Dr. Tan Tek Seng

DAILY REFLECTION
18 June 2026

“And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.”
2 Timothy 2:2

After thirty months marked by anxiety, challenges, uncertainty, perseverance, and complete dependence upon God following the passing of Prof. Dr. Paul Cheng, Tyrannus Online Seminary (TOS) reached a significant milestone when it received full ATA accreditation on 19 September 2025. What once seemed beyond reach became a testimony of God’s faithfulness and provision.

With deep gratitude to the Lord, I stepped aside on 22 November 2025 and entrusted the leadership of the seminary to a new Principal, Dr Andrew Teo. Together, we continue to strengthen the institution, expand its ministry, and pursue excellence in theological education so that future generations may be equipped to serve Christ faithfully.

This journey vividly illustrates the principle found in 2 Timothy 2:2. Christian ministry was never intended to revolve around one individual. Rather, God’s work advances through the intentional investment of faithful leaders who equip others to carry the mission forward.

In today’s verse, Paul presents four generations of disciples: Paul, Timothy, faithful believers, and those whom they will eventually teach. This is the multiplying power of discipleship. The gospel is preserved and advanced when each generation intentionally trains and mentors the next.

Paul emphasizes faithfulness before ability. While knowledge, skills, and qualifications are important, God first looks for trustworthy men and women who will handle His truth with integrity. Effective Christian leadership is not built merely upon talent or position, but upon a life of obedience, humility, spiritual maturity, and steadfast commitment to Christ.

As believers learn from godly mentors and grow in their walk with the Lord, they become part of an unbroken chain of discipleship that stretches from one generation to another. Through this process, God’s truth continues to transform lives long after individual leaders have completed their earthly assignments.

As I reflect on God’s faithfulness throughout the TOS journey, I am reminded that the greatest milestone was not accreditation alone, but the assurance that the baton of theological education has been entrusted to faithful hands for generations to come.

2 Timothy 2:2 reminds us that we are merely stewards of what God has entrusted to our care. Our responsibility is to preserve the truth, equip faithful leaders, and ensure that the work continues long after we have completed our part.

“Faithful stewardship is not building a ministry around ourselves, but raising others who will carry Christ’s truth beyond our lifetime.”