ITS exists to provide Christ-centred formation spiritually, intellectually, and practically. We believe that theological education is not just about gaining knowledge, but about transforming lives for God’s mission.
To be a vibrant theological community that nurtures leaders of integrity, rooted in Scripture, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and committed to serving the Church and society.
To equip believers with sound biblical and theological understanding.
To form Christlike character and servant-hearted leadership.
To engage culture and society with the transforming message of the Gospel.
To serve the Church through teaching, mission, and community development.
Evangelical and Mission-focused: Rooted in the authority of Scripture and dedicated to the Great Commission.
Accreditation Pathway: Candidate member of the Asia Theological Association (ATA) & Senate of Serampore College (University), ensuring high standards in theological education.
Contextually Relevant: Engaging theology and ministry within the social and cultural realities of Northeast India.
What a great honour and pleasure to greet all the visitors from a very historic, unique and lone theological institute of Zeliangrong-Inpui, Immanuel Theological Seminary (ITS).
ITS has been an important agent in training the leaders of our society. Through ITS, hundreds of committed young people have been scaling to greater heights and experiencing God’s presence in all spheres of life in our society and beyond.
We have achieved great milestones throughout these years, and for the greater blessings ahead, we acknowledge our churches, our well-wishers, and above all, we owe it all to our Heavenly Father.
On a happier note, we would like to encourage and welcome you all to continue to be part of ITS ministry. God will bless you more than you sign up for and your life will be a blessing to people around you.
Principal, ITS
Immanuel Theological Seminary (ITS), located at Tamenglong District Headquarters, Manipur, about 3 km from the main bazaar, stands as the fulfillment of a long-cherished vision of the four kindred tribes—Zeme, Liangmai, Rongmei, and Inpui. Born out of a collective dream to nurture theologically equipped and spiritually committed leaders, the Seminary continues to serve as a beacon of faith and learning—keeping the Church alive and vibrant, and carrying the Gospel to those yet unreached.
With the coming of the Gospel among our people in Manipur, Mr. Maipak Alias Namrijinang Inka and his family accepted Christianity in 1914, becoming the first converts. He was soon followed by other pioneers such as Zinlakpou Gangmei of Keikao village, Maisiging Niumai of Taningjam village, and Lungniambe Newme of Mandeu village, along with many others in our region. These early pioneers gave their best efforts to spread the Gospel among their own people.
Soon after the arrival of Christianity, the Zeliangrong Churches in Manipur were affiliated with different Associations until the establishment of the Christian Centre at Khongjaron, presently called Chiuluan in 1949. The Christian Centre became the first common platform for the Zeliangrong-Inpui people in Manipur. For the better propagation of the Gospel, linguistic fellowships were later formed and upgraded to Association level. In 1985, the four Associations of Zeme, Liangmai, Rongmei, and Inpui became constituent members of the Zeliangrong Baptist Churches Council (ZBCC). In 2009, the nomenclature was changed to Zeliangrong Baptist Churches Council in North East India (ZBCCNEI) with the aim of covering all the Zeliangrong-Inpui people in Assam, Manipur, and Nagaland.
To train young people as future leaders for the Zeliangrong Churches, the first Vernacular Manipuri Medium Bible School was established at Christian Centre on March 3, 1959. It was the only Bible School for the entire West (Tamenglong) District of Manipur and functioned for fifteen years (1959–1974). The school offered a three-year Diploma Course and a two-year In-Service Training program. Simon Gangmei was appointed as the first Principal, with Mp. Namthiurei serving as Assistant. In 1971, the name of the Bible School was changed to Hamai Bible School. Unfortunately, it was closed in 1974 due to financial constraints. Nevertheless, hundreds of young men, women, and elderly church leaders were trained through this institution, setting a new paradigm for Christian ministry in the Churches.
Despite the challenges, Zeliangrong leaders continued to feel the need to re-establish a theological institute. Thus, the Theological College Planning Committee was formed in 1994. The committee proposed the name Immanuel Theological Seminary (ITS), which was approved by the Council in 1995. To realize this long-awaited vision, funds were collected from Zeliangrong-Inpui Churches, and the then General Secretary, Rev. D. H. Zeme, was entrusted with the task of starting the Seminary in 2000. ITS was dedicated to the Lord by Rev. Mp. Namthiurei, Emeritus Pastor, on July 1, 2000, at Christian Centre, Chiuluan. The Seminary began with 30 students in its first batch, drawn from the Zeliangrongpui communities of North East India.
Br. Heuraing served as the first Principal (2000–2002), followed by Aduanbou Daimai (2002–2006) and G. N. Kumuiteung (2006–2009). From 2010, a system of Working President was introduced:
From July 2023, the working policy of Principalship was reintroduced, and Rev. Dr. Tunchapbo SP continues to serve as Principal till date (2025).
Over the years, Immanuel Theological Seminary has continued to grow in grace and academic excellence through meaningful partnerships and institutional affiliations. For nearly two decades, the Seminary was associated with the Indian Institute of Mission (IIM), which laid a firm foundation for its theological and missional formation.
In 2021, the Seminary entered a new phase of academic collaboration through its affiliation with the Global Partnership for Theological Accreditation and Mission (GPTAM), strengthening its commitment to global theological education and ministry.
The year 2022 marked another milestone when the Senate of Serampore College (University) graciously granted permission to establish an Examination Centre for Extension Studies, offering the Diploma in Christian Studies (Dip.CS) and Bachelor of Christian Studies (BCS) programmes. In the same year, the Seminary became a registered (candidacy) member of the Asia Theological Association (ATA) — a significant step forward toward wider academic recognition and partnership.
Building on these achievements, in 2023, the Senate of Serampore College (University) approved the introduction of a regular Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.) programme. Consequently, the Extension Study Programmes were upgraded to a Study Centre, affirming the Seminary’s steady progress toward becoming a recognized centre of theological learning and mission.
