A ministry-focused undergraduate degree equipping church workers, pastoral leaders, and Christian ministers with biblical foundations, pastoral skills, church administration, and practical ministry training across six semesters of structured theological education.
The Master of Religious Education (M.R.E.) offered by Bethesda Biblical Institute is a two-year postgraduate degree program delivered through distance learning. It is uniquely designed to equip students with a thorough understanding of the world's major religions — examined alongside Christian theology and biblical studies — in order to prepare them for effective interfaith engagement, religious education, and pastoral ministry in a pluralistic society.
Spanning four semesters and twenty papers, the program covers major world religions from Hinduism and Islam to Buddhism, Jainism, Judaism, and Sikhism, while integrating a strong biblical and theological foundation with practical pastoral formation.
"The Master of Religious Education prepares Christian leaders to engage knowledgeably, respectfully, and faithfully with the full spectrum of world religions — equipping them for ministry, education, and witness in a diverse and pluralistic world."
Students may complete the degree within the standard two-year period or may, at their discretion, extend their studies over a period of up to three years. The program is ideal for educators, pastors, missionaries, and ministry workers who engage with people of diverse religious backgrounds.
The B.C.M. curriculum covers 24 subjects across 6 semesters, combining biblical surveys, theological studies, and ministry-focused practical subjects.
Overview of OT books, themes, and covenant theology
Overview of NT books, life of Christ, and apostolic church
Matthew, Mark, Luke — Kingdom teachings and life of Christ
Paul's letters — theology, grace, church, and practical instruction
Genesis–Deuteronomy — creation, covenant, law, and wilderness
From Patriarchs through exile and restoration
Major and Minor Prophets — messages and Messianic prophecies
Doctrine of God, Trinity, Creation, Man, and Sin
Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, Sikhism — beliefs and practices
Christology, Pneumatology, Soteriology, Ecclesiology, Eschatology
Early church growth and missionary expansion of the Gospel
Church unity, spiritual gifts, love, and resurrection
Signs, discourses, and Johannine theology
Biblical ethics, social justice, bioethics, and family morality
Governance, finance, leadership, and organizational management
Biblical counseling, crisis care, marriage, and grief support
Human development, emotional health, and personality in ministry
Biblical theology and practice of corporate and congregational worship
Pastoral calling, ethics, Pastoral Letters, and ministry leadership
Christian unity, ecumenism, and inter-church cooperation
Luther, Calvin, Protestant movements, and their theological impact
Islamic beliefs, practices, Qur'an, and Christian dialogue
Apostolic Age through modern global Christianity
St. Thomas tradition, missions, and Indian church development
3 Years
6 Semesters
26 Subjects
Distance Learning
For full details, visit the Admission Process page.
Graduates of the B.Th. are fully prepared for admission into the Master of Divinity program. The B.Th. provides the theological foundation required for graduate-level theological study and advanced pastoral ministry training.
Bethesda Biblical Institute is committed to affordable, accessible theological education for pastors and church workers across India.
| Fee Component | Details | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Application / Registration Fee | One-time, non-refundable | Contact Institute |
| Semester I Fee | Subjects 1–4 | Contact Institute |
| Semester II Fee | Subjects 5–8 | Contact Institute |
| Semester III Fee | Subjects 9–12 | Contact Institute |
| Semester IV Fee | Subjects 13–16 | Contact Institute |
| Semester V & VI Fee | Subjects 17–26 | Contact Institute |
| Study Materials & Resources | Digital / physical | Contact Institute |
| Total Program Investment | 3 Years / 6 Semesters | Enquire for Details |
No. A Bachelor's degree in Theology is one pathway, but candidates who hold a Bachelor's degree in any general field of education are also eligible to apply. The program is designed to be accessible to a wide range of graduates who have a calling to understand world religions and serve in diverse communities.
Yes. Candidates have the right to complete the Master of Religious Education within a maximum period of three years. This flexibility allows students to pace their studies around ministry, work, and family commitments while still completing the full program.
The Master of Divinity (M.Div.) is a 3-year, 29-paper program focused primarily on advanced Christian biblical and theological studies, culminating in a research thesis. The M.R.E. is a 2-year, 20-paper program with a distinctive focus on comparative world religions alongside Christian theology and pastoral formation — ideal for those in educational or interfaith ministry contexts.
Yes. The M.R.E. is particularly suited to missionaries, religious educators, pastors serving multicultural communities, and anyone involved in interfaith dialogue and witness. The curriculum equips students with a thorough knowledge of world religions and the Christian theological tools needed to engage them meaningfully.
Apply online through our admissions portal. Visit the Admissions page for the complete process and required documents. You may also contact us via WhatsApp or email for immediate assistance.
All programs are grounded in the authority and sufficiency of the Holy Scriptures, ensuring every student is formed by the Word of God.
Study from anywhere while continuing your pastoral ministry and church responsibilities — no need to leave your congregation.
Affiliated with Salt Lake Bible College, providing institutional recognition and credibility for your theological qualification.
Programs are specifically crafted to equip pastors, evangelists, and church leaders for effective, faithful ministry — not generic academic study.
The B.Th. opens the door to the Master of Divinity and beyond — a complete theological education pathway from foundation to doctoral level.
Students join a community of ministry workers and church leaders pursuing theological growth together across India and beyond.
The B.C.M. gave me exactly what I needed as a church planter. The Church Administration, Pastoral Counseling, and Christian Worship courses were immediately practical in my new church. An excellent program.
As a deacon who felt called to pastor, the B.C.M. was the perfect program. It is practical, biblical, and flexible. I completed it while serving in my church and have now been ordained as a minister.
The pastoral counseling and psychology subjects changed the way I care for my congregation. I now minister to broken families and hurting individuals with so much more wisdom and compassion. Grateful for this program.
If you would like to learn more about the Bachelor of Theology or need assistance with your application, please submit your inquiry below. Our admissions team responds within 2 working days.
You may also reach us directly via email or WhatsApp for a faster response.
If God has called you to serve in the local church — as a pastor, church planter, minister, or worship leader — the Master of Religious Education will equip you with the practical and theological tools you need.
Enrol today and take a decisive step in your Christian ministry training.