HOW can Trinity Theological College (TTC) stand out in a region with growing numbers of Bible and theological training centres? That was a question raised at TTC's 55th Anniversary Thanksgiving Dinner at the Orchid Country Club on Oct 3, 2003 before students, alumni, friends, staff and faculty. TTC's Principal, the Rev Dr Ngoei Foong Nghian, noted that different Bible colleges meet different needs. Some provide basic education and training for Christian ministry. "However", he said, "the church in Asia is growing fast and needs strong theological training for its leaders." TTC is uniquely suited for this need because it is a "value added" theological school. The first value is in the strong faculty. Specifically, the faculty are strong academically, with good church relationships and good mentoring relationships with the students.

In addition, TTC has an important faculty development programme, to raise up lecturers throughout Asia.  Second, the Rev Dr Ngoei said, TTC has a strong worship life. The school focuses on quality worship experiences through proper teaching and preparation for the school's chapel services. Even more than the experience, the college emphasises spiritual formation, by having a full-time chaplain.

Finally, TTC emphasises Christian thinking that is responsive to current issues facing society. With recent events such as the Conference on Nation-Building (see facing page), TTC seeks to join the church in dialogue over social issues and clarify Christian responses. During the dinner, senior alumni from the 1960s were honoured and certificates and licentiates were given out to students in the Centre for the Development of Christian Ministry (CDCM). Earlier in the day, a Thanksgiving Service was held at the TTC Chapel. The guest preacher was the Rt Rev Henry Hong, Vice-Chairman of the TTC Board of Governors and Moderator, Synod of the Presbyterian Church in Singapore.