History
While a student at Dallas Theological Seminary in Dallas, Texas, in 1973, God
prompted Dr. Isaac John to start a theological institution in India with the
purposes of providing postgraduate level training for Christian ministry.
His vision was to tailor theological training to the Indian context.
This idea he shared with his friends and classmates at the Seminary. In
1973, a small group started to pray about India. As a result, the American
Council for the Asian Christian Academy was formed in 1975 at Dallas.
As a result, the American Council adopted several faith principles that have
guided the growth of ACA. No money would be solicited except from people
who know the work and whose contribution would be more than monetary. ACA
was registered as a non-profit charitable orgainization subsequently.
In 1976, Dr. Isaac John returned to India after completing his studies.
The Asian Christian Academy was registered as a society in Karnataka in 1978
with Dr. Isaac John as founder President, Dr. Joy M. George as Secretary and
Rev. Richard Sackman as Treasurer, and found members.
Evangelical Theological Seminary of India
In the initial year the strategy of ACA was to provide graduate level courses
at extension centers throughout India. It also encouraged students to
start Bible study fellowships to transfer the knowledge to others and to
organize churches.
Till 1982, the main aim was to provide training for as many students as
possible, even if they did not desire to acquire a degree. More than 300
students took various courses during this period. However, we felt the
need for a residential seminary so that we may offer the degree programs of
Masters of Theology (for all graduates), Master of Sacred Theology (for B.D.
graduates) and M.B.S. (for students who opt for curriculum without biblical
languages).
In 1983, ACA rented some facilities in Bangalore and started the residential
seminary with 6 students. The first batch of 12 students graduates in
December 1986. The land for a permanent campus was bought in 1985 at Hosur,
Tamilnadu. Due to the unexpected death of Dr. Isaac John in 1986, the
development of the campus property was delayed until 1988.
Dr. Joy M. George succeeded Dr. John as the President of ACA. The work
on the Seminary building with space for classrooms, offices and library was
started in 1989 and completed in 1991. ACA moved into the new campus in
August 1991.
ACA/ETS Today
The 1990's were a time of implementation of Dr. John's vision under the wise
direction of Dr. George. The administration building, cafeteria and
dormitory facilities have been followed by residential quarters for staff and
faculty and a CBSE school, a 35 bed modern hospital and an orphanage. The
Seminary and library have grown steadily. A doctoral program has been
established in association with the American Institute in Jerusalem, the Greek
Bible Institute in Athens and Dallas Theological Seminary. |
