Our History

Evolution of Interserve India:
Interserve ministry in India spans more than 150 years. The ministry has gone through several phases of transitions leaving behind a rich heritage for the future generations to emulate. The genesis of this great legacy was unveiled in the significant event on March 1, 1852 when, a London registered mission society pioneered by a few English women began its ministry in Calcutta. In 1987, the same movement has given birth to Interserve India, as autonomous affiliate agency in fellowship with Interserve International. Indian leaders like Dr. G. D. Devapaul, Dr. M. C. Matthew, Dr. K. N. Namboothiripad, Dr. L. N. Tluanga, Mr. Lalchuangliana, Mr. George Mani played pivotal role in this historic transition.

The primary focus of Calcutta Normal School ministry in 1852 was to reach out to the women and girls in the zenanas (women’s quarters in North India). In 1880, the society underwent a name change as Zenana Bible and Medical Mission to aptly reflect the nature of its mission. Subsequently it became the Bible Medical Missionary Fellowship in the post-independent era in 1957 and finally as Interserve in the year 1986.

In the 1960s Interserve emerged as an international agency with the mission expanding into other Asian countries. The affiliate agencies from different countries came together and formed the ‘International Service Fellowship’ (Interserve) as an International fellowship based on federal principles. India served as the International head quarters.

In the Interserve ministry India has a unique position as India receives and sends cross-cultural professionals. Several Indian women and men were part of this great movement from its early inception.

The vision for Interserve India is to mobilize committed Indian professionals and send them within India and to other parts of Asia - to serve as agents in transforming lives and communities through encounter with Jesus Christ. Interserve India, in its twenty years ministry has carried on the rich heritage of the ministry originally founded in 1852 - by reiterating the importance of professionals involving in cross cultural settings among Indian churches and missions and setting standards in pastoral care for its members. Interserve India has facilitated the Indian church to send 50 Indians as ‘Partners’ in mission within India and overseas. Interserve India is actively pursuing the vision of sending Indian professionals to other parts of Asia, to serve as disciple makers of Jesus Christ.

Interserve India as a National Council partners with National Councils in other countries and is in fellowship with the Interserve International Fellowship. Interserve India is also an active member of the India Missions Association and Evangelical Fellowship of India.

Interserve India society comprises 35 Indian church and mission leaders from around the nation. They meet once a year to elect a Governing Body with nine members to frame policies for fulfilling the objectives and vision of Interserve India.