回顧恩典．預備前行：本院董事會2025年終退修會
吳則脩 Tim Wu / 正道董事會主席
本院董事會於十二月假座環境清幽的Mary and Joseph Retreat Center，舉行年終董事會退修會。特別感謝Kathleen 林姊妹悉心安排，使我們能在一個安靜、敬虔且富啟發性的環境中，進行屬靈反思、交通與團契。身為在南加州生活三十餘年的一員，能發現這樣一處屬靈退修的安歇之所，深為感恩。
此次退修會象徵著一項新年度傳統的展開——每年分別一段時間，暫停日常事務，回顧上帝所賜豐盛的恩典，並為即將到來的一年預備心志與方向。退修期間，董事會聚焦三項重點：深化董事之間的團契與同工關係、規劃來年度神學院的異象與事工重點，以及探討人工智慧（AI）於神學教育與培訓中的整合與應用。
退修會首先由代理院長陳愛光牧師分享其在過去六個月過渡期間的服事體會。他回顧了此階段所設定的目標、所面對的挑戰，並見證上帝如何信實地帶領神學院前行。他的分享再次提醒我們，神學院在變動時期尤需穩健的領導、清楚的異象，以及謙卑倚靠主的心志。我們誠摯感謝他在這關鍵時刻的忠心服事與委身。
本次退修會的另一重點，是由董事會新任成員王灝弟兄所帶領的專題工作坊，主題聚焦人工智慧的發展及其對高等教育的潛在影響。董事們積極投入討論，踴躍提問並深入思考，盼能協助神學院與教會在這快速演進的領域中，作出合乎信仰與使命的回應。工作坊開始前，黃崇哲牧師分享了一節使他深受聖靈感動的經文——申命記三十一章八節。事後回顧，深感此經文恰如其分地呼應了當下的處境：「耶和華必親自走在你前面……不要懼怕，也不要驚惶。」上帝在祂的主權與恩典中，體恤我們面對新科技時所可能產生的期待與不安，並以祂的話語鼓勵我們憑信心與勇氣向前邁進。
雖然退修會時間短暫，卻為董事會帶來合一、更新的異象與對未來的盼望。展望 2026 年及未來，我們禱告，願這樣的退修與屬靈分辨幫助我們在快速變動的時代中，以智慧、勇氣與恩典服事神學院，忠心回應上帝對我們的呼召。
Our Board gathered in December for a year end retreat at the serene Mary and Joseph Retreat Center. Special appreciation goes to Kathleen Lin for arranging such a peaceful and inspiring setting for our time of reflection and fellowship. Having lived in Southern California for over 30 years, I was delighted to discover this hidden spiritual haven.
This retreat marked the beginning of a new tradition, an annual time to pause, reflect on God’s abundant grace, and prepare our hearts for the coming year. During the retreat, we focused on three key goals: strengthening fellowship among board members, planning for the upcoming year, and exploring the integration of AI into theological education.
The event began with Acting President, Rev. Ekron Chen, sharing his experiences from the past six months of transition. He reflected on the goals he set for this season, the challenges he navigated, and the ways God has faithfully guided the seminary community. His thoughtful reflections reminded us of the importance of steady leadership, clear vision, and humble dependence on the Lord. We are deeply grateful for his dedication and service during this crucial period.
A highlight of the retreat was a workshop led by our newest board member, Brother Dennis Ong, who provided valuable insight into AI and its potential impact on higher education. Board members engaged deeply, taking notes, asking thoughtful questions, and considering how we might help seminaries and churches embrace this evolving field. Before the workshop, Rev. Juju Huang shared with me a verse the Holy Spirit had impressed upon his heart, Deuteronomy 31:8. Only later did we realize how perfectly it spoke to the moment: “The Lord Himself goes before you… do not be afraid.” God, in His providence, knew that some might feel both curiosity and anxiety about AI, and lovingly reminded us to move forward in faith and courage.
Though brief, the retreat renewed our unity, vision, and hope for what God has in store. As the seminary community looks to 2026 and beyond, we pray that these times of reflection and discernment will help us serve the seminary with wisdom, courage, and grace in a rapidly changing world.