New chairman of the leading U.S.-based evangelical institute Christian Witness Theological Seminary (CWTS) is envisioned to train stronger leaders for the heavenly kingdom in face of challenges of the modern times.

Rev. David C. Cheung, originally from Hong Kong, was nominated as the chairman of CWTS. He will be formally installed in office on April 1. Graduated from the Hong Kong Baptist University, he pursued his master degree in Education at the Kansas State University and he has also received his master degree in Religious Education from the Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis.

Reflecting upon his new position, the 70-year-old educator expressed deep gratitude and praise to God. Cheung has emphasized very much on education throughout his life-long career because the world has distorted the truth in this era. He believes that churches today should take up the burden to train God’s servants, who can receive the commission well and have an active and passionate spirit.

Churches, ministries, theological teachers and students are all responsible to contribute and make a difference, according to Cheung.

On his recent speech, Cheung clearly defined the responsibility of a theological seminary and a seminary student. First of all, a good theological seminary should be strict in terms of selecting its students. There are many cases that the applicants are not sure of their calling and they give up their studies. Cheung suggested listening to the guidance of the Holy Spirit during the interview with candidates is important so that suitable ones can be identified and be chosen.

Training of spiritual life is paramount in a seminary, Cheung continued. A seminary should not only help the students to be strict at attending classes, assemblies and taking rest, but the time for devotion, prayer and meditation must also be emphasized, especially for those who are not born as Christians and dedicated themselves in later life.

Most important, Cheung said, is not forgetting the heart of serving. He warned that a seminary must not overlook training of spiritual life, apart from academic training.

Thirdly, Cheung suggested that a good seminary should never overemphasize homework. Many seminary students are overloaded with assignments and have no time for devotion. As a result, even though they may look very sincere outwardly, they are dying a slow death. After their graduation, their faith tends to fall away when serving at their mission fields. The seminary must avoid such tragedy to happen again.

For a seminary student, Cheung encouraged them to understand deeply God’s calling and response it sincerely. In the life of a seminary, they must focus on both pursuing spiritual growth and academic excellence with a humble attitude. Cheung hinted that the path of following God is not always smooth, but a seminary student must demonstrate loyalty, faithfulness and obedience in all circumstances. Through the obstacles, they will be able to grow into a great servant.

Cheung warned of the temptation of money and desires of the world. A seminary student should not be confined in financial difficulties and they must remain modest in terms of speech, behavior and appearance.

Cheung had experience serving as a deacon in a church in Hong Kong for over 20 years. He dedicated himself in full-time ministry in 1991 after receiving the calling. He was then dispatched to Europe and took up the position of regional mission director of Chinese Overseas Christian Mission (COCM). His ministry has spread across Europe. He has set up Chinese churches in four eastern European countries. He has also participated in founding the publication of Herald Monthly Europe Edition, setting up the Christian Centre for Gambling Rehabilitation in London, the Chinese Christian Restaurant Evangelical Fellowship and a two-year diploma program in European Ministries. Later he came to the U.S. and served at the local church in St. Louis.

Cheung has a strong background in youth education while he was in Hong Kong. He was the founding principal of the Christian-based Carmel Secondary School and was the principal of Pui Ching Middle School. He has also been members of the Broad of Directors of the University of Hong Kong, the Chinese University of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Baptist University. He was a Member of Parliament invited by the British governor before the handover to China.