Participants of the NBCC's 89th annual council programme in Tuensang.
TUENSANG, February 8 (MExN): The Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) concluded its 89th Annual Council programme on February 7 at the Chang Baptist Lashong Thangyen (CBLT) Mission Centre, Tuensang, with around 1,000 church leaders, delegates and members participating from across the state.
The four-day council, held from February 5 to 8, centred on the theme “Experiencing God Together” and featured worship services, business sessions, fellowship, departmental meetings and special sessions.
Speakers during the council included Rev. Dr Mar Pongener, general secretary of NBCC; Rev. Dr K. Chingmak, secretary of Eleutheros Christian Society; Rev. Dr Neikosa Tase, director of mobilization and partnerships (South Asia) for The Evangelical Alliance Mission, USA; and Kakheli Inato Jimo, former women secretary of WSBAK.
The programme began on February 5 with the first business session, followed by the second business session on February 6 along with the flag hoisting ceremony and inaugural worship service. The opening service included an overture and invocation by Rev. Haiwalo Apon, executive secretary of the Chakhesang Region Baptist Church. The welcome address, roll call and keynote address were delivered by Rev. Achu Chang, president of NBCC.
The inaugural message, titled “Experiencing God Together in the Family,” was delivered by Kakheli Inato Jimo. Drawing from Deuteronomy 6:4–7, Ephesians 6:1–4 and Psalm 34:8, she emphasised the role of families in centring daily life on loving God and intentionally nurturing faith through example, conversation and practice, describing the home as a primary space for discipleship.
On February 7, the council continued with a business session, a drivers’ penalty shootout and a worship service. The worship message, “Experiencing God Together in Mission,” was delivered by Rev. Dr Neikosa Tase, who emphasised that mission flows from the heart of God and that the church exists to participate together in God’s ongoing work. Referring to Acts 13:1–4, he said God reveals His will through worshipping, fasting and praying communities, and called on the Naga church to move from being a mission field to becoming a mission force.
The final day, February 8, featured a morning worship service with Rev. Dr Mar Pongener speaking on “Experiencing God Together in Ministry.” He outlined four realignments for effective ministry: moving from position to presence, from “my church” to “our churches,” from individual association identity to corporate unity, and from personal ambition to God’s purpose. He said NBCC is a spiritual fellowship whose strength lies in shared obedience rather than numbers alone.
The service also included prayers for missionaries led by Rev. Lipokinba Ao, secretary of the Nagaland Mission Movement, NBCC, and the observance of the Lord’s Supper administered by Rev. Achu Chang.
A department conclave and a drivers’ session were also held during the council. The drivers’ session was moderated by Mhiesivito Vüprü, assistant office manager of NMM–NBCC, with Rev. Dr Moanungsang, secretary for education and literature of ABAM, speaking on “Commitment in Serving.” The final worship service featured Rev. Dr K. Chingmak, who spoke on “Experiencing God Together in Community.”
The council concluded with words of appreciation from Rev. Dr Chekrovei Cho-o, vice president of NBCC, followed by a programme roundup by the media team and a send-off blessing pronounced by Rev. Dr Hotokhu P. Zhimomi, mission secretary of SABAK. The event ended with a dinner and cultural programme.
An important highlight during the council last worship session was induction of the new association under NBCC under the name Community Baptist churches Association.
NBCC expressed gratitude to the host association CBLT, affiliated associations, delegates, participants, and individuals and families who contributed to the successful conduct of the council.
