www.actsgroup.

org
● Degrees accredited by the Asia Theological Association
● Affiliated to the International Council for Higher Education

Prospectus and Regulations for

CAMPUS BASED PROGRAMMES

●MASTER OF DIVINITY
●B. A. IN MINISTRY
●DIPLOMA IN LIFE SKILLS

Head Office:
ACTS Academy of Higher Education
P.O. Box. 9529, 54, MIG, KHB Colony, 5th Block, Koramangala, Bangalore, 560095, India.
Tel: 91-80-/25531154/25534103 Fax: 91-80-25531025
Email:The Principal: actsinst@blr.vsnl.net.in
president@actsgroup.org
Vice-Principal: viceprincipal.actsacademy@actsgroup.org
Campus:
ACTS Academy of Higher Education, Rayasandra, Bangalore. Tel: 91-80-25741736
Vision and Mission
ACTS Academy of Higher Education is committed to training people to be
witnesses of the Gospel in the real world. The vision that Dr Ken Gnanakan
received was from a reading of the Apostle Peter's words in Acts 3:6 - “Silver
or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ
of Nazareth, walk."
Starting out as ACTS Institute, a basic Bible school, it has now grown into the
ACTS Academy of Higher Education. Its diverse programmes are accredited
by Asia Theological Association and are affiliated to the International
Council for Higher Education. The programmes are based on integration,
where Bible and theology is constantly studied in its interface with the
concrete realities of the world we live in.
ACTS Academy embraces the dynamic philosophy of holism, which is
reflected in all its educational programmes. This holistic approach to
mission enables us to consider God’s Word in God’s World in its entirety.
ACTS Academy aims to equip leaders for the Church and its mission through its vision of a holistic
integration of work, worship and witness, for a more effective ministry in our world today. Men and
women from all walks of life are trained for ministry both within the Church as well as outside. Learn to
live is what we believe in.

HISTORY
ACTS (an acronym for Agriculture, Crafts, Trades and Studies) was
founded in July 1979 vide Society Act No. 80 / 79-80 in Bangalore, Karnataka,
India. Today, the ACTS Group of Institutions has spread all over India and is
known internationally for its appropriate education programmes, both theological
and secular.
ACTS Institute began as a vision given to Dr. Ken Gnanakan during his
Doctoral studies in London in May 1977. Returning to India in October 1978 Dr.
Ken Gnanakan set out to implement what is today a unique training programme
for young people in India. The vision was a direct result of reading the book of
Acts, which is the description of the early church in practical demonstration of the
love of the Lord Jesus.
The programme started in a housing colony in a suburb of Bangalore on
July 1, 1979. Eleven young people came out successfully after their two year
training and today are in various ministries. Some are in conventional Christian
ministries while others are attempting to demonstrate the integration of Work,
Worship and Witness, the central driving force of the ACTS vision.
Over the years ACTS has trained thousands of students who have
benefited from the intensive programmes provided on its spacious campus outside
of Bangalore. We have been providing one year certificate, two year diploma and
three year degree programmes, giving students a wide variety of opportunities for
practical service in real life situations.
Our stress has constantly been on a practical ministry orientation. Sensing
the need for a higher level of training, we introduced a new degree programme in
August 1989. This Bachelor of Arts in Ministry (B.A. Min) degree maintained all
the ACTS distinctives. The programme is as demanding as the Bachelor of
Theology offered by Bible Colleges, but offers the ministry orientation so
urgently needed for service in all kinds of areas of Christian service today. We
went on to add the M.A. in Ministry, M.Div, M.Th, Ph.D. and D.Min
programmes to cater to the need for higher education.
We are a community, seeking to develop holistically so that a more
powerful and practical witness for Jesus Christ could be built up. The programme
is built on a desire to integrate Work, Worship and Witness and has introduced a
unique way of theological education.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
A. ACTS Academy seeks to assist in the spiritual, intellectual, social and physical development of young
men and women who sense a call of God to prepare for practical Christian living and Christian service
as pastors, evangelists, teachers and lay workers. The Institute stands in the evangelical tradition.

B. Classes are designed to stimulate students to acquire a sound knowledge both intellectually and
practically for a holistic ministry – integrating Work, Worship and Witness. Seminars, spiritual lectures,
lectures on different trades by visitors from around the world are scheduled to enable students to keep
abreast with the current thought and development.

C. The Academy provides an environment for learning where all gifts can be developed. Proper diet,
adequate rest and relaxation, work and play all serve important purposes in maintaining healthy minds
and bodies. Students are helped to find means of participation in Christian ministry which are compat-
ible with their interests and aptitudes.

D. Developing “Tent-makers” at all levels and emphasizing self supporting ministries is one of the main
concerns of the Academy. Ministry is highlighted as service. In such an association, Institute projects,
work programmes and practical ministries are organized, so that students develop creativity and learn
responsibility.

E. An effort is made to present to the student the importance of developing more effective rural ministry
models. Many prayer cells and worship groups have been established in and around Bangalore as a
result of this. The Institute strives to see that students are thoroughly equipped in every good work.

F. Bringing together a multi-cultural and multi-lingual student body from various parts of India, and at
times from Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh and other parts of the world exposes students to ideas and
customs often quite different to their own. Learning to live and study together in harmony and
understanding develops an appreciation of true ecumenicity. By involving students in various week-end
ministries especially rural development programmes, students learn to deal with the public in churches,
schools, colleges, hospitals, homes and elsewhere.

G. In an ecumenical setting the Academy’s concern is to strengthen students’ spiritual life and commit-
ment to Christ. Daily chapel service, spiritual-emphasis weeks, fasting and prayer days, private
devotions, hostel prayers, prayer cells, etc., are designed to provide an opportunity for personal and
spiritual growth and expression. Such an emphasis on the spiritual side gives greater meaning and
direction to all other activities of the Academy.
AFFILIATION & RECOGNITION

ACTS has links with Universities and Higher Education

Councils in India and abroad. It is affiliated to the
International Council for Higher Education, Zurich,
Switzerland and offer degrees accredited by Asia
Theological Association and offer degrees accredited by
Andhra University has recognized the academic
activities of the ACTS Academy of Higher Education. In
Collaboration with Andhra University, we offer MA,
M.Phil and Ph.D programmes. ACTS has partnered in
developing a practical study programme – Certificate in
Health and Environment through the Indira Gandhi
National Open University, Delhi and a Post Graduate
Diploma in Environment Management through Kalyani
University, West Bengal.

DOCTRINAL STATEMENT
A. We believe the Bible to be the inspired, the
infallible, authoritative word of God.
B. We believe that there is one God, eternally
existent in three persons – Father, Son and Holy
Spirit.
C. We believe in the Deity of our Lord Jesus
Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in
His vicarious and atoning death, through His
shed blood, in His bodily resurrection, in His
personal return to power and Glory.
D. We believe that for the salvation of lost and
sinful man, regeneration of the Holy Spirit is
absolutely essential.
E. We believe in the present ministry of the Holy
Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is
enabled to live a godly life.
F. We believe in the resurrection of both the saved
and the lost: they that are saved to the
resurrection of life and they that are lost to the
resurrection of damnation.
G. We believe in the spiritual unity of believers in
Christ.
FACILITIES
Separate hostels for men, women and for married
students are available. The Academy provides cots
and mattresses for all the students. Meals are
provided for all students at the centrally located
dining hall. The additional facilities include a
spacious multipurpose auditorium, guest room,
prayer room, audio visual, computer lab facilities
and adequate number of class rooms.
LIBRARY
The Library affords a wealth of material &
information. At present there are over 23,000
volumes in the library, and the strength of the
volumes is increasing constantly. The Library also
subscribes to periodicals, more than 80 scholarly
journals, magazines and newspapers (English &
Regional). Library is computerized and provides
Internet facilities to the
students. Library is also
a member of the Joint
Library Scheme in the
city.
LOCATION
Bangalore is the principal administrative,
commercial, educational and industrial centre of
Karnataka state. It is also called the Garden city of
India and is endowed by nature with moderate
climate. It is the fifth largest city of India. The
altitude is about 3, 000 feet above sea-level. The
main languages spoken are Kannada, Urdu, Tamil
and English; Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam and
Marathi are not rare.
ACTS Academy of Higher Education is situated in a
beautiful picturesque setting, 6 kilometers off the
Hosur road. Getting to the campus is not an easy
task. It is recommended that you first arrive at our
Hosur road campus located 15 kilometers south-east
of the city on the main road to Hosur. If you are
getting off at the city railway station,please go the
City Bus Station which is located opposite to the
City Railway Station and board bus no. 356 (Chan-
drapura bus), 351 A and 356 C, 360 B. If you are
coming by bus and find your way to the City Market
please go to Kalasipalya Bus Station which is on the
Main Road to your right and board buses no. 346,
346A, 346E, 349 to 361, or enquire at the bus station
itself for further information and get off at the HOSA
ROAD Junction (New Central Jail Road), where
there are two big sign boards-Central Jail and Rama-
iah Medical College and then walk another 100
meters along the Hosur Road to the ACTS Institute
/ ACTS Secondary School campus which you will
find on your left.
FACULTY
● Dr. Richard Gnanakan, Ph.D - Principal
● Dr. Edward Ramani Ph.D - Vice Principal
● Rev. Dr. Sunil Kumar Samuel, M.A., D.Min
HOD-Campus Based Programme
● Dr. K. Devaraj, Ph.D.
● Dr. Jacob Varghese, Ph.D.
● Mr. Rajesh Ravindra, M.Th., (Ph.D.)
HOD - Distant Education Programme
● Rev. G. James, M.Th. (Ph.D.)
● Rev. A. Wilson, M.Th., (Ph.D)
● Mr. H. Caleb Martin Hilton M.A., B.D.
● Dr. Paul Mohan Raj, Ph.D.
● Mrs. Vimala Rajagopal, M.Div. (M.Th.)
● Mrs. Latha Samuel B.D.
● Mrs. Malliga Ramani, M.A., C.I.Lib.Sc.,
Dip. Documentation - Associate Librarian
● Mr. Robert Lawrence, M.A., M.Div., BLISc
Associate Librarian
CAMPUS ACTIVITIES
SPIRITUAL LIFE
ACTS Academy provides various opportunities for every student to grow in spiritual knowledge that
could reflect in their lives. Integrated education aims at integrated life. The daily routine will be as
indicated below:
6:00 am to 7:00 am - Morning devotion in their respective hostels
7:00 am to 7:30 am - Physical exercises
9:00 am to 5:00 pm - Integrated class work
Worship services are scheduled from Monday to Friday at 10:30 to
11:00 am except on Wednesday.
On Wednesdays from 9:00 to 9:30 am a special worship has been
conducted for the ACTS Community.
Students are given opportunities to preach and conduct special prayers for their own state where they
come from and pray for the people.
Family service is conducted every Sunday evening for the members of the families of faculty and staff
residing in the campus to have fellowship with students.
Once in a month fasting and prayer is also conducted, generally on a Saturday. A Spiritual Emphasis
Week is conducted by well qualified Christian leaders each semester. Several house worship groups
continue throughout the year. Each student is expected to devote most of his/her weekends to ministry in
ACTS Churches, outreach programmes and pastoral visitation.
All staff and teachers are counsellors. Students can seek counselling for all purposes and it is usually
individual counselling. Each student is assigned to a fellowship group with a faculty member where
personal attention is given at every level and on any area.

DEPARTMENT OF PRACTICAL MINISTRY

ACTS Academy has a department of practical ministry which provides opportunities to the students for
practical experience in personal witnessing, literature distribution and Academy campus ministry.
Students go to different villages and Churches on Fridays and Sundays.
Many worship groups in the neighbouring villages have been pioneered by staff and students. They were
also instrumental in planting many House Churches. It is expected that all these worship groups in
different villages would one day become established Churches.
Besides the regular practical work schedule, students are required to do a three month supervised
evangelistic assignment on their own, prior to their year of graduation, as a graduation requirement.
Student Mission Partnership
The Student Mission Partnership provides students an awareness and opportunity to help in mission while
they are in training programme. It is a student organization working with a faculty advisor. The students
raise funds by taking up small jobs like ironing, helping in the office work, cleaning etc. With the
amounts collected they help students who are in need and also selected Mission organizations.
STUDENT LIFE
On Thursdays the ACTS Academy families get together for sharing God’s goodness and fellowship in a
special midday worship service followed by a meal. Picnics and retreats are arranged occasionally for all
the Academy family.
The Student Council consisting of not less than three students duly elected by the student body, meets
under the supervision of the Dean of students to discuss matters relating to the various aspects of
students’ life in the Academy. It also provides opportunities for student leadership in select phases of
Academy life.
 ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
ENTRANCE EXAMINATION
A written examination consisting of three papers – Bible Knowledge, English and General Knowledge
will be required to be taken by all. On passing the written tests, candidates will be interviewed by a panel
for final approval.

MASTER OF DIVINITY (M.Div.)

The entrance requirement into the three year Master of
Divinity degree programme is successful completion of a GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
University undergraduate degree [Bachelor degree in Arts, ATA Requirement
Science, and Commerce] or equivalent. Those who have
i. For the three year course learners
appeared for the Final BA/BSc/BCom degree examination are required to complete – 24
and are awaiting their results may be admitted provisionally theological courses & 6
until the end of the first term/semester. Those who cannot vocational training courses
produce their pass certificate will have to discontinue their Academy Requirement
course. ii. For the two years course learners
are required to complete – 16
An ATA-accredited Bachelor of Theology [BTh] degree is theological courses & 4
equivalent to a University undergraduate degree. However, vocational training courses
advanced credit up to 10 subjects - towards the Master of iii. An assessment of character, spiritual
Divinity degree can be granted only to those who have secured development and ministry
a B grade average or above in their B.Th. degree programme. commitment
Applicants who have successfully completed an unrecognized A thesis of a minimum of 60 pages or
BTh degree programme will need to appear and successfully 10,000 words. Learners will also
pass a qualifying examination consisting of three papers set at submit one ministry report and one
the Final year BTh degree in Biblical Studies, Theology and integrated paper per semester.
Christian Ministry. However, no applicant with an unrecog-
nized theological degree will be given any advanced credit Practical involvement in work as well
towards the M.Div degree. as ministry programs are also
underlined as requirements for
Mature candidates who do not have the required entrance graduation. Ministry report should be
qualification, and are at least 30 years of age, may be submitted every semester
admitted into the programme on the basis of a qualifying
exam set at the Bachelor degree level [at least three subjects].
B.A. IN MINISTRY [B.A. (MIN)]
The entrance requirement into the three year Bachelor of Theology degree
programme is a successful completion of 12 years of schooling or its
equivalent. Those who have appeared for the HSC /+2 and are awaiting their GRADUATION
results may be admitted provisionally until the end of the first term/semester. REQUIREMENTS
Those who cannot produce their pass certificate will have to discontinue their
course. i. Successful completion
of 22 core subjects
The ATA-accredited two-year Diploma in Ministry / Life Skills is equivalent and 14 optional.
of the HSC/+2. Applicants who have completed successfully a two-year ii. An assessment of field
programme that has an entrance requirement of successful completion of 10 education
years of schooling [SSC], but is not ATA-accredited, must appear for and involvement.
successfully pass a qualifying examination consisting of three papers set at
iii. An assessment of
the Final year Dip. in Biblical Studies, Theology and Christian Ministry.
character, spiritual
Unless this is done they are not qualified for entry into an ATA-accredited
development and
B.A degree programme. However, no such applicant can be granted any
ministry commitment
advanced credit toward the B.A degree.
Mature candidates who do not have the required entrance qualification, but
are at least 25 years of age, may be admitted into the programme on the basis
of a qualifying exam set at the 12th standard level [at least three subjects].
DIPLOMA in LIFE SKILLS / MINISTRY

ENTRANCE QUALIFICATIONS The programme

1) High school or equivalent pass
will have the
2) At least 18 years of age ( preferably experience in
Following
ministry)
distinctives
Two years diploma programme is based on the
integrated model with an emphasis on growth in
keeping with each individual.
Academic learning will integrate real life applications 1. Personality Development
for optimal impact. The final class on each day will
attempt to integrate various current issues and Bible. 2. Communication skills
Aiming at total development there will be an
integration of various elements listed within various 3. Spiritual formation
segments of the day. Individual progress in students
will be monitored. Apart from particular “Skills 4. Inter-personal skills
Development” all the elements will be scheduled into
each year of their training. 5. Academic learning
WORK OPPORTUNITIES 6. Physical activity
Work programme is available where students can
work in various departments and pay their cost. 7. Job-oriented
However, this depends on the aptitude and skills development
experience of the applicant. Untrained candidates
may be enrolled for this scheme after the first
semester, if found fit. Work opportunity is subject to
periodic review.

GRADING SYSTEM
The following is the key to the grading system:

First Class Second Class Third Class

A+ (80% & above) B+ (65%) C+ (50%) Written Examination - 60%

A (75%) B (60%) C (45%)
Assignments - 40%

A- (70%) B- (55%) C- (40%)

FEES STRUCTURE - BOARDING STUDENTS (Living in campus hostel) (11 Months)

M.Div. B.A Min

Admission Fee 1,000 Admission Fee 1,000
Mess Fee (1200 x 11 months) 13,200 Mess Fee (1200 x 11 months) 13,200
Accommodation fee (200 x 11 months) 2,200 Accommodation fee (200 x 11 months) 2,200
Tuition fee 13,000 Tuition fee 8,000
Library fee 500 Library fee 500
Sports fee 500 Sports fee 500
Examination fee 500 Examination fee 500
Utilities & Maintenance 250 Utilities & Maintenance 250
Practical Ministry 500 Practical Ministry 500
Study Tour 500 Tour on Religion or Study Tour 500
General Fees :- Establishment fees 100 General Fees :- Establishment fees 100
Annual medical checkup - Compulsory 500 Annual medical checkup - Compulsory 500
Journal 50 Journal 50
Total 32,800 Total 27,800

DIPLOMA YEARLY FEES

Admission Fee 1,000 OTHER ACADEMY FEES AND FINES Rs.
Mess Fee (1200 x 11 months) 13,200 Application fee 100
Accommodation fee (200 x 11 months) 2,200 Entrance Exam fee 100
Tuition fee 7,000 Re-examination fee (per failed paper) 100
Library fee 500 Unauthorized absence (per day) 100
Sports fee 500 Transcript fee 100
Examination fee 500 Graduation fee (Final Year) 1000
Utilities & Maintenance 250
Practical Ministry 500 MARRIED STUDENTS
Tour on Religion or Study Tour 500 (Living in campus housing (11 months) Rs.
General Fees :- Establishment fees 100 Family accommodation 18,000
Annual medical checkup - Compulsory 500 (1500 x 12 per month)
Journal 50
Total 26,800 SCHOLARSHIP AVAILABLE

NOTE: Three kinds of Scholarships are Available:-

All Academy fees are to be paid as follows:
a. Application processing fee should be sent along
with the application.
b. Other fees, should be paid on or before
registration.
c. All payments must be made by Demand Draft
in favour of “ACTS Academy Of Higher
Education”.
d. Fees once paid will not be refunded/adjusted in
any circumstances.
e. Fee structure subject to change without prior
notice.
● Merit Scholarship for those who get 80%
and above marks on an average
● For those who show skill in the trade
● For those who are economically weaker
(The Scholarship will be awarded on the
discretion of the scholarship committee
annually)
Up to 50% of the fees can be covered
through our Work Scholarship
programme.
 M.Div PROGRAMME

S. No Subject

1 Introduction to the Bible - I

2 Introduction to Christian Theology - 1
3 Introduction to History of Christianity
4 Introduction to Major Religions
5 Study & Research Methodology

1 Introduction to the Bible - II

2 Introduction to Christian Theology - II
3 Holistic Mission
4 Life and Work Of Jesus Christ
5 Theology of Work

1 Prophetical Movement and the book of Isaiah

2 Synoptic Gospels
3 Life and Work of the Christian Worker
4 Detail Study of Islam

1 Church in Indian History

2 Understanding Indian Society
3 Counselling : Theory and Practice
4 Management and Leadership Development
5 Intro. to Cultural Anthropology
6 Environmental Studies

1 Asian contextual theology with special emphasis on India

2 Education for transformation
3 Mass Media & Communication
4 Minor Prophets in Asian Context
5 Romans
6 Project Management / Thesis Proposal

1 Christian Social Ethics

2 Gospel of John in Indian Context
3 MRSM - Advanced
4 Indian Philosophy
5 Understanding Global Issues

1 6 Vocational Courses
2 English I & II
 B.A. (MIN) PROGRAMME
S. No Subject
1 Integrated English I
2 Liturgy and Music In Worship
3 Introduction to Bible - Old Testament
4 Introduction to History Of Christianity
5 Study and Writing Methods
6 Christian Call and Vocation
7 Basic Computer
1 Integrated English II
2 Introduction to Bible - New Testament
3 Introduction to Christian Theology - I
4 Life and Work Of Jesus Christ
5 Theology of Work & ACTS Philosophy
6 I & II Corinthians
7 Basic Computer Application
1 Religion and Culture
2 Pentateuch with Genesis
3 Introduction to Christian Theology - II
4 Introduction to Communication
5 Gospel of Mark
6 Christian Care and Counselling
7 Environmental Studies
S. No Subject
1 Life and Work of Christian Minister
2 Christian Leadership and Development
3 Church in Indian History
4 Pauline Epistles
5 Indian Christian Theology
6 Acts of The Apostles
7 Health and Well-Being
1 Integrated Education
2 Biblical Interpretation
3 Old Testament Theology
4 Christian Principles of Management
5 Special Study of Hinduism
6 Home Management
Modern Religious and Secular
1
Movements
2 Holistic Mission
3 Introduction to Christian Ethics
4 Creation, Ecology and Human Responsibility
5 Introduction to Mass Media
6 Community Development
1 Prophecy and Prophetical Movement
2 Minor Prophets in the Indian Context
 Diploma in
LIFE SKILLS/MINISTRY
Experience the Difference
S. No Subject
1. Natural Resources
2. Catering and Hospitality
3. Electrical Techniques
4. Bible Survey
5. English - I
6. Communication Skills
7. Life and work of Jesus Christ
8. Spiritual Formation
9. Construction Techniques
10. Food Processing Techniques
11. Environmental Issues
12. New Testament Passages
13. Electronics Techniques
14. English - II
15. Child Education
16. Medical Techniques
17. Integrated Social Studies
18. Energy
19. Old Testament Passages
Information and Communication
20.
Techniques
21. Basic Christian Theology
22. Agricultural Techniques
23. Hospitality Science
24. Work, Worship & Witness

Notice

In all matters regarding admission to the programme, the decision of the Admission
Committee will be final and binding on the applicant. No correspondence from the
applicant with respect to his/her non-selection will be entertained. The admission
process and any other dispute regarding study at the ACTS Academy of Higher
Education shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of Bangalore.
 www.actsgroup.org

Head Office:
ACTS Academy of Higher Education
P.O. Box. 9529, 54, MIG, KHB Colony, 5th Block, Koramangala, Bangalore, 560095, India.
Tel: 91-80-/25531154/25534103 Fax: 91-80-25531025
Email: The Principal: actsinst@blr.vsnl.net.in
president@actsgroup.org
Vice-Principal: viceprincipal.actsacademy@actsgroup.org

Campus:
ACTS Academy of Higher Education, Rayasandra, Bangalore. Tel: 91-80-25741735 / 36