The 33rd Triennial General Conference of the Ao Theological Association (ATA) got underway on May 23 at Mokokchung Baptist Church. The three-day conference, which will continue until May 25, is being held under the theme ‘Tsüngremer Nükmet Laishir’ (Theologian in the Sight of God).
The main speakers for the event are Rev Dr Limatula Longkumer, Registrar of the Senate of Serampore College; Rev Sentisashi Aier, Senior Pastor of KABA; Rev Kilang Jamir, Dimapur; and Rev Talijungla, Associate Pastor (Women), Ungma Baptist Arogo. More than 800 delegates from over 130 churches are attending the conference.
Rev Dr Mar Pongener, General Secretary of NBCC, addressed the conference during its inaugural session on Friday. He encouraged all theologians, stating that earning various theological degrees is not enough to be considered a good leader or a true theologian. A true theologian, laishir, is one who is deeply rooted in the Bible and remains in constant communion with God, he said.
Rev Dr Mar also expressed concern over the overreliance on readily available notes and sermons, which he said discourages deeper biblical study and understanding. He urged theologians to immerse themselves in Scripture, noting that such dedication would not only bless them but also those who hear them preach.
In his concluding remarks, Rev Dr Mar spoke on the relevance of media technology in modern ministry. He emphasized the importance of using media wisely, understanding its principles and etiquette, and leveraging it for the glory of God.
He concluded by urging all laishirs not to neglect prayer, to lead more people to God, to avoid wrongdoing, and to strive to become better servants of God.
Rev Dr Limatula Longkumer was the main speaker of the inaugural session and delivered a message based on the conference theme.
Over the course of the three-day conference, highlights will include seminars on “LGBTQI” and Baptist Distinctives on Day 2, talent presentations, open-air worship, devotionals, the presentation of the Kijungluba Lifetime Ministerial Award, the Lord’s Supper, and the nomination of a new team of ATA office bearers.
The closing ceremony will be led by Mopungchuket Baptist Arogo, host of the next triennial conference.
Rev Jongpong, Pastor of Mopungchuket Baptist Arogo, currently serves as ATA President, with Rev Sentimeren Jamir, Pastor of MTBA, as Vice President, and T Arenla Longkumer, Secretary of ABAM Women Ministry, as Treasurer.
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