The Trinity Theological College (TTC) story was birthed in the crucible of suffering during World War II when Singapore was occupied by the Japanese. While interned as prisoners of war in Changi Prison, some Anglican, Methodist and Presbyterian missionaries and pastors had the idea of setting up a union college to train locals for church ministry and leadership. This God-given vision became reality when TTC was established in 1948. The Lutherans came on board in 1963.

After 70 years of ministry, TTC continues to faithfully serve the Church in Singapore and beyond as a union college. It conducts classes in both English and Chinese, and is now the college of choice for Methodists, as well as other churches and denominations. As future pastors, parish workers and church leaders train together, they spur one another to answer God’s call to Christian service and greater inter-denominational understanding. Solidarity is forged among these Christians, regardless of their backgrounds.

Since the idea of a union college was birthed in Changi Prison, it is especially meaningful for TTC to have played a key role in training ex-offenders who are now alumni, such as Pastor Jacob Lim (Class of 2017).

To nurture biblically and theologically trained adults, TTC offers academic programmes and night courses for Christians in the marketplace. Regular spiritual retreats, led by well-trained spiritual directors, are also organised for the edification of lay Christian leaders.

Serving the Church continues to be the lifeblood of TTC. Together with the National Council of Churches of Singapore and the Bible Society of Singapore, TTC formed the Ethos Institute for Public Christianity—a think tank that makes theological and ministry resources available to pastors and lay people. Through this partnership, it is hoped that Christians will be encouraged to think biblically and theologically about issues of concern in our society.

Last year, a memorandum of understanding was signed with Nanyang Technological University’s S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies to conduct modules leading to a Master’s degree. Thanks be to God for this opportunity to extend the service of the College to non-seminarians and play a part in fostering religious harmony in Singapore.

TTC is deeply grateful that it has been able to fulfil its mission over the past seven decades because of the generous support of many well-wishers—initially missionary agencies based in the West, and now individual donors as well as churches in Singapore.

Do pray that, as we advance into the next decade of ministry and beyond, we will continue to shine the light of Christ and make a difference in the Church and society.

We hope that as we offer our best—a highly-trained faculty, a robust and rigorous curriculum, coupled with deep concerns for spiritual formation and Christian mission—the flame in each student will be ignited to burn bright wherever God leads them.

Together, we shall then truly be LUX MUNDI, light of the world.

Christine Ting is Trinity Theological College’s Communications Officer.

TTC houses an outstanding library of theological resources.

Our faculty is concerned for the academic and spiritual formation of students.

Our graduates bear the light of Christ wherever He leads them.

Making music to the praise of God is an integral part of our community life.

Photos courtesy of Trinity Theological College