Nagaland: 89th NBCC annual council meet concludes

The four-day 89th annual council programme of the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) concluded on February 8 at the Chang Baptist Lashong Thangyen (CBLT) Mission Centre, Tuensang. Thousands of congregants, including church leaders and delegates, attended the gathering marked by worship, business deliberations, fellowship, and spiritual reflection under the theme “Experiencing God Together.”
The council featured messages from distinguished speakers including Rev. Dr. Mar Pongener, general secretary, NBCC; Kakheli Inato Jimo, former women secretary, WSBAK; Rev. Dr. K. Chingmak, secretary, Eleutheros Christian Society; and Rev. Dr. Neikosa Tase, director of Mobilization and Partnerships (South Asia), The Evangelical Alliance Mission (TEAM), USA. The programme commenced on February 5 with Business Session I, followed by Business Session II on February 6, along with flag hoisting and inaugural worship service. The opening service included invocation by Rev. Haiwalo Apon, executive secretary, CRBC, and a keynote address by Rev. Achu Chang, president, NBCC. Delivering the inaugural message on February 5, Kakheli Inato Jimo spoke on “Experiencing God Together in the Family.” She emphasized that centering daily life on wholehearted love for God and weaving faith into everyday moments through conversation, example, and practice transforms the home into a place of active discipleship. Parents, she said, must model a genuine relationship with God while nurturing children with loving instruction that reflects divine authority and grace.
On February 7, Rev. Dr. Neikosa Tase delivered the worship message on “Experiencing God Together in Mission.” He urged Naga churches to rediscover that mission flows from the heart of God and that the church exists to participate in what God is already doing. Drawing from Acts 13:1–4, he stressed that God reveals His will in worshipping, fasting, and praying communities, sending His people out in obedience, partnership, and unity. He called on the Naga church to move from being a mission field to becoming a mission force, experiencing God most deeply by going together to make disciples among the nations.
The service also included prayers for missionaries by Rev. Lipokinba Ao, secretary, NMM, NBCC and the observance of the Lord’s Supper, administered by Rev. Achu Chang.
On February 8, Rev. Dr. Mar Pongener spoke on “Experiencing God Together in Ministry.” He invited the congregation to embrace four realignments: from position to presence, from ownership to shared responsibility, from individual identity to corporate unity, and from personal ambition to divine purpose. He reminded the gathering that NBCC is not merely an organization but a spiritual fellowship whose strength lies not in numbers alone but in shared obedience to God.
Other highlights included a department conclave, a Drivers’ Session moderated by Mhiesivito Vüprü, and a message on “Commitment in Serving” by Rev. Dr. Moanungsang. The concluding worship service featured Rev. Dr. K. Chingmak, who spoke on “Experiencing God Together in Community.”
The council concluded with words of appreciation by Rev. Dr. Chekrovei Cho-o, vice president, NBCC, followed by a programme roundup and send-off blessing by Rev. Dr. Hotokhu P. Zhimomi. The event ended with a dinner and cultural programme.
The 89th NBCC Annual Council reaffirmed unity, faith, and shared commitment among Baptist churches in Nagaland, strengthening the collective vision for ministry and mission. NBCC expressed gratitude to the host association CBLT, participating associations, delegates, and families for making the programme a success. An important highlight of the concluding worship service was the induction of a new association under NBCC, named Community Baptist Churches Association.