WHY SHOULD LAY MEMBERS STUDY THEOLOGY? Isn’t that just for our clergy and pastors? Well no, it is for all of us because theology is the study of God and the things of God. “Theo” means God and “-ology” means “the study of”. It is for all of us to know God.
Now, wouldn’t reading the Bible alone be enough? Yes, one can know God through reading the Bible only, but theology can help you a great deal because it takes a topic found in different parts of the Bible and brings it together for a comprehensive, consistent and coherent understanding of the topic. This understanding is then expressed in statements which allow us to articulate what we believe amongst ourselves and to communicate to others clearly, especially in response to their inquiries and questions. Theology is certainly useful for our spiritual growth and outreach!
Schedule
The courses offered for Lay members from 2022 will include the following:
- The “I believe” series based on the Apostles’ Creed – I believe in God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit, the Church, the forgiveness of sins, the Second Coming and the Last Things
- For such a time like this (culture and current issues)
- Every wind of doctrine (cults and heresies)
- The gods of this world (religions and beliefs)
- Not against flesh and blood (spiritual warfare)
- Money, power and sex (the Christian fight)
- Male and female, He made them (sexuality issues)
- Sojourners and citizens (church and state)
- Devote yourself to every good work (life and purpose)
Each course costs $20.00. There are no assignments, tests or examinations. Courses are taught via Zoom.
REGISTRATION DETAILS
Last date of registration: 1 week before commencement of the course
For more information and to register: Email Ms Lucilla Teoh at lucillateoh.dts@gmail.com
DATES
TERM 1: I BELIEVE IN GOD THE FATHER
DATES: 11, 18, 25 Jan; 8, 15, 22 Feb; 1, 8 Mar 2022
TERM 2: I BELIEVE IN GOD THE SON (I)
DATES: 05, 19, 26 Apr; 03, 10, 17, 24, 31 May 2022
TERM 3: I BELIEVE IN GOD THE SON (II)
DATES: 05, 12, 19, 26 July; 02, 16, 23, 30 Aug 2022
TERM 4: I BELIEVE IN GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT
DATES: 06, 13, 20, 27 Sept; 04, 11, 18, 25 Oct 2022
Coordinator
The Revd William Chee is the Lay Training Coordinator of the Diocese. He obtained his Master of Divinity from Trinity Theological College and subsequently his Master of Theology in the Old Testament in 1996. Working closely with the Warden of St Peter’s Hall, he oversees all aspects of the training of Lay members of the Diocese.
Diocesan Theological Studies 2023
Module 5: THE CHRISTIAN AND SPIRITUAL WARFARE
Feb 02 – Mar 28 2023
Paul tells believers that we are not wrestling against flesh and blood but against rulers, authorities, cosmic powers and spiritual forces in the heavenly places. Therefore in this 5th module of the Diocesan Theological Studies course, we will be focusing on the Christian and Spiritual Warfare.
In eight sessions, we will be covering topics on angelology, demonology, the unseen realm, spiritual resources available, and Christ’s victory on the cross. This module is also the 1st module of a three- module course on Inner Healing and Deliverance (IHAD). Attending this module is required before being accepted for the 2nd and 3rd modules of the IHAD course. However, participation in this module is entirely voluntary and not compulsory. You do not have to attend the later 2 modules.
Schedule
| # | Date | Topic |
| 1 | 07/02 | What is Christian Demonology? |
| 2 | 14/02 | Elohim and other Divinities |
| 3 | 21/02 | The Fall of Angels and Humanity |
| 4 | 28/02 | Spiritual Warfare in the Old Testament |
| 5 | 07/03 | Jesus and Evil Spirits in the Gospels |
| 6 | 14/03 | Evil Spirits in the New Testament |
| 7 | 21/03 | Evil Spirits in the Early Church |
| 8 | 28/03 | Christ’s Victory over Evil on the Cross |
Instructor: Revd Dr Joel Leow
After his own unexpected deliverance from demons in 2001, Joel felt the theological and pastoral need to get a handle on the subject of ‘’spiritual warfare.’’ Providentially, he was able to study with Prof Charles Kraft at the Fuller Theological Seminary’s Doctor of Ministry spiritual warfare programme. Hence, this module will be taught from the perspectives of theological, ministry & personal experience. Joel graduated in Philosophy from NUS, before undertaking divinity & theological studies at Trinity Theological College & Princeton Theological Seminary. He is currently on staff at the Church of Our Saviour.
Module Details
Every Tuesday, 7.30 – 9.00 pm, via Zoom
Cost: $20
Sign up at http://bit.ly/3Vw3r1C
Any questions? Drop us a line at lucillateoh.dts@gmail.com
SECOND QUARTER: SOTERIOLOGY – THE CHRISTIAN AND SALVATION
In our sixth module of our Diocesan Theological Studies, we present an in-depth study on the following Christian theologies; the theology of man (Anthropology), the theology of sin (Hamartiology), and the theology of salvation (Soteriology). These three areas affect us personally, and have great implications for us in our assurance and the ultimate receiving of our salvation through knowing how it is brought about, how it is worked through in the midst of sin and temptation, and finally, how we are brought to victory in blessings and rewards.
Course Details
Dates: 18 April to 6 June 2023 (Tuesdays) Time: 7.30 – 9.30 pm Via Zoom
Register at https://bit.ly/3kMJKpD
For more information, drop an email to lucillateoh.dts@gmail.com
THIRD QUARTER: ECCLESIOLOGY – THE CHRISTIAN AND THE CHURCH
Register: https://bit.ly/30Xer8K Contact Person: Lucilla Teoh, lucillateoh.dts@gmail.com
| # | Date | Topic | Instructor |
| 1 | 04/07 | The History of the Church: A historical survey of the Church from Pentecost to the present; looking at some major challenges faced from Jewish opposition, persecutions, heresy, disunity, worldly ideas & compromises. | Revd Gary Chng |
| 2 | 11/07 | The Nature of the Church: Seeks to define & explain the concept & characteristics of the Church through biblical images. | Ps Gabriel Justin Tan |
| 3 | 18/07 | The Governance and Ministries of the Church: Looks at the different models of governance in the church & the ministries carried out within, such as preaching, bible reading & studies, worship, liturgy, praying, singing, use of icons, statues & buildings. | Revd Thomas J Isaac |
| 4 | 25/07 | The Sacraments and Ordinances of the Church: Seeks to explain the Sacraments of Baptism & Holy Communion. It will also look briefly at other practices regarded by some as sacraments or ordinances. | Revd William Chee |
| 5 | 01/08 | The Church in the World: Missions and Evangelism: Explores the outward propulsion of the Church. Why does the Church engage in missions and evangelism? What are some handles in the modern 21st century? | Revd Dr Jeremy-Joe Tan |
| 6 | 08/08 | The Church in Society: Church and Culture: The mention of the phrase “Church and Culture” immediately brings to mind the landmark book by Richard Niebuhr. In it he offers us a useful paradigm of understand the Christian faith and its relation to culture. This session will survey the five different relationships between the Christian faith and culture. | Revd Dr Jeremy-Joe Tan |
| 7 | 15/08 | The Church in Society: Common Good & Social Concerns: The Singapore Anglican Community Services is one of the biggest faith-based social service agency in Singapore. But why do we engage in doing good in society? Why should social concerns and action feature as an expression of our faith? This session seeks to understand this facet of being the Church in the world. We will explore this impulse to doing good and the concept of the common good. | Revd Dr Jeremy-Joe Tan |
| 8 | 22/08 | The Church and Politics: Modus Vivendi That is some tacit agreement that we now live in a post-secular world. The banishment of religion to the margins of society is hardly realistic nor a tenable position. How, then, can multi-religious societies function? Can the Christian articulate their faith-informed positions on national issues? Join in this session as we explore some of these questions. | Revd Dr Jeremy-Joe Tan |
FOURTH QUARTER: ESCHATOLOGY – THE CHRISTIAN AND END TIMES
| # | Date | Topic |
| 1 | 12/09 | The Signs and Events of the End |
| 2 | 19/09 | The Great Tribulation and Persecution |
| 3 | 26/09 | The Second Coming of Christ |
| 4 | 03/10 | The Resurrection and the New Body |
| 5 | 10/10 | The Millennium and Israel |
| 6 | 17/10 | The Judgment and Wrath of God |
| 7 | 24/10 | Hell and Punishment and Eternal Death |
| 8 | 31/10 | Heaven and Rewards and Eternal Life |