We can see a common trait in the convergence of crises we have been experiencing and more that we are anticipating in our interconnected world: leadership is greatly needed to mitigate the damage to society and to return hope to communities. While it is true that different crises call for different kinds of leadership gifts, it is not so much leadership skill but leadership mettle that seems to be tested in the present upheaval. Some who appear to be gifted leaders have proved lacking while less noteworthy leaders have stepped up to produce remarkable results. 

The pandemic crisis and the economic crisis that will follow are like a locust plague. They come with little warning, blown by unforecasted winds, and when they have passed, the whole land has been stripped down to bark and roots. The loss of the normal has shaken our confidence. We hear of successful entrepreneurs paralysed by sudden misfortune, and of usually hopeful and resilient persons entering the darkness of depression. The news of seasoned pastors sinking into deep spiritual struggles also unsettles us. Facing the ravages of a new contagion, we realise we are wading through territory that even our experienced guides have not been before. How will our leaders fare? Can we look to them to see us through?

In political leadership, instances at home and abroad remind us that moral integrity and genuine compassion, especially for disadvantaged groups, are indispensable leadership qualities. In times of prosperity, people seem more tolerant of character failings and moral laxity in their leaders. When severe crises strip away the veneers of false charisma and hype, leaders can be seen, quite publicly, for their substance or lack of it. A crisis can reveal a leader’s honesty and strength of character or expose how deficient he or she is in these virtues. All this that applies in the world applies more so in the church. Moral integrity and genuine compassion are indispensable.

When integrity and compassion rest on faith in God, spiritual leadership is at its best. Leadership for recovery from a global crisis is leadership with reduced resources. When adversity has touched nearly every sector of the economy and every stratum of society, neither leaders nor the people they lead have abundant surpluses to offer to others. From where then would help come? Would self-help be enough? As faith-based leaders, we are not at a loss to provide a good answer. The ancient songwriter of Psalm 121 urges us to “lift our eyes to the hills,” to the One whose eye is always on us. How fortifying it is when the voice of a spiritual leader in times of calamity is this voice of a worship leader! Spiritual leaders inspire in us purpose and hope because they draw our eyes and our imagination to the unchallenged sovereignty of God.

Plague went before him;
    pestilence followed his steps.
He stood, and shook the earth;
    he looked, and made the nations tremble.
The ancient mountains crumbled
    and the age-old hills collapsed—
    but he marches on forever. (Habakkuk 3:5-6, NIV)

BTS Updates

As I sign off my last message as Interim Co-President, let me provide some recent updates about BTS. I am very happy to let you know that fresh stems and buds are appearing in BTS as we step gingerly into the next pandemic recovery phase.

First, together with Co-President Sim Swee Kee, we are pleased to announce that this month, Reverend Peter Lin assumes leadership as BTS’s 8^th President. A graduate of Fuller Theological Seminary and Dallas Theological Seminary, Reverend Lin has pastored Baptist churches in Singapore for many years and served as Chief Strategic Officer at Singapore Bible College. He is familiar with the seminary and church scene here. We are thrilled that God has provided us with an experienced and well-loved leader to start a new season with. God also made remarkable provision for him and his wife, Michelle, during this uncertain time. Despite the flight and visa restrictions imposed by authorities, they could come from California where they have been living in the last year and have now arrived in Singapore in early July.

We are also glad to welcome Koh Ai Gek who has just joined BTS as Library Assistant. Ai Gek has many years of library work experience with several local institutes of higher learning. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, we had fewer than five staff members in the building on her first day of work, but we hope to make up for that scant fellowship soon.

With the addition of staff, we have also had to part with three valued co-workers. Dr Sunny Wang left in late June to join GETS Theological Seminary (Covina, LA). We have been blessed by Dr Wang’s devotion to teaching and writing in the New Testament area and working closely with students. We will miss her fellowship. Administrative Assistant Agnes Chong retired in March. She was one of our longest serving staff, having been with BTS for 18 years. Agnes’ service has been characterised by a single-hearted devotion to the Lord and she has been a familiar figure with students in the Chinese programme and church members who enrol for the Chinese lay leadership development classes. We also sadly bid farewell to Library Consultant Lau Jen Sin who is retiring. Her decades of experience with university and seminary libraries have been such a blessing to us and her reassuring presence, even more.

Finally, let me invite you to visit our new BTS Website at www.bts.edu.sg. You can view it in English or Chinese. Besides very useful information for current and future students, you will find news of recent events and activities.

As always, we are encouraged by your incredible prayer and practical support, even through the pandemic season. Your partnership affirms the common Spirit we share. God “marches on forever” and we with Him!

Fong Choon Sam

Interim Co-President