Tribute to President

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our Founding President, Reverend Doctor Rick Seaward on 24th March 2018.

Asia Theological Center (ATC) was established in 1982 by our Founding President, Rev, Dr. Rick Seaward.

He had served both as President and Chancellor of ATC throughout our history. More than just that, he has provided vision, strategic direction and wise counsel to shape the purpose and mission of the school.His vision to train and equip a whole generation of emerging pastors, missionaries and church-planters to meet the need of the present global mission movement is what has brought ATC to where she is today – offering certificates and degree courses to equip ministers and missionaries in Bible knowledge, pastoral and practical ministry skills.

Rev. Dr. Rick Seaward always had the highest regard for sound academic training. This was one of the reasons why he insisted ATC has the best academically qualified teachers and professors. At the same time, he required that those who taught were practitioners in their field of expertise. This was not always easy. But because of his stature and his wide network of minister friends, ATC never lacked teachers with this combination of academic excellence and proven ministry experience.

Rev Dr. Rick Seaward worked hard to achieve ATC’s accreditation status. ATC is today a fully accredited Bible college and a member of Asia Theological Association, which serves over 264 institutions in 32 nations.

He made progressive changes to the curriculum so as to keep ATC relevant and on the cutting edge of pedagogical advancement. It was also his apostolic perspective that initiated the Pastoral Leadership Program, a 6-months’ intensive program to train and equip pastors so that they could raise up churches with the right DNA to plant churches for the glory of God.

Over the past 35 years, we have seen hundreds trained, equipped and released to minister as pastors, teachers, evangelists, missionaries, and church-planters touching the lives of countless thousands in Singapore and in the nations. It was also in his heart that ATC would contribute towards equipping ministers and missionaries for the great multitudes in East Asia. This is something we have not forgotten and will do our part to see its fulfillment.

For all these and for so much more, ATC will always be indebted to Rev. Dr. Rick Seaward. The Administration, Faculty, Staff and Board of ATC will miss Pastor Rick dearly and will make every effort to carry on with the rich legacy he has left behind.

We offer heartfelt condolences to Sis. Diane Seaward, Bro. Jeremy and Sis. Charissa, Bro. Jonathan and Sis. Jannica, Rev. Fred and Margaret Seaward and the Seaward family. May you find comfort in our Lord Jesus Christ. Our prayers and support are with you all.

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