2,248 Telugu Baptist Churches Seek to Fulfill God's Dream in India
Benjamin Chan
January 18, 2008

The Baptist Convention of Telugu Churches (BCTC) was formed on January 15, 2008 to unite Telugu Baptist churches that are related to the International Ministries (IM) of American Baptist Churches in the USA. IM has legally functioned and historically known as the American Baptist Foreign Mission Society. BCTC held its formation celebration at Ongole on January 15, 2008. An IM delegation led by Rev. Benjamin S. L. Chan, Area Director of East Asia and India, and Mr. David Perkins, Country Director was present in the meeting. BCTC reported that more than 16,000 Telugu Baptists attended this whole day joyful celebration.

BCTC represents 764 churches, 1,484 congregations (preaching places) and 979,700 baptized members. The churches are structured into five regional associations and 30 fields. They are served by 646 trained pastors, and 319 evangelists and Christian workers.

The priority mission goals of BCTC are to develop quality pastors and evangelists, to complete the building construction of 100 village churches, and to start social ministries like HIV/AIDS education program.

Rev. Dr. Revela Joseph is the BCTC General Secretary, and Mr. P. Jayachandra Rao the President. They provide leadership with a team of about 50 officers and field representatives.

International Ministries relate to 11 Baptist conventions and councils that represent two million baptized members in India. The ministry is carried out by the India Mission Team. To see IM partners and personnel in India, please visit www.eacinet.org and www.internationalministries.org