Spiritual Strengthening: NBCC’s initiative for Kohima Baptist leaders

DIMAPUR — The Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) organised a one-day programme for full time ministers of Baptist churches under Kohima Baptist Pastor’s Fellowship (KBPF) on August 27 at the NBCC Platinum Hall, NBCC office, Kohima, on the theme “Gathering to be strengthened.” 

In a press release, the NBCC stated that the gathering commenced with devotion by Dr. Villo Naleo, Secretary (Social Concern), NBCC. He shared on the topic “Extolling Christian Fellowship” based on Hebrews 10:22-25. In his sharing, Naleo questioned why Christians fellowship or congregate, noting that it enables them to draw nearer to God.

He added that the goal of Christian fellowship is for believers to hold unswervingly to the hope they profess. He concluded by stating that Christian fellowship aims to encourage mutual love and regular meetings for encouragement.

Rev. Dr. Mar Pongener, General Secretary of NBCC, spoke on the topic “From Routine to Renewal.” He stated that routine is not the enemy of renewal but rather the pathway to it. Rev. Pongener noted that the dangers of routine in ministry can lead to burnout and spiritual dryness. According to him, renewal in ministry is a fresh work of the Holy Spirit that revives passion, restores strength, and realigns service to God’s purpose, transforming weariness into vitality and routine into Spirit-led living, ultimately bearing lasting fruit for God's glory.

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Special songs were presented by full-time ministers of Khiamniungan Baptist Church, Kohima, Yimkhiung Baptist Church, Kohima, and NBCC staff.

An important highlight of the programme was sharing from different church leaders on various topics, including “Ministry through relationships” by Arep Tzudir, Pastor, Kohima Ao Baptist Arogo.

He emphasised that church leaders should be seasoned with the Gospel when ministering to people, living out the Gospel themselves before sharing it with others, and gathering people to experience the shared joy of the Gospel. This, he noted, would enable the congregation to demonstrate the work of faith, labour of love, and steadfastness of hope.

Dr. L Botoholi Yeptho, Associate Pastor at Sumi Baptist Church Kohima, who shared on “Staying true to the call,” emphasised that as Christian leaders, “we may feel insignificant at times, but it's in those moments that we should recall the God-given potential within us, which is always ready to impact others.”

She also cautioned against comparing oneself to others who are thriving in their ministries, especially during struggles. Instead, she encouraged leaders to revisit their calling, understand their purpose, and renew their faith to stay true to their role.

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Rev. Iringtie Kauring, Pastor of Zeme Baptist Church, Midland, who spoke on “Integrity and transparency in ministry,” opined that Christian ministry today is increasingly focused on achieving status and position rather than shaping character. He stressed that integrity and transparency are inseparable and that maintaining a life of integrity requires being open and authentic, without pretences.

Given the complexities of life, with both good and evil, he urged Christians to prioritise forming character, stressing that effective ministry depends on the character of the individual.

Sharing on the topic “Knowing the sheep: Leading with compassion and discernment,” Megozeno Savino, Youth Pastor of Union Baptist Church, Kohima, reminded the congregation by saying Christian ministry must flow out from one’s relationship with Jesus.

She stressed that Christian leaders should seek wisdom from Jesus to be effective in their roles, lead with prayer, and demonstrate kindness and compassion to others. Additionally, she underscored the value of strong interpersonal relationships in ministry for maximising impact.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by A Bideno Kikon, Secretary, Christian Education, NBCC and Rev. Dr. Ruokuovilie Sachü, President of KBPF, followed by a closing prayer by Rev. Dr. Vevo Phesao, Pastor of Chakhesang Baptist Church Ministers’ Hill.

The programme, which was attended by 201 full-time Baptist church leaders from Kohima, was chaired by Rev. N Suhuto Chishi, Secretary of NBCC Youth department.