The ATS community gathered for its first chapel service, marking a meaningful beginning to the academic term and a significant institutional milestone: the installation of Dr. Rafa Alfonso as Vice Chancellor for ATS Administration and Finance.
Rooted in 1 Corinthians 4:1–2, the service emphasized that leadership in theological education is fundamentally an act of stewardship—not ownership, but faithful care of what belongs to God. In his message, the ATS Chancellor, Dr. Mel Go, reminded the community that administration is not merely technical or procedural, but deeply spiritual, sustaining God’s work through faithfulness, integrity, and wisdom.
Drawing from the Apostle Paul’s teaching and the wisdom of Exodus 18, the message affirmed God’s value for structure, accountability, and shared leadership. The Vice Chancellor’s role was described not as one of control, but of trust—overseeing systems, resources, and people that ultimately belong to God. Faithfulness, rather than visibility or popularity, was lifted up as the true measure of leadership, especially in the often unseen work of administration.
Dr. Alfonso’s installation also celebrated the diverse gifts he brings to the seminary—as a theologian, marketplace professional, and servant-leader—affirming that God redeems and uses every experience for the flourishing of His mission. In a time of global challenges facing theological education, the community was reminded that this calling is shared: stewardship is a collective responsibility grounded in grace, mutual respect, and partnership.
As Asian Theological Seminary moves forward, this inaugural chapel and installation stand as a prayerful commitment that faith and wisdom may walk together, that theology and practice may meet, and that all resources entrusted to the institution may be stewarded with humility, joy, and faithfulness—to the glory of God.
