South Asian Research Society for Theology & Missiology

Our Story

Every meaningful institution begins with a question.

For the South Asian Research Society for Theology and Missiology (SARSTM), that question was simple yet profound:

Where can scholars committed to the study of theology and mission in South Asia find a dedicated academic home that encourages rigorous scholarship, meaningful collaboration, and faithful engagement with the realities of our context?

Over the years, theology and missiology have been shaped by remarkable scholars and institutions across the world. Yet South Asia—with its extraordinary diversity of cultures, languages, religions, histories, and Christian traditions—continues to present unique questions and opportunities that deserve sustained scholarly attention.

While many researchers have contributed significantly to these conversations, there has remained a need for a society that intentionally brings together scholars, educators, researchers, church leaders, mission practitioners, and students to collaborate, publish, mentor, and advance scholarship from and for the South Asian context.

SARSTM was established to help meet that need.

The Society was founded on the conviction that theological and missiological scholarship flourishes through collaboration, academic integrity, and constructive dialogue. We believe that research should not remain confined to libraries or classrooms but should also serve the Church, inform mission, enrich theological education, and contribute positively to society.

From its beginning, SARSTM has envisioned becoming more than a publisher or conference organizer. It seeks to be a scholarly community where ideas are refined through respectful conversation, emerging scholars are mentored by experienced researchers, institutions collaborate across national boundaries, and research is translated into meaningful service.

Our commitment is reflected in every aspect of the Society’s work—from peer-reviewed publications and academic conferences to workshops, research initiatives, professional development, and international partnerships. We welcome scholars from diverse Christian traditions who share a commitment to rigorous research, ethical scholarship, and thoughtful engagement with theology, mission, and the complex realities of South Asia and its global diaspora.

Although our roots are in South Asia, our vision is global. We believe that scholarship emerging from South Asia has much to contribute to the worldwide theological and missiological conversation, just as we recognize the importance of learning from scholars and institutions around the world.

As we continue to grow, our story remains unfinished. Every member, researcher, student, institution, and partner who joins SARSTM becomes part of that continuing story—one dedicated to advancing scholarship, fostering collaboration, and serving both the academy and the Church for generations to come.