Q1. What is the point of theological education? Can't we know enough about faith by reading the Word of God by ourselves and attending church?
While we believe that any spirit-filled believer, in fellowship with other believers, can know enough about salvation and live a life worthy of God's calling, still we also believe that theological education has a place within God's kingdom. Even as Jesus spent a significant portion of his ministry teaching his disciples, we too believe that studying about God and his world more deeply is time well spent. KCME also tries to equip students to be more effective.
Q2. What accreditation would KCME opt for?
SAIACS would opt for an accreditation of a university or senate that has an evangelical faith commitment as well as its desire for high academic standards. The university or senate should also allow some flexibility in developing academic programs. With this University or senate, KCME should be allowed to offer flexible course offerings and a curriculum that is relevant to the context of its students.
Q3. Doesn't theological education 'fill the mind, but kill the spirit'? How does KCME create a balance between spirituality and academics?
KCME strongly believes that academics and spirituality can go together. God has chosen academics as one of the ways through which He makes Himself known. The history of the Church testifies to how Christian scholarship has helped people draw closer to God. At the same time, KCME understands the dangers of too much study that can tend to draw attention away from God. As a result, the community is would be upheld constantly in prayer and with many activities, formal and informal, which would help aid the spiritual life of the student. For instance, KCME intends on having Cell Groups to help students to join a smaller support community for prayer and fellowship. Plus there would be mandatory chapels every morning. Apart from this, students would usually be encouraged to organize their own prayer meetings at their own time.
Q4. What denomination does KCME belong to?
KCME is inter-denominational and not affiliated to any organisation or denomination. Largely, KCME can be associated with a general form of evangelical faith. Our statement of faithreveals our position, and we welcome anyone who agrees with the statement.
Q5. What is the fees for courses? If I join, will I get a scholarship?
The basic details of fees for courses will be soon released. For an estimate, please write to jobanbalagan@gmail.com. Regarding Scholarship, at KCME we will recognize that not everyone has the potential to pay for education. At the same time we also believe that students must be responsible to pay for at least a portion of their fees. Therefore, while some students will get a 'full scholarship', many of the students on campus will receive some sort of scholarship and pay a portion of their actual fees. If students want to apply for scholarship, please be sure to mention that in your application form which is under construction.
Q6. Could I do a correspondence course or study by extension?
At KCME we believe in and actively promote relational and residential education. Academics is not just cerebral gain, or even to gain a deeper relationship with God alone; but rather, loving God must also mean loving our neighbor. We therefore aim to practice learning within a community space.
Q7. Can I do short term courses at SAIACS?
Eligible applicants can enroll in the relevant programs as stated in the Objectives and completing all course assignments. KCME does allow audits. One can also pursue studies at KCME as a non-degree student.