Joining this book club felt like returning to seminary for further learning. As a pastor who is constantly giving and “outputting” in ministry, I deeply need more “input” to nourish my spiritual life and service. I’m truly grateful for this opportunity.

The group I joined was reading Love the Church to the End? Theological Reflection on Church Scandals by Rev. Dr. Clement Chia. The discussions challenged me to reflect on what the Church truly is. One of the chapters, in particular, spoke about the Church’s ethics of hospitality: that the Church should welcome others with “Messianic hospitality”—embracing neighbors (even enemies) just as Jesus Christ received us sacrificially. In reality, the Church is always somewhere between “being” and “not yet.” And yet, we (the Church) are called to keep pressing on toward that “being.”

This book club offered me a rich variety of input. We had many meaningful exchanges and discussions among the participants—and to my surprise, one session was even joined by Dr. Andres Tang! I’m thankful that the seminary organized such an event. It has been deeply beneficial, and I look forward to more opportunities for shared reading and stimulating theological reflection in the future.

Roy YIP
CCST Vancouver MMin. graduate