ASCM: ‘On Cusp of a New Era’
Cavite, Philippines–In spite of the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), Asian Seminary of Christian Ministries (ASCM), the Church of God’s flagship higher education institution in Asia Pacific, has recently experienced some exciting developments that are transforming the school’s future.
“I believe ASCM is on the cusp of a fantastic new chapter in its history,” according to Dr. David M. Griffis, General Director of Church of God World Missions. “I am very excited about all the possibilities.”
Architect’s rendering of the new ASCM campus (click photo to enlarge)
Over the last year, several significant changes have occurred concerning ASCM, a past project of the Church of God Youth and Discipleship’s YWEA initiative. Following the sale of the former ASCM site in downtown Manila, ASCM acquired a beautiful piece of property for a new campus in Cavite, 15 miles south of Manila. Last year construction began and ASCM will transfer into a brand new modern state-of-the-art facility in June 2020 (see photo for architect’s rendering).
Another significant development was the selection and installation of Dr. Marc A. Morris as the new president of ASCM. Previously Morris served as chairman of the school’s board and then as interim president. Morris and his wife, Marilen, have lived in Philippines for over 30 years where they founded and have operate Samaritan’s Place children’s ministry.
According to Morris, ASCM is upgrading the curriculum to meet modern needs and modes in ministry. The school is transitioning to a hybrid (online/oncampus) model of instruction and is reconfiguring management of the school’s finances to improve institutional sustainability, while increasing pay for faculty and lowering costs for student enrollment.
As a foretaste of ASCM’s new education model, the school is offering two free audit courses online this summer, entitled “Pastoral Counseling: Caring for People in Crisis and “Healthy Hermeneutics: Wise Ways to Interpret Scripture.” Dr. Butch Varner and Professor Doreen Benavidez will teach the courses respectively between July 13 – August 14, 2020. To register, email [email protected].
President Morris shared, “ASCM stands ready to offer its internationally accredited degree programs through top instructors via a contemporary format and in high-quality facilities. The transformation of ASCM has situated the school to provide a better education experience for students and ministers, especially for those interested to serve in Asia Pacific.”
Andrew Binda, Field Director for the Church of God for Asia/Pacific further stated, “ASCM’s educational services are excellent. It offers high-quality and relevant instruction at low costs. The brand-new campus, beautiful location, and hybrid instruction format are bringing ASCM into a new era as our premier school in Asia Pacific.”
To learn more about Asian Center for Christian Ministries, visit ascm.edu.ph and on Facebook (ASCMofficial)
