An Interview with Dr. Herrick Liu
Herrick Liu is a JSM Scholar that graduated from Fuller Seminary in 1998 and has returned home to Hong Kong. This interview is a repring of an interview first published in the Langham Foundation East Asia Spring 2006 newsletter.
Question: Tell me about yourself, your background and family.
My parents came from Mainland China to Hong Kong during the World War II. I was born in Hong Kong and grew up in a public housing estate. Although my parents followed the traditional practices of ancestry worship and folk religion, they were not committed believers. I studied in the primary and secondary schools run by the Catholic church. My first encounter with the Gospel was during the summer holidays before my last year of high school when I was brought to a Protestant church. I felt it was God who took the initiative in saving me. Being an introvert without many friends, it was the only friend outside of my classroom who took me to church. Moreover I went simply out of curiosity not being interested in religion at all. Yet the warmth and sincerity of the Christian friends there attracted me. After several months I tried praying by myself, and was astounded when I received a definite answer from God. You can say I was shocked into believing Him.
Question: When did you receive your calling?
At first, I was neither an active nor a serious Christian after conversion. As a private student, I sat for the entrance exam at the university without much hope of being accepted. Yet not only obtained a pass grade, I was even admitted into the Social Work Department which was my first choice. God was so good to me, such a lukewarm believer, that I felt so undeserving of His favor. From then on, I became serious about my faith and calling. After graduation, I worked for some time as a school social worker. I have found out that man’s problem is so deep-rooted that mere counseling is not the solution. A real transformation in one’s distorted values and habitual bent to vices can only take place through God’s grace and the fellowship of the supporting church community. In 1988, I dedicated myself to the Lord to serve Him as a ‘spiritual’ rather than a social worker, and got admitted into the Alliance Bible Seminary to receive my theological training. Before graduation, the Dean approached me with the invitation to be a faculty-in-preparation.
Question: Where did you study for your doctorate? What was your research topic? Why was that of interest to you?
In 1994, I was admitted to Fuller Theological Seminary as a Ph.D. student. My research interest was the Puritans’ spiritual tradition within Protestantism. My dissertation was ‘Towards an Evangelical Spirituality: A Practical-Theological Study of Richard Baxter’s Teaching and Practice of Spiritual Disciplines with Special Reference to the Chinese Cultural Context’. I wanted to be able to enrich Evangelicalism by bringing in classical spiritual traditions, and also to evaluate critically those classical spiritual disciplines from the standpoint of our present-day Evangelical theology. I pray that my contribution in this area will help the church to be better prepared in responding to the quest for spirituality among postmodern people.
Question: Tell me how you came to be associated with Langham or John Stott Ministries in the United States.
Although I had received some support for my theological training abroad, the financial position of my family of four was quite challenging. I was grateful to the Lord that during my third year in Fuller, I came to know the ‘Foundation for Advanced Christian Training’ (FACT) and was granted a full scholarship. This Foundation later merged with John Stott Ministries and became part of the Langham Partnership International. At that time, I came to realize that LPI was founded by Uncle John and my scholarship was given through the vision and generosity of many of his beloved colleagues and supporters. With my whole heart, I feel that it is an honor to be a member of the Langham family and have always wanted to play a part in this worthy ministry. When I was invited to join the council of Langham Foundation (East Asia), I accepted quickly despite my inexperience in public relations and fund-raising work. I pray that the Lord will raise up more people to share in Uncle John’s vision and to continue the ministry in equipping the church leaders of the Majority World, so that God’s name will be glorified through
Question: When did you come back to Hong Kong, what are you teaching at the moment?
I returned to Hong Kong in 1998 after finishing my Ph. D. studies. I am an assistant professor in Systematic Theology and Spiritual Theology. I am also the Dean of Students and Director of Spiritual Formation. My research interest is about the dialogue and integration between classical spiritual traditions and Evangelicalism, including the Pentecostal & Charismatic Movement. I have written many articles in these areas. I am currently working on a textbook in Spiritual Theology.
Question: What about your Church life as a member of the North Point Alliance Church?
I am a regular worshipper at the North Point Alliance Church. At the same time I assist in pastoring a Dedication Fellowship and teaching a Sunday school class.
Question: What do you enjoy most in your leisure?
I like playing badminton and watching movies. My family and I enjoy sightseeing in other countries and learning about their different cultures. My favorite pastime is touring China especially the numerous scenic spots and historic sites around the country.
Question: Could you tell us a bit about your family
My wife, Carol, is a part-time minister looking after the kindergarten kids and their parents. My son Colin is studying first year in the High School and my daughter Winnie is in Primary 4. This picture is taken recently during our family vacation in Japan.