Nalla Thomas

Vocation promotion As a member of the Board of Governors of the near-ecumenical Andhra Christian Theological College in the 1980s, Thomas provided valuable leadership to the theologate in matters of seminary administration. Representing the Samavesam of Telugu Baptist Churches on the Board in Secunderabad, he played a pivotal role in guiding youth in congregations to recognize their vocational calling and prepare themselves for the path of priesthood. through Banjara Development Trust. During this time, The Revds. Robbie and James Francovich of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship were also ministering to the Lambadis and took a keen interest in the progress of the translation work.

When the Bible Society of India Andhra Pradesh Auxiliary approached Thomas to release a copy of the New Testament in the Lambadi language, he unwittingly became part of history. The New Testament was officially released on 25 October 1999 at the STBC-Centenary Baptist Church, Clock Tower, Secunderabad. The event was attended by Old Testament scholars The Rev. G. Babu Rao For his collegiate studies, he moved to Secunderabad to pursue a pre-university course at the OU-Arts and Science College (now Postgraduate College, Secunderabad).

Andhra Pradesh Thomas discerned his calling toward spirituality and approached the Samavesam of Telugu Baptist Churches (STBC), which evaluated his candidature and potential for Christian ministry. During this period, The Revds. Louis F. Knoll, Maurice Blanchard, and Tracy Greer Gipson, all of the American Baptist Mission (ABM), were leading theological education efforts.

For his spiritual formation, Thomas enrolled at STBC-Ramayapatnam Baptist Theological College located inside the near-ecumenical Andhra Christian Theological College (ACTC) in Rajahmundry, where he studied from 1967 to 1970, completing an L. Th. and The Rev. B. J. Christie Kumar (STBC).

At ACTC, Thomas had the opportunity to interact with members of various denominations, including Methodists, Lutherans, Baptists, Anglicans, Congregationalists, Presbyterians, and Wesleyans. After completing his ministerial studies in Rajahmundry, he returned to the Deccan Association of the Samavesam of Telugu Baptist Churches to begin his ministry.

During the convocation of the Senate of Serampore College (University) held in 1971, led by its Registrar, The Rev. Chetti Devasahayam (CBCNC), Thomas was awarded the L.Th. degree.

Madhya Pradesh In 1973, by the Methodist Church in India. There, he studied in a near-ecumenical setting that included members from various Protestant denominations and the Orthodox Church. The college was led by its then principal, The Rev. John Radhakrishnan (MCI), supported by a faculty that included The Revds. Saiyyad Mohammed Zahir Ahsan (MCI), D. V. Singh (MCI), Cariappa Samuel (MCI), and S. K. Parmar (MCI), among others.

During the 1976 convocation of the Senate of Serampore College (University), Thomas was awarded the B.D. degree by the Registrar, The Rev. Johannes Thoft Krogh (NELC).

Special studies in Biblical languages As a seminarian in Rajahmundry from 1967 to 1970, Thomas showed a keen interest in studying Biblical Greek and Biblical Hebrew,

In 1972, Thomas left Guwahati to pursue a special course under the aegis of the National Council of Churches in India. During this time, the church leadership in Secunderabad felt the need for a strong and dedicated pastor, eventually considering Thomas for the role.

In 1991, Thomas moved from Jangaon to Secunderabad to take on the pastoral leadership of the church. Under his guidance, the church grew steadily, with Thomas working closely with its leadership to provide much-needed support for spiritual development and expanding its missions across the twin cities and beyond. As pastor, Thomas also advocated strongly for youth development, leading to an all-India youth gathering in Secunderabad in 1992. This event eventually transformed into the Baptist Youth Fellowship, India. 1988–1991| title=Pastor,STBC-Centenary Baptist Church, Clock Tower, Secunderabad|after=The Rev. T. Ephraim, STBC 1993–2018| years=1991–2015