Learning does not stop when we graduate from school. This rings true for three SOT alumni who went on to pursue theology after graduating from SOT. They share with us their motivation.
Christina Chiang, 1998, Singapore
Before I enrolled into SOT, I had just finished my studies and was working in a bank. I was inspired by a few of my Cell Group members who were in SOT. They shared the revelations and experiences they had, and I wanted to experience them for myself. I decided to sign up for SOT in 1998. Back then, it was 2-year course.
SOT1998’s graduation service
Those two years spent in SOT were enriching because I learned so much about God, His nature and His Word. I received fresh insights and perspectives from the Word of God every day, and the multiple encounters with God have changed my outlook on Christianity and life. Though God put me through character mouldings in those two years, the experiences in SOT were priceless.
Christina attending online lessons
It has been more than 20 years since I have graduated from SOT, and I still miss the life of an SOT student. As I have a yearning to deepen my knowledge of God’s Word, I embarked on a Bachelor of Arts (Religion) course about a year ago. Since the seminary is in Texas, USA, lessons are conducted online.
It is important for us to understand the basis of our faith so that we are not taken in by the lies of the devil and we can build up our own spiritual lives and the spiritual lives of other Christians.
Being a stay-home mother of two school-going kids, it is undoubtedly tough to juggle taking care of them, coaching them in their studies, completing my own school assignments, and at the same time, serving as Cell Group Leader. I will always try to find pockets of free time to catch up on my studies while ensuring that I spend quality time with my family. The joy of studying the Word of God far outweighs these challenges!
Theophilus Kee, 2016, Singapore
I was studying Mass Media Management in Nanyang Polytechnic in 2016 and was awaiting national service enlistment. It was then that I decided to take a step of faith to sign up for SOT and complete it before entering the army.
Theophilus (bottom left) with his team during SOT 2016’s orientation day
My biggest take away from SOT was the growing intimacy I had with the Holy Spirit. Over the duration of 7 months, I started hearing Him with much clarity. Proverbs 3:5 (TPT) became a reality for me. I was continually in His presence and conversing with the Holy Spirit, leaning on Him for guidance in every decision I made.
It was during the 2016 Emerge Conference that the Lord place upon my heart to further myself in Theology. With that word, God gave a me a desire to know more about the Scriptures and a stirring in my heart to impact the youths of my generation.
Many of us would say that Christianity is a relationship and not a religion or a set of rules to follow.
The foundational knowledge of our faith grants us awareness of who God is, and a better understanding of the relationship He has with us. This knowledge also enables us to live out our faith in love for God and our neighbours in practical ways.
Learning doesn’t stop in the classroom but is processed in greater depth when applied in the world—to impact the world. Since both work and studies go hand in hand, balancing it becomes an act of worship unto God.
Ong Wei Ren, 2008, Singapore
I enrolled into SOT when I was studying at Singapore Institute of Management (SIM) for my degree. The main motivation for me was to know more of God and His Word. The Word of God is life transforming as we delve deeper into it. During my time in SOT, I learned to move in the gifts of the Holy Spirit, not just in SOT, but also in my Cell Group and in the mission field. It was a good preparation for me and paved the way for me to answer the call of God into full time ministry.
Wei Ren doing his lesson readings at home
After serving as a Pastoral Supervisor in City Harvest for 12 years, I decided to enrol myself for a Master of Divinity course in Trinity Theological College (TCC).
The motivation to further my studies in Theology remains the same; to know more of God and His Word. As believers, receiving Christian education is as important as receiving academic education. I wanted to equip myself to be able to engage and teach a growing group of our church members who are advanced in their biblical knowledge and understanding.
The demands of family, work and studies are high. So I need to be very intentional in staying disciplined with very little time for idling. Every pocket of free time is spent reading or connecting with members. My time at home is spent with my wife and children. Not a moment is wasted.
If you have a desire to pursue your studies in Theology, be it a short module, a part time course or a full-time course, I will strongly encourage you to do so. While it might not be easy to manage the time, it will definitely be rewarding to know God intimately through His Word. Understanding the basis of our faith deepens the foundation of our faith. In Matthew 13:19’s parable of the sower, the devil is able to steal away the seed of the gospel from the people who did not understand it. A good understanding of our faith would prepare believers to deal with the fiery darts of the evil one, and against the storms and challenges of life that threatens to shipwreck our faith.