PART 1: HISTORY
1.1. BRIEF HISTORY
In response to the challenges that arise from contemporary church and society in India in general and Northeast India in particular, the Baptist Church of Mizoram (BCM) started a theological college which is named “Academy of Integrated Christian Studies (AICS).” Under the leadership of Prof. Dr. R.L. Hnuni, the Academic Programme was inaugurated on 18 October 2000 with 17 BD Orientation students in a rented house in Zonuam, Aizawl. The College was granted “Provisional Affiliation” by the Senate of Serampore College in June 2001 and “Full Affiliation” in 2004. The college was shifted to the present campus — Shekina Hill, Tanhril — on 4 November 2002 from the old campus (rented houses) in Zonuam.
1.2. VISION STATEMENT
The vision of the Baptist Church of Mizoram in establishing AICS is to train, equip and empower men and women to become God’s effective ministers, missionaries and Christian workers for the transformation of the church and society.
1.3. MISSION STATEMENT
AICS is committed to provide a Biblical, Contextual, Holistic and Quality theological education to men and women in order to meet the needs of churches in the twenty first century. Biblical teaching is the core guiding principle of all theological education and practices. Its commitment to the development of a contextual theological education is to study and address issues that arise from the contexts so that theological education may become relevant and effective. Its commitment to “Holistic Theological Education” is that AICS shall co-ordinate various programmes to meet the needs of churches and society. Its commitment to quality education means striving for maintaining the highest quality it can afford in all of its programmes.
1.4. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
1.4.1. To train men and women for effective Christian ministry to meet the needs of the church and society.
1.4.2. To equip students with required knowledge and skills for effective leadership in the church and society.
1.4.3. To train students for mission works, evangelism, church planting, and transformation of society within and outside Mizoram.
1.4.4. To promote the spirit of ecumenism amongst various denominational churches.
1.4.5. To work together with other theological colleges and secular University in order to promote wider ecumenism and to achieve academic excellence.
1.4.6. To form theological consortium with other theological colleges in the region in order to offer post-graduate programmes for the development of theological education in the region.
1.4.7. To provide Church Music Courses — instrumental, vocal and choir-leading.
1.4.8. To address contemporary socio-economic and political issues of the region, and impart the knowledge of holistic development through Research and Development programme.
1.5. MOTTO: HOLISTIC MINISTRY
The motto of the AICS is to develop a holistic theological education which includes:
1.5.1. Integrating and emphasizing the academic and spiritual aspects of human life.
1.5.2. Ecumenical relations with other theological colleges/seminaries and other denominational churches.
1.5.3. Addressing various socio-economic, cultural and political issues of the day through different programs as mentioned in the aims and objectives.
PART 2: GOVERNANCE, ADMINISTRATION, AND FUNCTION
The Academy of Integrated Christian Studies belongs to the Baptist Church of Mizoram.
2.1. BOARD OF THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION
The Board of Theological Education is the governing authority of the Academy of Integrated Christian Studies. Members of the Board change every two years except those who are ex-officio members.
2.2. PRINCIPAL
The Principal is the head of the institution who serves as the secretary of the Board of Theological Education. S/he is accountable to the Board of Theological Education. The Principal is responsible for all affairs of the institution including financial matters as mentioned in the BCM Constitution and Rules (p.116).
2.3. VICE PRINCIPAL
The Vice principal will assist the Principal in administration. S/he will take over the charge of Principal in the absence of the Principal. S/he is in-charge of M.Th. Programme.
2.4. FACULTY COUNCIL
The Faculty Council is a governing body within the college. It has authority over matters pertaining to the academic programmes, discipline, internal policy matters for the welfare of the students and community as a whole.
2.5. DEANS OF DIFFERENT PROGRAMS
2.5.1. Academic Dean (or Dean of Bachelor of Divinity (BD) Studies)
The Academic Dean works for the progress of the academic programme of the college. S/he is also responsible for the smooth functioning of the BD programme. Besides, all the academic records and related matters of MDiv, MTh, Ministerial and Missionary Training, DipMS, and DipCM are taken care of, in consultation with the respective Deans, by the Academic Dean’s Office.
2.5.2. Dean of Ministerial Training
The Dean of Ministerial Training takes care of the Ministerial Training programme, which is undertaken in three levels: (1) Probationary Pastors’ Orientation, (2) Lay Leadership Training and, (3) Pastors’ Refresher Course.
2.5.3. Dean of Missionary Training
The Dean of Missionary Training is in-charge of Master of Divinity (MDiv) Programme and Diploma in Mission Studies (DipMS) programme.
2.5.4. Dean of Research and Development
The Dean of Research and Development Programme is the facilitator of the programme. S/he helps/coordinates scholars from different disciplines to do research on relevant issues in the present context, and organizes faculty–student seminar and other seminars; and s/he is the editor of AICS Journal.
2.5.5. Dean of Practical Ministry
The Dean of Practical Ministry facilitates Students’ Field Education for both MDiv and BD students every year. The Dean contacts local churches, social centers, and mission fields for placements of students of different classes to do Field Education, including concurrent or weekend ministry. As Field Education or practical ministry is credited, based on the reports of these various practical ministries, the Dean gives evaluation of each student’s performance, and awards grades to be included in their overall exam grades.
2.6. ADMINISTRATIVE HEADS
2.6.1. PRINCIPAL : Rev. Dr.Vanlalchhawna Khiangte
2.6.2. VICE PRINCIPAL : Rev. Dr. H. Lalthlamuana
2.6.3. ACADEMIC DEAN : Dr. Keciziuying Siang
2.6.4. DEAN OF MISSION STUDIES: Dr. Andrew Lalhmangaiha
2.6.5. DEAN OF RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT : Dr. Lalruatkima
2.6.6. DEAN OF PRACTICAL MINISTRY : Rev. Vanlalhruaia
PART 3 :PROGRAMMES
In carrying out the Motto of AICS —Holistic Ministry— and to meet the vision, aims and objectives, various programmes are carried out as mentioned below:
3.1. BACHELOR OF DIVINITY (BD)
3.2. MASTER OF THEOLOGY (M.Th)
3.2.1. New Testament
3.2.2. History of Christianity
3.3. MISSIONARY TRAINING PROGRAMME
Seeing the zeal and interest of the churches in mission and evangelism, AICS offers two different programmes for missionary training:
3.3.1. Master of Divinity (MDiv) — a 3 year course
3.3.2. Diploma in Mission Studies (DipMS)— 1 year course.
3.4. MINISTERIAL TRAINING PROGRAMME
Seeing the need of both the pastors and lay leaders of various departments, who are engaged in the ministry of the church, the Ministerial Training Programme is introduced in order to equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective leadership. There are three levels under this programme:
3.4.1. Pastors’ Refresher Course (one week)
A refresher course for Pastors is offered for those who have completed their basic theological studies, but do not have the opportunities to go for further studies.
3.4.2. Probationary Pastors’ Orientation /Ministerial Training Course (three months)
A three-month basic training programme for the Probationary Pastors, who have completed one year in their ministry, is conducted every year. Various subjects relating to the contextual ministry are taught to equip them for their pastoral ministry.
3.4.3. Lay Leadership Training Programme
AICS has been orgainizing Lay Leadership Training Programme in different local churches since 2005. It is a mobile training programme for lay leaders, mainly to prepare and equip those who actively involved in the ministry of the church. Initially, this programme was organized at least four times annually in different places. But now, it is usually conducted at a pastorate level, mainly during vacations.
3.5. Research and Development Programme
To fulfil the aims and objectives of the College in addressing socio-economic problems, this program aims at providing opportunities to students to do research on economic development and social problems such as tribalism/communalism, sexism, ecology and other burning issues of the church and society. Other scholars interested in such research work are also encouraged.
3.6. MUSIC
Seeing the importance of Music in the Church, music is integrated in the college so as to equip students with fundamental music, staff notation and singing. The school of Music Programme offers the following courses:
3.6.1. Diploma in Church Music
3.6.2. Fundamentals of Music
3.6.3. Certificate in Church Music
3.6.4. Short course residential training during summer and winter breaks for local church musicians (conductors, choir members, song leaders and instrumentalists).
3.7. FIELD EDUCATION (PRACTICAL MINISTRY)
As the Senate of Serampore College (University) requires different kinds of Field Education for B.D students, at present the College has made the following plan for Students’ Field Education both for BD and MDiv students:
3.7.1. First Year: Social Centers
3.7.2. Second Year: BCM Mission Fields, including Ramchhung Mission (Home Mission), especially Mission schools, for Rural Field Education.
3.7.3. Third Year: Delhi or other big cities for Urban Field Education and exposure to various places.
3.7.4. Fourth Year: Local Churches in Aizawl city for Weekend Practical Ministry.
3.8. SOCIAL WORK
Social work which involves voluntary manual work is conducted every Saturday morning 6:30 AM —7:30 AM. All the students are expected to engage in manual works for the development of the College.
3.9. FEE STRUCTURE:
The college fee structure for the Academic Session 2020-2021 is as mentioned below:
| Amount | ||
| 1. College Fees | ||
| Registration | (annual) | 600.00 |
| Tuition | (annual) | 13,000.00 |
| Examination | (annual) | 4,000.00 |
| Electric Charge | 100×12 | 1,200.00 |
| Water Charge | 100×12 | 1,200.00 |
| Library | (annual) | 3,500.00 |
| Accommodation | (annual) | 3,000.00 |
| Establishment | (annual) | 2,000.00 |
| Seminar Fee | (annual) | 1,000.00 |
| Stationery | (annual) | 1,000.00 |
| Concurrent field education (for final year) | 2,000.00 | |
| College Magazine | (annual) | 200.00 |
| Mess | 2000 x11 | 22,000.00 |
| Sub Total | 54,700.00 | |
| 2. Senate fees | ||
| Registration Form | 50.00 | |
| Senate Registration Fee | 600.00 | |
| Examination Fee | 4,000.00 | |
| Senate Center Fee | 300.00 | |
| Marks Fee | 250.00 | |
| Graduation Fee (Passing Candidate) | 200.00 | |
| Delivery fee | 100.00 | |
| Website form fee | 100.00 | |
| Council Fee | 100.00 | |
| Mark Sheet Fee (for Freshers) | 300.00 | |
| Sub Total | 6,000.00 | |
| GRAND TOTAL | 60,700.00 | |
| 3. Students’ contribution for Intensive Field Education | ||
| Social Center/Home Mission | 4,000.00 | |
| Delhi / Vellore | 7,000.00 | |
| Mission Field | 6,000.00 | |
| Pastorate | 3,500.00 |
| Coll+Senate | Prac. Min. | Pastorate | G. TOTAL | |
| BD. I & M.DIV 1 | 60500 | 4000 | 64500 | |
| BD. II & M.DIV II | 60200 | 6000 | 66200 | |
| BD. III | 60200 | 7000 | 67200 | |
| M.DIV III | 60400 | 7000 | 3500 | 70900 |
| BD. IV | 60400 | 3500 | 63900 |
Note:
1. Water Charge (Rs. 100/- per month), Electric charge (Rs. 100/- per month), Mess fee (Rs. 2000/- per month) will not be taken until the college is re-opened.
2. Practical Ministry fee will be taken only if students can go for Practical Ministry.
3. Actual amount for the year will be calculated when the college re-opens.
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