Faith Facts

• Dallas Theological Seminary has partnered with Evangelical Theological Seminary in India to establish a graduate-level biblical counseling degree program
• The program aims to train Christian counselors grounded in Scripture to serve India’s growing mental health needs from a biblical worldview
• The partnership includes a strategic plan for the Indian seminary to eventually operate the program independently, expanding Christian influence in the region

A major American theological institution is extending its reach across the globe to equip believers with biblical tools for ministry. Dallas Theological Seminary has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Evangelical Theological Seminary in India to launch a graduate-level Christian counseling program that prioritizes Scripture over secular psychology.

The collaboration represents a strategic effort to address mental health challenges through a Christian worldview in one of the world’s most populous nations. Rather than importing Western secular counseling models, the program will train Indian believers to minister to their communities using biblically-grounded principles.

The partnership structure reflects a missions-minded approach to theological education. Dallas Theological Seminary will provide initial expertise, curriculum development, and faculty training, with the ultimate goal of empowering the Indian institution to operate the program independently.

This model ensures sustainability and cultural appropriateness while maintaining theological integrity. By equipping local leaders rather than creating permanent dependency, the partnership honors both the sovereignty of the local church and the universal truth of Scripture.

India’s Christian community, though a minority in the predominantly Hindu nation, has shown remarkable growth and resilience. Access to quality theological education rooted in evangelical principles strengthens the church’s ability to serve both believers and the broader society with compassion and truth.

The graduate-level biblical counseling degree will prepare students to address issues ranging from family conflict to trauma recovery, always anchoring therapeutic approaches in the authority of God’s Word. This stands in contrast to secular counseling programs that often dismiss or marginalize Christian beliefs.

For American Christians, this partnership demonstrates the global impact of faithful theological institutions. Dallas Theological Seminary’s commitment to expanding biblical education internationally reflects the Great Commission’s call to make disciples of all nations.

The initiative also highlights the importance of exporting Christian values and biblical truth rather than allowing secular ideologies to dominate the helping professions worldwide. As Western culture increasingly embraces therapeutic frameworks that contradict Scripture, equipping believers in other nations with biblical counseling tools becomes even more critical.

The long-term vision for Indian independence in operating the program reflects biblical principles of stewardship and multiplication. Rather than maintaining control, Dallas Theological Seminary is investing in local leadership development that will bear fruit for generations.

This approach mirrors the Apostle Paul’s ministry strategy of establishing churches and equipping elders to shepherd their own communities. It recognizes that the gospel transcends culture while respecting the unique contexts in which believers minister.

As the partnership develops, it will serve as a model for other theological institutions seeking to expand their global impact without creating dependency or compromising doctrinal integrity. The focus remains on Scripture, sound doctrine, and practical ministry skills that honor Christ.

Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.