Growing With CGST Philip Yeung

Evangelical, inter-denominational and graduate level theological education for the Chinese church--This is my first understanding of what CGST is all about. I was impressed by the commitment and dedication of her pioneers who firmly believed that theological education would make a difference with a lasting impact. So with great enthusiasm I attended the opening ceremony of the school in September, 1975, and supported the school in every possible way.

I believe that CGST is a timely gift to the Chinese church as well as to me personally. I was at that time in the process of responding to God's call to full-time ministry. CGST was instrumental in preparing and equipping me for the ministry, through her extension courses and personal interaction with the faculty. In 1980, after my theological training, I joined CGST, teaching some courses and editing the CGST Study Bible. CGST is my first and only appointment so far in my full-time Christian ministry.

I have seen tremendous changes in CGST in the last 20 years. Faculty and student growth has forced us to utilize every corner of our campus. Additional ministies have been developed, including research, publication, "Jifu", lay training, counseling, missions etc., greatly increasing the need for resources. Quality-wise, much effort has been made to constantly review and improve our curriculum, teaching, spiritual formation and student care. In every aspect, the school has matured.

All these years I have come to appreciate certain qualities about the CGST community which make this growth possible: The endeavour for excellence. a sincere desire to get to the truth, unwillingness to become stagnant or stale, a spirit of openness to change, courage to break new grounds, and in the light of differences, a readiness for mutual respect, and an accepting and affirming spirit. These are prerequisite conditions for growth.

Living and working in such a community have deeply affected me. I have all the exposure and encouragement I need for developing my own ministry gifts and goals. I have ample opportunities in trying out and being trained in various forms of ministry, including teaching, editing, writing, counseling and administration. Interaction with colleagues of different specialties and traditions is a constant source of inspiration to me, widening my perspectives and stimulating me to grow.

I am thankful to the Lord for placing me in this community, not only for serving Him, but also for my own growth, in scholarship, teaching and piety. It is no exaggeration to say that in all these years at CGST, what I have received far exceeds what I have given to others. This is indeed the grace of God.

And by this grace of God, CGST and I must continue to grow. Facing the challenge of Hong Kong's return to China, the desperate need for faithful and mature leaders, and the constant demand for integration of scholarship and piety, there is still ample room for growth.

In these past 20 years we have seen nothing but the grace of God. With this in view, continuous growth in the years to come is definitely a possibility. Let us join hands to make it a reality.