Our vision
To serve our community with compassion, love unconditionally and foster spiritual growth, creating a nurturing place where people deepen their faith, connect with one another and make a positive impact.
About us
More than a church, a movement of grace
Carrying the grace, mercy and hope of Jesus to every corner of the villages we are called to serve.
Who we are
Proclaiming God’s Word to the heart of rural India
“At South East Church of Christ, Chilakaluripet, I am committed to proclaiming God’s Word and spreading His message of love and mission throughout the world. Inspired by the enduring legacy of my father, our ministry is dedicated to reaching the heart of rural India with the life-changing power of the gospel.”
Our work includes baptising new believers, conducting Bible studies through World Bible School, and equipping young preachers and pastors with what they need to thrive. We also bring urgent relief in natural disasters such as floods and famines, showing God’s love in action.
Bro. P. Anil Kumar, Evangelist
Vision · Mission · Service
Serve, love and grow together
Our mission
To root the gospel of Jesus Christ firmly in the hearts of people across rural India through preaching, baptism and in-depth Bible study, and to empower emerging church leaders with the resources and support they need.
Our service
To embody Christ’s love through practical care: supporting families in natural disasters, helping underprivileged communities, and meeting the spiritual and material needs of young preachers.
What we believe
The family of our Heavenly Father
We are the family of our Heavenly Father, adopted by His grace through His only begotten Son, our Saviour the Lord Jesus, who shed His precious blood for all mankind. We worship and adore Him in His church (Matthew 16:18), where He is glorified in Christ Jesus in all ages (Ephesians 3:21), in spirit and in truth (John 4:24).
- The Bible is our only authority (2 Peter 1:21).
- Christ is the Head of the church (Ephesians 1:22).
- Jesus is the only way to the Father (John 14:6).
- We are one body, joined by one Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:13).
“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”John 14:6
This home congregation began with one family. Today it is still one family, but many families together, multiplying across the state like seed fallen on good ground.
Our history
How the Lord’s church was planted at Chilakaluripet
Early 1960s
A pastor on bare feet
The church at Chilakaluripet began as a Baptist church, where Pastor Balaraju served for many years. Appointed by the Baptist theological seminary to twenty-two villages across two districts of Andhra Pradesh, he walked for miles on bare feet with almost no transport. His wife Miriam, who studied alongside him at Ramapatnam Baptist Theological Seminary, was a great encourager in the ministry, and their four children also began preaching the Word. They lived on Sunday offerings, harvest-time gifts of wheat and paddy, and sometimes daily labour in the fields.
The meeting with Bro. J. C. Bailey
Balaraju met Bro. J. C. Bailey of Canada, whom God was using mightily to bring New Testament truth to India. At first he strongly opposed what he saw as a new doctrine. But after long personal study and months of correspondence, he changed his mind and was baptised by Bro. Bailey. It was no easy decision for a pastor leading thousands of Christians, yet he looked toward eternity. The same truth convinced his whole family, and they too were baptised.
Many congregations follow
God raised up Bro. Claude A. Guild, a professor at Columbia Christian College who had himself come from a Lutheran background, as an encourager of the work. Together they returned to the villages where Balaraju had served, and many congregations followed into the Lord’s church. A large church building was raised in Chilakaluripet in 1977 and is still used mightily for the Lord’s work today.
A lifetime servant
Bro. P. Anil Kumar
Trained in the Scriptures from childhood, like Timothy, Bro. Anil grew up at the Lord’s feet under Balaraju’s spiritual care. He accepted Christ in his early teens and grew from Sunday school student to teacher, from youth minister to deacon to preacher, graduating from Timothy Bible School.
He also earned a Master of Computer Applications, but felt the strain of serving two masters. Choosing the cross, he gave himself to the Lord’s work full time. The first support, $25 from brethren at the Elkton Church of Christ, Maryland, laid a foundation for great things. Ken Natale of Elkton introduced him to Jason Fox of the Florence Boulevard Church of Christ, Alabama, whose steady partnership has helped the ministry grow across the districts ever since.
In 2006 he married Baby Florence. After months of Bible study together she embraced the New Testament faith and brought her family to study too; six more souls were added to the church. She has been a blessing and encouragement in the ministry ever since. Most of the souls baptised over the years have come through personal Bible study.
What we do
Living our faith together
Worship services
We gather faithfully to worship, taking the gospel to the grassroots so that more people can come together in worship.
Community outreach
We work to uplift people at the grassroots of society, building connections that lead to shared growth and spiritual enrichment.
Education
From Bible courses to Faith School, we equip people with knowledge and skills for personal growth and a brighter future.
A message from our evangelist
Our doors are always open
We would love to get to know you. Reach out to us, or join us for one of our services or events. We look forward to welcoming you into our church family.
Evangelist, South East Church of Christ, Chilakaluripet
Walk with us in the work of the kingdom
Pray with us, study with us, or give to help carry the gospel and practical love to the villages of India.