1. Historical background

It has been the long cherished desire of the brethren who were responsible for the starting of the Gospel Hall  in Pathanamthitta to start a Bible teaching centre in the town. Late Mr. T.M. George put his heart and soul in the matter, praying fervently and planning carefully. As we have been exploring its feasibility, Dr. O.M. Samuel whole-heartedly promised his service and also his handsome collection of books to the proposed institute. This obviously was a sign of God’s guidance and we were greatly encouraged to go on with the business. The first step was to form a trust. Mr. R.G. Germen, the then Secretary of the Stewards Association in India rendered his valuable Services to draw up a draft of the trust deed. Having completed the registration, other essential arrangements were made and on 11.06.1989 the Brethren Bible Institute was inaugurated by late Mr. M.E. Cherian with late Bro. Mammen Kurian in the chair. Classes started the next day with 15 students who were selected for a 3-year B.Th. programme. B.B.I. now offers different Master’s degree programmes under the Distance Education scheme to meet the need of the believers in India or abroad to have higher theological education.

The Lord has provided us a good team of dedicated teachers, each one a specialist in his field. In addition to this, all of them have an active involvement in spiritual ministries. Many of them have produced standard textbooks and other writings of great value.

The voice of B.B.I. is now being heard through its graduates in the North, North-East, North-West and the middle regions of India as well as in Kerala. Of the 76 students who have graduated by this time, 55 are in full-time ministry, and most of the others are able to use their teaching skills in their local assemblies. Managed by a team of able and dedicated faculty and trustees, B.B.I. is making steady progress.

2. Purpose

“And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others” NIV (2 Tim. 2: 2).

One of the distinctive features of the Brethren assemblies is the emphasis that they give to the teaching of the Word of God. This teaching was given in the past by spirit-filled and devoted servants of God by various means and such work is still being profitably carried on. However, the necessity for an established institution for this purpose was felt by many responsible brethren. We trust that the Lord will use B.B.I. for the extension of His kingdom and for the glory of His beloved Son and our Saviour Jesus Christ.

Aims:

1. To encourage young men towards a life of deep commitment to the Master.

2. To help building up healthy local Assemblies.

3. To train good Bible teachers who can give spiritual leadership.

4. To challenge young men to evangelise unreached areas.

5. To equip the students with adequate knowledge of the cultural, social and political background of various states in India so that they will be able to communicate the Gospel effectively wherever they are to minister in future.

Apart from the above stated objectives of B.B.I., its Distance Education Department has the following goals.

1. To provide opportunities for higher theological education to a large segment of believers.

2. To promote higher theological education by taking education to the doorsteps of the students.

3. To help the student to acquire knowledge. The acquisition of knowledge includes the discovery of resources and their utilisation and evaluation.

4. To help students to apply knowledge in their own practical lives and in the communication of those truths.

5. To prepare the students to understand the contemporary events, issues, and problems from biblical perspective.

3. DOCTRINAL STATEMENT

B.B.I. is distinctly a Brethren institute. Consequently, the doctrinal position is exactly what is commonly accepted among churches known as Plymouth Brethren.

The institute holds to a pre-tribulational, pre-millennial, dispensational framework and it is necessary for all faculty members to adhere to it.

The minimum doctrinal statement up on which we stand is given below. The full doctrinal statement includes many other points.

1.  We believe that the 66 books of the Bible are the verbally inspired Word of God. This canon  is unique and is free from any error whatsoever.

2. Man is totally depraved and unable to save himself. Salvation is granted only by grace  through faith, and is a gift of God.

3. All saved believers constitute the Universal Church. Individual believer-priests must associate  with, and help in the growth of, their respective local churches.

4. The church will be raptured into the mid-air, and that will be followed by the great-tribulation and millennium.

5. All believers are baptised and indwelt by God the Holy Spirit, and it is their obligation to make the gospel of salvation known to every soul.

6. The saved in Christ shall partake of everlasting bliss, while the unsaved shall be condemned  to everlasting punishment.

4. Trustees

God has raised a band of dedicated brethren who are giving their time selflessly for this spiritual ministry. They are:

1. Mr. K.A. Philip               (President)

2. Mr. K.V. Koshy              (Vice President)

3. Mr. M.T. George            (Secretary  Cum Treasurer)

4. Mr. K.C. Mathew           (Administrator)

5. Mr. T.C. Thomas

6. Mr. K.C. John

7. Mr. T.M. Scariah

8. Mr. O.T. Cherian

9. Mr. A.K. Thomas

10. Mr. Sam T. Sam

11. Mr. P.V. Varghese         (Stewards Association Representative)

5. ADVISORY BOARD

  1. Mr. S.S. David. Punalur

  2. Mr. M.A. Joy, Thrissur

  3. Mr. P.A. Abraham, Malam

  4. Mr. Abraham Thomas, Kottayam

  5. Mr. Paul Thomas, Kottayam

  6. Mr. A.O. Thomas, Kottarakara

  7. Mr. V. Kuriakose, Keezhillam

  8. Dr. Oommen Philip, Trivandrum

  9. Mr. P.K. Mathew, Thiruvalla

10. Mr. P.P. George, Angamaly

11. Mr. K. Daniel Williams, Cochin

12. Mr. John C. Abraham, Chanducavu

13. Principal

14. Vice Principal and Registrar

15. Academic Dean

16. Trust Members

6. FACULTY

A highly trained and dedicated group of men has been enlisted. Many of them have made significant contribution in theological and non-theological subjects. To keep pace with the progress of modern scholarship in every area of knowledge, the teachers of B.B.I. are pursuing studies in different areas.

7. VISITING FACULTY

1. Dr. Alexander Kurian, M.A., M.Div., S.T.M., Ph.D.

3. Mr. John Kurian, B.A.

8. Board of Directors

1. President of the Trust:                                  Mr. K.A. Philip (Chairman of the Board)

2. Principal of BBI:                                            Dr. O.M. Samuel

3. Vice Principal & Registrar of BBI:                      Mr. K.V. John

4. Academic Dean of BBI:                                   Dr. K.C. Johnson

5. Secretary & Treasurer of the Trust:                  Mr. M.T. George (Secretary of the Board)

6. Administrator of the Trust:                              Mr. K.C. Mathew

7. Trust Member:                                              Mr. A.K. Thomas     
                    

9. ACCREDITATION

This is the only Institution among the Brethren Assemblies that has been accredited by Asian Theological Association (A.T.A.), an international educational society. B.Th. programme has already been received accreditation and we are in the process of getting accreditation for our distance education P.G. programmes.

10. ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES

10.1 Internal (Residential) Programmes

10.1.1 Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.)

10.1.1.1 Requirements for Admission

a. The candidate must be a born again, baptised person.

b. Recommendation of his local assembly.            

c. A pass in Plus Two/Intermediate/P.U.C./P.D.C./Two years Theological Education in English medium. However, failed candidates also will be admitted on condition that they would pass the qualifying examination before his graduation from BBI. Otherwise, based on the performance, only a Diploma in Theology or Certificate in Theology will be awarded.

d. A pass in an entrance examination in the following areas.

                   i. Bible Knowledge

                  ii. Christian Experience

                 iii. Proficiency in English Language

e. At the time of admission he must have completed 17 years of age.

10.1.1.2 Medium of Study

          B.Th. is offered only in English medium.

10.1.1.3 Duration of the Programme-Three Years in Semester System

10.1.1.4 Graduation Requirements

a. Successful completion of 126 credits of course  work with a minimum D Grade.

b. Successful completion of an approved thesis of not less than 10,000 words.

c. The student must show evidence of Christian maturity.

10.1.1.5 Curriculum for B.Th. Programme

        Each semester credit hour amounts to 16 periods (One semester credit hour is equivalent to a minimum of 800 minutes of classroom instruction plus 1200 minutes outside of class). Thus, a three credit hour course involves 48 hours of class room study. Total 150 credit hours cover during a three year period of study. Successful completion of 126 credits of course work with a minimum D Grade is required for graduation.

Biblical Studies (57 Credit Hours)

10.1.2  Master of Divinity (M.Div.) Programme

10.1.2.1 Goals of the Programme

          a. To help the student to apply a consistent, dispensational approach when interpreting the Scriptures and applying them to his own life and the lives of others.

          b. To train the student to make appropriate use of available linguistic tools to secure most accurate understanding of scriptures possible.

          c. To help the student to possess a store of biblical and theological facts as a foundation for personal development, teaching and further study.

          d. To train the student in the methodology of research and in the written presentation of his research.

10.1.2.2 Admission Requirements

          a. Experience of conversion to Christ.

          b. A definite call for full-time ministry.

        c. An instinct to learn Greek and Hebrew.

        d. A bachelor degree in Theology with C+ grade (75%).

        e. A pass in an entrance examination in Theology, Greek, and English with C+.

10.1.2.3 Medium of Study

          M.Div. is offered only in English medium.

10.1.2.4 Duration of the Programme

        Two Years in Semester System

10.1.2.5 Graduation Requirements

          a. Successful completion of 80 credits of course work. Each credit amounts to 16 class hours and 32  hours of research. Thus, a four credit course involves 64 hours of class room study and 128 hours of research.

          b. An assessment of Field education involvement.

          c. Successful completion of an approved thesis of not less than 20,000 words.

          d. An assessment of character, spiritual development and ministry commitment.

 
10.1.2.6 Subjects Required for M.Div. Programme

First Year

First Semester                                             (20 Credit Hours)
O.T. Introduction (3 Credit Hours)

O.T. Foundations (3 Credit Hours)

O.T. Theology  (3 Credit Hours)

A Special Study on Genesis (3 Credit Hours)

Hebrew I  (3 Credit Hours)

Greek Syntax (3 Credit Hours)

Research Methodology (2 Credit Hours)

Second Semester                                (20 Credit Hours)

N.T. Introduction (3 Credit Hours)

N.T. Foundations (3 Credit Hours)

N.T. Theology (3 Credit Hours)

Hebrew II (3 Credit Hours)

Textual Criticism (3 Credit Hours)

A Special Study on Ezra, Nehemiah & Esther (2 Credit Hours)

Communications & Journalism (3 Credit Hours)

Second Year

First Semester                                             (20 Credit Hours)
Theological Foundations (3 Credit Hours)
Hebrew III  (3 Credit Hours)
Greek Exegesis I (1 Corinthians) (3 Credit Hours)
Advanced Hermeneutics (3 Credit Hours)
Dispensationalism  (2 Credit Hours)
A Special Study on John's Gospel (3 Credit Hours)
A Special Study on the Book of Revelation (3 Credit Hours)

Second Semester                                        (20 Credit Hours)

Hebrew Exegesis (Selected Psalms) (3 Credit Hours)

Greek Exegesis II (Philippians) (3 Credit Hours)

A Critique to Ecumenism (3 Credit Hours)

History of Brethren Movement  (3 Credit Hours)

Written Comprehensive Examination (2 Credit Hours)

Thesis (6 Credit Hours)

 Total                                                                                     (80 Credit Hours)

10.1.3 Master of Theology (M.Th.) Programme

10.1.3.1 Goals of the Programme

    a. To equip persons for teaching the Word of God, and to develop academic proficiency for independent research.

    b. To develop the student’s ability to articulate and defend the uniqueness and inerrancy of the Word of God.

   c. To train the student to demonstrate high communication skills necessary for an effective teaching ministry.

10.1.3.2 Admission Requirements for a 2 Year M.Th.

            a. Experience of conversion to Christ.

            b. A definite call for full-time ministry.

            c. Ability to do independent Greek and Hebrew exegesis.

            d. M.Div. with C+ grade (75%).

            e. A pass in an entrance examination in Theology, Greek, Hebrew and English with C+.

10.1.3.3 Admission Requirements for a 4 Year M.Th.

            a. Experience of conversion to Christ.

            b. A definite call for full-time ministry.

            c. An instinct to learn Greek and Hebrew.

            d. A bachelor degree in Theology with C+ grade (75%).

            e. A pass in an entrance examination in Theology, Greek, and English with C+.

10.1.3.4 Medium of Study

            M.Th. is offered only in English medium.

10.1.3.5 Graduation Requirements

        a. Successful completion of 50 credits of course work for those who join with M.Div.  Successful completion of 130 credits of course work for those who join with a bachelor degree in Theology. Each credit amounts to 16 class hours and 32  hours of research. Thus, a four credit course involves 64 hours of class room study and 128 hours of research.

            b. An assessment of teaching ability

            c. Successful completion of an approved thesis of not less than 30,000 words.

            d. Successful completion of an oral and written Comprehensive examination covering the course work and thesis.

            e. An assessment of character, spiritual development and ministry commitment.

10.1.3.6 Subjects Required for a 2 Year M.Th. in Christian Theology

First Year

First Semester                                           (15 Credit Hours)
Systematic Theology (3 Credit Hours)
Historical Theology (3 Credit Hours)
Advanced Bibliology (3 Credit Hours)
Biblical Theology of Missions (3 Credit Hours)
Contemporary Theology (3 Credit Hours)

Second Semester                                      (15 Credit Hours)

Dogmatic Theology (3 Credit Hours)

Advanced Apologetics  (3 Credit Hours)

Comparative Theology (3 Credit Hours)

Western Philosophy  (3 Credit Hours)

Senior Theology (3 Credit Hours)

Second Year

First Semester                                          (8 Credit Hours)

Senior Teaching  (4 Credit Hours)

Senior Preaching (4 Credit Hours)

Second Semester                                     (12 Credit Hours)

Oral and written Comprehensive examination (3 Credit Hours)

Thesis (9 Credit Hours)

       Total                                                    (50 Credit Hours)

7. Subjects Required for a 4 Year M.Th. in Christian Theology

First Year

10.2 Distance Education Programmes

(External Programmes)

10.2.1 Master of Biblical Studies (M.B.S.) (External Programme)

10.2.1.1  Goals of the Programme

a. To prepare the believers, who are having only a secular degree, to pursue higher theological education.

b. To train the student in the sound hermeneutical, and theological skills necessary for accurate interpretation and application of the Scriptures in preparation for effective Christian ministry.

c. To impart basic biblical and theological foundation to the believers who wish to be more effective in their involvement in the local churches.

d. To train the student in the methodology of research and in the written presentation of his research.

10.2.1.2  Requirements for Admission

a. Experience of conversion to Christ.

b. A secular degree in any field.

                             OR

   Mature candidates (25 years and above) without a secular degree can be admitted after passing an entrance examination in the following areas.

           i. Bible Knowledge

          ii. Christian Experience

         iii. Proficiency in English Language

10.2.1.3  Medium of Study

M.B.S. is offered only in English medium.

10.2.1.4  Duration of the Programme

The minimum duration of the course will be two years and maximum will be five years from registration.

10.2.1.5  Graduation Requirements

a. Successful completion of 60 credits of course  work. BBI follows the Credit system for its programmes. In distance education each credit amounts to 30 hours of study including all learning activities. Thus, a three-credit course involves 90 hours of study. This helps the student to understand the academic efforts one has to put in, in order to successfully complete a course.

b. An assessment of Field education involvement.

c. An assessment of character, spiritual development and ministry commitment.

d. Successful completion of an approved thesis of not less than 15,000 words.

10.2.1.6 Subjects Required for M.B.S. Programme

MBS-01                            O.T. Survey-3

MBS-02                            N.T. Survey-3                                 

MBS-03                            Bible Study Methods-3              

MBS-04                            Research Methodology-3         

MBS-05                            Hermeneutics-3

MBS-06                            Evangelism and Missions-3

MBS-07                            Church History-3

MBS-08                            Systematic Theology-6

MBS-09                            Homiletics-3

MBS-10                            Christian Ethics-3

MBS-11                            Thesis-3

Electives (Select any 8 subjects from the following)  

MBS-12                   Pastoral Care and Counselling-3

MBS-13                   Christian Education-3

MBS-14                   Christian Leadership-3

MBS-15                   Principles of Church Growth-3

MBS-16                   Christian Discipleship-3

MBS-17                   Basic Spirituality-3

MBS-18                   Brethren Distinctives-3

MBS-19                   Biblical Archaeology-3

MBS-20                   Christian Apologetics-3
MBS-21                   False Cults-3 

MBS-22                   Manners & Customs of Bible Lands-3

MBS-23                   Major Religions-3

MBS-24                   Contemporary Indian movements-3

MBS-25                   Life of Christ-3

MBS-26                   Acts of the Apostles-3

MBS-27                   Life of Paul-3

10.2.2  Master of Divinity (M.Div.) (External Programme)

10.2.2.1  Goals of the Programme

a. To help the student to apply a consistent, dispensational approach when interpreting the Scriptures and applying them to his own life and the lives of others.

b. To train the student to make appropriate use of available linguistic tools to secure most accurate understanding of scriptures possible.

c. To help the student to possess a store of biblical and theological facts as a foundation for  personal development, teaching and further study.

d. To train the student in the methodology of research and in the written presentation of his  research.

10.2.2.2  Admission Requirements

a. Experience of Conversion to Christ.

b. A Bachelor degree in Theology, or a secular  Bachelor degree with theological background.

10.2.2.3   Medium of Study

M.Div. is offered only in English medium.

10.2.2.4  Duration of the Programme

The minimum duration of the course will be two years for theological Bachelor degree holders and three years for non-theological Bachelor degree holders. Maximum duration will be six years from registration.

10.2.2.5  Graduation Requirements

a. Successful completion of 70 credits of course  work for theological graduates and 100 credits of course  work for non-theological Bachelor degree holders (secular graguates). BBI follows the Credit system for its programmes. Each credit amounts to 30 hours of study comprising all learning activities. Thus, a three-credit course involves 90 hours of study. This helps the student to understand the academic efforts one has to put in, in order to successfully complete a course.

b. An assessment of Field education involvement.

c. Successful completion of an approved thesis of not less than 20,000 words.

d. Successful completion of an oral/written comprehensive examination covering the course work and thesis.

e. An assessment of character, spiritual development and ministry commitment.

10.2.2.6  Subjects Required for M.Div. Programme

MD-01           O.T. Introduction-3                                        

MD-02           N.T. Introduction-3                      

MD-03           Preliminary Greek-3                                         

MD-04           Preliminary Hebrew-3   

MD-05           Biblical Hermeneutics-3

MD-06           Research Methodology-3

MD-07           O.T. Theology-3

MD-08           N.T. Theology-3

MD-09           Introduction to Systematic Theology-6

MD-10           Person and Work of Christ-3

MD-11           Christian Ethics-3