South India Baptist Bible College & Seminary (SIBBC&S) is dedicated to fulfilling the Great Commission by training individuals for evangelism and church planting in India and beyond. In pursuit of this mission, the institution integrates the mentorship framework into its online theological training, aiming to provide a holistic educational experience for students, preparing them for impactful Christian ministry. This framework serves as a guide for a comprehensive spiritual and ministerial identity within the Online Programs. It emphasizes the development of spiritual practices, character formation, theological reflection, practical skills, contextual awareness, and personal development.
Policy 1: Spiritual Mentorship Program
The objective of the mentorship program is to provide students with personal spiritual guidance, pastoral care, and mentorship to enhance their spiritual growth and understanding of their ministerial calling.
Students should choose a mentor of their own choice from their locality within the first month of their program.
Mentors are to be selected based on their experience in ministry, spiritual maturity, and compatibility with the student’s interests and needs.
Students should meet the spiritual and ministerial mentor once a month for guidance.
All discussions between mentors and students are to be treated with strict confidentiality to ensure a safe and open environment for spiritual growth.
Mentors are required to submit a report detailing student progress to the program's office on a biannual or annual basis.
Policy 2: Monthly Virtual Chapels
The objective of monthly virtual chapels is to cultivate a sense of community and spiritual belonging among online learners through interactive worship, prayer, and fellowship.
Regular attendance is required to ensure students are actively participating in the community.
Sessions will be scheduled at varying times to accommodate different time zones.
Each chapel will include worship, a devotional or sermon, and interactive segments such as prayer requests and discussions.
Students are encouraged to actively engage in the diverse activities offered by the live chapel sessions.
Policy 3: Ministry Internships
The objective of Ministry Internship is to offer practical ministry experience, allowing students to apply theological and pastoral skills in real-world contexts.
Completion of at least 50% of the program coursework is needed before starting an internship.
The internship should be a minimum of 120 hours of ministry involvement.
Students can choose internships that align with their ministry interests and career aspirations.
Along with the mentor, formation coordinator will oversee the internship process, ensuring student learning goals are aligned with internship opportunities.
Students should submit a reflective report and receive an evaluation from their internship supervisor, contributing to their final grade.
Policy 4: Annual Campus Visits
The objective is to strengthen the connection between online students and the SIBBC&S community through immersive campus experiences.
The annual campus visit will be scheduled during the summer break to maximize participation.
Dates and schedules will be announced at least 3 months in advance to allow for planning.
The visit will include special workshops, prayer services, and events designed to integrate online students with the campus community.
Participation in at least one or two campus visit is highly encouraged during the duration of any program.
Students will have to pay a minimal fee during their stay for the education, food and lodging.
By enrolling in the online programs at South India Baptist Bible College & Seminary, students agree to uphold these policies, contributing to a spiritually enriching and academically rigorous educational experience.