A Testimony from a Master of Ministry graduate – Jeanne J. Saw
Over the years, I have pursued studies on the Catholic faith ranging from one-off seminars to diploma courses across different disciplines. At times, I was asked, “How many more diplomas will you take?” or “Why not aim for a degree?” For me, it was not about how many courses or aiming for the highest level of certification. “Getting wisdom is the most important thing you can do. Whatever else you get, get insight” (Prov 4:7).
My goals have always been deeper knowledge, spiritual growth, and real application for God’s glory, not personal acclaim. While some programs were subsidized or sponsored, others have been self-funded. Despite receiving no formal certificate on some, I continue because the pursuit of truth knows no boundaries, and the value of formation isn’t measured in credentials.
In 2023, after reaping much from the courses I had undertaken, I began to ask, “What next, Lord?” I continued serving in His borderless vineyard, freely giving what I had freely received (cf. Matt 10:8). Soon after, my husband who works in a non-Catholic Christian organization forwarded to me an e-flyer shared by his colleague.
It was a 2-year online course focused on Scripture, theology, and practical leadership, crafted by experienced ministry practitioners globally with respectable qualifications. Unlike most academic programs, this one intentionally forgoes accreditation; its aim is clear: to form sincere and committed labourers for God’s Kingdom, not mere degree-seekers. What it confers is symbolic of completion, not for career advancement.
Given my firm Catholic faith with years of studies in Catholic contexts and beyond, plus my experience in various ministries, I prayerfully discerned, and with my husband’s consent, I submitted my application. What followed was a prolonged silence. I almost gave up and started exploring other meaningful and affordable opportunities, being a staunch believer in lifelong learning. But God in His perfect timing i.e. just after the Feast of the Epiphany – a season so apt for divine revelation – sent the news of my acceptance!
The program began with over 1,600 students from different countries of 5 continents and more than 100 faith traditions and denominations. Despite such diversity, unity and mutual respect prevailed. Each week, we engaged with Scripture, session notes, and video teachings, followed by a single-attempt, time-bound online quiz, and a 2-hour live Zoom session with short lectures, group discussions and Q&A. There were also assignments and projects during the semester breaks, with ad hoc online sessions on relevant topics like communication skills, AI etc.
With 33 sessions per year, strict academic and ethical standards, plus mandatory active participation, many fell away over time. As with most longer-term online programs, completion rates were under 50%. By God’s grace, I remained among the top 100 throughout, with a 100% attendance record, earning free accommodation for my graduation in Singapore, among a few other locations.
This journey has been transformative. It broadened my understanding of other Christian traditions, their biblical interpretations, theological frameworks, evangelistic methods, and discipleship models. I’ve learned to appreciate our commonalities while remaining firmly rooted in my Catholic faith. I now share more confidently with friends and RCIA candidates from other denominations.
I recommended a few fellow Catholics to consider this course but was unsuccessful. Frankly, I would only recommend it to those with a solid grounding in Catholic doctrine, the discipline for about 15 hours of weekly study, and a reasonable level of digital fluency. Otherwise, it is easy to become overwhelmed or disillusioned.
Looking back, I stand in awe of God’s providence, “He makes everything beautiful in its time” (Eccl 3:11). I am deeply grateful to my family and ministry heads for their kind understanding especially when studies demanded my time and energy. Their support carried me through both my joy when attaining full score in the quiz and blues when it went below my personal goal of 90%; my score is mostly above the weekly average ranging 78–91%. By God’s grace, I completed this course with a final average of 92.20%, placing 77 out of 720 globally; this is better than my accredited Master’s degree a couple of decades ago.
All said, this MMin does not warrant me to be a ministry head at any level (parish, diocese, etc), as some might end up asking me this question. Knowledge, service, faith and pastoring are high on my list of charisms; leadership is rather far below. So, what lies ahead? An online diploma course on Canon Law for a Synodal Church from India to conclude in early 2026, an online chaplaincy certificate program from the US which began in November 2025, and an online certificate course in human dynamics and counselling foundations (India) starting in late February 2026.  “To whom much is given, much will be required” (Luke 12:48) and so, I press on, ever learning, ever growing while sharing my five loaves and two fish that our good Lord has blessed me with.
Name: Jeanne J Saw (Cathedral of the Holy Spirit)
Course: Master of Ministry* (MMin)
Seminary: Asia-Pacific Institute of International Studies (APIIS)
*A Master of Ministry (MMin) is a graduate degree focused on practical Christian service, preparing students for roles in churches, non-profits, and other organizations. It offers a combination of theological education and practical skills like leadership, counselling, and teaching, sometimes with specializations in areas like pastoral care or leadership. This degree is often a good option for those preparing for ministry who may not need a more extensive Master of Divinity degree.
