South India Baptist Bible College and Seminary opened its door at Mar-Thoma Nagar, in the Nilgiris, in the year 1983 with just seven students and two faculty members. The South India Baptist Bible College came into existence as a result of the Lord impressing in Dr. Cherian, the founding president, the need for training young people to reach the millions of lost people and establish Bible believing Baptist churches in India. Dr. Cherian and his wife, Thankamma, spent a year in prayer with this burden. They sought God's direction as to how India could best be reached for the Lord. The need to start an institution that would train the faithful to do that task became clear. The Lord's leading was confirmed to Dr. Cherian from Isaiah 43:19 where it says: “Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.” 

 

The college had a humble beginning in a rented building that consisted of four rooms. Over the next five years, more buildings were rented and the college grew to over 70 students and 6 full-time faculty members. As the college continued to grow, the existing facilities became inadequate. The search began for a property that would not only meet the growing needs but also allow room for future expansion of the ministry. The priority was to locate a place where there were no fundamental Baptist ministries. 

The Lord led us to a property that is located 21 kms. away from the city of Coimbatore. In 1988, the Lord enabled us to purchase eleven acres of farmland, along with two large poultry sheds, a cattle shed, a pair of oxen, and a bullock cart. During Christmas
of 1988, the college moved to the new campus. The poultry sheds were used as classrooms, dormitory, library, kitchen, and dining hall. 

 

In 1993, the Larry Cook residence hall for men, which accommodates 250 men was built. A 13,000 sq. ft. dining common, which seats 240 people, was completed in 1997. In 2001, the Bud Mims residence hall for women and guesthouse buildings were dedicated, and the cornerstone was laid for the administration block. The administrative building that houses the library, offices, and classrooms spans 55,000 sq. ft.. Several other buildings and facilities are also part of our beautiful campus. Today, the campus has many beautiful buildings that serve the needs of over 600 students. The SIBBC&S campus spans over 20 acres, with an additional 10 acres for expansion. We are grateful to the Lord for His manifold blessings. 

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SIBBC&S also runs a school and an orphanage on campus. The South India Baptist Matriculation School was started in 1996, with 21 students, and it has grown to about 500 students. The Home of Hope was started to minister to orphaned children by the efforts and guidance of Mrs. Cherian. A 3,000sq ft. building was dedicated in 2003 and is home to 25 beautiful children. 

The faculty team has grown to over 20 members. A dedicated team of staff assists with the daily activities on campus. The college has seen over 4500 students pass through its halls. We praise God for His faithfulness over the past 40 years, and we are confident of the same in the future. 

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In 2020 the Lord has enabled us to launch online education all over India with multiple programs such as Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Biblical Studies and Post graduate Diploma in Biblical Studies and a Diploma in Theology program in the regional language of Tamilnadu. 

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We believe in making a real impact. It's not just about knowing things; it's about becoming leaders who can bring positive change to their communities. We want our teachings to be like a light guiding people to the truth about God. 

Our commitment to spreading the gospel and equipping individuals for effective ministry and leadership knows no geographical bounds. Beyond the confines of our nation, we strive to extend the reach of our educational outreach to touch lives far and wide. Our mission is to transcend borders and barriers, carrying the transformative power of the gospel to distant lands.

 

South India Baptist Bible College is a vibrant testimony to the faithfulness of God and we completely and wholly give honor and praise to Him. The Lord who began a good work will be faithful to complete it.