Rev. Dr. Vincent Vinod Kumar is the Bishop-designate of the Church of South India, Diocese of Karnataka Central. A senior Presbyter in the Diocese, he currently serves as the Secretary of the Karnataka Central Diocese, providing leadership to 125 churches, 22 educational institutions, two medical institutions, one vocational centre, and 12 hostels and boarding homes spread across Bangalore North, Bangalore South, Tumkur, and KGF districts.
Born on 07 April 1965 and raised in Bangalore, he completed his early education at Sudarshan Vidya Mandir, Jayanagar, followed by Vijaya High School, South End Circle, and Vijaya College for his Pre-University Course. He holds a Bachelor of Theology from South India Biblical Seminary, Bangarpet (1986), a Bachelor of Divinity from United Theological College, Bangalore (1991), a Master of Theology from Tamilnadu Theological Seminary, Madurai (1997), and a Doctor of Theology from Presbyterian University and Theological Seminary, Seoul, Korea (2013). After his B.D. studies, his Diocese ordained him as a Deacon in 1991 and as a Presbyter in 1992.
With over 34 years of ordained ministry, Rev. Dr. Vincent has served in several congregations, including Hudson Memorial Church, Shaffer Memorial Church, CSI Tomlinson Church, Stean Memorial Church, Sawday Memorial Church, William Arthur Memorial Church, CSI Church (Kunigal), Wesley Church (Tumkur), and is currently serving at St. Mark's Cathedral. His pastoral experiences across urban and rural parishes have shaped his deep understanding of contextual ministry.
He has also contributed significantly to the Diocese through his administrative leadership. He served as Chairman of the Tumkur Area Council (2005–2009), Convener of the Ministerial Committee (2013–2015 & 2018–2021), and Assistant Secretary of the Diocese (2015–2018). He has been elected Diocesan Secretary for two terms (2021–2024, and 2024–2027), in which role he has demonstrated exceptional commitment to mission, education, and healthcare.
Dr. Vincent has been the recipient of several awards and honours during his theological training, including the UTC Financial Campaign Third Prize (1989, 1990), Lector’s Prize for Scripture Reading (1990), Dr. M. J. Dirks Memorial Prize for Communication (1991), Chapel Prize for Order of Worship (1991), and Bishop Sumitra Memorial Prize for Church History (1991). His commitment has also been recognised through a Commendation Certificate from the Bible Society of India, Karnataka Auxiliary (1999–2004), and the Meritorious Services in Evangelism Award from the Presbyterian Church of Korea.
He has attended national-level workshops and conferences including the National Youth Assembly (NCCI, Ernakulam, 1991), BTESSC Communication Workshop (1992), TRACI Workshop in New Delhi (1993), and the Gurukul consultation on Communication in Theological Education (1994).
His broader contributions to ministry include serving as a short-term missionary with the Indian Evangelical Mission (1986–1987), Warden of KACES Hostel, Mangalore (1987–1988), Director of the Karnataka Christian Communication Centre (1993–1995 and 1997–1998), Guest Lecturer at Karnataka Theological College (1993–2007) and United Theological College (2013–2016), and Secretary of the Bible Society of India (1999–2004). He also serves as Chairman of the Advisory Board of Vishranthi Nilayam (2018–2025). He is the Vice-Chairman of Bishop Cotton Schools and Colleges (2018–2027), and board member of several educational institutions including St. John's, Methodist, United Mission, Priyadarshini, Cathedral, Bi-Lingual, and CSI Vocational Schools.
Internationally, he has participated in the Asia Pacific Marketing Workshop (Bangkok, 2002), Asia Pacific Fund Raising Workshop (Manila, 2002), and was a special invitee to the North Thames Synod and Diocese of Gloucester, UK (2005). He also undertook a study tour across Egypt, Israel, Jordan, and Palestine (2007), and completed his doctoral studies in South Korea from 2010–2013.
Rev. Dr. Vincent Vinod Kumar is married to Mrs. Caroline Anita, an educator and active Christian leader who contributes significantly to Women’s Fellowship, Christian Education, and Bible studies. Their son, Mr. Nitin Caleb, is a banker at ANZ, and his wife, Mrs. Averil, is a high school teacher. Together, they reflect a family rooted in Christian values and service.
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