Theology That
Forms, Equips
& Sends.
LBCS offers a complete pathway of theological education — from foundational certificate programs to doctoral-level graduate studies — all shaped by a single conviction: that genuine Christian education must form the whole person for faithful ministry.
Education That
Forms the
Whole Person
At LBCS, theological education is never merely the transfer of information. We believe that Christian formation is a work of God in a person — and that the task of a seminary is to create the conditions where that formation can happen deeply and authentically.
Our curriculum is built around five subject streams that together address everything a Christian leader needs: Biblical Studies, Religion & Culture, History & Theology, Mission & Ministry, and Leadership Skills Development. These are not isolated academic disciplines — they are woven together into an integrated educational experience.
Every program at LBCS — from the Certificate to the Master of Divinity — follows the same foundational conviction: that the church of Sri Lanka deserves leaders who are theologically grounded, spiritually formed, and contextually wise.
Biblical Studies
OT and NT Survey, Hermeneutics, Inductive Bible Study, biblical languages, and book-by-book theological engagement with Scripture.
Religion & Culture
Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam in Sri Lanka; cultural anthropology; interfaith dialogue; communicating truth in a pluralistic society.
History & Theology
Church history, Integrative Theology (I–VII), Sri Lankan church history, contemporary theology, and the history of missions.
Mission & Ministry
Homiletics, pastoral care, evangelism, counselling, church leadership, worship, and community transformation in the Sri Lankan context.
Leadership Development
Spiritual formation, communication skills, emotional intelligence, learning skills, and practical ministry development across every term.
A Complete
Journey from
Start to Summit
LBCS is designed so that every level leads naturally to the next. You can begin wherever you are and grow from there — whether you are entering ministry for the first time or have decades of experience and are seeking formal recognition.
All programs at LBCS follow the standards of the Asia Theological Association (ATA) — the recognised accrediting body for evangelical theological institutions across Asia. Your qualification is recognised across the continent and beyond.
Certificate in Christian Ministry
A one-year foundation program for those entering ministry or serving in lay leadership. No prior theological education required. Covers biblical studies, basic Christian doctrines, discipleship, ethics, and practical ministry skills in a supportive learning environment.
Diploma in Theology
A comprehensive three-year residential program providing deep Bible knowledge, ministry skills, and spiritual formation. Students engage the full sweep of Scripture, integrative theology, church history, and practical ministry — then complete two years of supervised field education in a local church. The gateway to bachelor's level study.
Diploma in Holistic Child Development
A two-year specialist diploma equipping teachers and ministers working with children. Students study child development theory, educational philosophy, biblical foundations, counselling, and Sri Lankan law relating to children — and complete a six-month field placement with a 5,000-word research project.
Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.)
A rigorous four-year degree program for those who have completed A/Levels or the Diploma in Theology. Students engage advanced biblical studies, biblical Greek and Hebrew, integrative theology through seven parts, church history, missiology, homiletics, and pastoral ministry. Graduates write a 10,000-word thesis in English.
B.A. in Mission & Ministry
Designed for experienced pastors and ministry leaders with five or more years of active service who have not had formal theological education. This program meets them where they are — offering contextualised training in Sinhala and Tamil medium, grounded in the realities of local church ministry in Sri Lanka. Graduates complete a 10,000-word church research project.
B.A. in Holistic Child Development
A four-year degree integrating child development theory, educational psychology, curriculum development, counselling, child rights, and Christian formation. Graduates are equipped to lead in educational, community, and church settings serving children and families across Sri Lanka.
Master of Divinity (M.Div.)
LBCS's flagship graduate program — preparing senior church leaders, theological educators, and mission leaders for the most demanding roles in Christian ministry. The M.Div. covers advanced biblical studies, seven parts of Integrative Theology, church history, hermeneutics, missiology, and pastoral practice. Graduates write a 15,000-word thesis. Also qualifies graduates to teach at undergraduate level.
M.A. in Mission & Ministry
A specialised graduate program for those seeking to deepen their expertise in a specific area of Christian ministry. Students choose a specialisation track from Biblical Studies, Biblical Languages, Christian Counselling, Leadership & Management, Christian Education, or Church History — while completing a shared core in mission, culture, and ministry. Prepares graduates for doctoral studies.
Formed in Every
Dimension
Whatever program you join, LBCS graduates leave shaped in four essential ways — not just academically, but as whole persons ready for the demands of ministry.
Biblical Mastery
Deep, sustained engagement with the whole of Scripture — learning to read, interpret, and apply God's Word with confidence and theological integrity.
Spiritual Depth
Formation through prayer, fasting, worship, and spiritual retreat — so that your ministry flows from a genuine and growing relationship with God, not merely academic knowledge.
Contextual Wisdom
The ability to serve faithfully in Sri Lanka's complex, multi-religious, multi-ethnic society — engaging Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and post-war reconciliation with grace and truth.
Ministry Competence
Practical skills in preaching, pastoral care, leadership, counselling, discipleship, and church management — tested in real ministry settings through field education and church placement.
Relational Intelligence
The capacity to build and sustain healthy ministry relationships — developed through community life, mentorship, growth groups, and collaborative learning with fellow students.
Missional Vision
A heart for God's holistic mission — locally and globally. Students engage in mission trips, community projects, and evangelism that shape a lifetime commitment to God's kingdom.
Critical Thinking
The ability to engage contemporary theological questions, cultural challenges, and ethical dilemmas with rigour, humility, and faithfulness to Scripture.
Research Skills
For degree and graduate students — the capacity to conduct original research, write substantial academic papers, and contribute to theological understanding in the Sri Lankan church.
School of
Worship & Music
LBCS is preparing to launch a full-scale School of Worship and Music in 2027 — offering the Diploma in Worship and Music Ministry (DWM), a two-year program designed to form worshippers before musicians. The program integrates biblical theology, spiritual formation, musical competence, and contextual worship leadership for Sri Lanka's multi-ethnic church.
The DWM spans 90 credits over seven terms — covering biblical survey, theology of worship, integrative theology, songwriting, music theory, ensemble skills, church media, pastoral care, and a student-chosen specialisation in music, media, or ministry.
Head — Theological Depth
Five-part Integrative Theology, biblical survey, theology of worship, apologetics, and a dedicated Christ-Centered Worship course. Every student is formed as a theologian before a performer.
Heart — Spiritual Formation
Compulsory Spiritual Formation in every term — non-credit but non-negotiable. Devotional life, holiness, character, and accountability form the foundation beneath all musical and theological training.
Hands — Musical Competence
Major Instrument/Voice runs every term without interruption. Students also study music theory, ear training, ensemble skills, songwriting, and church media — sound, audio, video, and live streaming.
Contextual Worship for Sri Lanka
Students learn to lead worship in Sinhala, Tamil, and English — with cultural sensitivity to Sri Lanka's Buddhist, Hindu, and secular contexts. Specialisation electives in media, music, or pastoral ministry.
90 Credits · 7 Terms · 2+ Years
The program includes three Worship Practicums, two Ministry Placements in local churches, a Capstone Portfolio and Recital, and four student-chosen electives from three specialisation tracks.
Study the Way
That Works for You
LBCS recognises that ministry doesn't stop for education. We offer three study modes so that people at every stage of life and ministry can access theological training.
Residential
Full-time, campus-based study. Students live and learn together — sharing meals, chapel, growth groups, weekend ministries, and daily community life. The richest and most formative mode of study at LBCS.
Non-Residential
Study while remaining in active ministry. Students attend scheduled classes without living on campus — balancing theological education with continued service in their local church and community.
Online & Hybrid
Online courses, extension programs, and innovative hybrid delivery methods enable LBCS to reach students across Sri Lanka — including those in remote locations or with significant ministry commitments.
How to Apply
We evaluate every applicant on academic qualification, ministry potential, and character — not on academic achievement alone. If God is calling you, we want to hear your story.
Contact Us or Complete an Application
Email us at info@lbcs.edu.lk or visit the Admissions page to download an application form. Include a personal statement describing your faith journey, ministry involvement, and reasons for applying.
Pastoral Recommendation
Submit a recommendation letter from your sending pastor affirming your character, spiritual maturity, ministry engagement, and readiness for theological training.
Admission Assessment
Sit the LBCS admission test — a minimum of 50% is required for entry. Bachelor's and graduate programs additionally require an English for Theological Education test (60% pass).
Interview with Academic Committee
Attend an interview assessed using the KSAM framework — evaluating your Knowledge, Skills, Attitudes, and Mindset for ministry and theological study.
Registration & Orientation
On acceptance, complete registration and join us for orientation. Begin your formation journey in a community shaped by Scripture, prayer, and shared mission.
All programs require a 50% pass in the LBCS admission test, a completed application, and pastoral recommendation. Credit transfer and recognition of prior learning are available under ATA protocols — up to a maximum of 40% of program credits.
Your Next Step Starts Here
Whether you are considering your first steps in theological training or ready to pursue graduate-level study — LBCS has a program designed for where you are and where God is calling you.