Book explores prayer centre movement in Nagaland

A book titled Indigenizing Faith: A Study on Prayer Center Movement in Nagaland, authored by Dr. Imna Imchen, was released by Dr. Bendangjungshi, principal of Discipleship Bible College, Dimapur, on October 17.
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Bendangjungshi described the book as an anthropological and historical exploration with missiological implications, examining the socio-cultural, political, religious, and historical factors that have contributed to the exponential growth of prayer centres in Nagaland and their impact on the community.
Reviewing the book, Dr. Panger Kichu noted that prayer centres—despite their strengths and weaknesses—have emerged as epicentres of Naga spiritual expression. He cautioned against the propagation of narrow biblical interpretations and prosperity gospel, while acknowledging the centres’ role in offering spiritual first-aid and psycho-emotional comfort to seekers from diverse backgrounds. He added that prayer centres provide a ministry of embrace and presence that many tribe-based and traditional churches currently struggle to offer.
Dr. Kichu further remarked that prayer centres, notwithstanding their flaws, offer a constructive prophetic critique of the prevailing outlook and ministry of traditional churches. He urged readers to seek the Lord’s wisdom in fostering partnership and complementarity between prayer centres and churches for the flourishing of God’s community.
Delivering the publisher’s note, Dr. Lanusangla highlighted the rapid rise of prayer centres over the past two decades and their role in renewing and revitalizing traditional Naga churches by standing in the gap for Naga Christians.
The author, Dr. Imna Imchen, stated that the book serves as an introduction to anthropological and missiological reflection on prayer centres, exploring how Christian faith has been indigenized and practiced within and through these spaces. The book examines primal religious dynamics, the historical development of Christianity in Nagaland, and the socio-religious tensions arising from the synthesis of Western culture, Christianity, animism, and Naga traditions. Dr. Imchen is Associate Professor of Mission Studies and Cultural Anthropology at Discipleship Bible College, Dimapur, and Director of Cornerstone Ministries, which provides Bible studies and discipleship training for lay Christian leaders.