The 2026 ATA Annual meetings

Annual Meeting Session

Last January 26 until the 30th, the leaders of the Asia Theological Association gathered in Ban Ban Hotel, Phnom Penh, Cambodia for the 2026 Annual meetings. In the course of those five days, the following groups met: the Commission on Accreditation and Educational Development or CAED (Jan. 26), the Publications Committee (Jan. 27), the AGST (Asia Graduate School of Theology) Council (Jan. 27), and the Executive Board (Jan. 29 & 30). In addition to the meetings, the leaders of ATA likewise visited the Phnom Penh Bible School and went on a tour— all on the 28th.

Several things were talked about, shared, and heard over the several meetings during that week. But of all those that have been put out in those meetings, three stand out, all involve transitions and are items for prayer:

First, the search for the next General Secretary has begun! Dr. Theresa Lua, our current General Secretary, has expressed her intention to step down and enter a new chapter in her life and ministry: retirement. But before she fully steps down, she will be transitioning from her full-time role into a part time one and being to train her successor. So, a search committee has been formed and will be accepting applications for the position of General Secretary until June 15, 2026. Requirements, timeline, and job description are found here. We covet your prayers during this process as we seek God’s chosen servant to lead the Asia Theological Association forward.

Second, Dr. Andreas Himawan has stepped down as board member and board Chairperson as he will be focusing on his role as the General Secretary of the Synod of the Gereja Kristus Yesus (Church of Christ Jesus). Dr. Himawan is the former president of the Sekolah Tinggi Teologi Amanat Agung (Great Commission Theological Seminary. He likewise served as faculty of Ethics, Dogmatics, and Philosophy. Apart from his ministry with Sekolah Tinggi Teologi Amanat Agung, Dr. Himawan served through the ATA as member of the board when he was appointed in 2013. In 2016 he was appointed as Vice-Chairperson; and upon the demise of Dr. Takanori Kobayasi in 2017, Dr. Himawan assumed the role of Chairperson.

Finally, Dr. Clement Chia will be stepping down as board member and board secretary as he also steps down as president of Singapore Bible College (SBC), both effective 01 July 2026. Dr. Chia has served as the President of SBC since 2016 and has also been serving as Associate Professor of Theology. Dr. Chia was appointed as board member of the ATA in 2016 and since 2019 has served as board secretary. He will continue to serve as full-time faculty at SBC even after he steps down as President. Taking his seat as board member is Dr. Patrick Fung, the incoming President of SBC.

As Drs. Himawan and Chia both step down and each begin a new chapter, Dr. Theresa Lua expresses her heart felt appreciation to these faithful servants of God:

I wish to extend my deepest gratitude to Drs. Himawan and Chia for their many years of dedicated service on the ATA Board. We are profoundly grateful for their unwavering commitment to our mission and vision. Through their wisdom, humility, and servant leadership, they have guided this organization with excellence. On a personal note, I have been truly blessed by their constant encouragement and support.

With leaders stepping down and moving on, the Board has elected individuals to fill those seats in the executive committee. The following now comprise the ATA Executive committee:

Amid the many transitions, we praise God for the faithful service Drs. Himawan and Chia have rendered to the ATA Community. They have both been such a blessing to us. We likewise ask that you pray for the leadership of the ATA as we continue to work through these leadership transitions.

ATA Board

CAED

Publications Committee

AGST Council

Visit to Phnom Penh Bible School

Fellowship moments and cultural visits during the 2026 ATA Annual Meetings in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.