Held in April 17-18, 2015 in Oasis House of Prayer in Silang, Cavite, the

Administrative Council, Faculty & Staff gathered to pray and plan for the next School Year. Plans toward changing the Seminary Calendar (opening of classes from June to August) among other things were discussed.

It was another fruitful time with one another for the benefit of the Seminary we serve and for the advancement of the Kingdom of God in Asia and beyond.

DR. MICHAEL BAKER LEADS ASCM BOT MEETING

40TH COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES CAPS SCHOOLYEAR 

On April 24, 2015, ASCM held its 40th Commencement Exercises. Thirty-nine graduating students marched on the stage to receive their Doctorate, Masters and Bachelor degrees as well as Certificate in Ministerial Studies.

Before the processional, videos of ASCM Graduates thanking their parents, pastors, church members, sponsors and friends were flashed. Applause and cheers filled the entire sanctuary as each member of the processional entered the sanctuary.

ASCM Chairman of the Board, Dr. Michael Baker delivered a powerful message as the graduates were inspired to serve in whatever area God called them to be and be of influence to their community. A momentous highlight was when Dr. Tim Hill gave the Charge & Congratulatory Message to the Graduates.

Three graduates excelled academically and received Latin honors (Cum Laude) namely Sharon Oņate (Master of Divinity), Kenneth Ross Mabaos (BCE) and Adina Bilgah Ramos (BCE).

ASCM 40th Commencement Exercises Photos

In recognition of his outstanding leadership, excellence in training and faithful commitment to the Great Commission of our Lord Jesus Christ, ASCM upon the recommendation of its President and by the authority of the Board of Trustees awarded an Honorary Doctor of Divinity to COGWM Assistant Director Bishop John D. Childers.

After his profile was read by the Interim President, Dr. Marcos Ligero, the Doctor of Divinity Diploma was awarded by the Chairman of the Board, Dr. Michael Baker. To witness the awarding, ASCM was honoured to have Dr. John Childers' wife, Sis. Deborah "Debbie" Childers join her husband on stage.

"During his ministry career, Bishop Childers has served the Church of God in a wide spectrum of ministry activities.  He has served in local church pastoral ministry;  State Youth and Christian Education Director in numerous states such as Alabama, North Georgia, Tennessee and DelMarVa/DC;  Assistant International Director of Youth and Christian Education; International Director of Youth and Christian Education; Administrative Bishop of Northern Ohio and Alabama; member of the Executive Council; member of Church of God International General Assembly Cabinet;  Chairman, International Youth & CE Board; Board of Directors, Peniel Rehabilitation Ministry, Johnstown, PA;  and member of numerous boards and committees.

He has experienced success both within the Church of God and as a representative to a wide variety of external publics and religious groups including engagement with various global missions' agencies and many parachurch youth organizations.  He has substantial experience in vision casting and organizational leadership.  Foremost, he is an outstanding speaker, sharing in conferences, conventions, seminars, church events, and civic gatherings across the U.S. and around the world.  Bishop Childers is an innovative, energetic leader who has a passion for excellence in kingdom ministry. 

Bishop Childers is an alumnus of Lee University.  He and his wife Debbie are the parents of two sons, Jonathan, married to Vanessa; and Jeremy, married to Ashlie.  He and Debbie are grandparents to the most wonderful little girl in the world, Austyn."

                              (Profile was read during the Commencement Exercises)

ASCM leaders, faculty, staff, alumni and students participated in the 13th National Convention of Church of God Philippines themed, "Bigger and Better" on April 28-30, 2015 held in SMX Convention Center in Manila.

It was a defining moment for Church of God in the Philippines as the biennial assembly was attended by nearly 8000 participants. It also became an opportunity for ASCM to be promoted especially to delegates who came from the far provinces of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao as well as Japan, Korea and Hong Kong.

ASCM manned a booth and distributed brochures. It was a mini-reunion for ASCM Alumni who visited the booth. It also opened doors for establishing ASCM Extension Programs to some provinces.

ASCM appreciates the leadership of Church of God Philippines led by Dr. Anthony Velasco and members of the National Board who together with hundreds of volunteers worked to make the event indeed a bigger and a better one.

ASCM changed the opening of its School Year to August 2015 in response to the current trends of higher education in the Philippines.

Aligning the Philippine School Year with the rest of the world including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), due to commitments to the ASEAN integration, allows for easier transition for students who will enrol in further studies in these jurisdictions. The K+12 program is also part of this alignment to facilitate mutual recognition of Philippine diplomas in Academic institutions in other countries.

As the COG Regional Seminary in Asia, this transition creates new opportunities to increase the number of international students as it would be easier for international applicants to synchronize their previous school calendar to ASCM.

Aside from these considerations, the August opening of the School Year moves out of the heaviest period of the rainy season - June and July. The Second Semester will also begin immediately after Christmas break, which means, it will not be interrupted by Christmas vacation as it is now that the Second Semester starts in November.