What does Spirit-filled education look like around the world? The principal of Filadelphia Bible College, Finny Philip, tells us about this ministry training center in Udaipur City in Rajasthan, India. Part of the Pentecostal Theological Education Around the World series from PneumaReview.com.

PneumaReview.com: How readily available is theological education for Pentecostals in India? 

Finny Philip: There are many Pentecostal theological colleges and training centres in the country and most of them are located in the south of India. Most of these institutions, particularly the smaller ones, follow the traditional Pentecostal style of training (Bible institutes with a ministry focus). Indian Pentecostalism has not achieved the theological vigour of North American & European Pentecostalism. Filadelphia Bible College is exceptional for having highly trained faculty, two of whom studied at the University of Birmingham under Prof. Allan Anderson.

PneumaReview.com: What are some of the greatest obstacles to Spirit-filled theological education in your nation? 

Finny Philip: 1. In India, theological colleges/institutions are accredited to either Serampore University (started by William Carey, but now controlled by liberal/liberation stream) or Asia Theological Association (an evangelical stream). Most of the Pentecostal colleges are part of ATA but most of the faculty comes from Serampore or ATA stream and does not have a Pentecostal outlook. Although they are Pentecostals, their thinking has been moulded by either liberal theology or non-charismatic evangelical orientation. This is reflected in the courses offered by Pentecostal colleges, they are general courses which any evangelical seminary in the West might offer. Further, there is little development in Pentecostal thinking or reflection about the Spirit experiences in our communities. This is an issue that hinders theological education.

2. As an indigenous Pentecostal institution, we have our struggles since we are not part of a Pentecostal denomination. Because we are in a mission context, we are by nature involved in both evangelism and discipleship. At many times we have to re-invent the wheel and we lack resources.

3. Our students come from backgrounds where we have persecution. And we are passionate about (and empowered for) mission, our graduates face a lot of persecution once they are back in the fields.

PneumaReview.com: Do you have access to good theological study materials?             

Finny Philip: No, unfortunately we don’t have good theological study materials available. Everything has to be imported.

PneumaReview.com: What are the greatest doctrinal challenges that you face in your country? 

Finny Philip: Prosperity theology is an emerging threat, but mostly it is biblical illiteracy. Since ours is in a mission context challenges are mission related. Pluralism, syncretism, culture and gospel engagements etc.

PneumaReview.com: What major themes do you stress as you train students for ministry? 

Udaipur City, India

Finny Philip: Character, knowledge and skills are given a significant place in the life of our students. But when it comes to themes, our greatest emphasis is on Biblical subjects, then theology and then mission. The primary reason for this focus is that almost all of our students are first generation Christians. Therefore, our priorities are right interpretation, right doctrine and right passion for reaching out.
PneumaReview.com: What fruit have you seen in the lives of those who have prepared for ministry at your school?

Finny Philip: Over the past 32 years of training, God has enabled us to produce over 1500 graduates who are leading thousands of churches in north India made up of about 300.000 believers. These churches are known as Filadelfia Fellowship Church of India.

Filadelphia Bible College may be found online at: FBCUdaipur.com

John Lathrop interviews Finny Philip about the new South Asia Bible Commentary.

John Lathrop: Please give us a brief history of the development of this commentary.

Finny Philip: The South Asia Bible Commentary (SABC) is a project of Langham Partnership International and partners. Langham is the organization founded by the late evangelical scholar, author and leader John Stott.

John R. W. Stott (1921–2011), “started Langham in 1969 with the vision that every pastor in every church is equipped to preach the Bible.”
Image: Langham Partnership International / Wikimedia Commons.

The project started in 2008 when a few Langham scholars in India came together for fellowship in Kolkata. The project is led by Brian Wintle (New Testament scholar), three Old Testament theological editors (Drs. Paul Swarup, J.B. Jeyraj, Havilah Dharmraj) and two New Testament theological editors, Dr. Jacob Cherian and myself.

Who are the contributors to this volume and what countries are they from?

Finny Philip: The writers are all South Asian—scholars from India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka contributed to the volume. The commentaries have been written by over ninety scholars. This resource represents the first effort of its kind written by South Asians.

What denominations do the commentators come from?

Finny Philip: Pentecostals, Baptist, Methodist, Brethren, Church of North India, Church of South India, and the rest are evangelicals and charismatics. Of the 92 scholars who contributed to SABC, 18 are Pentecostals including the two New Testament editors.

What are some of the main theological concerns facing the church in South Asia at this time?

Finny Philip: There a lot of issues that the commentary deals with.

To speak to South Asians powerfully and with relevance, the commentary uses local metaphors and imagery and helps its users apply the Bible to the challenges in their culture. In addition to the commentary, more than 100 topics are explored from a biblical perspective, including:

Bribery & Corruption

Caste

Children At Risk

Christian Bhakti (devotion) in South Asia

Death and Life after Death

Human Trafficking

Jesus in South Asia/ South Asian responses to Christ

Karma and Fatalism

Living as the People of God in South Asia

Mission of God in South Asia

The Finality of Christ

The Holy Spirit in South Asian Spirituality

Violence against Women

Witchcraft and Demons

Yoga, Gurus and God men