NBCC adopts 10-Point Commitment as Sesquicentennial concludes

Resolve to work for greater unity & understanding among various groups of people

Our Correspondent
Kohima | November 21

Commemorating the celebration of 150 years of Christianity in Nagaland (Sesquicentennial) under the theme “His Story” in Kohima, the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) today came out with a 10-point Commitment in the form of  a resolution.

Among them, the NBCC resolved to work for greater unity and better understanding among various groups of people through cessation of selfish pursuits and conflicts that divide and damage the historical harmony of the Nagas.

The commitments ranged from Church’s mission to strengthen the family to regard people of both genders with equal dignity, and provide ministerial opportunities without gender bias (See box). 

“To this end, we affirm our shared oneness and resolve to stand in the gap in our collective search for political solution that is non-violent, just, and honourable,” stated Rev Rümatho Nyusou, convenor Sesquicentennial celebration resolution committee while announcing the resolution, which was endorsed by the congregation with prayer by NBCC former general secretary Rev. Dr. Phuveyi Dozo.   

Community transformation, common bond
Meanwhile, sharing on ‘His Story: Transforming Communities’ in the morning service, Rev Dr Elijah M Brown said that advent of Christianity among the Nagaland is not only about how Nagas found personal transformation, but how the story of Christ enabled community transformation.

“Those missionaries did not come to all of the tribes rather the story of Christianity is how Nagas with the Nagas share how they had found personal transformation in Jesus Christ,” he said.

Rev Brown also highlighted how Naga Baptists for have had been vibrant part of the world wide family, whose testimony and legacy of faithful witness has impacted many.

He also shared on coexistence of religion, dealing with racism, reconciliation and future mssion, among others. 

During the closing service, Prof Alongla P Aier, spoke on ‘His Story: Our hope and future’ and observed that 150 years ago, the forefathers heard the story of Christ and in response their lives and destiny were changed forever. 

 “This story has forged connection and united us Nagas in a common bond that cannot be broken,” she said, maintaining that His story has a way in melting all differences and making us one family of God. 

Further stating that His story is ‘our only hope and future,’ and that this hope is generated from God’s own character, she described it as a dynamic relationship as God is active and responds as His children look up with hopes on Him.

10-Point Commitment

Envisioning a future that honours God and serves towards extending His kingdom, we solemnly resolve:
1.    To intensify the ministry of care, support, and respect within the body of Christ. This we will do by recognizing and addressing needs and sharing resources in any manner possible, living up to NBCC’s motto: “Fellowship, Proclamation, and Service.”

2.    To stand true to the apostolic faith: rooted in the Bible, strong in foundational doctrinal affirmations, sensitive to the needs of people in all  walks of life, and prophetic in nature – bold in calling out evils and committed to bringing the lost to repentance.

3.    To call our attention to the need to strengthen the family unit by the discipline of prayer and study of the Bible, righteous living, and nurturance of healthy and wholesome growth in every aspect of life.

4.    To implement intentional Children and Youth ministries in and through the church, taking serious note of the alarming signs and dangers of the pervasive culture that does not promote biblical principles.

5.    To reinforce the importance and urgency of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) by reaching out to the unreached world, taking the Gospel to the least and the lost without prejudice or discrimination, and giving equal importance to both home and intercultural missions.

6.    To regard people of both genders with equal dignity, and provide ministerial opportunities without gender bias, by encouraging and empowering them to utilize their God-given gifts and abilities to the fullest for the glory of God.

7.    To accept without reservation, people with disabilities who are also created in God’s own image, and consciously work towards providing all means for them to feel included and valued by God and people, even considering their place and convenience in program designing and building structures.

8.    To actively participate in the task of creation care, taking our duty and privilege as custodians of the earth seriously, and working towards retaining her original state of goodness (Gen. 1:10, 18, 21, 25).

9.    To stand firm and be true to our commitment, as responsible citizens of the land and as agent of the Kingdom of God, by speaking the truth in love and by playing a proactive role on issues of Christian social responsibility.

10. To work for greater unity and better understanding among various groups of people through cessation of selfish pursuits and conflicts that divide and damage the historical harmony of the Nagas. To this end, we affirm our shared oneness and resolve to stand in the gap in our collective search for political solution that is non-violent, just, and honourable.

Source: https://morungexpress.com/nbcc-adopts-10-point-commitment-as-sesquicentennial-concludes