Contact Information
Phone: +91 9894398694
Email: samuelthirumavalavan@ctsn.edu.in
Dr. Samuel comes to the faculty as a seasoned pastor, theologian and pastoral care counsellor. After his B.Com from Madras University from 1987-1990, he pursued one year Bible course at Concordia Theological Seminary, Nagercoil, from 1991-92, followed by a Bachelor of Divinity degree from Gurukul Theological College, Chennai, from 1993-97. His deep interest in pastoral care and counselling led him to undertake a Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Pastoral Counselling from 2002 -03 and a Master of Theology degree in Pastoral Care and Counselling from the United Theological College, Bangalore, from 2004-06, followed by a Doctor of Theology in Pastoral Care and Counselling from the same Institution from 2011-18. He won several academic awards during his theological studies including an Academic proficiency award during his BD studies and an award for Highest grade in Christian Ministry during his Master in Theology program.
Dr. Samuel brings a wealth of pastoral ministry experience to his classroom. He served as an ordained Pastor at Tirupattur Pastorate (February 2001 – May 2004), serving Calvary Lutheran Church, Tiruppattur & Our Saviour Lutheran Church, Chinnakamiyampattu and as an Honorary Pastor served at Gethsemane Lutheran Church, Bangalore (June 2004 – November 2006). Later he served as a pastor at Kaveripattinam Pastorate (December 2006 – April 2014), serving Redeemer Lutheran Church, Kaveripattinam & Trinity Lutheran Church, Barugur. He also served as a Pastor at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Chennai (May 2014 – December 2020). His recent pastoral ministry was at Naether Memorial Lutheran Church from January 2021 to June 2023).
He briefly served as the Co-ordinator for DCPC Course at Bethesda Hospital, Ambur from June 2010 – April 2011 and served as a
Visiting faculty at Gurukul Lutheran Theological College, Chennai, during 2019 – 2022 academic years.
Dr. Samuel is married and has two children.
Dr. Samuel joined the faculty at CTSN as Associate Professor in July 2023.
Thesis & Dissertations:
Investigation of the Factors influencing the members of Lutheran Churches in joining Charismatic Churches in the City of Chennai – B.D. Thesis
Problems of the Amputated Patients between 30 to 50 Years of age: Implications for Pastoral Care and Counselling – DCPC project
Coping Pattern of the Teenagers whose Parents live with HIV/AIDS in select centres in Vaniyambadi Taluk: Challenges to Pastoral Care – M.Th Thesis
Transition from Prison to Home – Life Adjustment Patterns of Ex-prisoners in Tamil Nadu: Implications for Pastoral Care and Counselling – D. Th Thesis
Courses Taught:
Study Methods
Introduction to Christian Ministry
Introduction to Pastoral Care & Counselling
Church Organisation & Pastoral Administration
Marriage & Family Counseling
Christian Education for Social Change.
Crisis Counselling
Homiletics
Introduction to Christian Worship
Ministerial Goals:
To equip Theological students, Pastors, and Lay people with counselling skills, empowering them for effective pastoral care ministry.
To contribute to the healing and reconciliation ministry of the Church, fostering wholeness and restoration within communities.