Wen Pin’s research focuses on the intersection between biblical and practical theology. His areas of inquiry include biblical studies, disability ministry/missions, creation care, mental health, homiletics, pastoral theology, and more. His works (in both English and Mandarin) have been positively reviewed by Christianity Today, the Journal of Disability and Religion, the International Journal for the Study of the Christian Church, and many other publications.
He has authored/edited the following books:
Like Mount Zion: Conceptual Metaphor and Critical Spatiality in the Songs of Ascents
This monograph, in the venerable FRLANT series founded by Hermann Gunkel, proposes an innovative approach to critical spatial study through applying conceptual metaphor theory as a hermeneutical bridge. The proposed method is applied on the Songs of Ascents (Pss 120-134) to demonstrate that the corpus is not a pilgrimage psalter as popularly thought, but meant to foster unity around the Temple in the post-exilic period.
HONOURS
This book was awarded the 2024 Rev. Dr Lien-Hwa Chow Memorial Foundation’s Outstanding Theological Research Book Award (周联华牧师纪念基金会年度优秀神学学术研究著作奖), given “to recognise and promote outstanding theological research and publications by Chinese scholars”.
REVIEW
“Wen Pin Leow has turned an excellent piece of research … into an even better, massive study of the ‘Pilgrim Songs’. It provides a fresh perspective on them, approaching them from the angle of Cognitive Linguistics and Critical Spatiality, with a particularly interesting ‘take’ on Henri Lefebvre and Michel Foucault. … Wen Pin’s study will enable scholars and the educated public more deeply to understand the Psalms of Ascents and to savour their more hidden features. I commend it to the reader with enthusiasm.” – The Reverend Professor Joachim Schaper, Established Chair of Hebrew & Semitic Languages, University of Aberdeen & Past President of the International Organization for the Study of the Old Testament
A Church on God’s Mission: Integral Mission as Church Life
A primer on integral mission, written specifically for churches to help them implement mission holistically as a part of church life. Designed especially for church leaders and small group use.
REVIEWS
“A Church on God’s Mission represents the future of global Christianity where local congregations engage in integral mission, living out both the proclamation and demonstration of the Christian faith among family, friends, and neighbours. The authors have provided an essential guide for every Christian to participate in God’s mission. Highly recommended!” – Dr. Todd M. Johnson, Eva B. and Paul E. Toms Distinguished Professor of Mission and Global Christianity & Director of the Center for the Study of Global Christianity, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
“Accessible, scripturally sound, and practical, A Church on God’s Mission will help churches and congregants understand God’s mission more clearly and how and where they fit within God’s work in the world. The tools and assessments provided in the book are particularly helpful for helping churches embrace and continually assess their involvement in integral mission. Churches that want to impact the world for Christ should read and apply what is in this book.” – Reverend Dr Rochelle L Scheuermann, Past President, Evangelical Missiological Society, and Associate Professor of Evangelism & Leadership, Litfin Divinity School, Wheaton College
Koinonia Groups: Nurturing Disability-Inclusive Small Groups in Your Church
A user-friendly introduction for churches to understand, establish, and grow disability-inclusive small groups.
REVIEWS
“I highly recommend this primer to anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of disability-inclusive small groups and their potential to transform lives! The authors’ biblical insights and practical handles will undoubtedly inspire and equip readers to create Koinonia Groups that embody the love and grace of Christ, fostering genuine fellowship and empowering individuals to become disciples and disciplemakers.” – The Reverend Tony Yeo, Chairman of the Evangelical Free Church of Singapore EFCS) and All-Asia; Senior Pastor of Covenant Evangelical Free Church
“Following the principles in this book, we started a Koinonia Group in our church, and have already experienced such a deep connection with each other! This is something churches really need. Sometimes we get so lost in serving and doing that we forget about being. This group reminds me about the need to disciple one another and grow together in the Lord.” – Dr Wei Ker-Chiah, Senior Consultant Psychiatrist, Head (Adult Neurodevelopmental Service), and Chief (West Region), Institute of Mental Health, Singapore
Loving Our Father’s World: Creation Care and Gospel Living (华文版: 爱护天父世界：以福音之道关爱受造界)
An accessible primer for Christians to understand the biblical theology of creation care and how to steward creation in their personal and church lives. Designed especially for church leaders and small group use. (This book was previously published under the title Creation Care and the Gospel.)
REVIEWS
“I greatly enjoyed reading this brief introduction to creation care, and warmly commend it to others. It appeals to head, heart and hands, with clear and helpful biblical foundations, some delightful lessons in creation care discipleship from Singapore wildlife, and a pastor’s practical call to action for churches.” – The Reverend Dr Dave Bookless, Director of Theology, A Rocha International
“Loving Our Father’s World is an easy-to-read primer for those looking to integrate creation care into their daily lives. It is filled with biblical and practical insights for both the individual and the local church. From Wen Pin’s highlights of ‘creation in the gospel’ from Genesis to Revelation; to Dennis’ lessons from specific creatures for the individual; to Kuo Yung’s head-heart-hand approach to creation care for the local church, readers are inspired to take thoughtful actions while remaining grounded in biblical truth.” – Ms Jasmine Kwong, Creation Care Advocate, OMF International
Under the Wings of God: Stories of Hope from the Book of Ruth
This book is an edited collection of four sermons on the Book of Ruth. Each sermon considers the biblical text from a disability-inclusive perspective, exploring human concerns such as grief, marginalisation, identity, and legacy.
REVIEWS
“I really enjoyed reading Under the Wings of God. My eyes were opened to the significance of the Ruth narrative for an autistic audience. But, as Wen Pin points out, we all suffer and are marginalised and stereotyped by others, so there is an inspirational message here for all of us.” – Dr Peter H.W. Lau, Author of The Book of Ruth (New International Commentary on the Old Testament Series)
“This book can certainly stimulate fresh devotion and nurture God’s people. It can also be used to inform a teaching series to transform congregations to be more disability sensitive. It will definitely turn a Christian into a disciple of Christ to know the fullness of God through the futility of man. We are indeed all Under the Wings of God.” – The Right Reverend Dr Titus Chung, The Bishop of Singapore, Anglican Diocese of Singapore
Singapore Disability Ministry Survey 2023
Through questionnaires and interviews with thirty churches in Singapore, the authors provide a comprehensive overview of the state of Christian disability ministry in Singapore and propose several avenues for further development.
REVIEWS
“This is a very comprehensive report in its coverage of disabilities across ages and spectrum of needs, and also in its strategic vision to include and disciple persons with disabilities. The interesting data provoked me to think of new solutions to bridge the gap, to build up and pass on the legacy and good work of the church.” – SDMS Launch Participant
“SDMS 2023 reflects the urgency and need for churches to develop and grow our congregation in inclusivity and volunteerism as part of Christian education and discipleship to empower people with different abilities to serve together. Thank you for pioneering this survey. It’s almost like a growth report to the Church of Singapore. Excited to see how this movement will grow.” – SDMS Launch Participant
Enabling Hearts: A Primer for Disability-Inclusive Churches (华文版：启动社群容纳性: 教会容纳特需人士的查经资料）
This is a one-stop handbook for churches that are interested in establishing and developing disability-inclusive communities. Written by Asians for Asians, it also includes four case studies of disability ministries in Singapore churches.
HONOURS
This book was highlighted by Christianity Today‘s Global Books Editor, as one of five significant theology books from the global church.
REVIEWS
“This excellent publication reflects the Church’s need to address “disablement” insightfully and holistically. Myths, half-truths, or stereotypes indeed do no real good in affirming persons with disabilities to accept their rightful place in the Church and society.” – The Right Reverend Keith Lai, President, National Council of Churches of Singapore
“Wen Pin has done a fine job of priming leaders for a deeper engagement, given how much of a struggle it can be to even name ableism as a problem to be encountered by the Church.” – International Journal for the Study of the Christian Church
Enabling Hearts Discussion Guide: A Guide for Ministry Team Discussion in Churches
This book guides churches through a process to read through Enabling Hearts in small groups in a reflective and thoughtful manner, with an eye for contexualisation and application to their local context.
REVIEWS
“Our church adopted Enabling Hearts as the ‘textbook’ for our disability ministry team. The discussion guide was therefore a helpful tool for us to study the book together systematically in a way that built up our team and focused our efforts for our work ahead.” – Member of a church’s disability ministry team
Enabling Communities: Bible Studies on Including People with Disabilities in Church (华文版: 启动从心容纳性: 教会容纳特需人士入门指南)
This book guides small groups through four Bible studies from the New Testament to think through key issues concerning disability and inclusion. In addition to the general student version, there is also a facilitator’s version with answers and pedagogical guidelines.
REVIEWS
“Enabling Communities is a great tool to begin a much-needed theological conversation on including and helping PWD to belong in the church. It positively confronts the church’s ableist interpretation of the good life intended by God for his people.” – Journal of Disability and Religion
“As Christians, we are called to welcome widely, to include internationally, and to love lavishly. This series of thoughtful studies encourages and equips us to ensure our families, friends, and neighbours with disabilities receive the good news of the gospel and experience the deep fellowship of community.” – Professor Erik Carter, Cornelius Vanderbilt Professor of Special Education, Vanderbilt University
Call Me by Name: Stories of Identity, Faith, and Special Needs
Inclusion starts with listening – this is an edited collection of stories of Christians with special needs, their family members, and those who serve them in the disability sector.
REVIEWS
“This heartfelt collection of stories is a precious opportunity for readers to look beyond a person’s disability, and hear their individual voices, battles, and dreams. … It is a timely reminder that individuals, family, and the community all have a part to play in building a caring and inclusive society for all.” – Mr Desmond Lee, Minister for Social and Family Development, Second Minister for National Development, Singapore
“I am glad that a book featuring these special people is now available. The stories are movingly told, and we are left with the realisation that all of us have one form of disability or another, some more obvious than others.” – Reverend Dr David Wong, General Secretary, The Bible-Presbyterian Church in Singapore
Offering the Light: Essays in Honour of Philip Satterthwaite on the Occasion of His Retirement
This is a festschrift dedicated to Dr Philip Satterthwaite (the former Principal of the Biblical Graduate School of Theology, Singapore) on the occasion of his retirement.
Leow Wen Pin 