The 89th annual council programme of Nagaland Baptist Church Council concludes at CBLT Mission Centre, Tuensang.
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DIMAPUR — The Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) concluded its 89th annual council programme held from February 5 to the 8th at the Chang Baptist Lashong Thangyen (CBLT) Mission Centre, Tuensang.
In a press release, the NBCC stated that the four-day council witnessed the participation of church leaders, delegates, and members totalling to about a thousand congregation from across the state, marked by worship, business deliberations, fellowship, and spiritual reflection centred on the theme “Experiencing God together.”
The council featured messages from speakers including Rev. Dr. Mar Pongener, general secretary, NBCC; Kakheli Inato Jimo, former women secretary, WSBAK; Rev. Dr. K Chingmak, secretary, Eleutheros Christian Society; and Rev. Dr. Neikosa Tase, director of Mobilisation and Partnerships (South Asia), The Evangelical Alliance Mission (TEAM), USA.
The programme commenced on February 5 with Business Session I, followed by Business Session II on February 6, along with the flag hoisting ceremony and inaugural worship service.
The opening service featured an overture and invocation by Rev. Haiwalo Apon, executive secretary, CRBC, while the welcome, roll call, and keynote address were delivered by Rev. Achu Chang, president, NBCC.
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The inaugural message, titled “Experiencing God together in the family,” was delivered by Kakheli Inato Jimo. In her message she shared that experiencing God together as a family means centring daily life on loving God wholeheartedly and intentionally weaving faith into everyday moments through conversation, example and practice.
Parents model a genuine relationship with God while nurturing children with loving, respectful instruction that reflects God’s authority and grace, she said.
This transforms the home into a place of active discipleship where prayer, scripture and lived faith help children experience the goodness of God together, she added.
On February 7, the council continued with a business session, a special drivers’ penalty shootout, and a worship service.
The worship message on the day, “Experiencing God together in mission,” was delivered by Rev. Dr. Neikosa Tase, emphasising collective commitment to God’s mission.
In his message he stated that the Naga churches should rediscover the point that mission flows from the very heart of God and that the church exists to participate together in what God is already doing.
Drawing from the book of Acts, Rev. Tase said that God reveals His will in worshipping, fasting and praying communities and sends His people out in obedience, partnership and unity.
“Having once received the Gospel through sacrificial obedience, the Naga church is now called to move from being a mission field to becoming a mission force, experiencing God most deeply by going together to make disciples among the nations,” the release stated.
The morning worship service on Sunday featured Rev. Dr. Mar Pongener, who spoke on “Experiencing God together in ministry.”
In his message he invited the congregation to embrace four important realignments as God’s people engage in His given ministry. Firstly, “from position to presence,” which means to come down from our positions at the level of those we serve.
Secondly, move from “my church to our churches,” which means from ownership to shared responsibility.
Thirdly, move “from my association to our body,” which means from individual identity to corporate unity.
The fourth realignment, Rev Pongener said is from “my ministry to God’s ministry,” which means from personal ambition to divine purpose.
He also stated that NBCC is not just an organisation but also a spiritual fellowship and that its strength is not in numbers alone but in a shared obedience to God.
The service also included prayers for missionaries by Rev. Lipokinba Ao, secretary, NMM, NBCC, and the observance of the Lord’s Supper, administered by Rev. Achu Chang.
A department conclave was also held during the council, and also a drivers’ session moderated by Mhiesivito Vüprü, assistant office manager, NMM–NBCC, with Rev. Dr. Moanungsang, secretary, Education and Literature, ABAM, speaking on the topic “Commitment in serving.”
The last worship service featured Rev. Dr. K. Chingmak, who delivered a message on “Experiencing God together in community.”
The council concluded with words of appreciation delivered by Rev. Dr. Chekrovei Cho-o, vice president, NBCC, followed by a programme roundup by the media team and a send-off blessing pronounced by Rev. Dr. Hotokhu P Zhimomi, mission secretary, SABAK.
The event ended with a dinner and cultural programme, marking a fitting close to the annual gathering.
“The 89th NBCC Annual Council Programme reaffirmed unity, faith, and shared commitment among Baptist churches in Nagaland, strengthening the collective vision for ministry and mission,” the release added.
“An important highlight during the council last worship session was induction of the new association under NBCC under the name Community Baptist Churches Association,” it added.