Introduction
The Engineering and Science Christian Fellowship (ESCF), a Sectional Group of the Graduates’ Christian Fellowship (GCF) has been officially endorsed as part of the GCF at its AGM in July 2008.
The ESCF was formed to meet the need and the challenges facing the science and engineering world today.
Science and engineering constitute the profession/vocation of a major segment of Christians in the world of work. Christian professionals working from fields of research to engineering to technology applications, contribute to the main engine of economic growth in the global economy. Engineering and science graduates constitute about 40 to 50 per cent of total graduates from universities around the world. With the industrialisation of the late 19th and early 20th century, we now live in a world that is saturated with science, engineering and technology.
With the proliferation of science and engineering also comes a whole host of ethical and environmental challenges. The earth has limited resources. How can Christian scientists and engineers redeem and be obedient to the Creation Commission in Genesis where we are first commissioned as humankind to “have dominion over the created order”? How are Christian scientists and engineers, who are redeemed and called to redeem creation, practise and do our work, which is in congruence with the Word of God? Are Christian scientists and engineers creating technology and designing products that benefit humankind and glorify our Heavenly Father?
There is also a great imbalance in the technology gap, translated to economic gap. Those without technology know-how, are significantly disadvantaged. What are some of the foreign missions initiatives and poverty alleviation projects, which Christian scientists and engineers can be involved in to bridge the gap, in the meantime witnessing the love of God and the hope of Jesus?
This is particularly important as many two-third-world countries will be greatly urbanised. There is also a great need as many previously predominantly Christian nations are now foreign missions fields and in need of highly skilled engineering and science professionals to work in their midst.
There are many such challenges ahead for Christian engineers and scientists. Hence, the creation of the new sectional group Engineering and Science Christian Fellowship (ESCF) under GCF to bring the Christian engineers/scientists under one umbrella to have fellowship and to equip themselves to meet the challenges in this material world.
Vision
Kingdom Innovations and Designs
Aims
As we see our vocation as a calling and ministry from our loving Father, we hold regular fellowship meetings to:
- Keep accountable to the highest ethical standards in performing our daily work, when necessary, even over and above what is industrial norm or legally mandated
- Seek the interest of the common good for humanity and environment through our work as much as possible, in particular for the poor, needy, orphaned and widowed
- Help our fellow Christian colleague to clarify his/her calling though vocational counselling
- Sharpen our skills and ability in and through our daily work through so as to present work of excellence before the Lord
- Integrate our faith and work through the corporate study of Scriptures and contemplating on its application within the vocational, personal, cultural, political and social context
- Challenge each other to be witnesses, in words and deeds and living out the rule of Christ in every sphere of our lives, including our vocation
Ministry Focus
The ESCF is for the following professionals:
- Graduates from engineering, science and technology faculties
- Researchers or professionals in science and technology
- Engineers in any related field
- Professionals from manufacturing and process industries
- Technical sales, marketing, support and quality professionals
Its activities include the following:
- Bible studies and case studies to integrate faith and work
- Updates on significant technology and research breakthrough, Christian worldviews and implications
- Mentoring of students/young graduates and vocational guidance
- Conduct training and projects for foreign missions initiatives
- Training on marketplace ministry and missions
History
The ESCF was "launched" on 24 October 2007 with LT Jeyachandran speaking on “God and Technology” with about 40 people attending. On 28 February 2008, Timothy Liu spoke on “A Matter of the Spirit and Matter” while on 22 May 2008, LT Jeyachandran gave a talk on “Theology of Science”.
ESCF plans to form a core team and core group of members this year (year 1) and to grow its membership in year 2 and 3. In year 4, it plans to start sub-groups, which will be based on industries and sectors if there are sufficient interest and numbers. The ESCF also plans to collaborate with the Fellowship of Evangelical Students (FES) to be on campus to work and perhaps hold some seminars for students in the science and engineering faculties.