Rooted in the Gospel
- To share the Word and engage with the unreached.
Our Story
About First Naga Baptist Church
A journey of faith, perseverance, and community that led to the establishment of the first Naga church in America.
Who we are now
One church, serving across communities
First Naga Baptist Church is a Christian home for worship, discipleship, fellowship, and mission in the Dallas–Fort Worth area. We support Naga students and families while strengthening connections with churches and neighbors across America.
A home for Naga families
- To support Naga students and families in the DFW area.
- To connect with the Naga community throughout the United States.
Building bridges
- To reach out to the Indian subcontinent community in DFW.
- To strengthen connections among Naga churches and American communities.
Meet the people who guide and serve FNBC
Pastoral leaders, ministry teams, officers, and trustees.
Our History
A Historic Journey of Faith
2006
A vision for fellowship
The first Naga church was established in America on November 4th, 2018 in DFW, Texas, 113 years after the first Naga, Mr. Sanjamo Jungi, landed in this country in 1905.
The inspiration behind the establishment of a Naga church came through Mr. Chuingachan Shokwungnao, a businessman by profession. For the first time, in 2006, he shared his God-given desire of planting a Naga church with his Naga brethren in Texas.
Unfortunately, nothing came to fruition initially. In subsequent years, he put up multiple proposals but his dream still did not materialize. This did not deter him and he continued to pursue his vision.
2018
Historic Founding Meeting
May 19, 2018
Through the blessings of Almighty God, the following Nagas took a firm decision even under extreme criticism to start the Naga church in America: Mr. Brian Kashung, Mr. Lanutenzuk Lemtur, Mr. Chuingachan Shokwungnao, Mr. Visedelie Seyie, Mr. Theishing Konghar, Mr. Kughaho Chishi, Ms. Peraly Meyer, Mr. Mairising Damai, Mr. Ningreithan Shaiza, Ms. Abotoli Tuccu Sehgal, and Mr. Kaiser Kiirii (Monsang).
“Nagas must never forget the Americans—for it was them who introduced the Nagas to the living God.”
He believed a church of their own would not only foster closeness and fellowship among scattered Nagas in the USA, but most importantly open the door to evangelize non-believers in America.
He further stressed that a Naga church in this country could play an important role in building a stronger relationship between American churches and Naga churches back home.
In 2017, he met Mr. Visedelie Seyie, a student at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and shared his vision. He became committed to the idea and together they worked with other like-minded Nagas.
2019
Official Inauguration—August 10–11, 2019
The second meeting was held at Mr. Kughaho Chishi's residence. With God's blessings, the first service was held on November 4th, 2018, and the church was named First Naga Baptist Church.
After much struggle in finding a pastor, the committee approached Mr. Lanutenzuk Lemtur, a graduate from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary with a Master of Arts in Biblical Counselling. He willingly accepted the responsibility.
Around the same time, Mr. Kughaho Chishi shared the need for a place to worship with Dr. Terry Coley, pastor of Burton Hill Baptist Church. He warmly welcomed First Naga Baptist Church to use their facility free of cost, for which the church remains forever grateful.
The church's inauguration celebration was held on August 10th and 11th, 2019, with Naga church leaders from Nagaland, Manipur, and Myanmar blessing the occasion.
View distinguished guest speakers
- Rev. Dr. Zelhou Keyho
- Rev. Dr. Mathotmi Vasha
- Rev. Dr. Daniel Kashung
- Rev. Dr. Atsi Dolie
- Rev. Say Phro
- Rev. Dr. Wungreiso Valui
Dated September 17, 2022
Our Founders
The Founding Members
These faithful servants took a bold step of faith on May 19, 2018 to establish the first Naga church in America.
13 founding members are present in this photo. Mr. Theishing Konghar is taking the picture.
View all founding members
- Mr. Lanutenzuk Lemtur
- Mr. Kughaho Chishi
- Mr. Ningreithan Shaiza
- Mr. Kinoto Chishi
- Mr. Nikoto Chishi
- Mr. Chuingachan Shokwungnao
- Mr. Mathingmi Hongchui
- Mr. Mairising Damai
- Mr. Brian Kashung
- Mrs. Themsing Wungsek
- Mrs. Tosheni Chishi
- Ms. Tolina Chishi
- Mr. Visedelie Seyie
- Mr. Theishing Konghar
Come worship with us
Our story continues each Sunday through worship, fellowship, and service together.