There was no triumphalism, yet no despair either—only a clear sense that leaders must be held to the highest biblical standards and repent where they have failed.
Timothy Goropevsek with Rev Vijayesh Lal, General Secretary of EFI.
Last month, nearly 450 Christian leaders from every state (!) in India gathered in Nagpur for the All-India Congress on Church in Mission (AICOCIM) 2025, an event convened by the Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFI) that last took place 15 years ago.
As I was traveling to several cities in the country around that time, I also visited Nagpur and attended the congress simply to observe and learn.
Now looking back, I wanted to share a few reflections hoping they would be an encouragement to those who would like to know how the Church is doing in India.
[destacate]I was very humbled to sit with some of the brothers and sisters who literally bear the marks of Christ (Galatians 6:17) and who came from places where following Jesus is still costly [/destacate]From the moment I arrived, I was warmly welcomed. Though outwardly an outsider (the only one of my complexion in the room!), I was treated like family and like an “angel” (Hebrews 13:2). That is the beauty of the body of Christ: no matter where you go, you can find yourself at home.Yet, I was also very humbled to sit with some of the brothers and sisters who literally bear the marks of Christ (Galatians 6:17) and who came from places where following Jesus is still costly (2 Corinthians 6:3-10).
The speakers—leaders from church, education, health, business, law, and more—offered profound insights, rebukes, challenges, and encouragements. Every message was biblically grounded but also deeply Indian in character, occasionally punctuated with anecdotes and jokes in Hindi that had the whole room respond with laughter or singing.
One talk moved me especially: the call for the Church to be not just among the margins but in the margins—the places of the powerless “where dreams are crushed.” I believe that word is as timely for the global Church as it is for India.
What encouraged me most was watching a Church that is both growing (by about 3,000-5,000 believers per day, I was told!) and maturing grapple honestly with its challenges.
[destacate] One issue that came up several times is more specifically Indian: the incompatibility of caste with Christ[/destacate]There was no triumphalism, yet no despair either—only a clear sense that leaders must be held to the highest biblical standards and repent where they have failed.
Several issues surfaced repeatedly: the underrepresentation of women, reluctance to transition leadership, and some other issues that are familiar to other parts of the world as well.
Yet, one issue that came up several times is more specifically Indian: the incompatibility of caste with Christ. Multiple speakers lamented how caste dynamics have seeped into the Church and insisted this cannot be tolerated.
Dr. Richard Howell, the former General Secretary of both the EFI and the Asia Evangelical Alliance, shared a tearful story of a Dalit Christian who admitted that for years he hated himself because of his caste—even as a believer—until, after a year of study at Caleb Institute, he deeply realized he also was made in the image of God and was “second to none!”
[destacate]It may have been providential that this year’s congress had no international participants or speakers. It allowed the Indian leaders to talk openly and honestly[/destacate]How powerful when the Church embodies God’s love that shows no favoritism (Romans 2:11) and follows Christ who tore down the walls of hostility (Ephesians 2:11-18). But how tragic if it fails—if there are churches where Dalit believers feel unwelcome and even leave the faith and return to being Hindus.
(Though these dynamics may seem uniquely Indian, they echo struggles in every culture where those who are weak or different may face exclusion. Even Peter and Barnabas faltered under pressure (Galatians 2:11-14)—a reminder that we always need to be vigilant...)
There was also hopeful conversation about new opportunities: addressing mental health crises, loneliness, and serving holistic needs—body as well as soul.
As one speaker said: no one else cares for these people, so we can make a difference by showing Christ's love.
Personally, I think it may have been providential that this year’s congress had no international participants or speakers. It allowed the Indian leaders to talk openly and honestly, without external dynamics in the mix. And the atmosphere was very harmonious and united.
For me, it was a privilege just to sit quietly in a corner and witness a gathering of evangelical leaders discussing how to bring the gospel to a nation of 1.4 billion people, one sixth of the whole world!
I left deeply grateful and blessed. And I am greatly encouraged by what God is doing in India – and I hope, so are you.
Timothy Goropevsek, Executive Editor of Christian Daily International.
You can read about AICOCIM and the various lectures here.
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