About this Course

Disruptions have been a key concern for business leaders in the last two decades, as noted in Clayton Christensen’s Innovator’s Dilemma (1997). Since then, we have seen not only traditional businesses disrupted but also the pace of disruption accelerating due to the advent of the 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR). As the recent COVID19 pandemic has shown, the Church is also not immune to disruptions. Christian leaders now find themselves grappling with how to disciple Christians in a rapidly changing world, up against challenges as wide ranging as the stress of remote work, economic recessions, shifts in geopolitics and economic structures, and the unfamiliarity of ministering in a digital world.

The aim of this course is to survey the above challenges and to introduce the theological, spiritual, and interdisciplinary resources that can enable the Church to disciple Christians and to further God’s kingdom in this new normal. Students will also have opportunities to dialogue with industry experts and practitioners on the challenges of digital disruptions and consolidate their learning through a group project.

{This is a 1.5 credit, Master Core course}

  • Location

    Online via Zoom
    (with Blended Learning)

    First and Last Sessions are in-person for local students at:
    50 Kallang Pudding Rd
    #07-01, AMA Building
    Singapore 349326

  • Dates

    (Thursdays)
    Sep: 5, 19, 26
    Oct: 3, 17
    Nov: 14, *16 (9.30am-12.30pm)

    Closing Date for Registration:
    Sept 2, 2024

  • Time

    7:15–10.00PM

Dr Tan Seng Kong

Lecturer in Christian Theology and Spiritual Formation

Dr Tan Seng Kong serves as the Head of Shared Services and a Lecturer in Christian Theology and Spiritual Formation at BGST. Formerly an architect, he holds an MA in Spiritual Theology from Regent College and a PhD from Princeton Theological Seminary, specializing in Jonathan Edwards’ doctrine of salvation. Beyond his academic work, Seng Kong is a member of Bethel Assembly of God and enjoys indoor gardening, Korean media with his wife, and Indian cuisine with his son.

Course curriculum

  • 1

    General

    • Course Syllabus (MM103, 1.5 cr.)

    • Book Review - Bibliography (3 cr)

    • Orientation Course & Library Access

  • 2

    1) Christians in a Disruptive World

    • Introduction

    • Lecture notes

    • Lecture 1 - Christians in a Disruptive World

    • L1 Slides - Christians in a Disruptive World

  • 3

    2) Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR)

    • Introduction

    • Lecture 2 - Fourth Industrial Revolution

    • Lecture Slides

  • 4

    3) Theological & Interdisciplinary Perspectives on (Digital) Technologies

    • Introduction

    • Lecture 3 - Philosophy, Sociology, and Theology of Technology

    • Class lecture video links

    • Lecture 3 slides

    • Lecture notes

    • Jacques Ellul

  • 5

    4) Responding to Digital Technologies: Ethical and Spiritual Perspectives on the Digital World

    • Introduction

    • Lecture 4 - Ethics & Spirituality of Technology

    • Video links

    • Lecture 4 Slides

    • Lecture notes

  • 6

    5) Book Review Presentations: Social Media and Disinformation

    • Group Presentations

  • 7

    6) Project Presentation Session

    • Individual Presentations (24 November 2024)

  • 8

    7) Bonus Lecture

    • Chris Lim, "Is the World Heading toward a Singularity?"

    • Lecture Slides - "Is the World Heading toward a Singularity?"

  • 9

    Course Evaluation

    • Course Evaluation

  • 10

    Assignments Submission

    • Assignments Overview

    • Reading Journals & Project Essay