Our Story
CCST Vancouver is an interdenominational seminary in Richmond, BC, committed to raising up pastors, mission workers, and lay leaders who will make a difference in churches, communities, and mission fields across Canada and beyond. For us, theological education is more than study in the classroom — it is a life-shaping journey with deepening of theological perspective, and nurturing of character and skills for ministry. At CCST Vancouver, students are formed to serve with wisdom, humility, and courage, bringing lasting impact to the people and communities they are called to shepherd.
Our History
CCST Vancouver Milestones
Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. Psalms 127:1
The Association of Canadian Chinese Theological Education (ACCTE) established the CCST Vancouver Planning Committee
ACCTE 10th Anniversary Thanksgiving and CCST Vancouver Vision Sharing Gala
CCST Vancouver Vision Sharing & Fundraising Dinner
CCST Vancouver Executive Committee was formed, with members consisted of representatives from ACCTE & CCST Vancouver, chaired by Rev. Simon Lee
Rev. Dr. Peter Au, President of Canadian Chinese School of Theology, served as the first President of CCST Vancouver Campus
Rev. Dr. Jeff Kwok was appointed as the first Academic Vice Principal of the CCST Vancouver Campus
Held the first “Theological Education Camp”, began recruiting for M.Div. and MTS programs
Rented commercial units in Richmond for classes; held the first Student Retreat and Commissioning and Graduation Service
Became an associate member of the Asia Theological Association (ATA)
Established the first local scholarship – NGUY NGO HUE TRINH Memorial Bursary/ Scholarship
Held a Vision Sharing Meeting, with the theme: “Building out the Theological Education, and Inheriting the Pastoral Mission”
Appointed Rev. Dr. Ivan Leung as our first principal
Appointed Rev. Sam Chan as our first Dean of Students
The school officially registered in British Columbia as the “CANADIAN CHINESE SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY VANCOUVER SOCIETY”
Held a Vision Sharing Meeting, with the theme “The Relationship between Theological Education and Laity”
Appointed Rev. Dr. Jason Yeung as Academic Dean (Volunteer)
Appointed Dr. Reuben Lee as Assistant Academic Dean and Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies
Became a Full member of the Asia Theological Association (ATA)
Held the first Commissioning and Graduation Service
The Government of British Columbia passed a Private Bill recognizing CCST Vancouver as the first Chinese registered higher education institution authorized to confer theological degrees
Added Diploma in Christian Studies (Dip.C.S.) in our offerings and launched evening Cantonese courses; established the CCST Vancouver Choir, with Rev. Dr. Zion Wu as conductor
Registered as a non-profit charitable organization and authorized by the CRA to issue tax receipts
Established the CCST Vancouver Board of Directors, Rev. Yiu-Tong Chan was elected as the first Chairman of the Board
Purchased the campus at 8971 Beckwith Road, Richmond; held the campus prayer and dedication ceremony
Received sponsorship from Dr. S. Y. King Fund to establish a library on the Beckwith campus
Established the CCST Vancouver Alumni Association
Promoted the Certificate in General Theological Education (Lay Theological Education)
Passed the Education Quality Assurance (EQA) assessment
Formally notified by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) of successful application as Designated Learning Institute (DLI), allowing the school to accept international students
Appointed Rev. Yiu Tong Chan as Dean of Students
Established Alison Yeung Bursary specifically for M.Div students
Appointed Rev. Dr. Edwin Lee as Academic Dean
Rev. Dr. Ivan Leung, the first Principal, retired;
Appointed Rev. Dr. Joyce Chan as the second Principal
Received the “Ministry in the City HUB Grant”from City Seminary of New York to launch Project Shalom, fostering the mental and emotional health of Chinese pastors, seminary students, and youth
Published research projects on Pastoral, Ministerial Students and Youth Mental Health
Renewal of Asia Theological Association (ATA) accreditation
Appointed Dr. Mary Wang as Assistant Professor (Designate) of Old Testament
Held various Project Shalom activities: including mental/emotional health seminars and retreat day camps for pastors, students, and youth
Co-organized a Children Ministry Certificate course with Vancouver Chinese Baptist Church
Supported by the City Seminary of New York Hub Grant to launch “Healthy Pastors, Healthy Churches”initiatives, Seminary students “Love Feasts”, and research project on “Thriving Spirituality: Why Canadian Chinese Youths are Committed to Faith”
Faculty-in-preparation Cindy Hong is currently pursuing doctoral studies at Wycliffe College, University of Toronto
10th Anniversary fundraising Walkathon, Thanksgiving Service, and Open Day
Launched new Lay Theological Education courses: Book Club & Art Camps
Great and Marvelous are your deeds, Lord God Almighty. Just and True are your ways, King of the nations. Revelation 15:3
