NBCA 8th Biennial Pastors Conference begins

The 8th Biennial Pastors Conference of the Nagamese Baptist Churches Association (NBCA) commenced on Tuesday at Nagamese Baptist Church (NBC), Padumpukhuri, under the theme “Stronger Together” (Ecclesiastes 4:9–12). The three-day event is being attended by delegates from 61 churches and 64 pastors.
Gracing the opening ceremony as speaker, NBCA executive secretary Rev. Lumtsuo Ezung emphasized the strength found in unity and harmony. Drawing from Romans 12:4–6 and Ecclesiastes 4:9–12, he urged pastors to reflect on their leadership and teamwork, stating that “a good leader builds a good team” and that “two are better than one.”
Rev. Ezung outlined four key aspects of teamwork—success, protection, productivity and power.
On success, he said effective leadership stems from building strong teams. “The most dangerous alphabet is ‘I’, and the most powerful word is ‘WE’,” he stated, mentioning that leadership fails when it becomes self-centered.
He urged pastors to evaluate whether their teams were bearing fruit and drawing people closer to God. Using football as an analogy, he said the church stands strong when its team is strong.
On protection, Rev. Ezung stressed that teams must defend and support one another.
He encouraged pastors to motivate rather than discourage, and to embrace differences in knowledge and ability. “Whatever circumstances the church faces, it can defend itself only if it stays united,” he said.
On productivity, he noted that lack of progress should prompt self-reflection among leaders. Referring to Ecclesiastes 4:11, he spoke of growing together spiritually and urged pastors to build each other up rather than pull one another down.
Finally, on power, he illustrated the strength of unity using the example of rope strands—strong when bound together, weak when alone. “Unity is strength,” he concluded, calling on all to grow together in Christ.
The conference features resource persons including CBCC executive secretary Rev. Dr. Chekrovei Cho-o and NBCC secretary NMM Rev. Lipokinba Ao, alongside NBCA president Rev. P.K. Jacob.
Highlights of the opening ceremony included a presidential address by NBCAPF president Abeni Lotha, song presentation by Zeliangrong Baptist Church, eulogy led by NCBC Kohima pastor Bendangtemsu, ministry report by NBC Longmikhaba pastor Imlinukshi, and scripture reading by NBC Lhomithi pastor Vinokali.
The Nagamese Baptist Churches Association pastors’ insignia, designed by Zion Baptist Church Kuda village pastor Chuba Pongen, was launched during the programme. Orientation and flag hoisting were also led by the speaker.
Earlier, the ceremony was chaired by GBC Mokokchung pastor N. Supong Imchen, with praise and worship led by NBC Padumpukhuri, invocation by HNBC Mon pastor Kaipha Konyak, welcome address by hosting church pastor Akum Ao, offertory prayer by LWC Kohima pastor Thekrulhoulie Tsurho, congregational hymn by mass, and benediction by NBC Meluri pastor Javan.