CHENNAI TYRANNUS HALL - St. Thomas Evangelical Church of India

CTH: An effective ministry model for the urban students
College campuses which produce future leaders of the country are going through
different forms of vulnerabilities and intolerance. The politicalisation of universities,
stressed academic environment, predominance of social media, influence of alcohol
and drugs, relationship issues etc., makes the life of students miserable. Believing
students coming from good Christian families and spiritual background also seems to
have many times turned away when they were exposed to the new world around them.
How our kids be protected? How can we ensure producing Christ-like leaders for
future? In which way those who are going through similar situations be redeemed?
These are genuine concerns of many Christians. The relevance of ministries such as
Chennai Tyrannus Hall (CTH) emerges in this context.
CTH is a home away from home for believing college students (boys). CTH provides
accommodation and holistic care for the students undergoing different courses in
Chennai, with the purpose of equipping the young lives to be true disciples of Jesus
Christ who witness Christ in their-own campuses and later in professional workplaces.
The word Tyrannus is found in Acts. 19.9, which was a lecture hall were Paul had
discourses with his disciples resulting in word of the Lord reaching whole of Asia.
Formed in partnership between Tyrannus Halls International and St. Thomas
Evangelical Church of India (through its Education Board), CTH provides for the overall
personality development of the students through its excellent facilities and enlightening
activities (mentoring, evening devotions, special talks, seminars, retreats etc.). The
accommodation in CTH is provided for students who have accepted Jesus Christ as
their personal Saviour irrespective of their denominations and language.

Five pillars of CTH

The ministry in Tyrannus Halls is based on its five pillars
• Student Led Devotions
• Academic Excellence
• Physical Fitness
• Outreach
• Theological Lectures

CTH 10 th Anniversary
CTH has entered its 10 th year of establishment. We praise God for His faithfulness in the
past. A special Thanks giving gathering is planned on February 25 th 2017, in STECI
Madras Parish which is expected to be attended by STECI Bishops, THI and other hall
representatives, alumni, parents, Christian leaders of Chennai and other well wishers.
The function is titled as Deo Gratias (Thanks be to God). Essential infrastructural

development and maintenance works also are undertaken for providing better amenities
to the wards. As part of the 10 th year introspection, the officials of CTH also considered
where should CTH be in another 10 years time and framed long term goals and
strategies to achieve the same.
CTH Goals for 2025
1. 100 professionals serving God as workplace missionaries in corporate sector and
government establishments.
2. Minimum 1 civil servant in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).
3. Establish itself as a multi – cultural, interdenominational institute drawing
students from all regions of India.
4. Functional Sishyasram in the present campus as per the vision of Very Rev. P.T
Chandapilla.
5. Produce another 2 Tyrannus / Lydia Halls in different parts of the country through
Education Board of STECI / THET.
Strategic Plans
1. Evaluation of last 10 years among the past students, resident staff, guests,
parents and other well wishers.
2. Establish an active prayer support team that regularly pray for CTH and its
ministry.
3. Focus on ministry – peer discipleship based on the five pillars closely monitored
by Resident Staff & active involvement of Board members and other well
wishers.
4. Vision Casting and recruitment of right students.
5. Modification & development of infrastructural needs for recruitment of quality
students and their comfortable stay.
Focus on Civil Services
In addition to the regular arts and science courses, CTH also receives students who are
preparing themselves for professional courses such as Chartered Accountancy, Media
and Civil Services. It is decided to give special focus for civil service preparation in the
coming years as at present there is a dearth of Christian administrators in high positions
of influence. Chennai is emerging as one of the leading coaching place in the country
for civil services. Many of the leading coaching centers in Chennai are situated in Anna
Nagar, the area in which CTH is situated. At present two students in CTH and four of
the alumni are preparing for Civil services. Let the tribes of Josephs and Daniels
increase even in our generation.