Bishopric Election 2024

CSI Karnataka Central Diocese

tuesday, april 9, 2024

Bishop cotton boys’ school, bangalore

Integrity | Innovation | Inclusivity

The one who is calling you is faithful and will do this.

1 Thessalonians 5: 24

Dear members of the Diocesan Council and people of God,

Congratulations on the God-bestowed responsibility and privilege to participate in the process of selecting the Bishop of Karnataka Central Diocese! May the everliving God, who has raised devoted shepherds to pastor and guide the faithful in our diocese, increase in us the gifts of discernment and understanding to choose an ethical, compassionate and imaginative episcopal leader. As we continue to express our solidarity with the efforts and legacy of the pioneering founders and sacrificial leaders of the diocesan churches and institutions, may we pave the way for meaningful ministerial endeavours and creative missional encounters.

Let us collaborate together to create an environment where Scriptural values and the evolving needs of our contexts influence decision making at all spheres so that integrity, innovation and inclusivity will be the hallmarks of our diocesan life and witness. Your fervent prayers and unflinching support are solicited towards shaping a stable, sustainable and prosperous future for our Diocese!

Meet our Bishopric Panel

(L to R) Rev. Gnanaselvi Sam, Rev. naveen kumar, rev. victor prabhakar, rev. dr. vincent vinod kumar

Integrity

Guiding actions with honour & Truth

Developing ethical standards at all levels of administration

Decentralised & transparent governance, based on biblical values

Demonstrating accountability in stewardship of resources

Innovation

Shaping tomorrow, today

Envisioning mission & ministry models, relevant to the changing contexts

Encouraging greater use of technology in worship, ministry & administration

Engaging with local churches in sustainable mission, evangelism & outreach programs

Inclusivity Embracing diversity, enhancing unity

Facilitating an environment, where excellence is recognised & rewarded

Fostering spiritual solidarities, which will act as correctives to divisions, based on age, caste, language, sex, etc

Forging partnerships among all stakeholders at the church, area & diocesan levels to encourage greater participation & collaborations

Rev. Gnanaselvi Sam

She hails from a family with a distinguished spiritual background, affiliated to St. Thomas Church in Kolar Gold Fields. Since her childhood, she was an active participant in church-related activities. In the year 2002, she was chosen as a ministerial candidate for the Karnataka Central Diocese. She pursued her theological studies at the Tamil Nadu Theological Seminary in Madurai. Her time in the seminary was remarkable because she was the lone woman student in her class. She also served as the President of the Students’ Union in the Seminary.

Following the completion of her academic pursuits, she was initially stationed in the Civil area of Bangalore and later reassigned to the KGF Area. From 2016 onwards, she serves within the Bangalore City vicinity. Throughout her tenure, she has ministered in various churches within the Karnataka Central Diocese, demonstrating a fervent dedication to the advancement of the Church. Notably, she has shown a keen interest in the restoration of churches and chapels.

She has held ministerial roles in numerous churches across KGF, Bangalore Civil and City Areas. She has served as the Director of the Ecology Concerns Department and is, presently, heading the Marriage Concerns Department of the Diocese. Recognized for her unassuming demeanor and attentive disposition, she epitomizes her episcopal motto, embodying the compassion of Jesus Christ. Her kindness and empathy toward her congregation are widely acknowledged. Presently, she is ministering with dedication at Christhu Alayam and Emmanuel Church in Bangalore City area.

rev. naveen kumar. h

Rev. Naveen’s ecclesial roots can be traced to Tomlinson Church, Tumkur. He was ordained as a minister of the Karnataka Central Diocese in 2005, and has since then rendered service to a multitude of congregations within the diocese. His tenure spans a commendable nineteen years of pastoral ministry, characterized by extensive experience across diverse geographic regions, including Tumkur, Bangalore City and Civil Areas.

Throughout his tenure, he has assumed various roles of responsibility, notably serving as Vice Chairman of the Bangalore Civil Area and holding directorial positions in departments addressing Dalit and Minority concerns, as well as overseeing the care of diocesan cemeteries.

His involvement extends to participation in numerous committees such as the Church Extension committee, Ministerial committee, and presently, the Scholarship committee of the Diocese. Additionally, he contributed as a member of the Diocesan Executive Committee from 2018 to 2021.

His commitment to education is evidenced by his engagement with esteemed institutions like Bishop Cotton Girls’ School and Bishop Cotton Women’s Christian College, where he served as a member of the board of management.

Throughout his ministry, he has expressed a vision for upholding the esteemed legacy and cultural heritage of the Karnataka Central Diocese. His primary focus has been on enhancing pastoral ministry within the Diocese and extending support to churches wherever the need arises. He has articulated a specific desire to rejuvenate the healing ministry within the Diocese, with a long-term aspiration to establish a medical college. Additionally, he has always emphasized the importance of supporting financially disadvantaged institutions and boarding homes, aiming to empower them to regain their former prominence. Furthermore, he has been involved in the initiation of professional courses to equip the youth for future endeavors.

rev. victor prabhakar

Rev. Victor hails from the esteemed Rice Memorial Church, where he found his feet in ministry by assuming the role of a Sunday school teacher. Recognized for his potential, he was chosen as a ministerial candidate for the Karnataka Central Diocese in 2002.

Distinguishing himself through both academic excellence and administrative proficiency, he exhibited remarkable leadership qualities during his tenure at the United Theological College. He served with distinction as the Hostel Secretary, demonstrating his capacity for effective organizational management.

Throughout his ministry, Rev. Prabhakar has provided spiritual guidance and leadership in various churches across all four geographical sectors of our Diocese. Inspired by the evolving challenges inherent in advancing the mission of God, he pursued advanced theological studies at the United Theological College specializing in Missiology, with the intent of equipping himself for a more dedicated and impactful ministry within the church. His fervent aspiration is to expand the reach of ministry by establishing new churches across the entirety of the Diocese.

Presently, he ministers at Christha Krupalaya Church located in JP Nagar. Additionally, he assumes the pivotal role of Director of Prison Ministry within the Diocesan Socio-economic Concerns Committee, a testament to his steadfast commitment to addressing broader societal issues through the lens of Christian compassion and service. He also serves on the Board of Management of United Mission Degree College.

rev. dr. vincent vinod kumar

Rev. Dr. Vincent Vinod Kumar embodies a rich tapestry of educational achievements, pastoral experience, administrative prowess, and notable accolades within the realm of church leadership.

His academic journey reflects his unwavering commitment to theological scholarship and intellectual growth. He obtained a Bachelor of Theology from South India Biblical Seminary, a Bachelor of Divinity from United Theological College, a Master of Theology from Tamilnadu Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Theology from Presbyterian University and Theological Seminary, Seoul, Korea. These milestones have equipped him with a profound understanding of theological principles and fortified his capacity for scholarly discourse.

With over three decades of pastoral ministry, he has exhibited a profound dedication to nurturing congregations and fostering spiritual growth. His tenure has seen him serve in diverse church contexts. Presently, he offers his pastoral care at St. Mark’s Cathedral in Bangalore, where his compassionate leadership continues to inspire congregants.

His administrative acumen is equally notable, manifesting through his extensive engagement in church governance and organizational leadership. He has served with distinction on the Diocesan Executive Committee for multiple terms, assuming pivotal roles such as Diocesan Assistant Secretary, Chairman of the Tumkur Area Council and Ministerial Committee Convener. Currently, as the Diocesan Secretary for the triennium 2021–2024, he oversees the comprehensive administrative affairs of the Karnataka Central Diocese, demonstrating astute stewardship and strategic vision.

Rev. Dr. Kumar's exemplary service and contributions to the Church have been widely recognized through various awards and commendations. Noteworthy among these are prizes received from United Theological College and commendations for his faithful services to the Bible Society of India Karnataka Auxiliary. These accolades underscore his enduring commitment to the advancement of theological education and Christian ministry.

In summation, Rev. Dr. Vincent Vinod Kumar's illustrious career exemplifies a harmonious fusion of academic excellence, pastoral compassion, administrative proficiency, and commendable achievements, all of which have left an indelible mark on the Karnataka Central Diocese and the broader Church of South India.

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