Senior Pastor

Pr. Reeju Tharakan

Rev. Dr. Reeju Tharakan was raised in a Pentecostal family in Kundara, Kollam, Kerala. At a young age, he felt called to ministry. At 15, he was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in tongues. He then committed himself to the Lord through water baptism. His dedication and passion for the ministry led him to pursue theological education. Dr. Reeju has completed his Bachelor of Theology, Bachelor of Divinity, and Master of Theology at Serampore University, Kolkata. After obtaining his Bachelor of Divinity, he began teaching ministry at New Life Biblical Seminary in Cheruvakkal, Ayoor, Kerala. Following his Master of Theology degree, he served as a Pastor of an Assembly of God church in Kottayam, Kerala. He also worked as a lecturer at Ebenezer Bible College and IBTS in Kottayam. After three years of successful ministry, Dr. Reeju and his family relocated to Bangalore to work at the Southern Asia Bible College (SABC), an esteemed institution of the Assemblies of God in India. In 2018, he completed a Ph.D. in Christian Studies, specializing in Church History, from Sam Higginbottom University of Arts, Technology, and Sciences, Allahabad, India. Dr. Reeju has held various roles at the Southern Asia Bible College, including Senior Lecturer, Assistant Director of Student Life and Ministry, Assistant Professor, and Director of the Centre for Pentecostal Studies. In 2016, he established Crossway AG Church in Bangalore and served as the Lead Pastor. In 2021, he was called to train and send young men and women as evangelists and ministers in North Indian villages. He has been involved in training programs alongside his ministry friends. Additionally, he has served as an international faculty member at S.U.M. Bible College and Theological Seminary in California, U.S.A. In October 2023, he began a Post-Doctoral research position at Fuller Theological Seminary, California, U.S.A. His Post-Doctoral research topic is "Pentecostal-Charismatic Theological Education and Indigenous Missions in India." Dr. Reeju and his family joined the IAG as the Lead Pastor of our church in June 2024. He is married to Bindu, who worked at SABC as the Manager of Academics and Admissions until June 2024. Sr. Bindu is very committed and passionate about serving the Lord and His people. They are blessed with two sons, Joel and Joshua, who are committed to the Lord and faithfully support their parents in the ministry.