South Asia, by God's grace, today has the largest number of indigenous Christian service organizations in the non-western world. These organizations are involved in evangelism, pastoral care, renewal, health service, relief, development, education, care ministries and various other forms of services. They are making a significant contribution to Christian witness of the Church.

Most of the leaders of these organizations have strong theological background and high level of commitment. But they need managerial information and expertise, to enhance their effectiveness.

The present situation in South Asia makes it necessary for Christian ministries to be run effectively. Small managerial mistakes can cost the organization dearly. The only way to meet the future with preparedness is to develop effective Christian management, so that Christian organizations do not fail in performance standards to the extent that they attract government disapproval, action or control.

To meet the above needs, a Missions Standards Cell (MSC) was established in 1989 as a department of India Missions Association. A pattern most suited to our context and needs was evolved after detailed study of such functions in other nations like ECFA and CMA in the USA and CCCC in Canada, etc.

Soon it was realised that it was not only the para-church bodies but also churches have the same need for management information, instruction, training and guidance to grow in their performance standards. Many of them asked for consultancy, help, information, reference, etc. As a professional management forum, it was felt that MSC should become an autonomous body to develop its own neutral identity. Thus was born in 1999 the Christian Institute of Management.