Basic Degree
Bachelor of Divinity (BD)Master of Divinity (MDiv)
Ministry in a Changing World
The primary degree programme at TTC is the Bachelor of Divinity (BD) or Master of Divinity (MDiv). The curriculum, as presented here, takes effect from 2011. The critical qualities that the curriculum seeks to inculcate are conviction, competence and compassion. This is forged from the Faculty’s perception of the trends in our geopolitical region and churches. Ministry is often treated as being simply service-providing, with the attendant competition to build the largest church. Church members’ requests and expectations often command the agenda, even though they may be short-sighted. That which gives the heartbeat to the Christian ministry is neglected – the gospel and the divine call to proclaim it – and sometimes sold for secular pottage. Not surprisingly, the attrition rate in the ministry is on the rise. Furthermore, biblical literacy and the ability to understand and handle texts continue to wane. Westernisation brings about a forgetfulness of our own roots, not to mention ignorance of how the Church in Southeast Asia has arisen, especially during the post-war period. All this calls for a curriculum that intentionally lays strong foundations, and facilitates the development of competence for engaging with changing trends.
It is thus intentional that graduates of this programme be able to teach and transmit the apostolic faith, bear witness creatively to the gospel in a changing world, and lead and nurture the flock of God. Using the acronym of TTC as a mnemonic device, the graduates are to be tenacious tradents, terrene theologians and caring church-people (or church leaders). Ad fontes is one major concern but this is emphasised not out of antiquarian interest, but for the sake of feeding upon and mining the God-given resources for the tasks of engaging creatively with the world and shepherding God’s flock. Times change but the Word of God endures forever.
PROGRAMME DURATION
The programme is designed to be completed in three years, when a full load is taken.
However, students who are residents in Singapore have up to seven years to complete it.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
To graduate, a student must:
- Complete all core courses and community requirements;
- Fulfil at least 96 credit hours for BD/MDiv;
- Obtain an average GPA score of at least 2.3.
The TTC faculty and student body demolish the perception that doing theology is a joyless and soulless endeavor. What a blessing to have spent 6 years at this school.
The journey of theological education is more than a knowledge acquisition program, but an invitation to know God deeper. In this process, my mind is challenged and my heart is constantly being re-shaped in my values and priorities.