Sam P. Chelladurai
Sam P. Chelladurai (Tamil: சாம் பி.செல்லதுரை) is the Senior Pastor of the Apostolic Fellowship Tabernacle (AFT), a megachurch located in Purasawalkam, Chennai, India.
He is best known for his television programs, which predominantly feature his Bible teachings and sermons. His ministry has reached Tamil and English-speaking audiences across India and internationally through television, social media and live webcasts.
Early Life and Ministry
Sam P. Chelladurai was born and raised in India. He pursued theological studies and ministry training in the United States during his younger years. At the age of 21, while studying at Elim Bible Institute and College, he began preaching extensively at churches and Christian gatherings through what he describes as divinely ordained opportunities.
He later graduated from Bryan College and studied at City College of the City University of New York before entering full-time Christian ministry.
Apostolic Fellowship Tabernacle
Sam P. Chelladurai was instrumental in establishing and developing the Apostolic Fellowship Tabernacle (AFT) in Chennai. He serves as its Senior Pastor and has been associated with the growth of the church into one of the largest churches in India.
Sunday services from AFT have been broadcast live through television and social media channels, reaching audiences in India and around the world.
Television and Media Ministry
Sam P. Chelladurai is widely known for his television ministry and Bible teaching programs. His programs have been broadcast through various Christian and secular television networks in Tamil, English and Hindi.
Television Programs and Broadcasts
- Tamil Language: Tamil broadcasts have included Nambikkai TV and DD Podhigai TV.
- English Language: English broadcasts have included Good News TV and GOD TV.
- Hindi Language: Hindi broadcasts have included Shubhsandesh TV.
- Live Broadcasts: AFT church services have been broadcast through channels including Salvation TV, Holy God TV and JTK TV.
God Is Good
One of his best-known programs is "God is Good", a Bible teaching program that has been broadcast internationally in Tamil and English through major television channels, including GOD TV. The program has also been well received among Christian audiences and young people.
Vettriyum Vaazhvum
His Tamil-language program "Vettriyum Vaazhvum" (Victory and Life) was broadcast on DD Podhigai, the Tamil-language regional channel of Doordarshan. The program reached Tamil-speaking audiences across India.
In addition to television broadcasts, AFT church services and Bible teachings have been made available through online streaming, social media platforms and the church's YouTube channel.
Bible Teaching Ministry
Sam P. Chelladurai is known for his Bible teaching and Christian ministry seminars. His teaching series cover a wide range of subjects related to Christian faith and practical discipleship.
Some of his notable Bible teaching series include:
- Faith
- Prayer
- Blessing
- Believers' Authority
- Romans
- Ephesians
- The Christian Philosophy of Work
- Seeking God in a Culture of Affluence
- Abounding Grace
His teachings have been recorded and distributed through YouTube, Facebook, audio and video downloads, CDs and DVDs, making his Bible teaching accessible to audiences around the world.
Faith Seminars and Pastors' Ministry
He has conducted faith seminars in various cities and countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Sri Lanka and Singapore.
Apostolic Fellowship Tabernacle also conducts pastors' seminars in Tamil in Chennai. These seminars are intended to encourage, equip and strengthen pastors and Christian leaders. According to ministry information, approximately 800 pastors from India and abroad benefit from these seminars each year.
Full Gospel Bible College
Sam P. Chelladurai is the Principal of the Full Gospel Bible College. The college focuses on training and equipping young men and women for Christian ministry.
The institution offers theological education and degree programs, including Diploma in Theology (D.Th.) and Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.) programs. The college has also offered programs in association with Martin Luther Christian University.
Many students trained through the college have gone on to establish churches and Christian ministries in India and other parts of the world.
Evangelistic and Outreach Ministry
His ministry activities also include Campaign India, an evangelistic outreach program aimed at reaching people with the Christian message.
Through his church, Bible college, television ministry, seminars and evangelistic programs, Sam P. Chelladurai has been involved in Christian teaching, pastoral ministry and leadership development in India and internationally.
Ministry Summary
- Senior Pastor: Apostolic Fellowship Tabernacle (AFT), Chennai
- Principal: Full Gospel Bible College
- Television Ministry: Tamil, English and Hindi broadcasts
- Bible Teaching: Faith, prayer, grace, Christian living and biblical studies
- Evangelistic Outreach: Campaign India and related ministry initiatives
- Pastors' Seminars: Training and encouragement for pastors and Christian leaders
- International Ministry: Teaching seminars and ministry engagements in several countries
References
- About Pastor Sam – Apostolic Fellowship Tabernacle
- Sanjoy Majumder, BBC News, "India's youth hit the web to worship", 8 February 2007
- AFT Church – Apostolic Fellowship Tabernacle YouTube channel
- Overview of Pastor Sam's Ministry – Apostolic Fellowship Tabernacle
- Apostolic Fellowship Tabernacle – Facebook
- Full Gospel Bible College Prospectus 2019