President's Welcome
Welcome to the International School of Theology!
This is your sanctuary for pursuing wisdom that will enrich both your life and your ministry!
We are passionately committed to equipping and empowering leaders to share the transformative message of Christ and serve their communities. Our carefully crafted programs offer a robust foundation in theology and practical ministry skills, empowering you to make a profound impact in the world.
Rev. Jei Nesha, DMin (Cand.)
President, International School of Theology
Our Vision & Passion
Renewal. Reformation. Revival.
Our vision is to renew and reform the church to revive the nations.
We are deeply convinced that by renewing individuals' lives, we can catalyze transformative reform within the church, ultimately sparking a dynamic revival across the nations in which we are engaged.
Transforming Lives, Impacting the World Around Us
Therefore, we are passionate and deeply committed to facilitating the transformation of our students, empowering them to inspire and effect transformation in the lives of others around them.
By joining our efforts, we can ignite a ripple effect of transformation that transcends boundaries and profoundly impacts the world around us.
Our Mission
IST is dedicated to Spirit-led and faithful teaching of Scripture and holistic training of leaders
to reflect Christ in every aspect of life and ministry and
be agents of integrity, initiative, influence, innovation, and transformation in the church and the world for the glory of God.
Join our mission to make a powerful impact in our communities!
Our Beliefs
Discover our STATEMENT OF FAITH and how it shapes our mission to provide faithful and reliable theological education.
We believe that:
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There is but one true and living God who exists eternally in three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. God alone is Creator, Preserver and Governor of all things visible and invisible, at work in the world to redeem creation.
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The eternal Son of God, incarnate in Jesus of Nazareth, was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He declared God’s Kingdom and embodied that reign in His acts. Having rendered a life of perfect human obedience to the Father, He died on the cross as a vicarious and victorious atonement for sin. In His atoning death and bodily resurrection, Christ opened the way of rescue from sin and death, reconciling the world to God. Exalted as Lord, He continues to intercede on behalf of His people.
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The Bible, both Old and New Testaments together, is Holy Scripture. It is the authoritative written Word of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit, inerrant in all that it teaches, the one entirely trustworthy rule for faith and life. The teachings of Holy Scripture are apprehended through the careful study of the text in all its dimensions, together with prayerful theological reflection, under the guidance of God’s Spirit.
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Human beings alone, both male and female, are created in the image of God. All people are made to enjoy relationship with God, with one another, and with the good creation of which we are stewards. Humankind’s sinful disobedience has incurred God’s just judgment, bringing sin, guilt, depravity and misery upon all humanity.
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God in mercy and grace redeems all who repent of their sin and trust Jesus Christ alone for their salvation, justifying them through faith in the Saviour, restoring their relationship with Him, giving them new life by the Holy Spirit, and empowering them for discipleship.
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The one holy, catholic and apostolic church occurs in local communities of believers all over the world. The Church is the Body of Christ, the people of God, and the fellowship of the Spirit, sent into the world to glorify Jesus Christ and to bear witness to God’s dawning Kingdom in word and deed.
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On a day that has been appointed, Jesus Christ will appear again as judge to raise the righteous unto eternal blessing and the unrighteous unto eternal separation from God. He will consummate His kingdom of peace, and His redeemed will enjoy everlasting life, reigning with Christ in the new heavens and the new earth.
Our statement of faith is based on the core beliefs outlined by Tyndale University & Seminary in Canada.
Statement of Faith | Tyndale University
Our Panel of Advisors
Welcome to IST Advisory Team. We are blessed to have faithful leaders and educators who provide valuable insights and guidance to enhance our academic programs. Their collective wisdom and experience help us nurture a vibrant learning environment rooted in faith and excellence. Together, we strive to empower our students to fulfill their calling in service to the community and beyond.
Rev. Dr. Michael Krause, BScF., MDiv., DMin., Cert. in Leadership Coaching
IST Advisory Counsel
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With over four decades of experience in ministry, he has held various roles, including youth pastor, senior pastor, church planter, and seminary professor.
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He currently serves as the Interim Academic Dean at Tyndale Seminary and Graduate Studies, where he occupies the R.J. Bernardo Family Chair of Leadership.
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In addition, he is an Associate Professor of Leadership and Ministry at Tyndale University.
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He is also a leadership coach and church consultant.
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Previously, he was the director of Evergreen, part of Yonge Street Mission.
Dr. Yau Man Siew, BPharm (Hons.), Dip.Th., MDiv., PhD.
IST Advisory Counsel
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With over four decades of experience in ministry, including both pastoral responsibilities and Christian education, he is dedicated to nurturing educational leaders for discipleship and the missional church.
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He holds the position of Associate Professor of Practical Theology at Tyndale Seminary of Tyndale University, where he oversees majors in Christian Education and Discipleship, as well as Youth and Family Ministry.
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Additionally, he served as a Visiting Scholar at OISE/University of Toronto from and at Teachers College, Columbia University.
Dr. Ajith Fernando, BSc., MDiv., ThM., DD (Hon)
IST Advisory Counsel & Distinguished Visiting Lecturer
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He has over fifty years of experience in ministry, with a focus on discipling, leadership training and Christian education.
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As an award-winning author, he has published twenty-one books that have been translated into twenty-four languages.
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For thirty-five years, he served as the National Director for Youth for Christ (YFC) in Sri Lanka and currently holds the position of Teaching Director for YFC.
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Additionally, he has been a visiting scholar at several seminaries, including Tyndale Seminary.
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His global ministry is dedicated to imparting biblical teachings, and he currently prioritizes on counselling and mentoring young leaders and pastors.
Rev. Dr. M.S. Vasanthakumar, B.Th., M.A., M.Phil., D.Min.
Advisory Counsel
& Adjunct Faculty
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He has over 40 years of experience in Christian education and pastoral ministry. He is the founder of the Tamil Bible Research Centre located in London, United Kingdom.
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He was a faculty member at Lanka Bible College from 1988 to 2004 and served as the editor of the Saththiya Vasanam magazine.
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As a distinguished author, he has published 50 books in Tamil on biblical studies and theology. Some of his notable works include "History of the Holy Bible," "Christian Answers to the Jehovah’s Witness," and "History and Doctrines of Creation."
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He currently serves as the Senior Pastor of the Walthamstow Emmanuel Christian Fellowship in the United Kingdom.
Rev. Christy Balandran, B.D., M.A.(Cand.), Institute in Counselling CWR-UK
Advisory Counsel, Dean of Students & Adjunct Faculty
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He has over 35 years of experience in ministry, with a focus on evangelism, Christian education, counselling and leadership training.
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Currently, he serves as the National Director of Bible League International in Sri Lanka, dedicating the past 20 years to collaborating with churches across the nation to train individuals in evangelism, disciple-making, and church planting.
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His academic contributions encompass faculty roles at Lanka Bible College from 1993 to 2003, and at Colombo Theological Seminary since 2004.
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Furthermore, he has served as the Extension Coordinator and Supervisor at the CTS Leadership Training Centre in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka.
WELCOME TO IST
Welcome to the International School of Theology, a distinguished transdenominational Bible college in Canada, dedicated to inspiring and empowering Tamil Christians around the world. Click here to explore our programs and learn more about how we can help you grow in your faith and ministry.
IST Programs are offered in partnership with:
LEADERSHIP CENTRE
Leading Theological Training in the Tamil Christian World
Dive into a rich, Spirit-led academic environment at the International School of Theology. Explore diverse theological perspectives and engage with leading Tamil scholars in the field. Our faculty comprises renowned experts dedicated to nurturing your spiritual, intellectual, and leadership formation. Immerse yourself in a vibrant community of lifelong learners and thinkers. With a curriculum designed to challenge and inspire, you will gain a deep understanding of biblical principles to transform your life and empower your ministry.
