John Lim

Current GCS Student, Singapore

During spring 2025, John Lim traveled from Singapore to complete the required Advanced Theological Research (ATR) course on Harding School of Theology’s campus in Searcy, Arkansas. John graduated with his bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies and Bible in 2021. He is eager to continue his studies while participating in full-time ministry in Singapore, where he serves alongside fellow HST and GCS student Irvin Wan. After completing his MACM, John plans to pursue a doctoral degree in ministry or theology. He first joined the GCS student group after hearing about the partnership between GCS and HST through co-founder Benny Tabalujan of the Belmore Road Church of Christ.

Q&A with John about his experience at ATR, HST, and GCS: 

Can you share your experience and what you learned at ATR? What was it like being on Harding’s campus again?

I learned at ATR the technical skills of research and left feeling something like a wizard of navigating the library and online databases. Only time will tell whether my confidence is rightly placed when I write my next paper!

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Returning to the Searcy campus was an absolute delight, like coming home after a long stint away. I connected with many old friends and professors and felt comforted with the knowledge that this bastion of Christian education remains as dynamic, vibrant, and faithful as I remembered.

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What has been the greatest challenge and reward of balancing a full-time job with a master’s degree?

Thus far, the greatest challenge has been studying at a distance and mostly asynchronously. The time difference with Searcy inhibits my ability to join with my classmates even online, so it often feels like an individual effort to learn while figuring out the rest of life.

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The greatest reward has been being able to incorporate my learning and spiritual formation into everyday ministry. I feel both more confident and more humble when I go about my ministry, more equipped to respond to ministry issues or theological questions, and also more sensitive and more loving of people. It has also been an oasis, a time away from the concerns of ministry to engage with the best minds of the Christian tradition and remember why I serve Christ in the first place.

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Can you share one lesson or insight from your studies that has made a lasting impact on you?

When taking Congregational Ministry with Professor Matt Love, the class on ministering in places of death and bereavement was the most fascinating. In a generation that struggles to accept or behold mortality, it struck me that we who minister play a vital role in facilitating that sacred space between life, death, and new life for those who live and behold the dying and dead. I have a newfound appreciation for funerals and the sacred dynamics at work in a place often overwhelmed by darkness and grief.

How has GCS helped you grow personally, professionally, or spiritually?

Thanks to GCS, I’ve been able to partake of the vast wealth of learning and training that HST offers. In just my first three classes, my capacity for theological thinking has been sharpened, which has only added to my effectiveness as a minister. Personally, I am made aware of the fellowship of saints from all across the world who band together to enable my education (and that of many others) and I am in awe of how the Church empowers members of the Body to become the best version of themselves for the sake of the Body.