C. Future Plans for Development

We will continue our effort to actualize our departmental mission of "promoting theory-practice integration" in order to serve God and the local churches. In order to face the new challenges, the new trends in theological studies, and the changing ministerial context, we decide to focus our effort on the followings:

1. A New Organizing Framework

The new framework is constituted by the integration of three concepts: providing quality education to our students, conducting research for knowledge development, and using our expertise to serve the Christian community.

2. General Theological Education

Plans will be drawn up to offer more external degrees (e.g. Master of Pastoral Studies, Doctor of Ministry, etc.) Attempts will also be made to meet the needs of local Chinese churches by sponsoring advanced diploma courses to address contemporary theological questions (e.g. feminist theology, political theology, indigenous theology, religious education in Christian schools, mission and communication, ministry and social services, etc.)

3. Refresher Courses for Local Ministers

Refresher courses will be organized to systematically enhance the ministerial competence of the local ministers in the following aspects: general church management, legal issues relevant to church management, pastoral counseling and workplace ministry.

4. Pastoral Conferences for Local Ministers

In accordance with the development of pastoral ministry in Hong Kong, pastoral conference is organized to explore of issues arising from pastoral ministry. Since 2001, this conference has been held annually, conference papers has been published.