Our History

1983

marks the year Campus Baptist Church & South India Baptist Bible College and Seminary first opened its doors at Mar-Thoma Nagar in the Nilgiris with just seven students and two faculty members. This humble beginning marked the start of a God-led endeavor to train dedicated young people to reach the countless lost souls across India and establish Bible-believing Baptist churches.

The vision for this institution came after the Lord impressed upon Dr. Cherian, the founding president, the need for rigorous training to fulfill His Great Commission. Dr. Cherian and his wife, Thankamma, spent a year in prayer, seeking divine guidance for this mission. Their conviction was affirmed by Isaiah 43:19, which 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.”

P.D Cherian (Left) with his wife in front of the building in the year 1984. 0

P.D Cherian (Left) with his wife in front of the building in the year 1984. 1

The college has significantly expanded over the years, with key milestones including the Larry Cook residence hall for men in 1993, a 13,000-square-foot dining facility in 1997, and the Bud Mims residence hall for women in 2001. A new 55,000-square-foot administrative building now houses the library, offices, and classrooms, essential for daily operations.

Today,

Today, the institution flourishes on a beautiful 20-acre campus—with an additional 10 acres set aside for further development—serving over 600 students each year. In every phase of growth, the community remains deeply grateful to the Lord for His manifold blessings, trusting that He will continue to provide and guide as He has from the very beginning.