Altogether 201 full-time Baptist church leaders from Kohima attended the programme held at the NBCC office in Kohima on August 27.
Kohima, August 28 (MExN): The Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) organised “first of its kind” one-day programme for full time ministers of Baptist churches under Kohima Baptist Pastor’s Fellowship (KBPF). Under the theme “gathering to be strengthened” the programme was held at the NBCC Platinum Hall, NBCC office Kohima on August 27.
The programme was chaired by Rev N Suhuto Chishi, Secretary, Youth, NBCC. The gathering commenced with a devotional address by Dr Villo Naleo, Secretary of Social Concern, NBCC who spoke on the theme “Extolling Christian Fellowship” based on the biblical passage Hebrews 10:22-25.
In his address, Naleo posed a fundamental question to the congregation: “Why do we fellowship or congregate as Christians?” He articulated that the primary purpose of such fellowship is to “draw nearer to God.”
Elaborating on the objectives, he stated that the goal of Christian fellowship is to enable believers to “hold unswervingly to the hope we profess.” Naleo concluded by emphasizing that the core motive and intention “of Christian fellowship is to spur one another to love and to make it a habit to meet and encourage one another.”
Rev Dr Mar Pongener, General Secretary of NBCC, emphasised that “Routine is not the enemy of renewal—it is the pathway to it” during his address on the theme “From Routine to Renewal”.
He highlighted that the “dangers of routine in ministry” often lead to burnout and spiritual dryness, underscoring the need for continuous revitalization in religious service.
“Renewal in ministry is the fresh work of the Holy Spirit that revives our passion, restores our strength, and realigns our service to God’s purpose,” Pongener stated. He described the process as a transition from weariness to vitality and from routine to Spirit-led living, essential for ensuring that ministry yields lasting fruit for divine glory.
Special songs were presented by full-time ministers, Khiamniungan Baptist Church, Kohima, Full-time Ministers, Yimkhiung Baptist Church, Kohima and NBCC Staff.
Arep Tzudir, Pastor of Kohima Ao Baptist Arogo, emphasised the significance of “Ministry through Relationships”.
Tzudir highlighted that effective ministerial relationships require being “seasoned with the Gospel” and aspiring to live out its principles firsthand before sharing them with others. He stressed the importance of gathering people to experience the “shared joy of the gospel.”
The pastor further noted that such relational ministry should aim to cultivate visible outcomes within the congregation, “so that we may see, the work of faith, labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our congregation.”
Dr L Botoholi Yeptho, Associate Pastor of Sumi Baptist Church Kohima, addressed church leaders on the theme “Staying True to the Call.”
Yeptho acknowledged that Christian leaders often “feel insignificant” but urged them to recall the inherent “God’s given potential”, which remains ever-present and ready to positively impact others.
She further cautioned against comparing oneself to others who may appear more successful in their ministries, especially during struggles or “on the verge of giving up.” Instead, Yeptho advised leaders to introspect, continually “search deep” and revisit their “calling,” and reaffirm their faith to understand their purpose and placement in their spiritual roles.
Rev Iringtie Kauring, Pastor of Zeme Baptist Church, Midland, raised concerns over the direction of contemporary Christian ministry, stating that it “slowly moving towards achieving status and position instead of molding character.”
Speaking on the theme “Integrity and Transparency in Ministry,” Kauring emphasised that the two virtues “can never be separated.” He noted that maintaining a life of integrity, being “open without any makeup in life is difficult because our life comprises both good and evil.”
He urged Christians, “to emphasize on forming character as Christian ministry is about a good person a person of character.”
Speaking on “Knowing the Sheep: Leading with Compassion and Discernment,” Megozeno Savino, Youth Pastor of Union Baptist Church, Kohima, emphasised the centrality of a personal “relationship with Jesus.”
Savino stressed that Christian leaders need to seek wisdom from Jesus to be efficient in the ministry. She highlighted the importance of treating everyone with “kindness and compassion,” noting that impactful ministry relies strongly on genuine interpersonal relationships.
She underscored that compassionate, prayer-led leadership and meaningful connections are essential to serving effectively within the community.
Vote of thanks was made by A Bideno Kikon, Secretary, Christian Education, NBCC and Rev Dr Ruokuovilie Sachü, President, KBPF. The programme concluded with a prayer by Rev Dr Vevo Phesao, Pastor, Chakhesang Baptist Church Ministers’ Hill.
Altogether 201 full-time Baptist church leaders from Kohima attended the event.
