T h e O ff ic ial N ews lette r of t h e As ian T h e ologic al S e minary
w w w. at s . p h
INTOUCH Vol.1.2012 p4 I N TO UC H WI T H AMANDA S HAO TA N An Interview
p1 0 PASTO RS ’ T RAI NI NG I N... BO RAC AY? A Report
p1 4 GRADUAT E S ’ HEARTS BE AT F O R T HE WO RLD Musings
p20 O NE T HI NG A Devotion
Enroll. Pray. Give.
Transforming Leaders for the Church and the World
2 TABLE OF
CONTENTS 4
I n Touch with Ama n da S h ao Ta n An Interview by Leslie LofrancoBerbano
7
S po n s or ATS Stude nts Now b y Va c h n a Va
8
Th e o Forum High ligh ts b y Leslie LofrancoBerbano
10
Pa stors’ Tra in in g in .. . Boracay ? B y D r. F e r L u a
12
MBA at ATS
14
ATS Grads ’ He a rts Be at fo r th e World
20
O n e Th in g Devotion b y D r. T i m D . G e n e r
On March 30 Asian Theological Seminary will graduate its 2012 batch, and a few of them share their encouraging stories of transformation on page 14 —how God changed their lives and approach to ministry. Another graduation happened in Boracay Island, believe it or not, this time among pastors and church workers from Panay Island. After 30 years of teaching at ATS, Dr. Amanda Shao Tan decided to obey God’s calling, and will be missed by our community. She does not know yet where this will lead, but her heart is at rest. Read more about her experience as faculty on page 4. Read about the highlights of our recently held Theological Forum on Walking with God: Christian Spirituality in the Asian Context, page 8. The Center for Biblical Stewardship reopened its MBA Program last January, and its course offerings are too interesting not to be considered by all of us. So plan your calendar to include attending their courses, page 14. ATS is excited to welcome many more students for School Year 2012-2013. Pray about enrolling in its different programs. We cannot wait to welcome you in our seminary halls and in our hearts . Ammi Belle Armas Head, ATS Communication & Development Office
INTOUCH S t a f f Glevy Baybayon Mel Medina Esther Ong Abigail Santos
Photographers
Contributor
Glevy Baybayon Redy Stevanus J a y - r Ya n g a S u n s h i n e Yu
Leslie Lofranco-Berbano
Cover photo by
Va c h n a Va
Design & layout by
Kyleen Sayas kyleen.sayas@gmail.com
ANNOUNCEMENTS
3
Come to our
OPEN CAMPUS
on
J un e 18 to 2 2 , 2012 . Coffee. Fellowship. Class sit-ins. And more.
Schedule of Admissions Test First Semester 2012-2013
Enrollment June 7 and 8 (9 am to 7 pm)
February 27, March 26 April 28 and 30 May 26 and 28 (9 am to 12 noon)
CLASSES START June 11
ATS BOARD O F TRU STEES Officers of the Board: Efraim M. Tendero Chairman Vicente Y. Sia Vice Chairman Erlinda G. Tan Secretary Cecilio K. Pedro Treasurer
Members: Rev. James Aberin Atty. Fred B. Bravo Atty. Francis M. Egenias Dr. Anastacio A. Escosar, Jr. Rev. Nicky Joya Dr. David T. Nichols Mr. Noel P. Pabiona Bishop Cesar Vicente P. Punzalan III Rev. Russel E. Simons Rev. Dwayne F. Thielke
A c c r e d i t a t i o n s : A s s o c i a t i o n f o r T h e o l o g i c a l E d u c a t i o n i n S o u t h E a s t A s i a ( AT E S E A ) A s i a T h e o l o g i c a l A s s o c i a t i o n ( ATA ) , a n d t h e C o m m i s s i o n o n H i g h e r E d u c a t i o n ( C H E D )
4
COVER STORY STOR ORY Y
IN TOUCH WITH AMANDA
TAN by Leslie Lofranco-Berbano
Fair and fine-boned, Dr. Amanda Shao Tan, ATS professor of Hermeneutics, New Testament, and Greek, can lull you into thinking she’s all honey and peach blossom. But students of hers will swear that beneath this sweet and delicate exterior lies a “tiger” lady who will demand only the best from you—and get it, too.
Now that she’s putting 30 years of fulltime teaching behind, students will miss out on the challenges of her class. Before she is sorely and truly missed, here she is—up close and personal in a candid interview. Amanda Shao Tan was 16 when she heard the call of God on her life. Seated in the back pew during a sermon by the Chinese evangelist Stephen Tong, she was jolted by a voice urging her to “come to the front” for the altar call. Looking around, she found no one had said anything to her. She realized then it was God speaking. Six months later, after a period of soul-searching, she stood up and heeded the call for fulltime ministry. Since then, she has never looked back on the commitment she made to God nor has she ever regretted it. Shortly after graduation from college, she finished her MDiv. and ThM and taught at the ATS, later capping her academic achievements with a PhD in Hermeneutics and Biblical Interpretation from Westminster Theological Seminary in the U.S. Ministry runs in her blood. Hers is a devout, closely-knit Chinese family that traces its Christian lineage four generations back. Her maternal great-grandparents suffered persecution in China as the first believers in their clan. Her great-grandparents on both her paternal and maternal sides
5 were ministers. Her parents taught at Chinese schools in Manila, thus exposing her early to the teaching life. Amanda’s love for teaching and mentoring has grown with years of knowing God. “Survivor” is what she calls herself, having weathered the rigors of academia while hammering the principles of hermeneutics into her students. Reputed to be a “terror” teacher, she finds the epithet amusing and admits she was surprised to learn about it. She makes no bones about her strict ethos and exacting ways. She finds that when students are pushed to do their best, they rise to the challenge and shine. She especially enjoys the interaction of students as this contributes to the never-ending adventure of discovery that characterizes a teacher’s life. Occasions like this make all the effort worthwhile.
“Leadership is ...
loving people first, and then getting things done.
”
While at ATS she was appointed Academic Dean, twice. It was an assignment she resisted until God made it clear that it was from Him. Looking back now, she describes it as a most difficult time, when she had to unlearn old ways and re-learn God’s ways. “Initially I thought God put me there to help ATS,” she confesses with a wry smile, “but then God warned me He would use the position to change me. And He did!” Born and bred in the Chinese ways of discipline and hard work, she thought her prime duty was to ensure that tasks were accomplished. Not so, she found out. Her greatest lesson was realizing that “Leadership is not getting things done; it’s relationship. It’s loving people first, and then getting things done.” She has also had to come to grips with the reality of her disability. Born with spina bifida, a congenital spinal disorder that at that time claimed 9 out of 10 babies’ lives and which has left her on crutches, Amanda found that she had never grieved about her condition. A beloved youngest child, she had
6
COVER STORY
“PWDs
“She is one great model of a transformational teacher for all of us,” says ATS President Dr. Tim D. Gener of Amanda
are privileged to identify with Christ... and find healing in God’s love”
experienced only acceptance and affection from her family and community. The fact that she was different was something she had learned to ignore— until ten years ago when God had to reach into the cesspool of her heart and bring out the festering grief and lament of her soul. Since then real healing has taken place. Her experience has deepened her desire to help people with disabilities (PWDs) turn their shame around into a means of grace and growth. As her advocacy, she teaches that Christ Himself suffered shame on the cross, and PWDs are privileged to identify with Christ, emulate His response and find healing in God’s love. Up close and personal, Amanda Shao Tan is a woman of surprises. She tends to be shy and reticent but blooms in intimate conversations. She claims to have no gift of leadership but God has time and again thrust her into leadership positions. She was born with a disability that has caused her pain and shame, yet because of God, she has arrived at wholeness far greater than she ever expected. At this point, she is leaving fulltime teaching in obedience to God’s call. Where God is leading her she has no idea. But she is not disturbed. She knows that just around the corner, God Himself would meet her, wonders in hand.
7 SPONSOR ATS STUDENTS NOW
REACH THE WORLD TOMORROW My country Cambodia is 80% Buddhist and less than 2% Christian. If one converts to Christianity or other religions, he and his family is often shamed. I heard the Gospel when missionaries from Phnom Penh came to share the good news in my city. Their music class and soccer team made me go to church every weekend. I did not understand the Scripture but I wanted to know more about Jesus. As I was taught the foundation of the Christian faith, I prayed to receive Jesus and got baptized when I was 17 years old. I committed myself to receive Him as God, my Lord and Savior, risking great rejection from my relatives, friends, and other people in my village. I began to have a vision to be a pastor, but I asked God to confirm this by working in the lives of my family members to become Christians, too. One by one from my father to my siblings, they converted to Christianity. Praise God for showing His might and confirming my call to serve Him. I needed training to become a pastor so I decided to check on Asian
Each school year, ATS gives scholarships to deserving students, Vachna Va is one of them. Read how your donations to our scholarship program can touch one life that can reach the world for God’s sake.
Theological Seminary. When I just arrived at ATS in November of 2009, I became so sure it was to be the seminary I would enroll in. I felt very peaceful with the warm reception given me. What I have learned at ATS were not just the academic and ministry lessons but especially life lessons. Faculty and staff are very kind and approachable--- their life testimonies have encouraged me to move on and trust God more. In June I will be a third year student of MDiv Pastoral Studies and by God’s grace I will graduate in 2013. My commitment has always been to work full time as pastor in my church back home----the Christian Fellowship Church of Neak Loeung. I also plan to teach at a seminary and to establish a training center to equip Christian leaders and pastors. I believe God will sustain me to be His faithful servant. Without the generous financial support for my scholarship, I would not have been able to study this far. Please help me and other ATS students reach the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
8
FEATURE STORY
Now on its eighth year, the ATS Theological Forum held February 9 and 10 at the Union Church of Manila once more brought together 500-strong delegates from the academe, faithbased organizations, local churches and the general public to explore the theme, “Walking With God: Christian Spirituality in the Asian Context.”
First plenary speaker Dr. John Goldingay, Professor of Old Testament at Fuller, opened the conference with his talk on the Book of Psalms’ invitation to a “spiral” relationship with God. Systematic Theology professor Dr. Simon Chan and Dr. George Capaque, Dean of Discipleship Training Centre in Singapore, explored specific aspects of Asian and Filipino spirituality. Capping the conference was psychologist and spiritual director Dr. Irene Alexander, who stressed relational knowing (humans as spiritual beings) as the basis for understanding God, oneself and others. Spirituality was seen as a totality of self (feeling, thinking, being) and attitudes attuned to God’s will. Several points on Asian and Filipino spirituality drew most of the questions at the open forum. Dr. Chan noted the theological richness of folk Christianity, as seen primarily in Third World Pentecostal-charismatic movements. He challenged evangelicals to reconsider those features of folk Christianity that invigorate Asian Christian spirituality, such as an engagement with the spiritual world, and an incarnational or sacramental view of life.
Dr. Capaque noted that the Filipino expression of being, or Pagkataong Pilipino, consisted of terms such as loob, katawan, or kaluluwa that were meant to refer to the total person, never to a divided self. Filipino spirituality is relational, symbolic, celebratory, spirit world-oriented, and mindful of justice in the face of poverty and suffering. Nineteen topics for breakout seminars ranged across various disciplines and interests. In “The ‘Dark Night of the Soul’ and Filipino Spirituality,” Dr. Rico Villanueva proposed that Filipino spirituality, by virtue of its history and experience, is rooted in lament, made evident in the concept of damay.
9
THEO FORUM HIGHLIGHTS
by Leslie Lofranco-Berbano
In “Styling a Spirituality for the ‘Creative Class’” ATS professor Lorenzo Bautista described the profile of creative Christians as a class and limned the contours of a spirituality best suited for them. In his talk “The Voice from the Whirlwind: Suffering, God, and Natural Disasters,” Dr. Noli Mendoza brought an eco-theological reading to Job’s encounter with God and showed a timely topic in light of current events. Dr. Amanda Shao Tan, in her session on “Spirituality for the Shamed Disabled,” shared the Tsinoy experience in grappling with issues of shame and “loss of face” through disability in a largely shame-based culture such as the Chinese. The conference closed with a ceremony on the blessing of light led by conference chair and ATS Academic Dean Dr. Adonis Gorospe and accompanied by contemplative indigenous music by the ATS worship team.
The following are snippets of feedback from delegates: “This is a great seminar, with excellent, well-chosen topics”; “It was an answered prayer…and I learned a lot from the sessions”; “It is a big help for me as I teach students in Values Education”. Judging from the enthusiastic response, the next conference promises to be another good success. See you at the next forum!
Photos courtesy of Glevy Baybayon, Jay-R Yanga, and Sunshine Yu.
10 PASTORS’ TRAINING IN... FEATURE STORY
BORACAY? b y D r. F e r n a n d o C . L u a D i r e c t o r, AT S C e n t e r f o r C o n t i n u i n g S t u d i e s Vice President for Admin and Finance
Who would have thought of training pastors in the beautiful island of Boracay? I did not. That is why when Dr. Rene Chanco, ATS Chaplain, told me that we could open a pastoral training center in Boracay Island in August of 2010, I just laughed, thinking he was just joking. Boracay is known to be a tourist destination because of its pristine beaches, not as a pastoral training center.
Dr. Fer Lua (right), with the first 12 graduates of Pastoral Ministry Program in Boracay Island. Nathan Jackson and Dan Beaver of First Love international Ministries stand behind the graduates.
Later on I received a text message that a missionary couple based in Boracay would like to talk to me regarding our training program for pastors under Center for Continuing Studies. That was the time that I said, “Okay, this must be true then.� I met with Dan and Tori Beaver from First Love International Ministries in a coffee shop on my way home one night and discussed with them about our Certificate in Pastoral Ministry program. They were excited to partner with ATS in this endeavor. Thus began a series of email exchanges where the target pastors are those from Panay Island (Antique, Aklan, Capiz, and Iloilo provinces) in the Visayas region. In November
of 2010 we started the first module on Rightly Handling the Word with 42 pastors and workers in attendance. Last November 29 I taught the 10th and last module (Pastoral Ethics) for the certificate program and on December 1, we held the first ever graduation ceremonies in Boracay Island. There were many pastors attending the different modules but only 12 of them successfully completed the 10 modules and received their certificates. It was a successful partnership with the Beavers . We are now looking forward to starting a new training program called Certificate in Biblical Interpretation this year. Please pray for God to raise more laborers for His harvest.
The participants
12
FEATURE STORY
MBA AT ATS CORPORATE EXCELLENCE
+ BIBLICAL WISDOM
The MBA in Biblical Stewardship and Christian Management* is the flagship program of the ATS Center for Biblical Stewardship. It is an executive Christian MBA that integrates corporate excellence with biblical faith, wisdom and values designed for heads of Christian non-profit organizations as well as pastors of local churches with administrative roles. Nora Lucero, CEO of the Philippine Bible Society and immediate past chairman of the United Bible Societies, Global Board has this to say about her MBA degree from ATS, “Training at the MBA in Biblical Stewardship and Christian Management has well-equipped me to face the challenges of the corporate world with its fast moving landscape.� For admission contact the ATS Center for Biblical Stewardship at telephone 9297806 or email stewardship.info@gmail.com. *Accreditation with ATA is in process.
13 MBA in Biblical Stewardship & Christian Management 2012 COURSE SCHEDULE February 20-24
Strategic Planning and Control BJ Sebastian, M.B.M., Asian Institute of Management Aurma Manlangit, M.P.M., University of the Philippines
March 19-24
Organizational Development Agnes Sarthou, Ph.D., Southeast Asia Interdisciplinary Development Institute
April 23-27
May 14-18
June 18-22
July 16-20
August 20-24
September 17-21
October 15-19
Work, Calling, and Human Dignity (Theology of Work) Adonis Gorospe, Ph.D., Ateneo de Manila University Research and Writing (MBA Paper) Cesar Punzalan III, D.Min., Bakke Graduate University, U.S.A. Strategic Marketing Terence Gatfield, Ph.D., Griffith University, Australia Biblical Stewardship and Resource Development Zenet Maramara, D.Min., Bakke Graduate University, U.S.A Human Resource Development Adrian Gutierrez, M.B.A., Ateneo de Manila University Grace Sumbillo, Ed.D., Asia Graduate School of Theology, Phil. Program and Project Management (with Results-Based Monitoring and Evaluation System) Erickson Velardo, M.B.A., Asian Theological Seminary Managerial Accounting and Financial Management Danilo Lucero, C.P.A., B.A., University of the East Nora Lucero, M.B.A., Asian Theological Seminary
November 19-23
Social Transformation Charles Ringma, Ph.D., University of Queensland, Australia Athena Gorospe, Ph.D., Fuller Theological Seminary, U.S.A
December 3-7
God’s View of Economic Life Carol Christopher, Ph.D., Fuller Theological Seminary, USA
January 21-26, 2013
Succession Planning Cesar Punzalan III, D.Min., Bakke Graduate University, U.S.A.
14
FEATURE STORY
Fe e l t h e h e a r t b e at of s o m e 2 0 1 2 g rad u ate s a s t h ey s h a re h ow G o d u s e d t h e i r ATS e d u c at i o n a n d t ra i n i n g to ch a n g e t h e i r l i ve s a n d a p p ro ach to m i n i s t r y. RUTH EUNIKE RENATE PELLO, Indonesia MA Christian Education
ATS GRADS’
ATS molded me to love learning more, to listen and appreciate cultural and denominational diversity, to not plagiarize but be accountable as a learner and a humble servant like the professors who modeled servanthood in daily life and ministry. It shaped my habit to contextualize learning particularly in teaching and developing curriculum, grounded me on the Bible, depend on the Holy Spirit, and be sensitive to the needs of society and be a channel of societal transformation. My main focus will be eastern Indonesian children and youth and also to train Sunday school teachers. As a recipient of ATS scholarship, I learned to administrate this program back home and particularly to prepare the youth to be an accountable donor recipient. I will really miss ATS, my home away from home.
ATS life made me appreciate the beauty of reading, studying and reading some more; it enabled me to be more reflective on the lessons the Lord is teaching me through His Word and my experiences. It’s a spiritual discipline that has become part of my life. Through the MA TUL program I learned that there should be no dichotomy between what is spiritual and what is practical; everything I do, especially in ministry, is spiritual. I want to be involved in community transformation and development, serving with the poor in any way I could. I need to always be spiritually prepared, ready to do God’s task for me.
NIKOS SANCHEZ MA Transformational Urban Leadership
HENG VORAK VEASNA, Cambodia MDiv., Biblical Studies
ATS is the best place for me to study His Word and be trained for future ministry back home in Cambodia. I also learned how to study hard, manage my time, and communicate better with others. ATS shaped my trust, commitment and vision in serving God. It taught me how to reflect and evaluate my style of leadership, how to more effectively serve Him back home, and that the Word of God can be relevant to my life and in the context of Cambodian people. I want to become a pastor, and serve God with my grandfather at Phnom Penh New Life Church among young professionals or college students. Later on I plan to do church planting then pursue further studies.
HEARTS BEAT
FOR THE WORLD
Humbling experience. Transitioning from medical school to seminary ---from that of serving with status to serving without it, I grew much as a person. ATS gave me an appreciation of people from various backgrounds and denominations; taught me to keep an open and curious mind and apply critical thinking in whatever I do. I foresee myself leading the Heroes Church to grow into a Christ-centered community, then partner with other ministries to engineer a gospel-driven movement to help make our cities, our nation, our world, a better place. ATS faculty, staff, and community have challenged, inspired, humbled, and encouraged me to be better, and I will forever be thankful for this.
ZURIEL BERNARDINO MDiv., Biblical Studies
16
FEATURE STORY
GIZELLA SIBAYAN MA Pastoral Counseling
After almost 12 years of fulfilling and yet challenging ethnic ministry in Southern Philippines, I decided to return to ATS (my late husband and I finished certificate in Intercultural Studies in 1997). My desire to minister to hurting missionaries led me to pursue Counseling in ATS because of the transformative, community-based, mission-oriented counseling program. ATS has taught me to see a person as created in God’s image and minister to the whole person in the context of his/her community and culture. We can bring healing to those who are wounded, broken and rejected while taking care of ourselves. As one professor said, “Our greatest gift to people is ourselves.” I plan to continue serving in ethnic ministry by doing care and counsel first for the missionaries, then for the church and community, then I plan to teach others how to care and counsel in mission context.
“Our greatest gift to people is ourselves.”
BRANDO GENIZA MDiv., Theology
ATS education enhanced my confidence in fulfilling my call to ministry. It opened a big door for learning I never imagined existed. In my vocabulary, “judging” is now replaced by “understanding”. I understand better those whose beliefs deviate from what I believe, even those outside the Christian faith. Love should be the motivation in doing ministry – the “willed love”, not only the “felt love.” We should continually ask God for that kind of love. I intend to continue helping our church achieve the vision of equipping would-be ministers and workers in God’s kingdom and help put up a foundation to help realize this vision within five years. I foresee our church collaborating with ATS for theological training of our workers.
“be wil
ATS taught me humility in learning about my faith and relationship with God. I realized the importance of spiritual disciplines and a conscious effort to practice them.
ANNIE MILLAN MA Christian Education
Success in ministry is not just about amassing cognitive knowledge but living a life of Christlikeness. I plan to help my church develop materials on discipleship and mentor second-generation leaders, introduce social transformation as a responsibility of the church and be willing to get our hands dirty in bringing God’s love to the poor. I enjoyed the sense of community, the friendships, the spirituality and competence of the faculty. ATS is actually home that I would love going back to.
ESTHER EUNICE TAPAO MDiv., Intercultural Urban Studies
Being More Than Doing: The importance of “being” emphasized by ATS greatly shaped my life and character for 3 1/2 years. More than academic and ministry excellence, my heart has been taught to depend more on the Lord and His ways. Mind, Heart and Hand: I was taught to handle the Word properly, my heart was put in the right place, so that my hand is able to do the ministry that God has placed before me. I am now involved in a missions mobilization effort for our Overseas Filipino Workers. I pray someday God will bring me to a restricted people group and serve Him cross-culturally. The community and friendships that I have with students and professors are gems that God has given me. The journey was worthwhile and meaningful because of them. God bless ATS!
U N D E R S TA N D I N G , N O T J U D G I N G
lling to get our hands dirty in bringing God’s love to the poor”
18
FEATURE STORY
I was trained at ATS intellectually and spiritually. Knowing my limited capacities, it was a process to call on God for help for three years. It was also a time of joy and great opportunities to meet friends and professors at ATS.
TAISHI KINUTA, Japan MDiv., Intercultural Urban Studies
ATS taught me discernment and openness toward other religions. It is important for a cross-cultural missionary like me who needs to be faithful both to the Word of God and the recipients of the gospel. I will continue to learn both the Word of God and the world of humans. I will share my faith among Japanese people in culturally relevant ways and lead them to Biblical truths.
“be faithful both
to the Word of God
and the recipients of the Gospel�
ALDRIN TERESA MDiv., Biblical Studies
Through ATS, God shaped my theology and spirituality as a young leader. I learned from godly professors who also set a good example for me to follow, one of which is humility. I saw this in all my teachers in ATS. I also learned to respectfully listen to other people so that I can give my best service to those in need, instead of assuming I already have the answers to all kinds of questions. As an intern pastor in my church, I am dedicated to caring for the young professionals in our church. In the future I wish to see our church making an impact not just in the professional world but also in the lives of our poor brothers and sisters.
20
DEVOTION
A DEVOTION b y D r. T i m D . G e n e r Ph . D., F ul l er Th e ol og i cal Sem i nary, U. S.A .; Mas t er in Phi l os op h i cal F o un da ti ons , Ins ti t u t e f or Ch ris ti an St udi es , Cana da; Ba ch el or o f A r ts in Phi l os op h y, Trin i ty Un i v ers i ty o f A s i a; Ba ch el or o f Th e ol og y, F eb i as C ol l eg e o f Bi b l e, Ph i l ipp i n es
ONE THING Many things crowd our minds. Many voices clamor for our attention. We want to be centered but justify worrying about the “many things”. In all these, it is refreshing to hear of David’s single-minded devotion in his prayer for “one thing” only.
One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple. Psalm 27:4 This declaration of trust is at the heart of Psalm 27, which begins with the famous line: “The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear” (v. 1). Evidently, David was facing a difficult and dangerous situation. Yet in his experience of trouble, the one thing David asked of the Lord is to be able to dwell in His presence, gaze upon the Lord’s beauty or goodness and to seek Him in his temple. This is not a form of escapism for David, but rather one of perspective. It is the LORD who ultimately defines reality for him, not trouble, not his situation. The LORD is his light and salvation. Warren Wiersbe puts it this way: “David didn’t close his eyes to the circumstances around him; rather he looked by faith to the Lord and examined his circumstances from heaven’s point of view.”
21 At the closing ceremony of the recent ATS Theological Forum on Christian Spirituality last February 9-10, Soren Kierkegaard was quoted and his insight challenged me: “purity of heart is to will one thing.” I agree. To will “one thing” is holiness…purity of heart at its very basic. In my prayer time, I felt that the Lord just wanted me to dwell on Psalm 27 for several days to imbue my life with this one thing. The simplicity of choosing Christ as the one thing leads to wholeness and healing for our divided selves. It is the point of the healing miracles in the Gospels. We are to desire to move away from a frazzled, fragmented life to one that forms a unity and simplicity serving only to know God and to make Him known better. As one spiritual writer puts it: it is when God is our only concern that anxiety and fear lose their hold in our lives. Can we as an ATS community desire only this one thing? Whether you are a graduating student unsure about your future and ministry path, a parent wondering how to put your kids through school in the next years, a businessman desiring financial growth and sustainability, one struggling with infirmities and hopelessness, or someone who just wants to walk with God in a more intimate way…can the Lord be our light and our salvation? King David provides a new pair of lens through which to view all the challenges of life: desire one thing only, desire God. And when we set our hearts on God and His kingdom, we will experience the truth of Jesus’ promise, all “these other things will be given to you as well” (Luke 12:30-31).
“IT’S WHEN GOD IS OUR ONLY CONCERN THAT ANXIETY AND FEAR LOSE THEIR HOLD IN OUR LIVES.”
22 A S I A N T H E O LO G I C A L S E M I N A RY
2012 April 13-14 (Tues-Wed) (8am-5pm)
SUMMER COURSES AND MINISTRY TRAININGS Introduction to Christian Spirituality Dr. Adonis Gorospe This is a 16-hour introductory certificate course on the meaning of Christian spirituality, its characteristics, the common forms it manifested in the history of the church, and its foundation in the experience of God in all of its multiple and often unique variations in the daily life of God’s people.
April 16-20 (Mon-Fri) (8am-5pm)
Strategic Leadership & Management: The Pauline Perspective Rev. Ray Birch Pastor, Grace Church Monmouth Oregon Dr. Rene Chanco ATS Pastoral Studies Professor This course focuses on the heart of the Christian leader, based on the understanding that what you do (your outward effectiveness as a leader) comes out of what you are at heart. After looking at techniques, it will examine Biblical character traits of leadership, based primarily on the example and writings of the apostle Paul.
April 19-21 and May 10-12 (8am-5pm)
Educational Center Development Prof. Chona Domingo This course will address the development of an educational program as integral to urban poor church planting activity. The course provides an overview of the field of early childhood education and its organization and operation.
23 May 24-25 (Thurs-Fri) (8am-12nn)
Leadership Development: Preparing Workers for the Harvest (Seminar) Bishop Manny Carlos Overseer, Victory Christian Fellowship One of the most innovative churches in the Philippines is Victory Christian Fellowship. Learn leadership development lessons from a key leader and ministry practitioner within the movement.
May 21 to June 1 (8am-12nn)
Introduction to the Bible Prof. Noli Mendoza Taken within the first year of seminary studies, this prerequisite course provides the students with a broad overview of the content, theological themes, and historical and literary context of both the Old and New Testaments, providing a foundation for subsequent biblical courses.
May 21 to June 1 (6-9pm)
Theology 1: God, Revelation and the Bible Prof. Lorenzo Bautista Theology 1: Introduction, Theological Method, Basis of Faith, God The first part helps students to imagine the many sides of theology as a Christian spiritual discipline. The second part studies how God is presented in the Bible, tracing the different and developing portrayals of God. The integrating role of theology in spirituality remains always a concern of the entire course.
Asian Theological Seminary (ATS) is an evangelical, interdenominational, multicultural theological institution that honors God and serves the needs of the Asian church and beyond by training and equipping Christian men and women to be competent, Spirit-filled servant-leaders who will, by the Spirit of God, effect Biblical transformation in society and the world.
EQ U I P. LEAD. TRANSFORM.
I t e q uips s tude nts with th e un de rly in g co re va lue s of b e in g:
NECTE ON
D
C
OB GL AL
Excellent international faculty and students Global curriculum with global outreach and impact Demonstrates the inter-cultural character of the body of Christ Encourages students to serve God in their home country, thus helping impact Asia and the world
Equips students while remaining in ministry, thus learning is relevant and contextualized Encourages students to reflect critically and dynamically in the midst of an active ministry
LISTIC HO
Bible-based framework Integrates personal holiness, evangelism and social responsibility Engages students in social issues and the development of one’s community and nation
IFYING UN
Trans-denominational, enriched by different traditions Allows freedom to express personal beliefs Various denominations represented in the ATS student body are all committed to the Bible as the Word of God, and yet recognize diversity as an expression of their freedom in Christ
Asian Theological Seminary For more information, please contact us at: 54 Sct. Madriñan, Quezon City 1103 Philippines QCCPO Box 1454-1154 Quezon City 1100, Philippines Tel.: (632) 928-6717; 923-0669 Fax: (632) 928-5114 (local nos. 120-Admissions, 112-Registrar, 108-Business Office) Email: info@mail.ats.ph www.ats.ph facebook.com/ats.ph twitter.com/atsph