I. GENERAL INTRODUCTION

a. Brief Historical Note of the Witter Bible College .

 

The Witter Bible College was initially named as Vankhosiing Bible School . The College is founded, sponsored and functions under the shelter of the Kyong Baptist Ekhumkho Sanrhyutsu (The Lotha Baptist Churches Association) in the year 1946, with Rev. J.E. Tenguist as the first Principal. Rev. Zanao Yanthan was also the co-founder and the first Head Master of the School. The first badge students (1946 – 47) enrolled in the school were Rev. Anyimo Patton, Late Rev. Tsenao Ezung, Mr. Chiimbemo Shitiri, Late Vanthungo Ngullie, Late Wobemo Odyuo, Late Maymo Odyuo, Late Wopansao Ngullie and Smti. Loshumlo Tungoe. Till the year 1990, the school offered two years Vernacular Course with Kyong–Naga dialect as the Medium of Instruction. Proudly speaking, 70–80% (Seventy to Eighty percent) of the present Pastors, Associates, Evangelists and various Church and Social leaders of the Kyong-Naga Tribe are the product of the said school. It was in the year 1991, the Vankhosung Bible School was up-graded to a three years Graduate in Theology Course and was renamed the Witter Bible Institute with English as the Medium of Instruction. The Institute was named after Dr. W. E. Witter, the first officially assigned Missionary to the Kyong–Naga area who reached Wokha on the 9 th of April, 1885 and started the first informal school in the area and also preached the Gospel of Christ to the people in some parts of the area. The Institute is accredited to the Asia Theological Association (ATA) in the year 1995.

 

In 1999, the Institute was again up-graded to a full–fledged Degree Course offering a four years Bachelor of Theology Course and was renamed as the Witter Bible College with its Motto “Training Today, Leaders Tomorrow”. In the year 2006, the college was accorded a three–year Provisional Recognition by the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC). The College is officially recognized by the Nagaland State Government and the deserving students (matriculation and above) studying in the college are getting Government Scholarship every year. The KBES and the faculty had already moved for affiliation of the college to the Senate of Serampore and the result is expected at an earliest possible time. By the grace of God, at present the College has well qualified faculty and they are giving their best Theological Education keeping the motto in their mind that they are molding, motivating and training leaders for tomorrow.

 

As envisioned by the pioneer Missionaries and the founders of Christianity from among the tribe, the main objective of the college right from its inception was to evangelize the people of other faiths and beliefs. Therefore, realizing this objective the KBES has been involved in various Evangelical Missions with a full-fledged Secretary of Mission and Evangelism. The ministries are spread to the 10.40 window of the great Himalayan region, Myanmar , Bangladesh , Karbi-Anglong, the Sunitpur–Arunachal Border Mission; and besides rendering short-term services to the weaker sections of the Associations, Societies, Institutions, etc, within the Union of India. The KBES also has a well organized Home Mission in order to render maximum possible services to the weaker Churches within the Association.

 

b. Aims and Objective of the College

On the College emblem circling the center of the Bible and the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, it appears four words Training Today Leaders Tomorrow which constitutes the motto of the Witter Bible College .


 

The WBC accepts and builds its faith on the Trinitarian concept – God the Father, who is the Creator of the Universe – God the Son, who is the reconciler and the Saviour of the whole human race – God the Spirit, who is the Comforter and Advocate.

 

The College is committed to the belief that the unity of the Church is responsible for the mission and evangelism where Christ is the Head of the Church. We are committed to the effort for Peace and Justice and also to maintain unity of the Churches under KBES and even beyond. We oppose anything which includes dividing the unity of the Church, such as Favoritism, Tribalism, Communalism and parochialism.

 

The College is built on the solid Rock of our Lord Jesus, who is the Lord of all things and Saviour of the whole creation. It seeks to show the students the real meaning of that Truth, not simply as a believer need to understand it. The college believes the infallible of the Scripture and is committed to study the Bible in a way that will serve and win the people regardless of identity, race, culture and background. The purpose of the college is to guide, mold, prepare and train the students thoroughly for effective and powerful ministers for tomorrow. Therefore, all the Classroom lectures, discussion, seminars, studies and examinations are directed to prepare the students for efficient and faithful shepherds of the Church. To be more specific and precise we are called “not to be served, but to serve” in the world of our time and context.

 

The College is indebted and also gives due respect to the pioneers and former principals who had done the most sacrificial ministry to bring the college to this extend. Their contribution towards the KBES in general and to the College in particular will never be forgotten. The College will always keep them in prayers.

 

 

II. COLLEGE AUTHORITIES.

The Witter Bible College is entirely sponsored by the Kyong Baptist Ekhumkho Sanrhyutsu (The Lotha Baptist Churches Association). The College has the following level of authorities for its smooth and efficient administration.

 

i. College Board of Governors.

The Board Members of the College is appointed by the Executive Committee of the KBES for a period of three years. The College Board is the highest governing authority of the College. The Board is responsible for the appointment of the teaching faculty and any college staff as well as framing the general policies for the welfare of the College.

 

The Existing Board Members are mentioned below:

  1. Mr. Yanbemo Ovung              – Asso’ Pastor, LBCD (Chairman)

  2. Mr. Thungben Kikon              – Asso’ Pastor, WVBC

  3. Mr. Khonbemo Kikon             – Asso’ Pastor, WTBC

  4. Mrs. Lichilo Lotha                  – KBES, Women Secy

  5. Miss Zabeno Ezung                – (Head Mistress, Saron English School )

  6. Mr. L. Mhonthung Humtsoe   – WBC, Principal

  7. Mr. Libonthung Yanthan        – WBC, Academic In-charge

  8. Rev. Dr. Nrio Ezung               – KBES, ES (Ex–Officio)

  9. Rev M. Tsanglao                     – KBES, Finance (Ex–Officio)

ii. College Faculty:

The College faculty is composed of all the teaching faculty. It is the chief governing body and is responsible for internal administration and management of the college, acting under the authority of the College Board. Faculty and students wishing to bring any grievances before the College Board should do so through the Principal, who is the overall in-charge of the college internal administration.

 

iii. Administrative Officers.

a. Principal:

The Principal is the head and chief administrative officer of the college, acting under the authority of the Board. He/she is responsible for management, control and supervision of all the college affairs. Any decision in relation to internal administration has to be taken under the Authority of the Principal/Administrator.

 

b. Academic In-charge:

The Academic In-charge is given to one of the Faculties and is the second administrative officer of the College. He/she is to maintain the records of all the students’ activities concerning the Academic interests. Academic in-charge is also responsible for formulating and processing students’ admissions forms, maintaining student’s documents, class routine, examination, rules and regulations acting under the Authority of the Principal.

 

c. Teaching Faculty and Staff:

v     Mr. L. Mhonthung Humtsoe [B.Th. B.D, M.Th (NT)], Principal.

v     Mr. Libonthung Yanthan, [B.A, B.D, M.TH (Counseling)] Academic In-charge.

v     Mr. Thenjamo Tsanglao (B.Th, M.Div, M.TH (Counseling) – Lecturer

v     Mr. Yimkhum Murry [B.Th, B.D, M.Th (Missiology)] – Lecturer

v     Mr. Nzanthung Ngullie [B.Th, B.D, M.Th (Homiletics)] – Lecturer & Boys Warden I/c.

v     Mrs. Mhabeni Tsopoe [B.A, B.D. M.Th (On Study Leave)] – Lecturer

v     Mrs. Watisenla Imchen (Ladies Warden and Library In-charge)

v     Rev. Dr. Ezamo Murry – Visiting Professor (Pastoral Care and Counseling)

v     Mrs. Lichilo Lotha – Visiting Lecturer (Theology)

v     Mrs. Yanpham Tsanglao – Office Assistant.

v     Mr. Limongo Tsanglao – Typist.

v     Mr. Thüngyamo Kikon – Peon-Cum-Chowkidar.

 

 

III. ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES.

The College offers the following Academic programmes.

 

4.1. Certificate in Theology (C. Th): The College offers a Certificate in Theology Course for duration of one or two years. Any candidate applying for C.Th is required to pass at least class VIII and in order to be awarded the C.Th. the candidate must pass all the subject offered for the Course.

 

4.2. Graduate in Theology (G.Th): The College offers G.Th. course for two years. Any under Matric (Matric failed) candidate but passed at least class IX standard are eligible for the G.Th Course.  The candidate must pass all the subjects offered for the G. Th. Course.

4.3 Bachelor of Theology (B.Th): The College offers B.Th degree course. The duration of the course is four years course for the Matriculate and three years course for 10+2 passed candidates. The candidates are required to pass all the subjects offered for the B.Th Course.

 

4.4. Certificate in Church Music: Music plays a vital role in the life of many and the Church cannot exist without Music. Considering the need of Music in Churches and any Christian meetings and gathering; the college feels it important to offer the basic fundamental of Music. Along with the Theological Degree, the College offers Fundamental of Music (Grade 1-5) following the Text Book of the Associated Board Royal School of Music (ABRSM), London . Church Music, Sight Singing and Basic Introduction for Choir Conduction are being taught. The Music course offered is not for the Professional Musician. However, the learner should be able to lead and conduct the Choirs, serve the Youth and Singing accurately with proper time and tone.

 

 

IV. PRACTICAL WORK:

The College set some good time for the Visitation of local Churches, missions, schools, hospitals, prisons etc, by the students with Faculty guide as a part of their practical training. Apart from the Academic Programs as scheduled, students are required to do practical work both in the college and outside during vacations. Every student is required to be engaged in any practical works particularly during Summer Vacation in their own local Churches under the supervision of the Pastor.

 

 

V. REFUND:

1. Any student who leaves the college without completing the course by way of any disciplinary action taken by the College Authority will automatically lose their security deposit and no refund will be entertained in any area in relation to payments of fees.

 

2. Any student who is qualified for any designed course and once taken registration or admission in the College and leaves the college without official release from the Authority cannot claim any refund of the admission fees except the Mess fee with at least one month prior information to the Mess in-charge. However, only on ground of serious medication the college Authority will study their case thoroughly and work for the welfare of the students.

 

 

VI. AWARD AND PRIZES:

The college has few prizes which are awarded annually at the time of the College Graduation or Convocation.

 

1. Proficiency Award: A Book prize is awarded to graduating student(s) who secure the highest average grade among the graduating students.

2. Music Prize: A Book prize is awarded to student(s) who, in opinion of the faculty, contribute the most to the music program of the college during the course.

3. Worship and Preaching: A Book prize is awarded to one of the students among the graduates whose contribution is acknowledgeable in relation to the Worship and preaching in the college.

VII. SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES.

  1. A limited number of scholarships are offered to the deserving students who are seriously in need. The students are selected by the faculty and recommended for further action.

  2. KBES. The KBES gives scholarship to few of the most deserving students, provided that they have the guarantee for future employment in any full time ministry.

 

 

VIII. RESULTS: Grading System and Promotion.

a. The Standard of Pass and Class.

The standard of Grading and Promotion can be noted as follows:

 

First Class       :           A+ (80% and Above)

                                    A (75 – 79%)

                                    A– (70 – 74%)

 

Second Class  :           B+ (65 – 69%)

                                    B (60 – 64%)

                                    B– (55 – 59%)

 

Third Class     :           C+ (50 – 54%)

                                    C (45 – 49%)

                                    C– (40 – 44%).

 

b. Pass or Failure

Candidate must convince the examiners by passing in each written examination paper separately. No candidate shall be re-examined in a paper in which one has been declared passed. The final average of each candidate paper is calculated together and grading is done as per the system mentioned above. A candidate who fails in any paper is regarded as referred in the paper or papers and will have to retake in that/those paper(s).

 

c. Referred or Retake Examination.

Any candidate or student failing in more than 2 (Two) subjects in a semester will be allowed to write only two repeat papers at the time; and the rest will not be permitted to repeat until the course is completed. Students who are permitted to write referred papers will write along with the current students appearing for the same paper. No separate examination will be arranged for the repeat papers except when no current students are taking the same paper. The repeaters will be charged Rs.50/- each in every subject being conducted for them.

 

 

IX. COURSES DESCRIPTION.

A. OLD TESTAMENT

1. Survey of Old Testament:

The objectives are

Ø            To trace the history and culture of Ancient Israel.

Ø            It is to enable the students to understand the background, the context and the purpose of the Old Testament.

Ø            It will also create a general survey of the OT messages and observe the relevance of our milieu today.


 

2. History of Israel :

The objectives are

Ø      To help the students to understand the nature and formation of the Pentateuchal books in the light of the history of Israel as the people of God in different situation.

Ø      To enable the students to understand how various kinds of leaders arouse and how they exercised their ministries.

Ø      To help the students to draw the relevance of the study to the contemporary life and ministry of the Church.

3. Prophetical Movement in Israel :

The objectives are

Ø      To help the students to understand the origin and development of the prophecy and the nature and distinctive characteristics of the prophetic ministry in Ancient Israel.

Ø      To recall and identify theological ideas, ethical teachings of the prophets and study the various historical situations and the message of the prophets addressed to such situations.

Ø      To interpret the message of the different prophets to the contemporary ecclesial and socio-political contexts and also draw inspirations from the prophetic ministry and preach relevantly from the prophetic books.

 

4. Pentateuch:

This course is to help the student to understand of the first five books of the Old Testament, the law books, the content, message and its formation in general. It helps to analyze the historical background and also prepare an exegetical analysis on the Pentateuchal.

 

5. Old Testament Theology:

The Objectives are

Ø      To help the students to recognize the faith statement and the Theological reflections in the various books and tradition of the Old Testament, thereby taking note of the diversity as well as the unity within the whole Old Testament.

Ø      To recognize a people’s Theology process within the Old Testament narratives, prophetic message, prayer and hymns etc.

Ø      It is also to understand the different Theological themes like people of God, covenant, salvation, blessing, justice and righteousness etc. The course is also to trace the significance of the Old Testament in the Present context.

 

6. Wisdom Literature

The Objectives:

Ø      To help the students to identify the Wisdom Tradition/Intellectual Traditions among the Hebrew and to appreciate its distinctive character and its function in the life of Israel .

Ø      To enable the students to relate the Hebrew Wisdom Tradition in relation to the Indian Traditions in the light of folklore and literary tradition.

 

7. Hebrew

The Objectives are

Ø      To introduce the students to a preliminary knowledge Biblical Hebrew

Ø      To improve a foundation in the main principals and usage of the Hebrew language as a basis for more advance study later.

Ø      To let the students learn the basic phonetic, verbal and patterns of Classical Biblical Hebrew, basic vocabulary and have the ability to read Hebrew Bible.

B. NEW TESTAMENT:

1. New Testament Survey:

The course is designed for the general understanding of the New Testament Books. The study will overall cover the background of the books, the themes, the context and the messages of the NT

 

2. Life and Ministry of Jesus Christ

The Objectives are

Ø      To enable the students to understand the life, teaching and ministry of our Lord Jesus from all the four Gospels, and to present Jesus as a model for Christian ministry.

 

3. Pauline Thought

The Objectives are

Ø      To enable the students to understand Paul against his background and to realize the significance of his work.

Ø      To recall how Paul responded to the various situations he faced.

Ø      To identify special characteristics of different types of material rooted in the epistles, e.g., hymns, diatribes, ethical and doctrine section etc.

Ø      To interpret and apply Paul’s insight to contemporary situations and problems in the Church and in the world; and to use Paul's writings in preaching with integrity and relevance.

 

4. Acts of the Apostles:

The book of Acts presents the origin of the Christian Church, and the nature and extension of Jewish Christianity. It also explains the nature and development of Pauline mission. It provides basic information to the present day Christians about the early Church, persecutions, frustrations, theological problems and Church planting methods.

 

The Objectives are

Ø      To help the learner to understand the different stages of Christian Church: Origin, Growth, methods of mission etc.

Ø      To enable the leaner to appreciate the faith and witness of the early Church.

Ø      To enable the leaner to emulate (imitate, copy) the life style, faith, missionary zeal and principles of mission of the early Church and apply in his/her context effectively.

 

5. Synoptic Gospels:

The Objectives are

Ø      To enable the student to recall what constitutes the material special to Matthew, the material special to Luke, the material common to Matthew and Luke and the material common to all three Gospel

Ø      to identify whole narratives, parables, significant section and saying as from Mark, Matthew or Luke

Ø      to cope with the references in reporting the same events and to see the relationship between different ways to interpreting the same fact

Ø      to explain the different redactional perspectives and thrusts to each of the evangelists with reference to their contexts; to explain the need of different theologies in different situations; and to preach relevantly from the Gospels.

 

6. The Johannine Thought.

The Objectives are

Ø      To study and identify the distinctive features of John’s presentation of Jesus Christ.

Ø      To understand and interpret the terms and concepts that John uses in his gospel.

Ø      To explain John’s presentation and his complements to Synoptics and to recognize the relevance of john’s message in our contemporary context.

 

7. Greek Grammar:

The course designed to equip the students with basic skills to read and understand the New Testament in its original language. It is a preliminary course which provides a starting point towards the developing of exegetical and homiletical skills, and reading skill of the New Testament in Greek.

 

 

C. CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY AND ETHICS

1. Systematic Theology:

The Objectives are

Ø      To inspire the students to acquaint themselves with the basic themes of systematic theology and with the whole realm of Christian faith as conceptualized in the major doctrines of the Christian Church.

Ø      To introduce the students to the religio-socio-political cultural contexts of the doctrinal formulations, and to the concerns and limitations of such formulations.

Ø      To encourage the students to study the individual doctrines not only from the biblical, historical, systematic and constructive perspectives but also to see the major doctrines in their inter-relatedness.

Ø      To help the students to see the relevance of the on-going task of doctrinal formulations.

Ø      To enable the students to understand the nature and necessity of systematic theology as a distinctive discipline and to equip themselves for the task of critical, creative, constructive and imaginative theologizing process.

 

2. Indian Christian Theology:

The Objectives are

Ø      To enable the students to explore various pattern of theological thinking within the divergent Indian thought patterns and view the theological development over a decade in India .

Ø      To note and see the need for developing context-related theological thinking in the present day in Indian context.

Ø      To help the students aware of the various issues raised by divergent theologies and to provide them the necessary methodological tools; to think critically creative and develop a skill for reflecting theologically in relation to the religio-cultural and socio-political context in India .

 

3. Modern Trends in Christian Theology:

The Objectives and Scope are

Ø      To help the student familiarize various development and issue in contemporary theological thinking;

Ø      To enable the student to have a meaning dialogue and interaction with modem trends:

Ø      To enable the student to have a constructive approach in the theology in their own context;

Ø      To enable the student to be aware of the various theological trend and burning issue in the contemporary theology starting from the turn of the century.

4. Person and Work of Christ:

The Objectives are

Ø      The course is to help to see Jesus Christ's own religious history-cultural milieu on the basis of Biblical witness.

Ø      To help the students evolve his/her faith-expression on Jesus Christ in a holistic perspective in order to meet the challenges of witnessing Jesus Christ in the context of religious and ideological pluralism.

Ø      To lead the student to discover the dimension of the faith in Jesus Christ expressed by the Church in history,

Ø      To enable the students to evaluate the doctrinal development on the person and work of Jesus Christ in the light of socio-political and religio-philosophical issues of time.

 

5. Introduction to Christian Ethics:

This course aims to equip the students with the basic structure of ethical thinking be analyzing some of the vital ethical concerns. The first part of the course will deal with the biblical and theological aspects and the second with ethical issues related to the political, social and economic life in the context. It is important to critically study and understand the ethical issues and give a constructive Christian ethical response.

 

6. Women and Justice.

Ø      The course is to help the students to know and understand the situation and the struggles of women in the context.

Ø      To help them to have a Biblical and theological understanding of womanhood.

Ø      To help them to become aware of movements towards equal opportunity, partnership and just participation in the Church and the Society.

 

 

D. HISTORY OF CHRISTIANITY:

1. Introduction to Church History

The course is indented to give an overall understanding and general survey of the History of Christianity to the students. The emphasis is about the general growth of Christianity in the light of Early Church History to the Medieval Christianity, to History of Reformation and Modern Church History

 

2. History of Christianity in N.E India.

The course is to cover the History of Christianity in North east India from its inception to the present day. It is also to enable the students to discern the issues connected to the History and the growth of Christianity in North East India.

 

3. History of Christianity in India .

The Objectives are

Ø      To enable the ministerial candidates to understand the History of Christianity of this country so that a meaningful ministry may be formed.

Ø      It is to enable to make an objective study of the History of Christianity in India , and to relate and evaluate the happening of the past to the present and to learn to evaluate sources available.

Ø      This course is to cover the History of Christianity in India from the first century A.D to the present day within the frame work of Socio, cultural and Political history of India . A wide emphasis will be given for the study of Christianity during the 19th - 20th centuries.


 

4. History of the Ecumenical Movement.

The Objectives are

Ø      The course is proposed to enable the students to understand the development of Ecumenical Movement and the progress towards Church union and joint action mainly the period between A.D. 1800 to the present time.

Ø      To understand the unity and diversity in relation to the churches’ calling to witness and service in India .

Ø      To analyze and see the Indian Ecumenical development in the global context.

Ø      To study different approaches to Church unity and their significance for today.

 

 

E. PRACTICAL CHRISTIAN MINISTRY .

1. Foundation of Pastoral Ministry:

The Objectives are

Ø      The Course will enable to have a holistic understanding of the Pastoral Ministry.

Ø      To enable the students to be aware of the totality of ministry from the biblical, theological, sociological and psychological perspectives.

Ø      To help the students to have a comprehensive and ecumenical approach to the Pastoral ministry.

Ø      To become aware of the challenges and possibilities of Christian ministry in the pluralistic context of India .

 

2. Church Organization and Administration:

The Objectives are

Ø      The course is to help the student understand and that the aim of organization and administration is to equip the church for the mission of the Church.

Ø      To help the student understand the way in which the life, work, the structure and function of the Church are shaped, both by theological understanding and cultural environment.

Ø      The course will also acquaint the students with the principles of Church administration and the basis issues related to Church and ministry.

Ø      To help the students to become familiar with the organization and functioning of his/her own denomination.

Ø      To also consider in a practical way of the administrative responsibilities and problems he/she will face as pastor or Christian worker.

 

3. Pastoral Psychology, Care and Counseling:

The Objectives are

Ø      The course is to introduce the student to various theories and skill which will help the work of a pastor.

Ø       To help and to learn the art and skill of counseling and their use in pastoral care.

Ø      To create an awareness of the realities of human life and understanding human personalities.

 

4. Leadership Development.

The Objectives are

Ø      To enable the students to become aware of the Complexities of Church Administration.

Ø      To help the students to understand the Biblical models of leadership and Stewardship.

Ø      To facilitate the students in developing leadership qualities for a more effective participation in life and work of the Church.