Detour
You thought you knew God’s Will, but then... things did not go as planned. Now, everything seems to be heading in the opposite direction of what you had expected.
Some walked away from God because of the detours in their lives. Others, like Joseph, drew closer to God.
God is the epic author of life, and He is using the ‘detour’ in your life to bring you to where you need to be.
In this segment of the Biblical Character Series—as we journey through Joseph’s life—learn how he was transformed by God and how God is transforming yours right now.
This interactive and life-changing seminar is for the hearts that seek to be transformed by God.
Make your choice to experience God’s divine intervention in your life!
Date: 28 July 2021
Time: 7.30pm–9pm
Venue: via Zoom
Cost: Free | $5 (Optional purchase of online resources)
Trainer: Rev Dr. Peter Poon
Registration closes on 21 July 2021
*Upon registration, you will receive the link to the Detour videos & the zoom details for the Online Conversation
Please contact us at sowerinstitute@bible.org.sg or call 6304 5286 with your registration number if there are any issues during registration.
Trainer
Rev Dr. Peter Poon
Fresh Eyes on ONLINE TOOLS for Children’s Ministry
Following the successful NextGen online conversation held last October, we now present Fresh Eyes on Online Tools for Children's Ministry – a workshop on the use of online platforms such as Flippity and Wordwall to create interactive learning games.
This is a fresh and fun way to engage children by grabbing their attention and holding it for the duration of class! Participants will also get the chance to create simple games on the online platforms during the session.
Date: Saturday, 13 March 2021 (Limited availability)
Time: 10am–12.30pm
Venue: LIVE Online Workshop Via ZOOM
Cost: $10 per participant
Registration is full. Thank you so much for your support.
Trainer
Dr Calvin Chong
Dr Calvin Chong is Associate Professor of Practical Theology at Singapore Bible College. His current teaching and research areas relate to diaspora missions as well as designing learning experiences for the educational ministries of the church.
Financial Stewardship and Sustainability
40th Anniversary of the Evangelical Alliance of Singapore
(Formerly known as the Evangelical Fellowship of Singapore)
How should we manage our finances in the face of an economic recession? Due to the unprecedented circumstances caused by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is an increased need for us to effectively manage our finances and resources.
In conjunction with the 40th anniversary of the Evangelical Alliance of Singapore, the Sower Institute for Biblical Discipleship is co-launching Financial Stewardship and Sustainability—a series of four sessions to equip participants with essential skills on financial management, and the Biblical principles behind good stewardship.
Join Mr Christopher Tan, Founder & CEO of Providend Ltd, and other Christian Leaders in these eye-opening sessions on how to manage your finance in a God-honouring manner!
Speaker Bio
Mr Tan, Founder & CEO, Providend Ltd
Christopher has more than two decades of experience in the wealth management and financial planning industry. He is a Certified Financial Planner and a member of the Financial Planning Association of Singapore. He is often featured in the media for his expert opinion on financial matters. Mr Tan was also appointed by the Singapore Government to be part of the CPF Advisory Panel and has sat on the Management Committee of Securities Investors Association (Singapore) (SIAS).
财务管理及其可持续性—
成为上帝的好管家
2019冠状病毒大流行对全球经济造成了前所未有的冲击。面对经济衰退，基督徒应该如何理财，更有效地管理财务和资源呢？
今年，为庆祝新加坡福音派联盟成立40周年，道耕学院——圣经门徒培训事工与该联盟携手推出“财务管理及其可持续性——成为上帝的好管家”系列讲座，让参与者不仅能掌握财务管理的基本技能，也能学习如何成为蒙神喜悦的好管家。让我们一起聆听Providend有限公司创办人兼执行总裁陈显耀先生的分享，学习如何以敬畏上帝的方式管理财务吧！
关于讲员
陈显耀先生，Founder & CEO, Providend Ltd
陈显耀先生有20多年财富管理和财务规划的经验，他是注册理财规划师、新加坡金融理财协会成员，经常在媒体上发表对财务事项的专家意见。2014年，陈先生被新加坡政府任命担任公积金咨询团成员，协助政府探讨如何改善公积金制度。2009年至2017年，他也是新加坡证券投资者协会管理委员会成员。
Session Details:
Session 1—Cash Flow Management
Date/Time: Wed, 9 Sep, 7.30pm–9.30pm
Learn how to make better financial decisions
The Bible says that “for the love of money is the root to all kinds of evils” (1 Tim 6:10). Yet, money is so important in our daily lives. How can we balance between having enough money for our lifestyle and not fall in love with money? How can we ensure that we are financially healthy so that our financial foundation is strong?
In this reflective but practical session, the speaker will share:
- A personal money equation that helps us understand how we can be financially successful
- The 3 considerations that we need to have to make wise financial decisions
- How we can be financially healthy
At the end of this session, participants will walk away knowing how to make better financial decisions in their lives.
Session 2—Managing CPF
Date/Time: Thu, 17 Sep, 7.30pm–9.30pm
Understand the various CPF schemes, and learn how to manage your CPF to enjoy financial security during retirement
Our CPF system is one of the best retirement schemes in the world but yet due to its complexity, it is oftentimes the most misunderstood. As someone who is still saving for retirement, how can you best make use of our CPF schemes to effectively and efficiently save for your lifestyle needs in your golden years?
In this informative session delivered in a simple and understandable manner, the speaker will share:
- What are the 3 “things” you must have at retirement
- The CPF interest rate structure and why your CPF is one of the best “financial instruments” in the world
- CPF Retirement Schemes —How you can best make use of it to help you reach your retirement goals
At the end of this talk, you will walk away with a very clear understanding of our CPF schemes and make good CPF decisions to give you financial security in your retirement.
Session 3 —Insurance
Date/Time: Thu, 24 Sep, 7.30pm–9.30pm
Learn how to buy the appropriate insurance schemes and save money on premiums
Have you ever wondered whether you have enough insurance to protect your family and yourself against the possible loss of income in the event of your unfortunate death, disability or a medical crisis? Do you want to give yourself the option of getting the best treatment in the event you are down with a medical condition? Do you feel that you are paying too much for insurance premiums and would like to reduce it without losing coverage?
In this informative session, the speaker will share
- How long do you need insurance coverage
- How much coverage do you need
- What type of insurance should you buy
At the end of this talk, you will walk away with a very clear idea on how you can buy as much insurance as you need but yet pay as little premiums as you can. Once you are able to do that, you will be ready to take the next step to save and invest towards your retirement or other life goals.
Session 4—Investment
Date/Time: Sat, 26 Sep, 10.30am–12.30pm
Understand the benefits of evidence-based investing and achieve successful long-term investments
In the modern world, we typically depend on extensive research and data to help us in making sound decisions, from medicine to engineering. So, why should it be any different for investing? Forget the dubious art of stock picking and learn how you can take the stress and ambiguity out of investment planning in this session.
At the end of this session, you will walk away with the understanding on the benefits of evidence-based investing and how it will give you the highest probability of achieving a successful investment experience over the long term.
Q&A on Financial Stewardship and Sustainability
Date/Time: (Mandarin) Wed, 30 Sep, 7.30pm–9pm | (English) Sat, 10 Oct, 10.30am-12pm
Still have questions about financial stewardship?
Don’t miss this chance to ask Mr Christopher Tan LIVE!
There will be 2 separate Q&A sessions, in English and in Mandarin.
(Additional Session) Q&A on Managing CPF
Date/Time: 24 October 2020 (English)
Still have questions about managing CPF?
Don’t miss this chance to ask Mr Christopher Tan LIVE!
The Q&A session will be in English.
For more information, contact Joyder Ng at 6304 5286 Or email sowerinstitute@bible.org.sg
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We hope you would consider supporting us by contributing a donation of any amount below.
King Josiah – How Can Millennials Change the World?
Amidst bad news and tough times, an 8-year-old named Josiah inherited the throne and was crowned the 16th king of Judah. God worked through Josiah to make sweeping changes for the good of his nation.
If God used an 8-year-old, God can use anyone, regardless of age, to fulfil His purpose. God’s Word has the power to change things! All it takes is a willing heart for Him to bring about a transformation in our communities, our nation and our world. Millennials, are you ready to change the world?
DATE: Saturday, 22 April 2023
TIME: 9am-1pm
VENUE: 7 Armenian St, Bible House Seminar Room 2, S179932
FEE: S$20
For more information, contact Sam Leow at 63043782 Or email sowerinstitute@bible.org.sg
Follow us on social media:
Facebook and Instagram @sowerinstitute
Facilitator:
Rev Dr Peter Poon
Rev Poon has been involved in Walk thru the Bible Ministry since 1988. He has also served in four Presbyterian churches starting from 1981, but is currently retired from full-time pastoral ministry. He is passionate about teaching and training, as well as coaching and mentoring emerging leaders.
Trauma Healing – Initial Equipping
Trauma is part of the human experience in a broken world. It can arise when one is overwhelmed with intense fear, helplessness and horror. It can stem from personal issues, such as the loss of a loved one or divorce; from large-scale devastation like natural disaster or from global crisis such as COVID-19 pandemic. Trauma destroys hope, shatters dignity and isolates one from self, others and God.
How does one recover from trauma? Can the Bible help? What can the Church do?
Trauma Healing (from Trauma Healing Institute of the American Bible Society) is our response to these questions by combining proven mental health practices with the wisdom of the Bible to bring restoration and hope to the broken-hearted. In God’s Word, trauma survivors can encounter the resurrection power of Christ.
If you are a church or ministry leader, a missionary or someone who has the heart to help trauma sufferers, join us for part one of a 2-part programme today!
Programme Structure
Initial Equipping ⇒ Practicum ⇒ Advanced Equipping
| Initial Equipping | ||
|---|---|---|
| Schedule | Wed– Sat, 27–30 Jan 2021 | |
| Time | 9am-5pm | |
| Fees | $380 (early bird price till 3 Jan) | $420 (from 4 Jan) | |
| Venue | 7 Armenian Street, Bible House, S179932 |
UPDATE:
*Due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation, limited seats will be available.
Before registering, please:
- Read the Detailed Course Information below,
- Download the Statement of Support,
- Have it signed by your church leadership or Christian organisation supervisor, and
- Email it to Florence Kang.
Please note: Registration will only be confirmed upon receipt of the online registration, payment AND the signed Statement of Support.
Detailed Course Information
Sower Institute for Biblical Discipleship, in partnership with Trauma Healing Institute (THI), aims to provide leadership and services to churches and organisations using God’s word to bring healing and restoration to trauma survivors.
THI’s trauma healing programme provides basic mental health concepts with a biblical framework, using Scripture passages and composite real-life stories to help traumatised people connect the teaching with their circumstances.
- If God loves us, why do we suffer?
- How can the wounds of our hearts be healed?
- What happens when someone is grieving?
- Taking your pain to the cross
- How can we forgive others?
- How can churches minister amidst various causes of trauma (domestic violence, suicide, etc.)?
- How can we live as Christians amidst conflict?
- Looking ahead
1. Part I: Initial Equipping Session. Candidates attend a 3.5 day Initial Equipping session which allows participants to: explore their own trauma and bring it to Christ for healing; experience participatory learning; learn basic biblical and mental health principles related to trauma care; and develop plans for using what they have learned in their community. Trauma healing facilitators aim to ‘do no harm’ to those they help. To this end, participants are evaluated through a simple test.
2. Practicum. Participants return to their communities and apply what they have learned. They need to teach the five core lessons at least twice to groups of at least three people and send in reports on their activities.
3. Part II: Advanced Equipping Session. This 3-day session (conducted 6 or 9 months after the Initial Equipping session) focuses on consolidating the facilitator’s competencies in view of their practicum experience.
4. Competency-based assessment. Participants will be certified when they demonstrate the following competencies:
- Able to manage personal well-being.
- Able to work on a team.
- Able to help traumatised people (listening, confidentiality, and so on).
- Able to lead groups in a participatory way.
- Demonstrated understanding of the content.
5. Certification and Deployment. At the end of the advanced session, participants are awarded a Certificate of Participation, or, for those who qualify, a facilitator-in-training Certificate. For some, these certificates may be awarded later when the competencies have been acquired.
- Able to teach others in a community.
- Able to attend all of the sessions.
- Committed to helping trauma survivors.
- Must be referred by church leadership or Christian organisation supervisor who must sign the Statement of Support.
About the Trainer
Belinda Ng
Belinda Ng has been a missionary with Serving In Mission (SIM) since 1977. After 12 years in Niger, she served as Personnel Director with SIM East Asia for 16 years. Since then she serves as Member Care and MK Education Consultant in the International Office before returning to Singapore to continue with this role in the Pastoral Care team in SIM East Asia.
Carol Lim Seok Lin
Carol has a passion to serve God through helping people with challenges lead a more meaningful life. Trained as a special needs educator and equipped with a Masters in Special Education, she has more than three decades of experience in Singapore and overseas.
Crown Financial Ministries
In his teachings, Jesus made the most number of references to money.
Why did money matter so much to Jesus? What is the Christian perpective on finance, and what does it mean to handle our finances in a God-honouring manner?
Join us to discover how to become a faithful steward of the resources He has entrusted to you!
What does the Bible say about financial management?
Through this seminar, explore topics such as:
- Ownership: It’s God’s Money
- Debt: Beware of the Black Hole
- Counsel: Seek Godly Advice
- Integrity: Be Honest
- Giving: Be Generous with your Money
- Work: Be Diligent
- Saving and Investment: Set Aside Money for the Future
- Contentment: Be Satisfied with the Money you Have
- Eternity: Store up Treasures in Heaven
Date: 18 and 25 April 2020
Time: 9.30am-5.30pm
Venue: Live For Eternity Church, 315 Outram Road, Tan Boon Liat Building #15-02A, S169074
Cost: $160
Trainer: Rev Vincent Lee
UPDATE:
*Due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation, this event will be postponed till further notice.
For more information, contact Florence Kang at 6304 376 or email sowerinstitute@bible.org.sg
Biblical Character Series: Chiseled
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which
God prepared beforehand,that we should walk in them. — Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)
Chiseled is a study of the life of Simon Peter. Discover how God led the impulsive Simon Peter and shaped him into a strong leader, the man whom God has planned him to be. His work in Peter’s life shows how He can work in our lives too.
Join us for the inaugural Walk Thru the Bible’s Biblical Character Series to learn about the transformational power of God’s Word in our lives. Through two interactive sessions, participants will gain valuable insights about the Word of God, and begin a journey to become the masterpiece that God has created each of us to be.
Date: 15 & 22 April 2020
Time: 7.15pm–10pm
Venue: 7 Armenian St, Bible House, Level 4, Morrison-Liang Room, Seminar Rooms 1 & 2, S179932
Cost: $55 (Early bird extended till 15 April) | $65 (Regular)
Trainer: Rev Dr Peter Poon
UPDATE:
*Due to the COVID-19 situation, limited seats will be available
Please contact us at sowerinstitute@bible.org.sg or call 6304 5286 with your registration number if there are any issues during registration.
COVID-19: Resources for Churches & FAQ
We have created FAQ pages to provide additional information regarding the surgical mask orders and live-streaming services.
FAQ
1. Do I have to pay to use any of the live-streaming platforms?
No. All the platforms are free for download and use.
2. What tools/equipment will I need to set up the live-stream?
A. For simple set up (uploading of pre-recorded videos only), you will need the following:
- A smartphone OR camcorder OR webcam; laptop OR PC
- Tripod
- Facebook page or YouTube channel
B. For a Live-Stream, you will need the following:
- A Smartphone/camcorder/DSLR; laptop or PC
- A video capture card
- Tripod
- YouTube Channel or OBS (webcasting software, free for download)
3. What is the maximum duration for the live-stream supported by the various platforms?
A. For live-streaming:
Facebook
- Computer/API—up to 8 hours
- Mobile—up to 4 hours
YouTube
- Up to 12 hours
B. For post-streaming:
Facebook
- Up to 4 hours
YouTube
- Up to 12 hours
4. Can I do the setup?
There three types of set-up: Ideal, Intermediate, Recommended—for more information, visit streamsoflife.thunderquote.com
5. I’m confused by the set-up, and I’m not sure if I have the right equipment. Is there anyone that I can contact for assistance?
If you would like to be in touch with someone who is able to assist you with the set-up, kindly fill up the form at thunderquote.com/contact, where a representative will respond to your queries as soon as possible. For more information visit http://streamsoflife.thunderquote.com/
1. When will the supply of masks arrive?
The sudden outbreak of the COVID-19 virus has resulted in a nationwide shortage of surgical masks. In order to alleviate some of the concerns of the local churches in view of the DORSCON orange regulations, The Bible Society of Singapore has taken the initiative to import a supply of surgical masks from an overseas supplier. The shipment is currently scheduled to arrive at the end of February, but is also subject to a permit approval from the local authorities.
2. How much do the masks cost?
The increase in the demand for masks have caused prices to surge. Thus, large quantities of masks are not available locally. As part of The Bible Society of Singapore’s efforts to meet the needs of the Churches in Singapore, we have ordered the masks from an overseas supplier at a slightly elevated cost. Nonetheless, we still endeavor to provide the lowest possible prices for mass orders. Currently, the masks will be sold for not more than $18 per box of 50 masks, and not more than $36 per box of 100 masks, exclusive of GST.
UPDATE:
We apologise for the further delays. As many organisations, including government agencies and various institutions, are competing for supply of the masks, our current supplier is, unfortunately, unable to fulfil our order despite our prior confirmation with them.
We are currently negotiating with another supplier to provide the masks for us, but the price that they have quoted is slightly higher. We estimate the total cost would increase to about $20 per 50 pieces (before GST) and not more than $45 per 100 pieces (before GST), but we hope to manage the cost and lower it further.
3. How many boxes am I allowed to order for my church/organisation?
Each church/organisation will be limited to 500pcs. In the event of oversubscription, please note that the maximum number of boxes for churches/organisations with smaller congregations might be further limited, subjected to the discretion of The Bible Society of Singapore.
4. How can I collect the masks after I have placed my order?
Churches/organisations will be notified once the masks are ready for collection. Self-collection may be done at the following locations by appointment during opening hours:
Sower Corner at Far East Plaza
Far East Plaza, 14 Scotts Road, Singapore 228213 (#1-90)
Operating Hours:
Mon–Sat: 11am to 7pm
*Closed on Sundays & Public Holidays
Bible Resource Centre at Armenian
7 Armenian Street, Singapore 179932 (#01-01)
Operating Hours:
Mon: 11am to 7pm
Tues: 10am to 8pm
Wed–Fri: 10am to 7pm
Sat & Sun: 10am to 2pm
*Closed on Public Holidays
The Sower Hub at Eunos
101 Eunos Ave 3, Singapore 409835 (#07-10)
Operating Hours:
Mon–Fri: 9.30am to 5.30pm
*Closed on Sundays & Public Holidays
5. What payment modes are accepted?
All payments for mask pre-orders can be made upon self-collection. Payment is accepted via cash, cheque, PayNow, or NETS only.
6. Is there anyone I can contact if I have more questions?
Should you have any more queries regarding the pre-order of masks, kindly contact Ms Neo Ling Ling at lingling.neo@bible.org.sg or call 6304 3779 (office hours only).
We are taking pre-orders from churches, limited to 2 bottles per church, at $15 (before GST) per bottle.
We have secured 500 bottles of 500ml hand sanitiser, due to the limited stock they will be on a first come first served basis.
If you are unable to obtain them from our first batch, we are expecting another stock to arrive soon.
For pre-orders of hand sanitisers, you may email Ling Ling at lingling.neo@bible.org.sg
*Walk-in purchases of hand sanitisers are limited to 1 per person at $20 (before GST)
Collection will be available from 21 Feb onward at the following locations:
*Please show your confirmation email upon collection
Bible Resource Centre at Armenian
7 Armenian Street
Operating Hours:
Mon: 11am to 7pm
Tues: 10am to 8pm
Wed–Fri: 10am to 7pm
Sat & Sun: 10am to 2pm
*Closed on Public Holidays
Sower Corner at Far East Plaza
14 Scotts Road, Far East Plaza (#01-90)
Operating Hours:
Mon–Fri: 11am to 7pm
*Closed on Sundays & Public Holidays
We would like to thank you for the overwhelming response regarding the pre-order of surgical masks. To streamline the process, we have created an Order Form for all new orders of masks. If your church/organisation has already placed an order prior to this email, there is no need to place another order as your order has already been processed.
As an international and inter-confessional missions organisation that is dedicated to serving the Church and the Christian community, The Bible Society of Singapore recognises the desire of the local churches to continue facilitating worship programmes in spite of the increased preventive measures in view of the COVID-19 outbreak.
In our efforts to meet the needs of the Churches, we have been actively working with our local and international partners to source for alternative methods to enable Churches to resume their worship activities and serve their congregations in spite of the current situation. We are extremely heartened to partner with ThunderQuote on a few initiatives, such as:
- Providing free technical guidance on live-streaming platforms for churches and Christian organisations whose members may be unable to attend meetings and gatherings
- Importing surgical masks for Churches and Christian organisations to pre-order from The Bible Society of Singapore or Bible Resource Centre—limited to purchase 500 masks (100 masks/box) per church or organisation.
- Hand Sanitisers
Through these practical initiatives to render assistance to our brothers and sisters in this time of need, it is our hope that we may spur others on to bear each others’ burdens as we join arms to combat the epidemic as a collective Christian body.
Do continue to pray fervently for individuals and churches that have been affected by the virus, and for the Body of Christ to stand firm in His Word during this period. May the Lord bless us all.
"Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." — Romans 12:12 (ESV)
