Over 500 Leaders Gather at NBCC Conference to Rethink Next-Gen Discipleship
The Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC), through its Christian Education Department, successfully hosted the NEXTGEN Christian Education Leaders Conference from September 8–10 at the NBCC Convention Centre under the theme “Rethinking Discipleship for the Next Generation.” Bringing together over 500 Christian education leaders, pastors, educators, and children’s ministry workers, the three-day event addressed the evolving dynamics of faith formation in young people. The conference opened with a welcome address by Bideno Kikon, Secretary of the NBCC Christian Education Department, while Keynote messages were delivered by prominent speakers, including Rev. Dr. Mar Pongener (General Secretary, NBCC), Dr. Alongla P. Aier (Emeritus Professor), and Dr. Kethoser Aniu Kevichusa (Executive Director, BMS World Mission), who addressed foundational topics such as “Our Great Mission,” “Re-discipling the Jesus Centered Life,” and “Discipleship and Disciple-Making.” Featuring a diverse lineup of resource persons across theology, medicine, education, social welfare, and entrepreneurship—including Rev. Dr. Phanenmo Kath, Dr. Temjenpokba Longkumer, Hukheli Sema, Rev. Dr. Kedo Peseyie, Lezo Putsure, Gary Kamaa, Yangtsapila Sangtam, Dr. Adela Mero, Rev. Dr. Vetso Koza, Asanuo Seb, and Ashe H. Kiba—the sessions tackled vital modern challenges such as AI and the Church, Biblical gender identity, child protection, intergenerational ministry, and raising resilient children. Emphasizing inclusivity, the event featured a Basic Sign Language workshop led by Eliza Chishi alongside specialized sessions on engaging children with special needs. Vibrant praise and worship led by the Covenant Baptist Church Dimapur team, youth drama presentations from Dimapur Sumi Baptist Church and Aoyimti Baptist Arogo, and evening services involving local churches across Nagaland fostered a strong spirit of unity and shared mission. The conference concluded on September 10 with a final message from Dr. Kethoser Aniu Kevichusa and closing remarks of gratitude delivered by Shikalu J. Sumi, Coordinator of Christian Education NBCC, as organizers expressed deep thanks to all participating churches, associations, and families.