ISSUE 285
SBC HEARTBEAT
May–July 2023? |? Edifying the church & engaging the world? |? Quarterly dispatches
ARTICLES
HIGHLIGHTS
A word from Principal
Be Inspired by 70 years of God’s Faithfulness
Congratulations to our 70th batch of graduates, whose graduation we celebrate with the platinum jubilee of Singapore Bible College! Our 70th anniversary theme—New Era, New Horizons—looks ahead, but is built on how we have witnessed God’s...
TESTIMONIALS
FROM OUR GRADUATES
When I first enrolled in the MDiv, I felt inadequate yet excited to gain knowledge and receive training. Truly, I’ve developed wider perspectives, learnt skills, been liberated from rigidity, and more. I rejoice for what I have gained, but I am most grateful for who I am becoming in Christ throughout my course at SBC.
Upon reflection, I realized each semester was uniquely challenging and significant even as different lectures or assignments ministered to me. Every single semester from my very first to the final one was worthwhile! With God’s help, I hope to integrate whatever I’ve learnt: from theologizing to exegesis to a holistic approach in doing missions.
To my professors, friends, staff, and donors of SBC who made my learning journey meaningful and blessed: I am deeply grateful!
Thank you, SBC, for:
- being an important place of formation. You gave me space to grow in important knowledge: of who God is, and of who I am in him; of his plan for the world, and of my place in his creation, redemption, and return; of the role of the unveiled church in reflecting the glory of Jesus to an aching world, through holy living and loving, selfless service.
- teaching me how to continue growing in my pursuit of God: by reading the Bible properly—wearing the right lenses, using the right tool; by practising an expanded, integrated view of Christian spirituality (relational, transformational, vocational); by viewing missions holistically; by recognizing that every Christian needs to be a theologian.
I needed training to continue walking the pilgrim’s journey; I thank God for leading me this way to receive it.
I came to SBC to develop and upgrade my skills, but God had a different plan. Throughout my journey, God has been there to redirect my thoughts from being about ME to more of HIM. The storms in life, uncertainties of the future, limitations of my abilities, and my insecurities drew my focus to him who has control over everything and reminded me that my ways are not his ways.
This change of mindset came through the community life at SBC. The genuine care, love, and humbleness of teachers and friends, and above all their love for our dear Lord exemplified in their daily lives showed me how important it is to have Christ at the centre and how he is magnified through our lifestyle. I began to accept my weaknesses and acknowledge that God is glorified in our weakness. All glory to God!
“My life is not my own, to you I belong …”—this song by William McDowell describes how God has been faithful, especially on my SBC journey. This journey has not been easy, with expected and unexpected moments where I sometimes wanted to give up. But during those difficult moments, God has been the ultimate anchor that sustains me and assures me he is with me. Indeed, “I cried to the Lord in my trouble, and he answered me” (Ps 120:1 NASB).
Coming to SBC, not knowing what would happen and how I could finish this race, I am grateful for having gained knowledge and being loved and cared for. I have been taught how to accept who I am in Christ, which helped me to have love and compassion for others. All the glory unto God!
神硕课程是否真如传闻中的会读到死去活来？神硕学生都是各自在阅读室书桌前“闭关潜修”吗？ 刚进入课程时，我曾担心研究方向会否偏差，或挂虑未能跟上进度。但只过不久，我就兴奋地期待每一次课堂的到来，因为老师们有趣并充满启发性的教学，挑战了我固有的想法和偏见；又以言教和身教，引导我带着包容、谦卑和爱，为着人的需要终身从事研究。
然而，研究需要付出心力与时间；在家庭需要与教会服侍的张力以下，我曾想过是否需要作出取舍？在感到困惑时，天父引导我明白研究正正需要将周遭的人和事结连：祂让我看见家庭与教会是我需要的恩典，而非负担。
从事了两年的研究，我曾否感到孤单？或许表面看来我们都是一个人进行阅读与探索，然而我并不感到孤独，因为神硕的老师不单为我们营造了一个温暖的团契环境，更在内室为我们默默祷告。在阅读室门外，你可能会隐约听到我们的欢笑声；同学们的交流、鼓励、笑语与代祷，让我的研究过程不再枯燥，反而添上了温馨难忘的回忆。
My study at SBC indeed has been a refreshing and eye-opening journey.
It was a graceful journey. Studying while serving as a full-time minister created a special challenge for me. Only by God’s grace, could I finish this study. This experience confirms that God’s grace will always be sufficient for me throughout my ministry in the future.
It was an academic journey. Interactions with the professors and fellow students not only enriched my knowledge with new insights, but also encouraged me to become a lifelong learner.
It was a spiritual journey. This study helped me build a more intimate relationship with God, which in turn sharpened my vision to understand God’s heart for his church.
在新神三年的学习，让我学到神学的装备固然是第一重要，但绝不是唯一重要的，甚至是不足够的。神学院是一个特殊的环境，新神这个群体既迥异于社会，也不同于教会。在这里的几年，我清楚意识到在信仰群体中过地上的生活，与和信仰群体过属灵生活，在相当程度上是完全不同的两回事，即使这里聚集的是被同一位上帝呼召出来、为着祂托付的使命委身的一群人。新神的群体虽不是很大，却是多元的——不同国家，不同文化背景，更不同的人格个体，因此这意味着当中存在不同的张力。有时候，当这种张力与其他压力搅在一处，我的生命本质便暴露无遗。
这是上帝让我学习的功课，不是在课室、图书馆和敬拜厅中学习，而是在餐厅、宿舍和篮球场中学习；不是在与老师和神学家的对话中学习，而是在不断认识自己和主耶稣中学习；学习的至终成果不是神学，而是活像基督的生命。这份功课学来不易，甚至难于专文和考试；虽不敢说成绩单上是C还是A，但感谢主让我知道仍要一生学习。
2018年，我回应神的呼召来到新神接受神学装备。回顾在新神的五年，我经历神数不尽的恩典，过去五年是我人生中最美好的时光。
在新神学习的过程中，老师们耐心的教导和鼓励，提升我对学习神学的兴趣。老师们的谦卑服事和生命见证，也影响了我的生命。另一方面，在新神遇见许多同路人，一起学习、彼此关顾，关系的建立是最大的收获。此外，学院每周都安排全院早会及院系早会，加上四个学期的生命塑造班会及其他活动，这些群体生活塑造了我的属灵生命。我享受在新神读神学，神学装备了我三方面的操练：具深度且有系统地思考信仰、持守信仰防备极端和异端、正确思考神与操练活像基督。
感谢新神，让我得到完备的神学训练与灵命素质的培育，以备在教会承担圣工。感谢关爱我的老师、同学、牧者、弟兄姐妹和家人，一直陪伴我走过神学学习的旅程。感谢神，祂与我同在，保守我走在蒙召的路上。我愿继续谦卑学习，忠心服事主，完成神托付给我的福音使命。愿荣耀归给神！
回顾过去四年的学习，我以部分时间修读生的身份，再次回到新神进修，我真的非常享受其过程。我不单对课程感兴趣，也透过与同学的切磋琢磨看到自己的不足。这促使我更加谦卑学习，并在自己擅长的岗位上尽心竭力。在压力或挫折当中，老师与同学的代祷与扶持，使我更加了解自己。
再次进修，让我重新学习信靠顺服的功课：信心坚定、靠主站立；顺从主意、服事到底。不凭口说乃凭行动的真挚信靠顺服，的确很困难，但却是我需要不断操练的功课。新神是神提供给我操练信靠顺服的平台，无论在哪种处境，遇到哪些困难，老师和同学的鼓励与祷告帮助了我得以坚定不移、靠主得胜。遭遇计划之外、预想不到的事时，学习放手，顺服主的带领；因为神的时间永不错误，祂的意念高过人的意念。
即将毕业之际，我感谢神的带领及外子和家人的支持，也感谢新神老师们的悉心栽培。祈愿我的生命成为赞美的祭，一生为主摆上，服事到底。
回顾在新神的时光，才惊讶发现自己出现了巨大的改变。神透过学习辅导改变了我，让我更深入了解人性，并发现神的奇妙与伟大及祂创造人类的美善心意。原来人的问题是有根源、有脉络的，这改变了我看别人和自己的眼光。我了解到原来人不是“有问题”，而是“被困住”了；原来我自己和其他人都同样是“被困住”的人，也是需要神怜悯的“被困住”的罪人，但同时我们也是神美好的创造和被神饶恕的人。从此，我开始以神的眼光看待他人和自己。当我真正谦卑下来的时候，我发现神的恩典是何等宝贵、自由与颠覆！使用辅导知识理解关系，能看清楚信徒在实践爱人如己时所遇见的困难，让人更贴近神的真理。
过去两年借着充实的课程、个人辅导与实习工作，感受到被神陶造、与神同工的喜乐。同时，在宿舍重新操练群体生活，让我体会同学向我分享的基督的爱，以及自己需要调整的地方。在不断的碰撞中，我得以与神、同学和自己建立真实的关系。这一路走来不易，却是神恩满满。
TOUCH
SCHOOL YEAR IN REVIEW
The Worship Hall was filled to a capacity not seen since the COVID pandemic began. But there was no lamenting over the loss of personal space. Instead, new and returning students excitedly greeted each other. Although we live in an ever-changing world marked by “VUCA” (volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity), Opening Chapel reminded us that “the Church’s One Foundation” is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Heb 13:8). Following chapel, the fellowship continued with group games and activities. Although the competition was fierce, the sense of community was firm and continued through lunch. The SBC community has stood strong, knowing that “the word of our God will stand forever” (Isa 40:8).
Matthew Lyle
SBC spent this month celebrating cultures and diversity, as well as broadening our vision for missions. We began with the International Fair, where students set up booths to introduce their cultures and signature food. The International Night that followed featured worship and performances led by different national fellowships. Throughout the month, the Thursday SBC Chapel had in-house preaching on the theme. Finally, each student participated in one mission exposure locally, from serving the elderly and prayer walks to visiting a special-needs school or culturally rich area. The activities allowed us to see how missions can be done in many forms and encouraged us to take part more readily in missional activities.
Zipporah Lau
This year, SOC’s English (SOC.E) and Chinese (SOC.C) sections ran 18 online sessions (13 and 5 sessions, respectively). We covered a vast range of topics from sexuality, addictions, and ministering to different life stages, to self-care and spiritual friendship. We thank God for participants from more than ten countries. Many of them shared that other than getting practical handles for life, they were able to translate what was taught back into their ministry. We pray that God will continue to use this platform as a channel of blessing to our potential students and our brothers and sisters in Asia and beyond.
Sylvia Chng
About 120 participants came online and onsite to hear Rev. Dr. Ng Liang Wei of Indigo & Co. speak on the topic of sexuality. He gave a clear grasp of the issues faced by sexual minorities and the need for churches to know how to relate with them. He then highlighted the four key areas of philosophy, practice, process, and public communications, and ended with a plea for churches to have a biblical perspective and embrace sexual minorities, understand their journey without judging them, learn the process of care, and help them integrate into the church family. Participants felt more educated and enlightened to handle this area in their respective churches.
Dr. Richard Ong (Ps)
SBC hosted this first post-pandemic gathering of seminaries to “Connect through Sports, Build Friendship in Him; ALL and ONE for Christ.” The rain could not dampen the spirit of teams and supporters from SBC, Trinity Theological College, East Asia School of Theology, Baptist Theological Seminary, and Discipleship Training Centre. We all had fun competing and cheering in games such as five-a-side football, table tennis, electronic gaming, and more, as well as enjoying ice cream, candy floss, pastries, and Milo.
Toh Hooi Min
God is at work in and through SCM, transforming lives and ministries! In Sep 2022, the SBC Chorale and Canticorum presented the hymn festival “All Things New” under the baton of Dr. Joel Navarro. Stories, songs, Scriptures, silence, and sign language reminded us that God is still renewing all things and all people. In Mar 2023, they presented “Magnified: Tracing God’s Presence in All Circumstances”, a lecture concert of Baroque, Classical and contemporary music.
From Sep to Oct 2022, SCM alumni jointly organized with us the SBC Selah Webinar Series (Indonesia) “Wineskins: Old and New”. Thirteen speakers addressed post-pandemic worship, choirs, emotional health, and spiritual leadership. In Jun 2023, the Selah Retreat (Bangkok) “Skillful Hands and Upright Heart” will be organized with the Church Music Association (Thailand). The aim is to renew leaders and members by recovering, recommitting to, and representing God’s kingdom agenda for churches in Bangkok.
Finally, SCM has concluded its five-year partnership with Bandung Theological Seminary on a joint Master of Ministry (MMin) in Worship and Music Leadership. We testify to God’s transformative work for both seminaries and graduates. A new MMin in Music and Worship Leadership programme was launched in Jul 2022. God’s Word and work are so powerful that, during and after the first modules, the students already spoke of life and ministry transformation.
Dr. Myrleene Yap
上午九点，新神大家庭的师生与职员齐聚崇拜厅，迎接新学年的到来。
开学礼以同心的敬拜开始。尔后，谢木水院长以“新时代，新视域”为题，用希伯来书十三章8节勉励我们。他指出现今社会充满危险和挑战，事主的人如同身处悬崖峭壁。但我们所仰望的耶稣基督，昨日今日一直到永远都不改变；因此，我们可以加入历代忠心门徒的行列，凭信心超越眼前，定睛于主而拥有更广阔的视域。之后，新神人同领圣餐，见证联于基督同为一体的生命。
退修会随即在十一点开始。学生会带领游戏，让不同院系年级的学生享有轻松互动的时间，同时操练彼此扶持与配搭。随后的午餐团契，师生一起分享与祷告，新旧生则就学习方面切磋心得。感谢神赐下这美好的一天，为我们添加心力，在新学期继续昂首向前奔跑。
新神在九月迎来了差传月与国际之夜。今年的特色是安排了一次崭新的宣教体验周，让新神人可以不用出国就可到不同的国家或族群中，了解他们的文化特色与美食。新神的老师分别带着学生到小印度、芽笼、马来村、犹太会堂及戒毒所等地方，进行亲身体验。同学们边观摩边谈论，视听并进，犹如一次亲临其境的宣教之旅。行程结束后，大家仍意犹未尽地讲述自己内心的感受与体会。
差传月的最后一个周五是“国际之夜”，来自世界不同国家和地区的同学，穿戴着最具本地民族特色的服装及头饰，以诗歌、小品、舞蹈等节目，向大家展示自己国家的人文与社会现象，借此促进大家的认识并代祷。的确，每一个国家，每一个民族，都显示神的作为，因为神就是宣教的主。
新神的仆人领袖中心华文事工，为配合神学院创院70周年记念，从2022年10月开始每月主办一次、共七堂的“教会事工系列”讲座。我们邀请了华福总干事董家骅牧师、谢木水院长、讲师朱美娟博士、校友刘忠民牧师、新神同工罗志文长老及黄清豪博士，分享不同的教会事工课题。主办这一系列讲座，旨在邀请教牧同工、长执领袖及关心教会发展的信徒，一同思考现今教会事工所面对的挑战，重思事工的理念以及探讨一些对应的策略。过去六次的讲座一共吸引555位实体与线上的与会者，最后一次讲座将在5月12日举行，客座讲师许南盛博士将分享乐龄事工动脉。
下午六时，新神的教职员、学生和家属共聚学院的食堂，一起欢庆华人农历新年。当晚，大家都穿上了新年的衣服，脸上洋溢着过年的喜悦，孩子们更是打扮得喜气洋洋。食堂也被装饰了一番，让整个会场看起来热闹非凡。据统计，参加这次团圆饭的人数高达220，乃学院团圆饭的历年之冠！
这次团圆饭共有八道菜，每一道菜都有一个别致的名字，巧妙地表达出对兔年的美好祝愿。桌上的食物既彰显出上帝丰厚的恩典，也饱含肢体们慷慨的爱心。在团圆饭的当儿，中国团契的代表为大家献上了新年歌曲，恭贺大家新年好；师母团契的孩子们也表演了舞蹈来庆祝新年，孩子们可可爱爱的动作，让人格外喜爱。饭桌上大家彼此攀谈，互贺新年，院长和老师更逐桌去问候与关心学生和家属，画面倍感温馨。纵然大部分的老师和同学都没有办法在这个喜庆的节日回国与家人团聚，但在异国他乡能够与主内的家人一起欢庆新年，我们的心已充满喜悦和感恩。
今年的辅导周，从开始的“认知行为治疗”讲座，就让与会者“饱餐一顿”。萧志杰老师仅以短短两小时，就清楚阐述了此治疗法的理论架构，并带入治疗忧郁症的例子，让第一次参与讲座的朋友对此课题得到基本了解。
神经科学家郑瑞光博士的课题是“大脑与记忆”及 “大脑与睡眠”。除了帮助与会者认识睡眠与记忆和情绪的关系外，也教导了六种帮助睡眠的实用方法。此外，罗明荣心理师详细地讲解透过视讯辅导的实务与伦理考量，让与会者了解视讯辅导的优势和限制，这确是一个与时并进的课题。
最后有关“临终关怀”的讲座，吸引了不少与会者。其中一位与会者回应说：“有幸听到陈秉华博士及蒋宗芬传道的讲授，对这门生命课程第一次得到专业的学习。”借此讲座，与会者认识到不仅病危者需要关怀，他的亲近者同样需要关怀。家人的哀伤不会因逝者的离开而淡却；在往后的日子，家人如何面对并走出伤痛、如何与逝者建立一种全新的关系，这些都是每一个人需要学习和经历的。
总而言之，这是一次让与会者收获满满的辅导周讲座。
下午两点三十分，因疫情而停办了四年的院际运动会重新登场。是次运动会的地点是在新神，参与的包括三一神学院、浸信会神学院、东亚神学院、门徒训练中心；新神秉承着基督的爱热烈欢迎各学院的莅临。
运动项目包括乒乓、五人足球、电竞游戏、圣经知识和五公里赛跑。由于天不作美，五公里赛跑被迫取消。虽然阴雨绵绵，大家的热情却依旧高昂。各赛场的比赛如火如荼地进行，不管是参赛选手还是助威同学，大家都积极参与，随处可听见呐喊声和口号声。随着最后一声的哨响，本次运动会也拉下帷幕。谢木水院长将院际之杯转交给三一的郑益民院长，意味着三一神学院将是下届院际运动会的主办方。
各神学院的同学因本次运动会而认识并相交，诚
如是次运动会的主题“以运动相连、在主里相交、一切为基督”！
