Time for Naga Baptists to set aside nominalism, prioritise mission commitment — Rev. Dr Elijah Brown

Our Correspondent
Kohima, Nov. 20 (EMN): General Secretary of Baptist World Alliance, Rev. Dr Elijah Brown, called upon Naga Baptists to mark the Nagaland Baptist Church Council’s (NBCC) historic celebration of 150 years of Christianity by launching a ‘Naga mission movement’ that reaches the neighbouring countries.

‘It is time for the Naga Baptist to set aside nominalism and to raise up a generation of missionaries that they support, which is possible through unity and prioritising a mission commitment’, he said while addressing thousands of people at the NBCC Convention Centre in Kohima on Sunday.

“We are called to pursue community transformation that stretches beyond our tribal identity and personal preferences.

“In the past 30 years, why has every major recognised genocide been led and encouraged by people of faith? Some of this genocide has been encouraged by Christians killing other Christians and other religious minorities. Why are people of faith often at the forefront of championing violence?” he asked, adding that it is often not about religion but about power and dominance in the name of religion.

He lamented that ethnic division continues to permeate the world today and that racism, which is sinful and theologically indefensible, has not been eradicated.

He urged all to work for community transformation that is based on reconciliation, adding that Christians are to live as reconciled-reconcilers.

Citing examples of Baptist members facing persecution and sufferings around the world, he asked the congregation how to respond to the crisis and those suffering. To this, he prayed for a great mission movement among the Naga Baptists in this strategic part of the world.

“Every Naga Baptist is a missionary, a missionary to your neighbourhood and to the nation”, Dr. Brown added.

He called upon the Naga Baptists to live with ‘kingdom courage’, while adding that they are called to pursue community and social transformation.

He further informed that the worldwide Baptist family has grown 22% over the last 10 years. The Baptists have grown 20% in Asia, 41% in America and 134% in Africa. However, the number of Baptists in Europe and North America have declined by 3% and 6% respectively in the last 10 years, he informed.

‘Nagas belong to a Baptist family in 128 countries and territories. Naga Baptist has been a vibrant part of this worldwide family whose testimony and legacy of faithful witness have impacted many,’ he added.

Highlights of the morning worship service included greetings from American Baptist Churches, USA, songs by the sesquicentennial celebration choir, Oriental Theological Seminary choir, and a Holy Communion served by Kohima Baptist pastors. Focus groups comprising men, women, missions, youth, and Christian education were also conducted by various speakers at different locations.