Meyu Changkiri
The Nagaland Revival & Healing Festival, held from December 2 - 4, 2025, in Dimapur and extended to December 5 because of the overwhelming crowd response, drew the attention of thousands across the region. I was not able to attend the event in person, but I followed the entire gathering closely through social media with much interest. As videos, testimonies, and updates surfaced online, I found myself encouraged by much of what I saw - Believers worshipping together, people praying sincerely, and individuals from different parts of Nagaland and beyond traveling to seek God in a special way.
At the same time, I also saw something deeply concerning. Alongside the encouragement, there was a sudden wave of accusations and criticism. Terms like “paid actors,” “prosperity preaching,” and “self-proclaimed apostle” began circulating widely and rapidly. Most of these claims were not based on complete information or firsthand experience; instead, they arose from short video clips - 20 seconds here, 30 seconds there - cut out from much longer sessions. And as we know, when something is taken out of context, meanings can be distorted and conclusions easily drawn in the wrong direction.
This pattern reflects a broader problem in the body of Christ today: the increasing tendency to judge quickly and harshly without seeking understanding. My concern is not that people have differing opinions - differences will always exist in a large Christian family like ours. Rather, my concern is the speed and carelessness with which we arrive at conclusions. A generation shaped by fast-moving media often forgets to pause, to discern, to examine, and to verify. And when we fail to do these things, we risk damaging not only others, but our own spiritual integrity.
The Danger of Judging Without Understanding
Scripture speaks very clearly on this matter. Proverbs 18:17 says, “The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.” This ancient wisdom is extraordinarily relevant in our digital age. The first claim we see on a screen may appear convincing, but only until we take time to hear the full story, understand the context, and discern with maturity.
Jesus Himself warned against judging others rashly. His teaching in Matthew 7:1–5 is not a command to ignore discernment, but a warning against hypocrisy and premature condemnation. Judgment without understanding does not simply misrepresent others - it is a sin against God, because it places ourselves in a position of authority that belongs solely to Him.
The Apostle Paul also urges believers to “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). Unity cannot survive in an atmosphere of suspicion, accusation, and misinformation. When we act on half-truths, assumptions, or hearsay, we become obstacles to God’s work rather than participants in it.
Understanding Differences in Christian Practice
One of the criticisms that surfaced online was regarding the use of the title “Apostle.” To some, this immediately raised alarms. For others, the title was neither surprising nor problematic. This difference is not accidental; it is rooted in the diverse traditions that make up the global Church.
The term “Apostle” is used in different ways across Christian communities. In many Pentecostal and Charismatic contexts - especially independent revival ministries, apostolic–prophetic networks, healing and deliverance ministries, African-initiated churches, Latin American Neo-Pentecostal movements, and groups connected to the New Apostolic Reformation - the title “Apostle” commonly refers to a spiritual leader, movement overseer, pioneer, or church planter believed to carry an apostolic gifting. This usage does not claim equality with the original Twelve apostles. Instead, it focuses on a perceived calling to plant, build, or shepherd movements in new ways.
By contrast, most historic Christian traditions - Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Anglican, Lutheran, Presbyterian/Reformed, Methodist, Baptist, and even many classical Pentecostal churches like the Assemblies of God - do not use this title. These denominations believe that the apostolic office was foundational, unique to the New Testament era, and not transferable in the same sense today.
This difference does not make one tradition more spiritual and another less spiritual. It simply means that Christian traditions interpret biblical roles differently. When we understand this, we are less likely to accuse, misunderstand, or fear what is unfamiliar to us. Instead, we learn to respond with maturity, grace, and theological clarity.
What I Saw
Despite the noise of criticism online, there was something far greater happening at the Nagaland Revival & Healing Festival - something that deeply touched my heart. I saw a remarkable expression of unity. Believers from different professions, families, churches, tribes, and denominations came together to worship God.
In a state known for its rich diversity and strong opinions, such unity is not ordinary. It is something precious and rare. It is something we should be celebrating, not attacking.
And this unity reveals a truth we often overlook: in the Kingdom of God, there is no majority and no minority denomination. Heaven does not take a census. God is not impressed by our size, our history, or our denominational structures. What matters is the posture of our hearts. What matters is humility, obedience, and faithfulness.
The Gatekeepers
This unity becomes even more meaningful when we consider the story of the organisers - The Gatekeepers. They are not an institution. They are not an organization. They are not a registered society. They are simply a group of Christian friends from different churches and different tribes, united by a shared burden for God’s people.
Most of them have never attended seminary. They did not have a detailed plan or long-term strategy. They did not have funding, administrative machinery, or denominational backing. What they had was prayer. What they had was a desire to seek God. And that is where God chose to begin His work.
They did not wait for years to gather resources. They did not wait for the approval of any council or committee. They simply obeyed the prompting of God’s Spirit. And within just a few months, God brought forth something far beyond human imagination.
What happened through them was not the result of human effort, structure, or tribal identity - it was the result of surrendered hearts. It is a powerful reminder that God often works through unexpected vessels. The Holy Bible is full of stories of fishermen, shepherds, tentmakers, and young people whom God used to change history. God has not changed. When He finds hearts available, He pours His Spirit freely.
A Word on Ankit Sajwan
I also know there has been much discussion about the speaker, Ankit Sajwan. I want to speak honestly and clearly: I have never met him personally. But I have watched him speak online. And based on what I have personally heard, I find no fault in him teaching from the Holy Bible. His messages are Scripture-based, and the passages he refers to are handled with clarity and reverence.
People may have different preferences or expectations - and that is natural. But my own observation, formed from careful listening, does not reveal anything unbiblical or misleading. And until we know a person fully, until we understand their message and their heart, it is spiritually dangerous to accuse them wrongly.
When We Cannot, Let Us Not Condemn Those God Has Called
There is a simple truth we must remember: When we ourselves are unable to do something, we must be careful not to criticize those whom God enables to do it at a higher level. It is easy to sit on the sidelines. It is easy to comment without contributing. But true humility recognises and honours the grace of God upon others.
The Holy Bible urges us again and again to “encourage one another and build one another up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Criticism weakens the Church. Encouragement strengthens it. The enemy rejoices when Christians fight each other. God rejoices when Christians lift one another up.
My Sole Appeal to the Body of Christ
My sole appeal is this: do not sin against God by pointing fingers at those who are genuinely serving Him. When we criticise sincere workers of the Gospel without understanding, we harm the Body of Christ and place ourselves in a spiritually dangerous position. As long as another church, denomination, fellowship, or group is not working against the Kingdom of God, we must obey Scripture’s command to support, honour, and “build up one another in Christ.”
A Call to Discernment, Not Division
Encouragement builds the Church; premature judgment weakens it. When suspicion replaces discernment, when noise replaces truth, when assumptions replace understanding, we unknowingly stand against the movement of God.
Throughout history, anyone who has chosen to hinder the work of God - whether out of jealousy, prejudice, misinformation, or haste - has eventually been set aside by the clarity of truth and the strength of God’s purpose.
Conclusion
Before forming opinions or passing judgment especially in public - let us seek the full story. Let us listen, verify, discern, and understand. Jumping to conclusions may feel easy, but its consequences can be severe: damaging relationships, dividing churches, and harming the testimony of Christ.
In the end, the truth will stand. And those who walk humbly, cautiously, and lovingly will always find themselves aligned with what God is doing. May we be counted among them.
.JPG)
