Singapore Institute draws 63 Asian leaders from 17 countries
OC’s eighth 2009 Institute for Excellence in Christian Leadership Development took place September 21-25 in Singapore. The event was hosted at the Metropolitan YMCA. Sixty-three leaders from 36 strategic training programs in the region attended the Institute, representing Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan and Thailand.
During the five-day Institute themed “Nurturing Spiritual Formation in the Seminary,” participants focused on the hearts of students, not simply their head and hands, as part of a holistic approach to student growth. The seminary leaders were equipped with a deeper understanding of spiritual formation, so that it can be intentionally integrated into the entire program, curriculum and culture of their seminaries.
OC’s Dean of Leadership Development Dr. Scott Cunningham facilitates the Institutes for Excellence and shared a story from his time in Singapore: He worshipped at Covenant Evangelical Free Church where several staff members are graduates of partner school Singapore Bible College (SBC). Scott described the church as warm and welcoming with an excellent sermon. Following the service, a cell group leader and church member named Serene invited Scott and others to lunch. Serene was interactive and engaging, but what stood out most to Scott about her was “the love and commitment she has for her church, as she responded to our questions about the church’s vision and ministries.” She also testified to God’s work in her life and marriage. “Seeing firsthand the ministry of a congregation which has been heavily impacted by one of our partner schools is indeed refreshing. Meeting this young Christian Chinese lady who lives out her Christ-faith in Singapore was a wonderful way to start the week.”
The next Institute for Excellence will take place October 13-16 at Puebla Bible Seminary (PBS) in Puebla, Mexico. Click here for the 2009 schedule.
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