IMPORTANT
The Guru–Shishya Fellowship is one of the most valuable mentoring and pastoral care programs at Navin Doman Theological College (NDTC). It is designed to provide every student with personal guidance, spiritual encouragement, and continuous support throughout their theological education. Each faculty member is assigned a small group of students, creating a close relationship where students can freely share their thoughts, concerns, and experiences in a caring, respectful, and confidential environment. The fellowship meets twice every month, giving students regular opportunities to receive guidance and encouragement from their mentors.
During these fellowship meetings, faculty members carefully discuss each student's academic progress, spiritual life, personal strengths, weaknesses, emotional well-being, ministry interests, and future goals. Students are encouraged to speak openly about the challenges they face in their studies, family life, relationships, finances, or personal struggles. Mentors listen with compassion, provide biblical counsel, pray with the students, and help them find practical solutions to overcome their difficulties. They also identify areas where students need improvement, encourage positive habits, and help them build confidence, discipline, responsibility, and good Christian character.
The fellowship also provides an opportunity to understand the kind of environment in which students learn and grow best. Faculty members seek to know the students personally, understand their talents, interests, learning styles, and ministry gifts, and guide them according to their individual needs. Through meaningful discussions, students are encouraged to recognize their God-given abilities, develop their leadership potential, and use their gifts effectively for the service of God and the Church.
A major purpose of the Guru–Shishya Fellowship is to help students clearly understand God's calling in their lives. Through prayer, Bible reflection, mentoring, and regular interaction, students are encouraged to remain faithful to their calling, stay focused on their studies, overcome discouragement, and successfully complete their theological education. The fellowship inspires students to grow in faith, develop Christ-like character, and prepare themselves to become committed pastors, missionaries, teachers, and Christian leaders who will faithfully serve the Church and society with love, humility, wisdom, and integrity.
