About Sielmat Bible College

Nestled in the serene village of Sielmat in Churachandpur, Manipur—just 65 km south of Imphal—Sielmat Bible College is an evangelical theological institution committed to “Rightly Handling the Word of Truth” (2 Tim 2:15)

Founded on April 1, 1980, the first Principal was Rev. D. Ruolngul with Rev. Lalngaisang as the first lecturer. Rev. H.B. Hluothang joined them a month later. The college began humbly as Sielmat Bible School with only fifteen students.

Growth and Academic Expansion
As its vision and reputation grew, the institution transitioned into Sielmat Bible College in 1995 with the launch of its accredited Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.) program. Building on that foundation, the college introduced a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) program in 2020, both of which are fully accredited by the Asia Theological Association (ATA), with accreditation valid through 2027.

Spiritual and Practical Formation
At the heart of SBC’s training is a blend of robust academics and real-world ministry. Students actively engage in weekend ministry—serving in hospitals, nursing schools, and neighboring villages—as well as outreach, practical fieldwork during breaks, and multi-state gospel tours.Additionally, a yearly Spiritual Emphasis Program invites faculty and students into three enriching days of focused spiritual renewal.

Heritage, Alumni, and Influence
The college owes much to its supporters, including the Hanshin Presbyterian Church of Korea, which helped build its main facility, and the Covenant Presbyterian Church of the USA, which contributed the Chapel.

Since its founding, SBC has produced hundreds of graduates who now serve as pastors, evangelists, missionaries, and church leaders across India. As of the 2024 Founding Day celebrations marking 44 years, SBC celebrated the academic achievements of over 589 graduates and welcomed 45 students into its current academic year.

Location
Sielmat Bible College is located in Sielmat, the General Headquarters of the Independent Church of India. Sielmat is an elevated place with mild and fresh air. It is within the municipal area of Churachandpur Town, 65 kilometres south of Imphal, the state capital of Manipur.

Aims and Objectives
1. To give adequate theological training to potential men and women for future leadership.
2. To impart sound biblical and theological knowledge as an effective means to defend the church from heretical teachings.
3. To provide in-depth training to cross-cultural missionaries.
4. To give theological education and training to lay men who are actively involved in local church ministries.
5. To promote biblical spirituality in the lives of the students so that they will develop Christ-like character.

Doctrinal Statement
The College believes in:
1. The full divinity and humanity of Jesus Christ who was begotten by the Holy Spirit, born of a virgin Mary, his atoning death, his bodily resurrection, his ascension, and his personal return in glory to judge the living and the dead.
2. The Holy Scriptures composed of the sixty-six books of the Old and the New Testaments originally given by God, uniquely inspired, authentic, infallible and supreme authority over men.
3. One God eternally existent in three persons – the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
4. The dignity of men created in the image of God, his subsequent fall, universal sinfulness, his salvation through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, and bodily resurrection.
5. The Spiritual unity of all believers in Christ, expressed in worship, fellowship and service.

Emblem of the College
The College emblem is a round seal within which the name and address of the College encircles an open Bible in the centre on which is written “Rightly Handling the Word of Truth.” In the middle of the open Bible is a bright torch. It signifies that the foundation and central focus of SBC is the Holy Scriptures. The SBC exists to light the world of darkness in the lives of those who follow the teachings of the Scriptures.

Accreditation
Our three years B. Th. and our two years Master of Divinity (M. Div.) programs are accredited by the Asia Theological Association (ATA), the coordinating body of Evangelical Theological Education in Asia.