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Rev. Dr. J.N. Manokaran

Rev. Dr. J.N. Manokaran

Rev. Dr. J.N. Manokaran (born April 19, 1962) is an Indian Christian author, speaker, Bible teacher, and missionary. He is the South Asia Regional Director of the Christian Bible Society of India (CBSI) and resides in Chennai. Having spent over 30 years as a missionary in northern India, he is also recognized for his leadership roles in various Christian organizations and his contributions to theological education across numerous seminaries in India.

Early Life and Background

Rev. Dr. Manokaran was born in Madurai District, Tamil Nadu, to Joseph and Suganthi. His father was an active member of the Church of South India (CSI) and a supporter of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), a political party with atheist leanings. Although initially expected to follow in political footsteps, Manokaran’s mother, who converted to Christianity after marriage, influenced his spiritual path. She enrolled him in a 7th-day Adventist school and encouraged his religious education by providing him with an English Bible. Manokaran’s faith journey became more pronounced after he rejoined his polytechnic college following a period of suspension, which he attributed to divine intervention.

Education

Rev. Dr. J. Navamani Manokaran holds a Bachelor of Divinity (B.D.) from Immanuel Theological Seminary in Georgia, USA, where he studied as an external student. He completed a Master of Theology (M.Th.) at Hindustan Bible Institute in Chennai and earned a Ph.D. from the International Institute of Church Management.[1]

Professional Experience

Originally trained as a civil engineer, Manokaran spent 11 years serving as a missionary in Haryana, India. Since 1997, he has resided in Tamil Nadu, focusing on training and mentoring pastors and Christian leaders. He has traveled extensively, conducting seminars across more than 80 cities in India, particularly between 2006 and 2008.

Dr. Manokaran is the Managing Director of Trainers of Pastors International Coalition (TOPIC)—India and the Executive Director of the Global Leaders Network.[2] He provides consultancy services to organizations such as the Christian Institute of Management, National Prayer Network, Mission India, and Chennai Transformation Network. His work centers on capacity-building for religious leaders and equipping them for effective ministry.[3]

Contributions and Publications

Rev. Dr. Manokaran has authored over 13 books on Christian living, theology, and leadership, in addition to contributing regularly to various magazines and journals. His publications explore themes like church growth, discipleship, and Christian leadership in contemporary society. His writings are utilized in Bible colleges and Christian institutions throughout India.[4][5]

Books

• Christ & Transformational Missions: Global Transformation for the Glory of God.[6]
• Christ and Local Churches [7]
• Christ, Culture and Communication [8]
• Christ and Characters in the Bible: An Insightful Study of Biblical Characters [9]
• and much more.

Media Appearances

Rev. Dr. Manokaran, along with his wife, Rosiya, participated in a significant interview series on the well-known Tamil Nadu television channel, Salvation TV. This series consists of 17 episodes that focus on their journey as missionaries, highlighting their experiences and insights in ministry. The complete interview can be viewed on YouTube.

References

1. Manokaran, J. Navamani. Christian Trends Author Page. Retrieved from Christian Trends Magazine, Author Page.
2. Manokaran, J. Navamani. Curriculum Vitae. Retrieved from Azusa Pacific University.
3. Manokaran, J. Navamani. South Asian Christians Author Page. Retrieved from South Asian Christians - Author Page
4. Manokaran, J. Navamani. Omega Book World Author Page. Retrieved from Omega Book World - Author Page
5. Rev. Dr. J. Navamani Manokaran: A Lifelong Missionary and Leader.” Christian Today India. Retrieved from Christian Today India - Article
6. Manokaran, J. Navamani. “Article Title.” Global Missiology. Retrieved from Global Missiology - Article
7. Dravidian Movement: Breaking India or Making India a Great Nation?” Third Education Revolution. Retrieved from Third Education Revolution Article
8. Managing Editor - Tamil Bible Search.” Retrieved from Tamil Bible Search - Managing Editor
9. "Re-thinking Training of Pastoral Leaders?” Lausanne World Pulse. Retrieved from Lausanne World Pulse - Themed Articles
10. Union Church - Questions to Ponder
11. Kirubai - Family Pages
12. New York Public Library - Research Catalog
13. Mumbai Mirror - Tweet a Prayer