BTS successfully completed another semester and graduated 18 students at the 33^rd Commencement Service held on 17 May 2025. As I presented the certificates to the well-deserved graduates, I was moved with pride and awe. The graduation is a testament to our faculty and staff’s dedication and compassion, providing quality theological education to groom pastors and leaders for the ripe harvest field. Each graduate, adding to the growing BTS Alumni, is more than just a number. Each of them is a precious soul devoted to answering the Master’s call for His Majestic Service. What they will be doing will last through eternity as they rescue the perishing and nurture the living.

While celebrating their success, the graduates were challenged with the following charge from the President’s Office:

• Remember that your education is not just about acquiring knowledge content but about cultivating godly character. As you go into the world, remember that your integrity, compassion and humility will speak louder than your degrees or credentials. You are ambassadors of Christ, called to represent Him in a world that desperately needs His love and redemption.
• Do not forget that ministry is not just about what you do, but also about who you are. Your identity is rooted in Christ, your ministry flows from that identity, and your fruitfulness comes from the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Prioritise your relationship with God and seek His guidance and empowerment in all you do. If you do not walk with Christ, you cannot expect others to walk with you.
• Be bold and courageous in your proclamation of the Gospel. Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage – with great patience and careful instruction. The world needs to hear the good news of Jesus Christ. Never compromise on the truth of the inspired Scriptures.
• Finally, remember that you are never alone in this journey. God is your shelter and refuge. You are part of a community of servant leaders who are called to serve, support and encourage one another. Stay connected with your fellow graduates, serve the body of Christ faithfully, and be an active member of the BTS Alumni.

In addition to the 18 graduates, BTS awarded 89 certificates to lay leaders who had successfully participated in the Ministry Advancement Programme (MAP) and Ministry Emergence Programme (MEP) conducted over the last two semesters. The Advanced Institute of Ministry (AIM) has conducted 5 MAPs and 7 MEPs, reaching more than 300 participants from 36 churches (24 Baptist) since its inception in 2021. The next MEP is scheduled to commence in September 2025. More information is in the attached flyer. Encourage and register your church leaders to embark on a learning journey to equip lay ministers and raise the Next-Generation leaders for team leadership and the missional growth of the Church.

This is my final message from the President’s Office. It has been a satisfying experience keeping you informed and abreast of what God is doing at BTS. I was very encouraged by the support I received to hold the fort while the search for the next President was ongoing. I did not expect the interim period to last 11 months. I am grateful and humbled by the opportunity and trust placed in me to carry out the duties of a seminary president. The experiences have shown me the academic and spiritual values of theological education, the demanding duties of the faculty and the empathetic support from the staff. I have enjoyed and been blessed by my brief stint at BTS. With Dr Ho Chiao Ek coming in as the 9^th BTS President from 23 Jun 2025, BTS is ready to take off to reach a higher plain, “expecting great things from God and attempting great things for Him”!

To God be the Glory,

Peter Tang
Interim Managing Director