TAFTEE

TAFTEE

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Established 1971 · Bangalore, India

Christian Leadership
Training

To assist the Church in preparing all God's people for the work of Christian service through open and continuing theological education.

Explore Programs Our Story
~4,000
Active Students
7,000+
Graduates Since 1971
600+
Volunteer Tutors
9
Languages Offered
TAFTEE
Est.1971
Our Mission

Education That Goes to the People

TAFTEE's unique model removes the barriers of geography, cost, and career disruption. Students remain in their communities and ministries — deepening their theological understanding while continuing to serve.

With courses in English and eight Indian languages, TAFTEE trains more Christian leaders than many Indian seminaries combined, at a fraction of the cost.

Learn About TAFTEE
Academic Programs

From Certificate to Master's

Foundation
Certificate Program
An accessible entry point into theological study for lay leaders, evangelists, and believers beginning their ministry journey. Available in English and eight Indian languages.
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Undergraduate
Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.)
A rigorous undergraduate degree for those called to deeper theological formation and church leadership. Students study Scripture, doctrine, mission, and practical ministry.
View Details →
Postgraduate
Master of Divinity (M.Div.)
An advanced postgraduate program with specialization tracks in Pastoral Theology and Mission Studies, designed for experienced ministry leaders seeking deeper scholarship.
View Details →

"TAFTEE is not just academic. It is more adapted for ministry and outreach — not just for getting a degree, but for equipping us to reach others."

A TAFTEE Student — Rural Ministry, South India
Volunteer Opportunity

Become a Tutor

TAFTEE's impact is powered by over 600 committed volunteers who serve as study center coordinators and tutors across India. Tutors meet regularly with students in their local area — helping them dialogue about their studies, apply theology to real ministry challenges, and grow as leaders in their communities.

You don't need to leave your church or community. As a TAFTEE tutor, you serve where you already are — equipping the next generation of Christian leaders right in your own region.

Express Interest
What Tutors Do
Meet regularly with a small group of students in your local area to discuss their studies
Help students apply theological learning to real challenges in their ministry context
Connect students with more advanced leaders and a wider network across India
Serve from your own community — no relocation or full-time commitment required
600+
Volunteer tutors
already serving across India
Who We Are

The TAFTEE Story

TAFTEE was founded in Bangalore, India in 1971, when the global church recognized that traditional residential seminary models could not reach the vast majority of ministry workers worldwide.

India's extraordinary diversity — over a billion people, nearly 5,000 distinct people groups, 1,600 languages — demanded an approach that was flexible, local, and deeply contextual.

TAFTEE's answer was extension education: high-quality theological curriculum through self-study, supported by local study centers and volunteer tutors, enabling students to learn in their own context while continuing ministry and family life.

Today, TAFTEE serves nearly 4,000 students and has graduated over 7,000 leaders who serve in churches, mission organizations, and communities across India and 10+ countries.

Our History

Key Milestones

1971

TAFTEE Founded

Established in Bangalore with a vision to bring theological training to leaders in their own communities.

1980s

Expansion Across India

Study centers multiply across multiple states. Courses translated into major Indian languages.

1990s

Growing International Reach

TAFTEE students and graduates begin serving in ministry across multiple countries beyond India, reflecting the global impact of the program.

2000

Koya Language Partnership

Certificate programs translated into Koya for tribal communities in Andhra Pradesh and Orissa.

Today

Growing Impact

~4,000 students · 600+ tutors · 9 languages · 10+ countries · 11 denominations.

Leadership

Governance & Administration

TAFTEE is governed by a thirteen-member Board of Directors and led by experienced theological educators committed to accessible, contextual ministry formation.

GD
Rev. Dr. G. David Samuel
Director, TAFTEE
BD
Board of Directors
Bangalore, India
HQ
Headquarters Staff
Bangalore, India
VT
Volunteer Tutors
Across India
The TEE Model

How TAFTEE Works

TAFTEE is built on three pillars: high-quality self-study materials, local study center gatherings, and one-on-one tutor sessions. Students progress at their own pace while remaining in their home and ministry context.

Foundation

Certificate Program

Entry Level

For lay leaders, evangelists, and those beginning formal theological study. Covers Scripture, doctrine, discipleship, and practical ministry including a course modeled on the life of Christ.

Mode: Self-study + study center
Languages: English + 8 Indian languages
Undergraduate

Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.)

Undergraduate

A rigorous undergraduate degree for those called to deeper theological formation and church leadership. Covers biblical studies, systematic theology, hermeneutics, and mission. A notable course — "Gospel to the Whole Person" — requires students to identify a local people group and develop outreach strategies.

Mode: Self-study + study center
Languages: English + 8 Indian languages
Postgraduate

Master of Divinity (M.Div.)

Postgraduate

An advanced postgraduate program for experienced ministry leaders and educators seeking deeper theological scholarship. Specialization tracks include Pastoral Theology and Mission Studies.

Mode: Distance learning
Tracks: Pastoral Theology · Mission Studies
Languages

Available in 9 Languages

English
Hindi
Tamil
Telugu
Kannada
Malayalam
Marathi
Bengali
Koya
How to Apply

Application Process

1

Choose Your Program

Review the certificate and degree programs and consider your ministry context and educational background.

2

Submit Your Application

Complete the form with personal details, ministry background, a church recommendation, and academic transcripts where required.

3

Find a Study Center

Connect with your nearest TAFTEE study center and volunteer tutor across India.

4

Begin Studying

Receive materials and begin your theological education — at home, in your community, in your language, at your pace.

Eligibility

Who Can Apply?

Certificate Program

Open to any committed Christian believer. No prior theological education required.

B.Th. Program

Secondary school completion or equivalent. Active ministry involvement preferred. Church recommendation required.

M.Div. Program

A Bachelor of Theology or equivalent. Ministry experience and academic references required.

M.Div. Program

A Bachelor of Theology or equivalent. Ministry experience and academic references required.

Request Information
Office Address
TAFTEE Headquarters
Bangalore, Karnataka
India
Office Hours
Monday – Friday
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM IST
Our Team
35 full-time staff
600+ volunteer tutors
across India
Denominations We Serve
Students from at least 11 denominations and 10+ countries. We welcome all who share our commitment to Christ-centered theological education.
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We'd Love to Hear From You