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 Doctor of Divinity (D.D.) offered by Bethesda Biblical Institute is the highest level of theological scholarship available at the Institute, designed for those who have completed a Master's degree in Theological Studies or Religious Studies and are called to advanced academic research and scholarly ministry.
Offered through distance learning, the program comprises five examination subjects supported by an original supervised research thesis. The research topic — chosen by the candidate from a broad list of approved fields — is subject to approval by the Board of Theological Studies, ensuring academic rigour and relevance to the life of the church and the academy.
The program is uniquely structured to honour prior academic achievement: candidates who have already passed a Master's Degree in Theology or in Theology & Religious Studies in the first or second division may be considered by the Board for exemption from one or more examination papers — recognising and building on the scholarship they have already demonstrated.
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 |
Applicants must hold a Master's Degree in Theology, Theological Studies, or Religious Studies from a recognised institution. Candidates must qualify five papers in the prescribed fields of Theological Studies & Religious Studies, and must produce an original supervised research thesis in an approved field.
Yes. The Board of Theological Studies has the authority to grant exemptions to candidates who have passed a Master's Degree in Theology or Theology & Religious Studies in the First or Second Division. Exemption is not automatic — it must be applied for at the time of admission, and the Board's decision is final. Exempted candidates will have their fees adjusted accordingly.
Candidates select their research topic from an approved list of fields: Christian Counseling, Christian Psychology, Christian Ministry, Christian Ethics, Biblical Research Studies, and Comparative Study of Religions. The candidate's proposed topic and synopsis must be submitted to the Board of Theological Studies for approval before research commences. The Board will review the proposal for academic suitability and originality.
Yes. The Doctor of Divinity is offered entirely through distance learning, allowing candidates to pursue doctoral study while remaining in their ministry post, academic position, or professional context. All examinations and thesis work are completed remotely through the Institute's academic framework.
Apply through our online admissions portal. Please visit the Admissions page for the full process and required documents. For doctoral admissions, we encourage prospective candidates to contact us directly via email or WhatsApp to discuss their academic background and research interests before applying.
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 Bachelor of Christian Ministry will equip you with the practical and theological tools you need.
Enrol today and take a decisive step in your Christian ministry training.