[Editor’s note:
On the 7th anniversary of the City of Faith, we reflect on the opening verses from Luke's gospel (1:1-4).
The name "Theophilus" may have pre-Christian Greco-pagan origins, referring to pantheons vying for dominance (e.g., Altar of Zeus at Thyatira, now in Berlin). The City concept, still in its infancy, was conceived 7 years ago when the Blue MRT (DTL) began, connecting 34 underground stations to Changi Business Park.
The Seminary was established over this same period, starting with our first book, "When Favor Comes" (2003), followed by its sequel, "Secrets of the Menorah," released in March 2023, approximately 20 years later. The sequel, an aide-memoir based on the pattern of seven taught by Skip Moen, and the book on productivity zones by Samuel/Moen, was originally published by Talent Research Foundation in 2011, titled "Living in Your Zone."
The hypothesis has been tested in leadership circles connected to the Geylang mission, transitioning from anti-vice ministry to a pro-family movement, allowing real-world graduate research for external validation.
“Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent (lover of the gods), so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.” (Luke 1:1-4)]
We are currently experiencing a period in which various fractals of modal excellence are coming to light, leading to a significant transformation from traditional ministry structures to innovative new wineskin movements (2017-2024).
These emerging movements are reaching out to local, non-local, and extra-local communities that are actively participating in non-levitical realities beyond the traditional confines of the assembly's four walls.
As these movements grow, they are fostering environments where individuals can engage more deeply with their faith, discover their unique callings, and contribute to the broader mission of the church.
This paradigm shift is not just a change in structure, but a reimagining of how the church can function as a dynamic and adaptive community, responsive to the needs and opportunities of the modern world.
The following chart maps researchers within the Geylang campus in Singapore with their fields of specialisation at the intersection of Theology, Family, and Human Formation which is our present concentration over the next 20 months (Jun 2024 - Dec 2025). Each field includes a description and links for further exploration
1. Digital Re-generation
Focus: Helping a radial potential of 25 million mobile phone subscribers to call home.
Researchers: A. Manzanilla & L. Bautista, NCR
More about Digital Re-generation
2. Talent Capital
Focus: Facilitating re-entry back home for the global Filipino, helping them find fulfillment in life.