This year, a total of 597 students graduated from City Harvest Church’s School of Theology with a Diploma in Ministry or the inaugural Associate Degree in Ministry.
This October, CHC’s School of Theology celebrated its first batch of graduates since the School attained accreditation with Alphacrucis University College, the region’s leading Pentecostal accreditation body.
Apart from 193 graduates from its yearly Diploma in Ministry (DM) programme, SOT also graduated its first cohort of 404 students in the Associate Degree in Ministry (ADM) programme.
Graduating class of 2024
The ADM programme is open exclusively to SOT alumni who have attained a DM. It offers a comprehensive theoretical and practical understanding of ministry beyond the basics learned in the DM programme.
In 2025, SOT will expand its offerings beyond DM and ADM to include Bachelor of Theology and Master of Arts programmes.
To date, more than 8,200 students from 41 nations have graduated from SOT.
Martin Ong and Paullyn Tay
Martin Ong and his wife Paullyn Tay, both 51, enrolled in the ADM programme in 2023, drawn by the wealth of experience and knowledge offered by the professors. The teaching panel includes leading scholars in the Pentecostal world today, namely Doug Petersen, Frank Macchia, Byron Klaus and Ivan Satyavrata.
“The Bible is a book we can never stop reading because the more we study it, the more we discover about God, His love, and ourselves,” Paullyn told City News. “I’m deeply grateful to the professors for unpacking the truths of God’s Word.”
Wong Jieyun
Wong Jieyun, 37, enjoyed the enriching content of every module, but was particularly impacted by the professors’ evident passion and love for God. She said, “What touched me the most was something Dr Ivan said: ‘Sacred theology is a theology that is prayed and has spiritual life.’ That was life-changing for me.”
Emma Gee, 25, thoroughly enjoyed the interaction with the professors during the Q&A sessions.
“Beyond the knowledge taught, there were just as many lessons ‘caught’ through these interactions,” she said. “Passion for the Word, humility, love, and conviction for the things of God were consistent throughout all the modules, and that deeply moved me.”
For some students, the ADM course was a family endeavour. Paullyn and her husband, Martin, enrolled alongside her two sisters, effectively creating a supportive study group.
“We shared notes and constantly encouraged each other to stay on track with our assignments,” Paullyn recounts.
A particular highlight for Martin and Paullyn was the Spiritual Formation module taught by Bill Dogterom, which brought the couple closer. “It opened my eyes to see how, in the past, I had pressured Martin to ‘be more spiritual’, but I’ve since realised that’s not God’s way,” Paullyn said.
Emma and her husband Ryan Sek, 26, also enrolled for the ADM course together. They found that while each sometimes held different views, these differences sparked meaningful conversations and drew them closer.
With SOT’s courses, theology, once believed to be reserved for clergy and religious orders, has become accessible and relevant for believers from all walks of life.
Such theological studies help Christians deepen their understanding and apply their faith in every day contexts.
Ryan, who found the ADM programme inspiring, said, “The modules greatly expanded my understanding of theology. It’s fascinating how even within a single topic, there can be multiple expert opinions from different theological perspectives. But theology is not just head knowledge; it’s meant to draw us into greater intimacy with the Lord.”
Sek Seng Cheong
What made the course even more special for Ryan was studying not only with his wife, but also with his father, Sek Seng Cheong who at 56 years old, joined them.
Sek adds, “I signed up for ADM because I wanted to grow deeper in God’s Word and be a more effective witness. The missions module was especially moving, as it revealed to me the depth of God’s love for humanity.”
Garvin Chia
Garvin Chia, 39, enjoyed the assigned readings, which provided fresh perspectives on familiar topics. “Journaling reflections and preparing for exams helped me internalise the truths we learned,” he said. “This course has profoundly changed my life, especially my relationship with God.”
The ADM programme was conducted online, which allowed participants from diverse locations to participate, from Australia and the US to the Philippines and Indonesia, and beyond.
Leny Xandra
ADM graduate Leny Xandra, 39, Garvin’s wife, appreciated this flexibility. “My husband and I run a business and have three young children, so the ability to study online was crucial,” she explains.
“For me, being open-minded while applying critical thinking is key to getting the most out of the ADM course,” she added. “The course really broadened my understanding of Christianity, and studying alongside my spouse made the experience even more valuable. We’d have conversations on complex topics and discuss our takeaways after each lesson, which only made us want to dig deeper.”
Dwayne Lum
Dwayne Lum, 37, emphasised how studying theology systematically helped him make better decisions on doctrinal matters and applying the Scriptures to life. He likened it to solving a jigsaw puzzle: “A good analogy comes from one of the books we were tasked to read. If the Bible is the puzzle, then systematic theology helps you fill in the borders and major pieces, making it easier to fit the rest correctly and avoid mistakes.”
For some of the students, going back to study after many years—even decades—meant a change of lifestyle. Martin initially found academic life daunting. However, he soon established a disciplined routine, waking up at 5am to complete his readings.
“Those early mornings became moments where I encountered God in a special way,” he recalls. “This habit has enriched my daily spiritual practice.”
Hari Omm Gideon
R Krishnakumari Susanna
Husband and wife Hari Omm Gideon and R Krishnakumari Susanna, both 61, agree that the ADM course, which presented a well-rounded curriculum, deepened their understanding of God’s Word.
“Each module felt like a journey guided by the Holy Spirit,” says Gideon. Susanna adds, “It built upon the foundation laid during SOT (DM), helping me grow in my understanding of God’s character.”
To future students, Susanna offers this pro tip: “Do the required readings before each lesson, and review your notes afterward. Most importantly, listen to what God is saying through the lessons and apply it in your life.”
Dwayne adds his advice: “Once the syllabus is out, get the books early and try to get a head start on the readings. If you complete your readings for the module early, it frees you to focus on studying for the exam at the end. It also allows you to have time to process the readings, and raise questions on them with the professors during lessons.”
Ryan encourages those considering ADM next year to pray about signing up.
“If God calls you, He will provide the time, grace, and resources you need. This course helped me build a framework for the spiritual disciplines we practice in our church, taking them to the next level by explaining the why behind the how. I’m confident it will have a deep impact on anyone who enrols.”
Find out more about School of Theology’s Associate Degree in Ministry. Sign up for the programme now!
