CONTENTS

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INTRODUCTION 2

A BRIEF HISTORY OF MALAYSIA BIBLE SEMINARY 3

WELCOME TO MBS (ENGLISH DEPARTMENT) 4

MBS ED FACULTY 5

CORE VALUES 6

GENERAL RULES AND GUIDELINES 7-15

REQUIRED READING LIST 16

EVALUATION FORM 17

COURSE ENROLMENT FORM 18

APPLICATION FOR LEAVE OF ABSENCE FORM 19

APPLICATION FOR EXTENSION OF ASSIGNMENTS 20

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alaysia Bible Seminary (MBS) is an evangelical, interdenominational seminary dedicated to the preparation of men and women of God for the manifold ministries of our Triune God and His Church. We seek to fulfill our

commitment through Biblical and Theological education, ministerial and professional development, and spiritual-personal formation. In our attempts to fulfill our goals, MBS strives for excellence in the service of Jesus Christ, under the authority of the Holy Scripture, and with the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit, to the Glory of the Father.

M

PHILOSOPHY

EVANGELICAL COMMITMENT

The Seminary accepts without reservation the divine inspiration of the Bible, and the confidence in the unity of God’s truth in our application to all aspects of the life of mankind.

INTERDENOMINATIONAL BREADTH

The Seminary is committed to the service of the entire Church of Jesus Christ in our various expressions, recognizing the distinctive of each denomination or organization.

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

The Seminary believes that excellence in education is a Christian calling; we are, therefore, committed to achieving and maintaining the highest academic quality in our teaching with an academic programme which encourages and fosters the spiritual formation of the individual.

HOLISTIC CONCERN

The Seminary is committed to the nurturing of the whole man expressed through a philosophy of education that enhances the spiritual, personal, social, aesthetic, and emotional development of the individual by the integration of thought and action, and a communal life that encourages the development of a lifestyle that confesses the glory of God in all areas of life.

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INTRODUCTION

The need for theological training has always been felt by the leaders of the Malaysian church. It was the years before 1976 that church leaders tried to meet this need by setting up a Bible College in Malaysia, especially for the training of Malaysians for the ministry. In 1976, a Bible school was started in Melaka under the name, “Pusat Latihan Kristian Melaka” (PLKM), with an initial enrolment of 2 students. The Overseas Missionary Fellowship (OMF) was instrumental in the establishment of PLKM and the founding dean was Rev. Peter Warner, then missionary to Malaysia. The PLKM was intended eventually to be the proposed Malaysia Bible Seminari – English Department. The PLKM was also the culmination and successor to the Selangor Evening Bible School.

At that time there was also the Chinese-medium Malaysian Christian Training Center (MCTC), which was sponsored by the OMF. In 1978, the PLKM merged with the Malaysia Bible Seminari (Chinese Department) that was started by the Selangor Chinese Co-workers Fellowship with the MCTC students forming the initial core of students to form the Malaysia Bible Seminari. Since then MBS has two departments, English and Chinese, with one Council and one administration.

However, recognizing that each constituency is different, each department is autonomous in its educational philosophy and approach in order to serve their own constituencies better. In its short history, MBS English Department has moved from Melaka to Overseas Union Garden in Kuala Lumpur in 1979, and then to Luther House in 1984. In 1988 a block of shop-houses in Klang, a half-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur, was purchased and MBS was re-located there until 2010.

The MBS Council decided to sell the Cheras property as they could not obtain the license to run a seminary there. By God’s special provision a keen Christian business man noted a 10.3 acre failed resort property in Jalan Kundang, Kuang (just north of KL) was on the market. It was purchased and run as MBS Recreation & Training until sufficient funds were raised for the move from the Klang campus.

The move from Klang to Kuang took place in August 2010 after extensive renovations and the construction of new buildings had been carried out.

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A BRIEF HISTORY OF MALAYSIA BIBLE SEMINARY

Rev. Dr. Tony Lim

We are delighted that by God’s calling and the support of your churches and friends you have chosen to study and do your training at MBS.

Both the faculty and administrative staff are committed to see that you settle in quickly and adjust to biblical/ theological/ pastoral training and for some life and ministry in the Klang Valley. This will require you to be committed to the task of the study of God’s word, spiritual formation and developing your gifts for future ministry.

For all course inquiries, please see Anne Lim the Registrar or myself. For all forms (assignment stamped, enrolment, etc.) see the Registrar.

For all passport issues, see Pastor Low Peng Ming, The Director of Administration. Other important details can be found in this Handbook.

Jesus spent three whole years discipling the Twelve. He was their Master and Mentor. Most of them then spent the remaining 30 or more years of their lives ministering the Gospel of Grace across the Mediterranean world. As students of His word, we would do well to follow Jesus’ disciples and take seriously our period of training. This training will provide the foundation for our lifelong ministry.

Wishing you a blessed, fruitful and joyous 2018!

Warm Regards in Christ,

Rev Dr Tony LimVice Principal, MBSDean, English DepartmentMalaysia Bible Seminary

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WELCOME TO MBS ENGLISH DEPARTMENT

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT FACULTY

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Rev. Dr. Tony Lim Vice Principal, MBSDean, English Department B.Th (Malaysia Bible Seminary) Licentiate Th. (Hons), Australian College of Theology MTS (Major: Spiritual Theology, under Dr James

Houston) Regent College, Canada. D.Min. (Singapore Bible College)

Ms. Allison Lee Associate Dean, English Department

Diploma Marketing (chartered Institute of Marketing) Master of Arts in Religion (Canadian Theological

Seminary) Master of Sacred Theology (Lutheran Theological

Seminary)

Dr. Sookgoo Shin Dean of Student

PhD, University of Cambridge (UK) under Prof. Judith Lieu. Master of Theology, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary,

South Hamilton, MA, USA Master of Divinity (Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary,

South Hamilton, MA, USA Bachelor of Arts (Economics), Queen’s University, Kingston

ON, Canada.

These core values describe the working philosophy of the faculty members of the English Department of Malaysia Bible Seminary:

1. In the area of community we believe in:

- living our lives as a community of the people of God, being able to pray and worship together;

- sharing resources and expertise for the good of MBS and the community of God;

- being able to grow together holistically;

2. In the area of being faculty members we believe in:

- being a model to the students of the English Department, emphasizing the “with him” principle of teaching;

- having team work, emphasizing a collegial atmosphere of working relationship;

- having a consultative and consensus building policy amongst ourselves to promote oneness and mutual understanding;

- having mutual respect for one another and also respecting one another’s opinion;

- upgrading our skills in pedagogy for the benefit of the students;- giving our best effort and working for the glory of God.

3. In the area of spiritual formation we believe in:

- growing spiritually together with the students of the English Department.

4. In the area of our students we believe in providing them with:

- a strong Biblical and theological foundation;- ministry skills development;- character and spiritual development;- a lasting relationship even outside the college, when they complete

their programs at MBS;- consistent encouragement in their ministry.

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CORE VALUES

These guidelines have been prepared to help students conduct their life at MBS. Being a member of the community, each one is expected to exercise due care and consideration so that all contribute constructively towards life at the Seminary.

MBS is a Christian School – her ultimate lord is the Lord Jesus Christ. Life at MBS, whether in terms of work, play or other social interaction, should always be conducted in a manner that is honoring and pleasing to the Lord.

Being an inter-denominational school, we should respect the variety in denominational distinctive. No student should only promote his/her particular denominational doctrines and practices. Discussion of such matters should be the free choice of all parties concerned and best done during class-time.

1. PROBATION

A student is considered on probation in his/her first semester at the college. If his/her work and conduct proves unsatisfactory, the college reserves the right to refuse his/her continuation at MBS.

2. SPIRITUAL FORMATION

2.1. Besides the academic studies at MBS, students should be nurturing their spiritual growth.

2.2. Students are expected to maintain their daily personal devotion in the mornings.

2.3. Students are required to attend all chapel services that have been arranged. Part-time students are expected to attend chapel on the days that they have classes in the campus.

2.4. Residential students should attend prayer sessions during the prescribed times.

2.5. Faculty members are always available for counseling.

2.6. Residential students are encouraged to forge close friendship with their room-mates.

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GENERAL RULES AND GUIDELINES

3. CLASS ATTENDANCE

3.1 Students are expected to attend lectures punctually, and to complete all course requirements.

3.2 Students should not miss classes without valid reasons. Arrangements for absence from class due to illness or other emergencies should be made directly with the lecturer concerned, and the Registrar should be notified. The request should be made via the ‘Application for Leave’ form with supporting evidence.

3.3 Students who fail to attend the prescribed minimum course hours are deemed to have failed the course.

3.4 Students are expected to keep the class-rooms clean and tidy. A class monitor will be appointed to mark the roll and set up the classroom, pens, data projector, etc.

3.5 Students are allowed two classes from commencement of course to decide whether to take credit, audit or withdraw from course. Thereafter from the third class onwards full attendance is compulsory.

4. SUBMISSION OF ASSIGNMENTS

Students are expected to submit their assignments on the date stipulated by lecturer in attendance. Non-submission of assignments will receive an F Grade. However, in extenuating circumstances, students can request for an extension of the due date, but subject to approval of the Dean and then the lecturer concerned. The request for extension can be made by using the ‘Request for Extension’ form.

5. GUIDED STUDY

Guided Study is only allowed for students who need to complete a particular subject in order to graduate.

6 DUTIES OF A MONITOR

A monitor will be appointed for each class. The duties of the monitor are:-

6.1 To mark class attendance (Attendance list will be provided).

6.2 To assist lecturers to photocopy lecture notes, if required.

6.3 To prepare class for lectures and to ensure lights, fans, airconditioner are switched off when class is over.

6.4 At the end of the semester, to hand out Evaluation Forms to students.

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6.5 To collect Evaluation Form and hand over to Registrar together with marked Attendance List.

7. LEAVE OF ABSENCE FROM COLLEGE

7.1 Students may not be absent from college (including all college functions) without prior written permission from either the Principal or the Vice Principal/Dean.

7.2 Students are expected to return from their vacation on time. Extension of vacation due to special circumstances will be treated in the same manner as an application for leave (see 4.1 above). If the circumstances are such that the student is not able to apply for leave personally, or by phone, leave may be applied through a friend. In all cases, the student is expected to show valid reasons for the extended leave of absence.

7.3 According to the circumstance, the college reserves the right to downgrade the final aggregate grade of the student for leave of absence without good cause. A student who is absent from college without valid reasons for more than two weeks may be expelled.

7.4 Residential students can leave the campus on Fridays after lunch, to go to the respective churches to carry out their practical ministry. However, they must return to campus by 2pm on Monday.

7.5 Students (whether international students or Malaysian students) must

obtain approval from the Vice Principal/Dean before they can make arrangements to return home, irrespective of whether it is a semester long break or a weekend short break.

8. STUDY HOURS

8.1 Residential students are expected to observe the study hours in the library (2pm-4pm; 8pm-10pm) from Monday to Thursday evenings.

9. RELATIONS WITH THE OPPOSITE SEX

9.1 MBS views sex as both a sacred and beautiful gift from God. Thus relationship between members of the opposite sex is considered natural and not to be frowned upon as they provide opportunities for growth and maturity. However, such relationships are often not easy to handle. In the light of this, emotions and relations with the opposite sex call for maturity and discipline, especially from theological students.

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9.2 Students in year 1 and 2 are not expected to develop any form of exclusive relationship with another person of the opposite sex.

9.3 When a student finds himself/herself attracted to another person of the opposite sex, he/she should seek counsel before he/she commits himself/herself to the other person.

9.4 Full-time students are not expected to get engaged or married during their period of training without the approval of the Principal and Dean.

10. LIFE IN THE DORMITORY

10.1 Students are to follow the common schedule drawn up for all residential students.

10.2 Students are to keep their own rooms clean and tidy at all times.

10.3 Students may not stay out nor are they allowed to keep guests without prior permission from the Dean or other teachers (when the Dean is not around). Dormitory lights must be switched off at 11 pm. Table light can still be on.

10.4 Furniture may not be removed or transferred from their assigned rooms without the prior permission of the Business Manager or the Dean. Students are to provide their own pillows, blankets and bedsheets.

10.5 Students are to vacate and clean the rooms and premises during the vacations, unless prior permission has been granted.

10.6 The Dean should be notified in all cases of sudden illness. Leave of absence, if necessary, may be obtained from the Vice Principal/Dean.

10.7 Students are to fulfill all duties assigned to them as part of their communal responsibility in the residence. Rosters and schedules for these purposes are drawn up from time to time – students should familiarize themselves with these.

10.8 Students are at all times to maintain decorum as well as sensitivity to the needs of other students in residence. Ladies are not permitted to enter the men’s residence, and vice versa.

10.9 All students are to observe silence after 11.00 pm.

10.10 Students are issued with keys to their own rooms. They are therefore responsible for the security of their properties. Students are advised to keep as little valuables with them in the residence as possible.

10.11 Residence during the vacation: Should a student wish to remain in the college residence for any period of time during the vacation, prior

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permission should be obtained from the Dean. The Director of Administration should also be consulted for availability of room for this period. It is expected that the student will conduct himself/herself with the same decorum and cleanliness as during term time. Students may use their rooms up to a week after the day of graduation, and a week prior to a new school year.

10.12 Sundays should be observed in a reverent atmosphere.

11. DRESS CODE

11.1 For school and other organized functions students are to show consideration in the way they choose their attire. Shoes should be worn during such times. Japanese slippers and slip-on sandals may not be worn. T-shirts and jeans are inappropriate during such times.

11.2 Proper attire should be worn during Class Time and Library Hours. Class Time is specified as being from 8.00 am to 5 pm (Monday to Friday). Other than this period, casual wear may be put on provided they are not clearly offensive to others.

12. USE OF MBS FACILITIES

12.1 Kitchen:

Follow the instructions of MBS R&T.

12.2 Bathrooms and Toilets:

Special care should be exercised to ensure that bathrooms and toilets are always kept clean.

12.3 Washing Machines:

Clothes should only be washed in the laundry area. The washing machines should be used with care. Clothes should be dried in the designated places.

12.4 Water and Lights:

We should seek to economize on the use of water and electricity. Light and aircons should be switched off after use.

12.5 MBS Property:

All breakages should be promptly reported to the Director of Administration. Where students have been negligent, they should pay for any repairs that may be necessary.

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12.6 Vehicles:

MBS vehicles should be used with great care and adhering to the prescribed instructions. Park your cars in the specified spaces.

13. LIBRARY

The library is an integral part of life at MBS.

13.1 Please return all loan books promptly and do not mark any of the books. After reading a library book in the library please return to the trolley provided (do not hide books and do put them on the shelves yourself).

13.2 Beware of copyright laws when you photocopy from library books.

13.3 Please be considerate of other students when accessing restricted books for each course. Read quickly and return to specified area.

14. STUDENT UNION

The Student Union is the body seeking to serve the students at MBS. Students are encouraged to participate actively in all the activities organized by the Student Union.

15. RECREATION

15.1 Students are expected to keep themselves physically fit and thus encouraged to exercise. (Healthy body, sharp mind)

15.2 At specified times, students are required to participate in games organized by the Games Coordinator.

16. PRACTICAL MINISTRIES

16.1 Practical ministry is an integral part of the student’s training at MBS. This training shall be arranged by the college (including mission trips) and may take place either during the term or the holidays. Reports will be requested from their church or field supervisors.

16.2 While the college encourages student participation in local churches, students may not accept invitation to preach or speak without the college’s approval. This is to provide the college with some means of monitoring the student’s training.

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16.3 A termly report of their practical ministry is expected from the students.

16.4 The college is interdenominational, and while every attempt will be made to place a student in a church of his own denomination, the college respects the distinctive of the various denominations, and the students should learn to do likewise. The primary objective of the college is to provide the student with a training that is biblically grounded – the task of developing the distinctive characteristic of the student’s denomination remains the student’s responsibility.

16.5 Students facing difficulties in their practical ministries should consult their ministry director as soon as possible. Students may also make a claim for expenditure incurred in the course of their ministry if they are not able to shoulder it (consult the director).

17. PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

The public holidays for the term shall be announced at the beginning of each term.

18. STUDENTS’ LOUNGE

This area is set aside for students’ relaxation. Newspaper and board games are provided. Visitors should normally be entertained in the lounge.

19. FINANCIAL POLICY

19.1 Fees: (see latest directives)

19.2 Student Aid: MBS does NOT provide financial aid to students who are in their first term at the college. MBS has limited funds to aid its students; and, when available, are given to students who, in the opinion of the college, are deserving of such aids. These aids are given on the understanding that the college reserves the right to withdraw such privileges at any time.

19.3 Medical Care: The College does NOT provide medical aids for students. Students are expected to pay for any medical bills incurred during their time at MBS. Should any student be in need of medical attention, the Government Hospital and Clinics are also open to be used.

19.4 All students are insured under a Group Insurance Scheme.

19.5 Under no condition may a student borrow money during his/her stay at MBS. If a student is facing dire financial problems, he/she should consult the Student Union President immediately.

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19.6 Student must settle all outstanding dues to the School before they can graduate.

19.7 Students shall compensate for any damage of school property, arising out of their negligence.

20. FIRE REGULATIONS

20.1 Students should use only torchlights during black-outs. No fires should be lighted at all in the bedrooms.

20.2 Residents should familiarize themselves with all the passage-ways of the buildings, especially the exit doors.

20.3 In the event of fire, the specific fire regulations must be followed.

21. PROCEDURES FOR DISCIPLINARY ACTION

21.1 MBS seeks to maintain high standards of integrity in academic work, in practical ministries and in personal spiritual life. Evidence of an extreme serious lack of integrity in any of these areas which may come to the attention of faculty member or students may be dealt with on a personal basis in keeping with Matthew 18:15-20 and Galatians 6:1, 2.

The Dean of students will seek to privately counsel the student involved. Opportunities will be given to the student to clarify the matter. The goal of such counsel is clarification and reformation, not prosecution.

If the consultation leads to disciplinary action, the student is entitled to a hearing. Every reasonable effort will be made to resolve the issue at this level.

If, however, no resolution can be reached at this level the issue will then be referred to the Disciplinary Committee for further action.

21.2 The Dean of students will recommend any of the following four options to the Disciplinary Committee for disciplinary action.

i) Disciplinary Probation – a specified time period (usually six weeks) during which the student will be evaluated further.

ii) Disciplinary Warning – a written warning given to the student and placed in his/her personal file. This warning may include certain pointers for which the student is responsible to take note. Failure to observe these pointers will incur a further review.

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iii) Suspension – a specified time period during which a student is suspended from the seminary. Readmission may be granted upon the fulfillment of certain necessary conditions which will be specified as each case arises.

iv) Expulsion – the termination of a student’s studies in the seminary.

22. PLAGIARISM – Consequences of Plagiarism

22.1 Students who plagiarise will be given a letter of warning with possibility of expulsion if repeated.

22.2 If repeated despite warning they will receive ‘F’ grade with possibility of expulsion.

NOTE: “Students” mean fulltime residential or non-residential students. Part-time students are also included, unless stated otherwise. Special students would not normally come within the ambit of the term unless so specified.

“Dean” refers to Dean of Students.

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Amended/Aug 8, 2018

M A L A Y S I A B I B L E S E M I N A R Y(ENGLISH DEPARTMENT)

Required Reading List

Name of student : ___________________________________________

Programme : ___________________________________________

Course : ___________________________________________

Credit : ___________________________________________

Semester/Year : ___________________________________________

I have read the following: indicate with a (√) for Required Readings (R)

No Author (Surname/Last Name)

Required Readings

Title of Work No. of pages

TOTALReminder: B.Th./600pp (3 credits)Grad. Dip.C.S./M.C.S./M.Div./900pp (3 credits)

□ I have completed my readings. □ I have not completed my required readings.□ I have pledge to complete my readings in the months ahead.

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_____________________Signature of student

M A L A Y S I A B I B L E S E M I N A R Y(ENGLISH DEPARTMENT)

EVALUATION FORM

Place of course: ……………………………… Class Size: ……………........

Lecturer: ………………………………………. Date: ………………………...

Please summarize how you feel about each question and give this to your lecturer.

KEY: SD=Strongly Disagree; D=Disagree; U=Uncertain; A=Agree; SA=Strongly Agree

SD D U A SAThe Course objectives were clearly explainedThe course objectives were achievedThe lecturer was well prepared for each classThe course material was effectively presentedThe methods of assessment were appropriateThe teacher responded well to students to think for themselves and to express their ideas.The lecturer was accessible to students outside classes

GENERAL COMMENTS:

1. In what ways did you find this course to be helpful for your personal spiritual growth?________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

2. In what ways did you consider this course to be helpful for your ministry?________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

3. In what ways did you think this course could be improved for future students?

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________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

4. Further comments:________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

M A L A Y S I A B I B L E S E M I N A R Y(ENGLISH DEPARTMENT)

COURSE ENROLMENT FORM

Name: ______________________________ Semester: l/ll

Program: ____________________________ Year Enroll:________

No Subject Credits12345678910

TOTAL FEES FOR SEMESTER RM =============

Undergraduate : RM225/subjectGraduate : RM360/subjectM.Min. : RM360/-plus Admin Fee: RM30/- per subjectAudit : RM200/per subject plus RM30/- registration

Remarks: If you are not MBS’ student, please write down your mobile, email, Church attached to, and mailing address, for our easy contact.Each subject is 3 credits.

____________________ ______________________Student’s Signature Academic Dean’s Approval

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Date: _______________ ______________________Dean’s Approval

M A L A Y S I A B I B L E S E M I N A R Y(ENGLISH DEPARTMENT)

APPLICATION FOR LEAVE OF ABSENCE

Date:____________________

The DeanEnglish DepartmentMalaysia Bible SeminaryLot 728, Jalan Kundang48050 Kuang

I wish to apply for leave of absence from the Seminary from ___________to__________The subject (s) which I shall miss is/are as follows:-

Name of Subject No. of Days Name of Lecturer

________________________ __________ _______________

________________________ __________ _______________

________________________ __________ _______________

________________________ __________ _______________

Reason(s) for leave:

____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

___________________Signature of Applicant

Name : _________________ Program: ______________________

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N.B.This form should be handed to the Dean at least one week in advance.

-------------------------------------------------------For Office Use Only----------------------------------------------

Approval of Dean: _______________________ Date: _________________ Signature

M A L A Y S I A B I B L E S E M I N A R Y(ENGLISH DEPARTMENT)

APPLICATION FOR EXTENSION OF ASSIGNMENTS______________________________________________________________________

Applicant should complete one form for each course for which an extension is sought. The form, after being counter-signed by the respective lecturer, should be returned to the office before/on the deadline set for the course, together with RM5.00 per extension. Any assignment for which extension has not been applied for will not be graded.

Name:__________________________ Program: ___________________________

Course: ___________________________ Original Deadline: _______________________

Lecturer: __________________________

Reason (s) for extension:

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

Number of incomplete Assignments:

(i) Current Term: ___________________ (ii) Previous Term _______________________

Signature of student: ________________ Date: _________________________________

New Deadline for Course: ____________________________(to be indicated by course lecturer).

Course lecturer to indicate penalty or non-penalty:-

□ No penalty□ Course marked, one-third grade (e.g. A to B+)□ Course marked, one grade down (e.g. A- to B-)□ Course marked, minus the value of the assignment□ Re-sit the subject

Signature: ________________________ Date: _____________________ Course Lecturer

Approved: ________________________ Date: _____________________ Dean/Associate Dean, ED

-------------------------------------------------------For Office Use Only----------------------------------------------REMITTANCE

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Amount: __________________________ Receipt No. ____________________________

Date: ____________________________

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