia, then receiving Educational Quality Assurance (EQA) and Designated Learning Institution (DLI) status from the Ministry of Post-Secondary & Future Skills, and also being accredited by the Asian Theological Association (ATA) to grant masters and doctoral degrees, and finally acquiring our present campus in 2018. These milestones testify to God's faithfulness and the steadfast labor of our team.

This past decade has also been a time of significant change for theological education in North America. In the wake of the pandemic, society has faced ongoing unrest, rapid advances in technology and artificial intelligence, and the shockwaves of global economic and political shifts. At the same time, churches have struggled with moral challenges and the increasing decline of the next generation. In such a context, seminaries can no longer remain in ivory towers, detached from the world. We must reimagine how theological education can help Christians respond faithfully to the realities they face. In a culture that prioritizes quick fixes, measurable results, and performance, it is easy to be drawn toward consumer-driven models or skills-based training for instant result.

As we enter a new decade, we have recommitted ourselves to serve the Chinese churches of Canada as our primary focus. Based in Vancouver, we use hybrid model—blending online and in-person learning—to reach Chinese churches across Canada, including the remote communities. Our vision is to nurture disciples with theological depth, spiritual discernment, and commitment to God's call, those who would walk alongside the Church and live out the Kingdom of God.

Our 10th anniversary is not only a celebration, but also a launch-out to the next chapter. Let us move forward together, nurturing lives for God's Kingdom. Every form of support is an investment in the future of Church leadership.

Walk Together into the Future: 10th Anniversary 'Walk for Fund'

Supporting theological education today is an investment for the Church tomorrow. Join us through action—walk, give, and pray—as we witness together God's work in CCST Vancouver in the coming decade!

The 10th Anniversary Fundraising Campaign will support three key development areas:

Student Financial Aid Fund
To provide consistent, sustainable support that allows more Christians to pursue their calling—regardless of financial limitations.
Expanding Core Faculty
We aim to add at least two full-time professors within five years to enhance academic capacity and spiritual mentorship.
Campus Expansion and Digital Resource Platform
To support hybrid learning, we intend to build a sustainable e-library and academic platform for local and remote students.

CCST Vancouver 10th Anniversary Celebration Events

June 5, 2025 - Walk for Fund
November 15, 2025 - Thanksgiving Gala
November 22, 2025 - Open House

To learn more about CCST Vancouver, please visit our website: https://ccstvan.ca

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In times of rapid social change, trauma has quietly made its way into the depths of church communities and the lives of pastors. Whether due to migration stress, the pandemic, generational conflicts, or internal church tensions, both congregants and pastors may carry unspoken wounds. How can the church become a safe, healing, and renewing space? And when pastors themselves are hurting, how can they continue to serve without being crushed?

With the continued support this year from the Ministry in the HUB Grant of the City Seminary of New York, Project Shalom (click here) is launching the 'Healthy Pastors, Healthy Churches' initiative. One of the key highlights will be a pastoral seminar and retreat scheduled for late June. We are honored to have Dr. Andres Tang, Professor of Christian Thought (Theology and Culture) at Hong Kong Baptist Theological Seminary, as our keynote speaker. Drawing from his theological insights and pastoral experience, Dr. Tang will guide us through an exploration of trauma-informed pastoral care and its theological foundations, inviting pastors to reflect on:

Why is trauma not only a psychological issue, but also a deeply spiritual and theological one?

How can pastors identify and walk alongside trauma survivors?

When pastors themselves are wounded, how can theology support rather than burden them?

We are privileged to have conducted a series of interviews with Dr. Tang, where he shares insights on how trauma impacts the church and the importance of trauma-informed pastoral care within the context of Chinese pastors today.

Here is the first video segment, where Dr. Tang shares why, as a Christian theologian, he has developed a deep concern for 'psychological trauma,' a topic often seen as belonging to the field of psychology.(For more videos, please refer to this link.)

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Joseph Hui

Student of Master of Theological Studies, CCST Vancouver

Reflections on Studying Church History

The course History of Christianity, taught by Dr. Joyce Chan, has been a transformative and insightful journey. Initially, I simply hoped to gain a deeper understanding of the development of the church after the Reformation. However, this course offered me far more than that. It led me to consider the relationship between history and theological thought from a new perspective and sparked a deeper reflection on biblical interpretation.

Rediscovering History: Beyond Static Facts

One of the most pivotal shifts in my thinking came through the humanistic view of history. I used to regard history as a record of past facts or, often used as a tool by governments to establish authority or justify political legitimacy - often selectively highlighting a government's achievements. However, this course challenged that assumption. Even those who lived through historical events may not have fully grasped the truth; only those deeply involved might have had the chance to approach reality.I began to see history not merely as an archive of events but as a deeply interpretive process, shaped by the perspectives of its writers and deeply influenced by the cultural and temporal contexts of their times. Therefore, history is not an absolutely objective account, but rather a construct that inherently contains subjectivity..

As R.G. Collingwood insightfully argued, history cannot be reduced to memory, as memory lacks structure and evidence and cannot constitute true history.1 Genuine history must not only record events but also explore the thoughts and motivations behind the people involved. This insight made me realize that the depth of history lies not in the accumulation of data, but in the understanding of people—people are the protagonists of history, and history should be a dynamic exploration deeply intertwined with human nature.

Imagination and Conscience: The Responsibility of Writing History

Through the readings and discussions in this course, I came to understand that writing history is not merely about reconstructing events, but is also a moral responsibility. Historians are not just recorders of facts—they are interpreters and bridges between past and present.2 They must face history with conscience and honesty, connecting human reason with emotion.

To capture the full picture of historical events and the inner worlds of those involved, imagination and empathy are essential. As a student from Hong Kong who has personally experienced social unrest, I feel a deep connection to history. History is not just a series of recorded events—it is a reflection of the real emotions and psychological states of people in times of suffering and persecution. As historian Yu Ying-shih once said, the true meaning of history lies in understanding the emotions, thoughts, and actions of people. This perspective breathes life and soul into historical study.3

A Living Faith: The Dynamic Nature of Church History

Through this course, I came to a deeper realization that the development of church history is not a static chronology defined only by tradition and doctrine. On the contrary, Christianity is a living faith that has been continually shaped and renewed through human history. From the early church to the Reformation, each period of reform reflects people's response to and search for God.

Take Martin Luther, for instance. His emphasis on 'justification by faith' was a response to the corruption and institutional crisis of the church in his time This helped me understand that the development of theology has never been disconnected from history—it is always closely tied to human contexts and spiritual struggles.4

History and Biblical Interpretation: A Necessary Perspective in Theology

This course also deepened my understanding of biblical interpretation. For example, the theme of 'justification by faith' in the Book of Romans—although widely accepted today—was not always emphasized in the same way throughout church history. Its prominence evolved through interpretations in different historical contexts. This reminds us that biblical theology must not be separated from its historical context, or it risks losing its deeper meaning.

To interpret the Bible with sincerity and accuracy, we must value its historical background—including Second Temple Judaism, the Hellenistic world, and the early Christian community. Dr. Chan often reminded us in class that history does not merely provide background information—it enables us to be more faithful to the original meaning of the texts and the understanding of their first readers. By returning to the historical context of the time, we can get closer to the original intent of Scripture.

Conclusion: History as a Spiritual Discipline

Looking back on this learning journey, I deeply feel that history is more than the accumulation of knowledge—it is a spiritual discipline. It challenges us to approach faith and truth with critical thinking and humble hearts. Only through the lens of history can we understand the roots of theological development and its relevance in today's world.

Studying church history is not just about understanding the past, but about recognizing the interaction between humanity and God, and how faith has responded to challenges and changes through the ages. Through this understanding, I have come to see the true value of history—it is a mirror that reflects both the light and shadows of our human nature, and it is an indispensable companion in our journey of faith.

Footnotes:

González, Justo. The Story of Christianity: Volume 2: The Reformation to the Present Day. Revised and updated edition. HarperOne, 2010.
Williams, Rowan. Why Study the Past?: The Quest for the Historical Church. Eerdmans, 2005.
余英時。「一個人文主義的歷史觀 - 介紹柯靈烏的靈史哲學。」歷史與思想 (新版) 。台北):聯經出版公司,2023。頁229-252。
教會歷史(二)宗教改革至現代/ 教會歷史的當代透視(二)有關<名字背後的意義>及<我們如何面對歷史>課程網站討論區中學生的反思內容

Yao Yao

Master of Divinity Student, CCST Vancouver

Reflecting on Pietism and the Chinese Church

When we look back on the spiritual tradition of the Chinese Church, it is not difficult to see many similarities with the 17th- and 18th-century Pietism and Evangelical Revival movements. These include a strong commitment to the inerrancy of Scripture, a pursuit of a holy life of faith, the active involvement of lay believers in ministry, spiritual disciplines, and a fervent passion for missions—all of which have been clearly present in the Chinese Church over the past century. Especially common are devotional practices such as Bible reading and prayer, small group fellowship, and personal testimonies, which have become the norm in nearly every church.

Yet, these surface-level similarities cannot hide a deeper tension: while the Chinese Church has inherited the form of the Pietist movement, it may not have passed down its foundation. Pietism originally arose as a response to cold, rigid dogmatism, seeking to move theology into real life—bringing faith into the hearts and lives of believers, and from there transforming families, societies, and nations through the practice of justice, mercy, and truth. At that time, this movement not only awakened believers, but also sparked waves of educational, charitable, and social reforms—a comprehensive spiritual and societal renewal.

By contrast, most Chinese churches today, under the weight of historical and political pressure, have long remained silent and distanced from issues like social engagement, public ethics, and systemic reform. While the separation of church and state may be a necessary protective measure in some contexts, it has also subtly fostered a culture of silent faith: our so-called “piety” is confined to the home, worship gatherings, and church buildings. When it comes to the world, society, institutions, or the marginalized, we choose not to see, not to speak, not to teach, and not to respond. This culture of piety increasingly resembles an inward religious retreat - a privatized spirituality that has lost its original public witness and prophetic capacity to critique culture. We must ask ourselves: What is the witness of the Chinese Church in society today? Are we bearing the true fruit of godliness? If we truly inherit the spirit of Pietism and the Evangelical movement, why then are our churches still filled with Confucian moral hypocrisy, Daoist escapism, Buddhist detachment, Legalist power plays, and even the control and struggle tactics left from the Maoist era? These are not the fruits of a New Testament church, but poisonous roots intertwined with culture and history.

Piety, if disconnected from the cross of Christ, the core of the gospel, and the practice of love and truth, ultimately becomes nothing more than human discipline and religious decoration. If a person diligently reads the Bible and prays every day but is indifferent to societal injustice and the suffering of their neighbor, what exactly is the object of their piety? If a church preaches powerful sermons and sings with great passion, but ignores the corruption of systems and the cries of the weak, then whom does it truly worship?

True godliness is not religious zeal, spiritual rhetoric, or a piling up of events and systems. It is the way of life that comes from the gospel, rooted in faith, and expressed through love. It is a community willing to suffer for righteousness, speak up for truth, and hold fast to the light in the midst of darkness. Perhaps today, the Chinese Church stands at a crossroads of spiritual reflection and re-examination. We do not lack the outward form of piety, but we have lost its true foundation. We are not without tradition, but we have forgotten the gospel-driven power and missional direction that originally gave it life

May our churches not be satisfied merely with having small groups, prayer meetings, evangelism, and worship services. Rather, may we bear fruit that stands before the world and boldly testifies to justice and mercy. That is true godliness—not an outward ornament, but an inward reality; not an escape from the world, but the renewal of the world through the gospel.

May Tang

Student of Master of Theological Studies, CCST Vancouver

At first, I thought doing a play would be easier than writing a paper, so I was quite happy. But later, I realized it wasn’t any less challenging. Precisely because the character was a lesser-known historical figure, there was very limited information available. The library didn’t have enough resources, so I had to look things up online. I’m grateful that this was a group project— in particular our groupmate Jessie, who puts in more than the rest of us. Through our rehearsals, script revisions, scene design, acting, costumes, and more, I truly experienced the power of teamwork. I’m really thankful for everyone’s creativity. This assignment not only helped me learn more about the mother of the Wesley brothers, but also allowed me to step into that historical setting and reflect on their situation through the performance. One of the key principles in studying history is not to understand historical figures through a modern lens, but to try to think from the perspective of their time and place. This kind of performance brought me back into that historical moment.

Zhang Ying

Student of Diploma in Christian Studies, CCST Vancouver

Learning church history through a dramatic performance was a very special experience. Our group chose to portray Susanna Wesley. Initially, we just thought of her as the mother of the Wesleys, but the more we studied her, the more deeply we were drawn to her. Despite a difficult marriage and a life of poverty, she remained steadfast in her faith and raised her children with care, leaving a profound impact on the Methodist movement.

I had the honor of playing the lead role, Susanna. At first, I was quite nervous, worried that I wouldn’t do justice to such a great spiritual mother. But through continuous rehearsals and reflection on the script, I gradually felt like I was stepping into her life—her loneliness, her reliance on God, her prayers—all moved me deeply.

On the day of the performance, I was feeling very unwell physically. I pushed through the entire play, and once I got home, I developed a high fever and felt extremely weak. Yet, in my heart, I felt an unusual sense of peace and fulfillment. Susanna’s life—remaining faithful, prayerful, and loving the Lord amid suffering—truly touched me. Spiritual strength is found in complete reliance on the Lord in our weakness.

The six of us in our group were fully committed every stage of the project—from researching, writing the script, and crafting the dialogue, to rehearsing and performing. I witnessed the power that can emerge from “ordinary people,” and I was deeply reminded that even in what may seem like insignificant roles, as long as we are faithful to the Lord, we can be mightily used by Him. This experience felt more like a journey of faith—traveling through time and space to step into the real life of another person, and experiencing a powerful encounter of remaining faithful to the Lord to the very end.

Why is trauma not only a psychological issue, but also a deeply spiritual and theological one?

How can pastors identify and walk alongside trauma survivors?

When pastors themselves are wounded, how can theology support rather than burden them?

Registration

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.

Joyce Chan

Principal

continue reading 2024 Annual Report

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Biblical Interpretation: Theories and Practice - Dr. Archie Hui
This course is a study of central methods and interpretative principles involved in discerning the meaning of the biblical text. Topics covered include essential steps in interpreting the Bible, the variety of methods and approaches available to the contemporary student of Scripture, historical and theological issues arising out of the interpretative task, the relationship between the testaments, word studies and literary genre. Students learn to use the standard tools of advanced biblical research.
Christianity and Chinese Culture - Dr. Edwin Lee
This course surveys the history, development and characteristics of Chinese culture, in comparison to that of Christian faith. Building on an interplay of diachronic (historical) and synchronic (thematic) approaches, it explores the relationship and integration of Christianity and Chinese culture, and our response to contemporary world culture. Special emphasis is put on the application on apologetic evangelism, pastoral ministries, missiological considerations, and theological contextualization.
Biblical Disc`ipleship - Effective Discipleship in Ministry - Rev. Dr. Leo Chia
This course provides a comprehensive exploration of the biblical view of discipleship, constructing a sustainable disciple-making program that aligns with the Bible, promotes spiritual growth, and builds spiritual communities.
Thinking Theologically for Ministry - Dr. Edwin Lee
This course prepares students for theological studies in the way of reception and conception. Reception is how we take in ideas around us whereas conception is how we construct framework of understanding so that we may have a macroscopic as well as microscopic view of things. It helps us to properly respond to situations at hand and to plan, and in short to operate in a theologically informed way as we are in ministry. Although we aim at learning how to think theologically, we would go beyond just the Bible and theology proper into the lifeworld.

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The 8th Graduation and Commissioning Service

We request the honour of your presence at the 8th Graduation and Commissioning Service of the Canadian Chinese School of Theology Vancouver on May 31 (Saturday) at Richmond Chinese Baptist Church.

Registration for The 8th Graduation Ceremony

2025 June Public Seminars

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Project Shalom

In the Bible, the word shalom 'is most commonly used to refer to a state of affairs, one of well-being, tranquility, prosperity, and security,' a perfect state of circumstances. 'Shalom is a blessing, a manifestation of divine grace.' (click here) With this initiative, we are hoping to promote mental and emotional wellness among the Chinese immigrant community beginning with the Greater Vancouver Chinese immigrant churches.

For details, please refer to the website: https://projectshalom.ccstvan.ca/

Project Shalom will host various activities throughout the year. We warmly invite you to click the links to learn more.

Workshop Sharing - The Path of Growth is Not a Straight Line

The Path of Growth is Not a Straight Line

Rev. Anson Ann

When I saw the seminar topic 'Whose Childhood is Free From Hurt?' I didn't hesitate and immediately signed up. This is because issues related to the family of origin, communication between generations, personality formation, marital relationships, and parenting are all common challenges when pastoring immigrant families in North America. Teacher Joseph Hui is a seasoned marriage and family therapist. Through his rich clinical experience and real-life examples, he helped us understand the psychological and emotional needs of a person during their growth, especially how these needs impact an individual's development. Teacher Hui thoroughly explained the profound influence of the family of origin on a person's self-image and values, character development, emotional control, and problem-solving patterns.

In addition, the Satir Family Therapy Model that he taught gave me a deeper understanding of how a person can achieve life transformation. Before behavior change can occur, a person must go through three important stages: first, awareness of their problems (Awareness), second, acknowledgment of the existence of these problems (Acknowledgement), and third, acceptance of the need to change (Acceptance). Only on this foundation can the person be willing to take action and for change to happen (Action to Change). What left the deepest impression on me was when Teacher Hui mentioned that in clinical counseling, he spends most of his time helping clients go through these three stages—awareness, acknowledgment, and acceptance. When we evangelize or teach, we often focus on explaining the gospel or biblical truths, hoping that a person will be transformed upon understanding of truths, which I realize we over-simplifies the process for transformation. If a person remains unchanged, we assume their hearts are hardened or that they don't believe in the first place. However, the transformation of the heart requires a long process, and calls for patient engagement and accompaniment. It is especially important to note that when people first become aware of their issues, they often fall into the stage of resistance, confusion, and entanglement. It is not uncommon for them to backslide or get stuck. The path of growth is not a straight line. This insight inspires and helps me in managing my expectations in pastoral care.

Finally, I sincerely hope that the seminary will continue to offer more courses that combine theology and psychology, helping pastors and ministers gain a deeper understanding of people's needs so that we can effectively plant the seeds of the gospel in people's hearts.

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