Faith
Indian Church Grows, Urgent Discipleship Needed
Faith Facts
- The Indian church is experiencing remarkable growth, with thousands coming to Christ daily.
- Grassroots movements are emerging, marked by communities choosing Christ and developing culturally rooted faith expressions.
- There is a significant need for deeper discipleship, biblical teaching, and leadership development across India.
The Church in India is witnessing a season of thriving expansion, a testament to God’s hand at work even in challenging regions. Rev. Vijayesh Lal emphasized this progress while addressing the need for greater spiritual depth and mature leadership among believers.
“Conservatively speaking, between 3,000 to 5,000 people come to Christ every day in India.”
Much of this momentum is seen in northern and central states, such as Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, where indigenous movements are reshaping communities through faith in Jesus. These efforts are locally driven and flourish without outside intervention, reflecting the unique calling within India.
“The Church has grown in spite of us rather than because of us.”
Distinct Christward movements are emerging among Hindus and Muslims, forming faith communities with deep roots in local culture. Many believers identify as followers of Jesus, prioritizing a personal relationship with Christ over denominational labels.
“They are Christian by conviction and by practice, but they have not turned to organized Christianity as such. Instead, they have turned to the person of Jesus Christ.”
The heart of these movements is worship and prayer, though more doctrinal training is needed. Rev. Lal stressed the importance of engaging these groups, helping them grow in unity and spiritual maturity within the greater church body.
Despite facing persecution, Indian Christians remain steadfast in faith and unwavering in their devotion to the Lord. There are regional inequalities, with better-resourced churches in the south and northeast and poorer, less-established congregations in the north and central areas. Improving access to leadership and discipleship initiatives remains a major priority.
India’s role is also changing on the global stage, as the Church transitions from receiver to sender of missionaries. Indian Christians are increasingly active in sharing the gospel with other nations, reflecting a biblical vision to reach the world with the hope of Christ.
Faith Facts
- The Midvale Church of Christ in Idaho has gathered for worship since 1881 and recently marked 100 years in its current building, which was erected in 1925.
- This congregation began with a wagon train journey from Missouri and has overcome challenges, including a fire that claimed its original building.
- Through trials and renewal, the church continues to serve as a center of faith and fellowship for the entire Midvale community.
Midvale, Idaho—a small town in western Idaho—bears witness to a legacy of Christian unity and neighborly devotion, where values of faith and family have guided generations.
A tight-knit congregation, led by devoted members like Mayor Brian Graham, has preserved and strengthened their church for over a century.
“Everybody knows everybody and looks out for them,” said Mayor Graham, emphasizing the town’s foundation on community and Christian values.
Minister Kevin Hooper drew inspiration from Joshua 4 during the centennial celebration, reminding members of God’s enduring faithfulness.
Hooper unveiled a memorial plaque for the church’s 100th anniversary, followed by a prayer of thanksgiving and hymns praising God’s blessings.
After the service, families and friends gathered under maple trees at Agnes Keithley Memorial Park to enjoy fellowship and give thanks for God’s provision.
Longtime member Dwight Towell reflected on a lifetime of worship at the church, highlighting the importance of gathering together in Christ’s name.
“Of course the church is not the building, but it’s been a nice, convenient place for the church to meet,” Towell shared.
Despite hard times when the congregation’s future seemed uncertain, members rejoiced in God’s mercy and the revival of new life among their flock.
Roots run deep in Midvale, as former and current members recall stories of river baptisms and the perseverance of Christian pioneers.
Faith, sacrifice, and tradition have kept the Midvale Church of Christ a beacon for families seeking biblical faith and genuine fellowship—a testament to God’s enduring promises in the heartland.
Faith Facts
- Daniel Akin, president of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, will retire on July 31, 2026, after 21 years of service.
- Akin emphasized the importance of standing on the infallible Word of God and championing evangelism and the Gospel during his leadership.
- He is credited with guiding SEBTS to record enrollment and giving, reinforcing a strong commitment to the Great Commission.
Dr. Daniel Akin, a respected leader in the Southern Baptist community, has announced his retirement from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He and his wife sought the Lord’s wisdom and believe this is the right season for transition, with full peace about the future of the institution.
“Charlotte and I have prayed this matter through and talked with family and friends. We are convinced the time is right for us and the school,” Akin said.
During his tenure, Dr. Akin simplified the seminary’s mission, ensuring a focus on spreading the Gospel and training future leaders for Christ’s work. His vision has strengthened SEBTS’s spiritual foundation and global impact.
Executive Vice President Ryan Hutchinson reflected gratitude for Dr. Akin’s clarity of vision and commitment to the Great Commission throughout his leadership.
“Early in his leadership our mission statement was simplified. This not only provided a more accessible mission statement but also provided the foundation on which the concept of a Great Commission seminary has been built,” Hutchinson said.
At his inauguration, Dr. Akin pledged unwavering dedication to biblical truth and evangelism, declaring SEBTS would stand on God’s Word alone.
“Southeastern Seminary will continue to stand for personal evangelism, world missions and the exclusivity of the Gospel. We believe Heaven and Hell are real and the only difference is Jesus Christ.”
Dr. Akin’s legacy includes years of theological teaching, international mission work, and steadfast leadership that have blessed the seminary and broader faith community. Christian families and leaders are encouraged to pray for SEBTS during this season of transition, trusting in God’s faithfulness to guide His people.
Faith Facts
- President Donald Trump visited Israel after the release of hostages in a US-brokered ceasefire.
- Daily life in Bethlehem and the West Bank remains difficult for many families.
- The Christian Church continues sharing hope throughout conflict and hardship.
The recent ceasefire in Gaza has brought relief, with families grateful for the release of remaining Israeli hostages. Christians give thanks for lives spared, while acknowledging peace remains fragile in the Holy Land.
Though weapons are silent, many still face pain, insecurity, and struggle across Gaza and the West Bank. Faith leaders urge that true, lasting peace must rest on justice and mercy.
The Ongoing Struggle in the West Bank
Bethlehem, the birthplace of Christ, endures daily hardships under occupation, and the local Christian community faces increasing pressure. Amid adversity, believers gather and ministries faithfully serve, holding fast to God’s hope even when the world overlooks their suffering.
Followers of Jesus testify that the Prince of Peace remains active across the land, even as communities are tested by ongoing challenges.
A Call to Pray for All
Church leaders urge Christians everywhere to pray for every person suffering, regardless of background, and for renewed hearts among all in the region. True peace, they emphasize, cannot come through politics or military solutions, but only when all God’s children are allowed to live with dignity and security.
“The fruit of righteousness (justice) will be peace; the effect of righteousness (again, justice) will be quietness and confidence forever.” (Isaiah 32:17)
Let us seek the Lord together for mercy, healing, and the transformation of hearts—so that the Body of Christ might offer hope and compassion, and all in the Holy Land may know peace and dignity under God.
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