Strategic Indian seminary combats societal issues

Founded in 1953, Union Biblical Seminary (UBS) in Pune is truly strategic in national significance. Although the Church in India is growing fast in numbers, it has not been deeply rooted in the Word of God. Offering graduate and post-graduate level training, UBS is committed to training evangelical church leaders who are able to present a theology that is true to the gospel and yet understandable in the Indian context.

With over 2,500 graduates, many UBS graduates hold leadership positions in the 170 mission agencies of the India Missions Association, while other graduates serve in northeast Indian government services. The seminary’s name shows their belief in partnership and collaboration among God’s people, as displayed in their cooperation with several OC Indian partners.

UBS students work closely with NGOs and social workers to combat HIV/AIDS, violence, prostitution and poverty. Forty-five women have already graduated with government certificates from the UBS Community Development program, which teaches personal and vocational skills to women in the slums. The Students’ Wives Program offering theology, English and computer training to spouses as partners in ministry has transformed into the Center for Women’s Studies for the Christian women of Pune. UBS also has English extension education programs for over 1,100 students and are now translating 26 extension education course books into Hindi.

Bachelor of Divinity graduate Avinash Singh is a pastor and youth Bible study group leader. “UBS equipped me in the Word of God and its correct interpretation…[which I think is] the biggest asset I received from UBS,” he says. He says his greatest challenge is to present the Gospel in the present world with relevance. He credits UBS’ practical training, Christian community living and extracurricular activities for developing his holistic development and shaping his life and ministry.