Mission and Vision

Mission and Vision

Mission & Vision

Methodist Theological School has been in existence since 1954. Owing to the pressing needs for local church leadership, the political and economic conditions, and the vision of developing the churches and missions in this millennium, the idea of starting afresh a proper theological education was birthing in the minds of church leaders in 1989. 1996 marked a new beginning for MTS to offer full degree courses.

School Motto:

And we proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, that we may present every man complete in Christ. And for this purpose, also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me. (Colossians 1:28-29 NASB)

 

Mission Statement:

Spirit-empowered training for God’s people to be Christ-like ministers, missionaries, musicians, and laity, to the glory of God.

 

Vision Statement:

By being a holistic training centre to serve the Church and the world.

Even though MTS is solely run and managed by the Methodist Church in Malaysia, especially Sarawak Chinese Annual Conference (hereafter SCAC), Sarawak Iban Annual Conference (hereafter SIAC) and Sabah Annual Conference (hereafter SAC), it is for all churches. Her unique ministry is to provide theological education for ministers, musicians, missionaries and other leaders in both the Chinese and the Iban churches. MTS educational focus is on balanced theological and practical training, with a main emphasis on Wesleyan heritage, following the 4 pillars of Wesleyan theology: The Bible, Tradition, Reasoning and Experience.

In order to achieve the expected standard of theological training, we have taken the following directions:

Our theological education should be biblical.

Our students should be assured that the Bible is the Word of God. They should be able to interpret and proclaim it correctly. Therefore, our curriculum stresses on Exegetical Method, Biblical Theology and Exegesis.

Our theological education should be evangelical.

Our curriculum is arranged to help students understand the gospel. To deepen their commitment to it and to encourage them to preach it to others in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Our theological education should be scholarly.

The School not only demands students to acquire a thoughtful, disciplined and earnest approach to the Bible, but also learn from the accumulated experiences and wisdom of the Church, with a special emphasis on Wesleyan heritage.

Our theological education should be comprehensive and balanced.

We firmly believe that theological education is more than lectures heard, books read, library visited, self-study hours kept, and assignments completed. It should also involve worship in Chapel, personal devotion, fasting and prayer, participation in lesson discussion, communal life, conduct, leadership, and contribution to the community.

Our theological education should be contemporary.

On one hand, it is important for us to have a deep understanding of the Bible. On the other hand, we must also possess the ability to discern the needs of people, society, and the global community in this new millennium. Both teachers and students are encouraged to have internet access, enabling them to stay updated with the most current news, information, and knowledge. This access serves as a means to contextualize their theology and fosters creativity in theological approaches. In addition, MTS subscribes magazines, newspapers, journals, and reviews, and organize various seminars to ensure that our theological education remains contemporary.

Our theological education should be church-oriented.

It should meet the needs of the churches. As churches emphasize various forms of ministry, such as Christian Education, Missions, Social Concerns, Music, Counseling, Evangelism, Discipleship, Youth Ministry, Literary Work, and Mass Media, we are committed to equip students with a clear understanding of their spiritual gifts during their training. This will enable them to collaborate effectively and serve the churches more efficiently.

Our theological education should be practical.

Our school emphasizes the importance of field education. Students should learn to apply what they study in field work, either in the church or organizations they are attached to. Field Education Seminars will be held from time to time to make sure that our students do well and improve themselves in field ministry.