DIMAPUR, September 13 (MExN): The Discipleship Bible College (DBC), Dimapur and FTPNEI held a special thanksgiving programme for its receiving academic accreditation from the Asian Theological Association (ATA) on Sunday at their college premises.
Rev. Dr. I Nuklu Longkumer, Principal of DBC and also the chairman of FTPNEI, while giving an account of the progress of ‘Federated Theological Programme of North East India’ (FTPNEI) since its inception in 1998, said that establishing partnership and teamwork with the various theological institutions had been an agenda for many years. “And through the providence of God”, the faculty of the three colleges, the DBC, Eastern bible College (EBC) and Servanthood Bible college (SBC), agreed upon shouldering a joint theological programme under the banner of FTPNEI to offer Master of Divinity degrees.
As such, the M.Div course was started in June 1999 and formally inaugurated in November 30, 2000, at the DBC campus by I Sungit Jamir, the then Minister for Planning and Urban Development, and dedicated by Rev. Dr. P Dozo, Director of ‘Overseas Crusade’, India, he recounted. The Principal added, “Having a joint programme through FTPNEI is the first of its kind in the field of theological education in the north east”. It is to be noted that the three colleges are accredited members of ATA in B.Th degree.
Soon after its formation, the necessity of obtaining accreditation by a “renowned” theological board was felt, he said. Hence, it started the process of accreditation with ATA.
It is learned that the first Visiting Evaluation Team (VET) from ATA came in 2002 which recommended for provisional M.Div degree to the FTPNEI from 2003 to 2008. After this the second VET was invited for evaluating the programme. The team, being satisfied with its progress, extended the accreditation period for another 5 years from 2008 to 2013. “The FTPNEI,” the Principal proudly informed, “has sent out 113 men and 179 women for the Lord’s great harvest.” Thanking the Lord for enabling them to achieve so much in such a short span of time, he said, “Today, with much pride, as well as with humbleness and gratitude, we share our joy with all those who have stood beside us and helped us through your constant advices, prayers as well as financial assistance”. “Let us continue to work in unity for God’s Glory in days to come,” he concluded. This year, there are 134 students enrolled in the M.Div course. At present there are 24 teaching faculty in the nine departments.
Rev. Dr. T N Ngullie, chairman of FTPNEI, in his congratulatory message applauded the DBC Board of Governors, the Principal, faculty and the students for successfully achieving the ATA accreditation programme. “Reaching this milestone shows your dedication and hard work to promote God’s Mission,” he said. He said that with this accreditation every student has a wider opportunity to further their theological education. “May the Lord continue to shower His blessings on the leadership of DBC and all of you,” he prayed. He also extended his deep appreciation to his colleagues at FTPNEI for making every effort possible to get the M.Div programme accredited by the ATA for another five years.
Rev. I Wati Longkumer, Director of Nagaland Missions Movement, Dimapur, who exhorted the gathering on the words of the Almighty, prayed that not only the northeast but the whole world may benefit from this institution. He said, “To be recognised by the ATA means students can work and study anywhere in the world.”
The service was also well attended by students and teachers alike from the Servanthoood and Eastern Bible colleges. Livening up the occasion, the students from the colleges presented special songs of praise. The service culminated with Er. Obang Longchari, chairman, Board of Governors, DBC, giving the prayer of benediction. It was followed by a thanksgiving dinner hosted by the college.
