Indian partner says studying and serving go hand in hand

Founded in 1953, the motto of Madras Theological Seminary and College (MTSC) in Chennai, India, is “Study to serve, Serve while studying.” The gospel of reconciliation coupled with practical ministry to the poor, sick and destitute give the Christian community a unique opportunity to serve in India. MTSC works to train leaders in this context with special focus given to Bible translation and pioneer evangelism in unreached parts of India. Class work and fieldwork are given equal emphasis and are expected to be applied to one another.

India is a very challenging place for Christian evangelism. With a population of over 1.1 billion, a large diversity of religions, cultures and languages exists. MTSC focuses on the development of cross-cultural leaders who can address the many different customs. Besides the Bachelor of Theology and Master of Divinity programs, MTSC has also considerably expanded and enhanced their extension education and laymen’s training programs to offer training to even more leaders.

The school of 1900 graduates cooperates with other training institutions in Chennai through inter-seminary activities, including cultural programs, seminars and joint social action on HIV/AIDS and women’s issues. Curriculum is focused on contextual realities, and students participate in social awareness camps, such as flood relief and TB awareness, while studying.

Bachelor of Theology student S. Malaiselvam plans to serve God as a missionary after his theological studies. He says his courses challenge him and stimulate his current practical ministry with the Indian Missionary Society at Chennai of South India. “I experience the reality of the mission field and the hardships faced by the missionaries in sharing the Gospel,” he says. “The testimonies and experiences shared by the missionaries challenge and prepare me to become a missionary. I want to serve among the many people in India who have not heard the name of Jesus Christ.”