By Byeong
How I Came to Know Nagaland
My connection with Nagaland began through Naga theological students who came to Korea to study. I had the privilege of visiting their monthly fellowship gatherings, where they worshiped together, shared fellowship, and prayed not only for one another but also for Korean churches and for their homeland.
Two people have been especially significant in my journey to Nagaland: Dr. Timothy Kaping and Mr. Aloto Anche.
I first met Dr. Timothy Kaping through the ministry of PACE International Fellowship. Because he loved the vision of the Lay Pastors Ministry, I invited him to help introduce the PACE ministry to international students studying in Korea. This ministry continued for about two years. During that time, we began praying and planning for the possibility of establishing a PACE School in Nagaland.
Through this ministry I also met Mr. Aloto Anche, who was studying for his Th.M. at Seoul Christian University. Together we discussed in greater detail how we could introduce the Lay Pastors Ministry to Nagaland. Through the dedication of these two men, the dream of opening a PACE School in Nagaland eventually became a reality.
Both Dr. Kaping and Mr. Anche studied the Lay Pastors Ministry with me for nearly two years. As they came to understand and appreciate the ministry, they developed a strong desire to share it with their own people. In many ways, they became the bridge that connected this ministry to Nagaland.
Among the many principles of the Lay Pastors Ministry, one expression deeply touched them: “Love with skin on.” This simple phrase captured the practical, compassionate ministry that they believed their churches needed. Their enthusiasm encouraged me and gave me confidence that this ministry could make a meaningful contribution to the churches of Nagaland.
My First Impressions of Nagaland
Before my first visit, I learned much about Nagaland from the Naga students studying in Korea. They described their homeland as a place where many people owned their homes but had very little cash income. Although approximately 95 percent of the population identified as Christian, they were concerned that many believers were Christians in name only rather than active disciples.
These conversations helped me understand both the strengths and the challenges facing the churches in Nagaland.
Why the Lay Pastors Ministry Fits Nagaland
One of the first things I discovered was that most churches in Nagaland had little exposure to the biblical concept of lay ministry. Although they faithfully served their churches, many had never been taught the vision found in Ephesians 4:11–12, where church leaders are called “to equip the saints for the work of ministry.“
Because this concept was new, the Lay Pastors Ministry attracted genuine curiosity. It offered a fresh biblical perspective that many churches had not previously considered.
The greatest strength of this ministry is that it brings together two essential biblical principles: lay ministry and pastoral care. These are not separate ideas but two parts of one ministry. The vision of equipping ordinary believers to provide practical, loving care creates a powerful and balanced model for the local church.
The phrase “Love with skin on”beautifully expresses this vision. Christian love is not merely an emotion or a doctrine; it is love demonstrated through visible acts of care, encouragement, visitation, and practical service. This practical expression of Christ’s love deeply resonated with the people of Nagaland.
As churches embrace this ministry, pastors and lay believers begin to discover a true partnership in ministry. Many churches desire this kind of partnership, but few know how to develop it in practice. The Lay Pastors Ministry provides a practical pathway for making this biblical ideal a reality.
The Challenge of a Paradigm Shift
Introducing the Lay Pastors Ministry also presents challenges. It requires a significant paradigm shift for both pastors and congregations. Instead of viewing ministry as the responsibility of the pastor alone, the church begins to recognize that every believer has been called and equipped by God to serve others.
Such change does not happen overnight. It requires patience, teaching, encouragement, and practical experience. However, once pastors and church members begin to see the spiritual fruit of this ministry, they gradually embrace the new paradigm. Slowly, both consciously and unconsciously, their understanding of the church begins to change.
The Need for an Outside Perspective
I also observed another characteristic of many churches in Nagaland. Having lived within the same ministry patterns for many years, it was difficult for some leaders to imagine new approaches to ministry. This is understandable, as every church and culture can become accustomed to familiar ways of serving.
For this reason, an outside perspective can often be a blessing. It is not because outsiders know better, but because they can introduce fresh ideas, ask new questions, and encourage churches to rediscover biblical principles that may have been overlooked.
I believe this is one reason why the Lay Pastors Ministry has been warmly received in Nagaland. It does not replace the church’s traditions or leadership. Rather, it strengthens both by equipping ordinary believers to become active partners with their pastors in caring for God’s people through “love with skin on.”