GGM's Indian Theological Seminary is a mission focussed mission-minded institution. In accordance with the founding vision, the faculty is instructed to teach the seminarians on their responsibility to Preach Christ and Plant Churches in order to fulfill the Great Commission and become the next generation of pastors, missionaries, scholars, theologians and writers. The seminary objectives are:
To train and transform seminarians into exemplary evangelists, Church planters, missionaries, disciples, pastors, leaders and theological educators
To prepare men and women for Church ministries and worldwide missions
To impart a thorough knowledge of the Bible
To aid students in spiritual formation
To create opportunities for practical understanding of outreach and Church planting
To create disciples, theologically trained and firm in the knowledge of the gospel, to carry forth the truth to the unreached, thereby fulfilling the Great Commission of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ
Academic Information
GGM's Indian Theological Seminary is affiliated to the Senate of Serampore College (University) for the Integrated Bachelor of Divinity
degree and accredited to Asia Theological Association for Master of Divinity and Bachelor of Theology.
Academic Programmes
Course | Eligibility | Duration | Affiliating Authority |
Integrated Bachelor of Divinity (B.D) | +2 pass Any UG degree Senate B.Th (IIIrd class) Senate B.Th (Ist or IInd class) | 5 years 4 years 3 years 2 years | Senate of Serampore College (University) |
Master of Divinity (M.Div) | B.Th Any UG degree | 2 years 3 years | Asia Theological Association (ATA) |
Bachelor of Theology (B.Th) | + 2 pass | 3 years | Asia Theological Association (ATA) |
Certificate of Theology (C.Th) | SSLC | 1 year | Indian Theological Seminary |
Diploma of Theology (D.Th) | SSLC | 2 years | Indian Theological Seminary |
Faculty
The faculty are equipped in all the branches of study: Old Testament, New Testament, Christian Theology and Ethics, Christian Ministry, History of Christianity, Communication, Religion, Women's Studies and Sociology.
Course Requirements
The course requirements for B.D and M.Div degrees are 10 courses per academic year plus a thesis ( 2 courses in lieu of thesis). The B.Th degree also covers a total of 10 courses per academic year. All students must also pass an elementary examination in a Biblical language. In addition to these, students must satisfactorily complete all practical work assignments which includes active contribution to the establishment of a village Church and/or congregation.
Practical work and Church planting
ITS places great emphasis on the practical ministerial exposure of its students. The students serve as the pioneers in GGM's Church planting centers to reach the unreached with the gospel. Students are split into teams and assigned to visit and preach at rural Hindu villages on the weekends. All students must establish a congregation in their respective assigned village before they graduate. In addition to the weekend ministry, all students (regardless of the degree) must complete one month of practical ministry internship at an organization assigned by ITS every summer. The entire student body along with the faculty also take part in Gospel campaigns (camps at rural villages) conducted every academic year. The practical work component is essential for a student to complete the course. A student will not be permitted to graduate without completing his/her practical work assignment.
Once a year, the manifestation of the fruit of their labour is displayed through the annual GGM Children's Rally. Children from the various ministry centers are brought to the GGM campus for a day of fellowship and encouragement.
Spiritual Life
ITS gives much importance to the spiritual formation of the students. The students take part in morning and evening family prayer, community fellowship on Sunday evenings, fasting prayer every first Saturday of the month and spiritual life conferences. A 24 hr chain of prayer is conducted once a month and the entire community takes part in praying for the mission's blessings and needs. Every Friday, the chapel service is observed as Mission Day of the week. Once a month, a mission leader is invited to speak in the Chapel service, and immediately after, the faculty and students gather in groups, to pray for the speaker of the day and his/her ministry and the missions and ministries across the globe. All of these activities of prayer and worship contribute to the overall spiritual development of the students.
The seminary has various facilities for the benefit and usage of the entire community. The Library is computerized and is equipped with around 10,000 biblical, theological and missiological books from the different branches of study which are beneficial to both the faculty and students for research purposes. Similarly, the computer lab aids the community in online research, typing assignments etc.
Scholarships
Students seeking scholarships must have financial needs, which must be proved with a proof of family income certificate. ITS provides work-aid scholarships, merit scholarships as well as Church scholarships.
Work-aid scholarships are for students willing to work for a certain number of hours per week. Depending on the time worked, a deduction will be made in the annual fees. Merit scholarships are for students with an overall average of above 70%. This scholarship is only available to students who have successfully completed one academic year. Church Scholarships are for needy students willing to work for Gilgal Gospel Mission, based on the scholarship amount received, after completion of the course. If the commitment is not fulfilled, the given scholarship must be paid back to the mission.
All scholarships are granted for only one year and are renewed based on the student's performance.
Extracurricular activities
In addition to academics and practical work, other talents and skills of students are also honed. Various sports and athletic games are played on campus. The students also take part in intercollegiate sports with other seminaries in the city. Talent Night is a special night for students to display singing, dancing and theatrical talents. The students also take part in all community programs. Some noteworthy occassions celebrated by the community are: President's Reception, GGM Annual Day, Thanksgiving Harvest Festival, Christmas party, Christmas Carol rounds, Annual/Sports day and Mission day.
Alumni
ITS seeks to maintain its relationship with former students. Members of the alumni meet every year in the month of November. It is a refreshing time to renew friendships and to be informed of where God and His unfolding plan have taken former students of ITS.
Many of our graduates are working as pastors and evangelists in various ministries throughout India. Some are working in Bible Colleges as lecturers while others are involved in Children’s or Church planting ministries. Many ITS graduates also choose to continue their theological education by pursuing higher studies.
If you are considering attending seminary, please contact us for more information and a prospectus.