A. Brief History

Two characteristics are distinctive to the Divinity School of Chung Chi College: first, she is pan-denominational collaboration aiming at training various kinds of minister; second, as a constitutive part of a university, she is an academic unit. These two characteristics[NT1] naturally give the basic form of her mission: an endeavor to integrate theological theories with ministerial practice. In view of all these, the 1981 Theological Education Consultation Meeting decided to establish a "Pastoral Center", emphasizing that a close cooperation between the Divinity School of Chung Chi College and churches. In 1983, the Theological Council endorsed this idea. Under the auspices of The Hong Kong Council of the Church of Christ in China, the "Pastoral Programme" was experimentally set up in 1984. Our thanks go to God for the achievements that the Pastoral Programme has made during the years. The “Pastoral Programme” is now an essential and integral part of the School. In July 1998, the Theological Council resolved to create a post with the title "Practical Education Co-ordinator". In order to enhance students' ability to integrate theory and practice, it was decided that the post be filled by a candidate who, on the one hand, had obtained a doctorate in theology, and on the other hand, has had experience in teaching. The setting up of this post has been very smooth with the support of CWM/Nethersole Fund and Chan King Yee Family Fund. The further development of the "Pastoral Programme", however, could only be possible with the full support of the Christian community. "Besides, thanks also go to the CWM/Nethersole Fund,?in particular for their support to the project entitled “Mission Enhancement Project”, which began in 2000. A project executive who has attained a higher degree in theology as well as received training in Journalism and Communication has been employed to plan and execute the concerned programmes and activities. This project will set up a Christian "think-tank" dedicated to enhance the local churches to carry out their mission more effectively in a society with increasingly complicated issues and new challenges.

Since 2006, because of the rapid expansion of the Pastoral Program, we added an additional Associate Director of Pastoral Program to help with the coordination and restructuring of our programs and also strengthening the relationships with local churches. We also started a new “Young Pastor Support Network” program in 2007, to provide young pastors with continuing spiritual formation, direction and training.

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