Who We Are

The first Naga church was established in America on 4th Nov. 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- g

The first Naga church was established in America on 4th Nov. 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. In subsequent years, he put up multiple proposals but his dream of a Naga Church still did not materialize. This did not deter him and he continued to pursue his vision and kept sharing with as many Nagas as he could get in touch with. He continued his work for a Naga church in the face of strong oppositions and strive to see it fulfilled. Although he did not have much knowledge about church planting, he had the utmost belief and confidence that a church of their own would not only foster closeness and fellowship among the scattered Nagas in the USA, but most importantly, that it would open the door for the Nagas to evangelize non-believers in America. He emphasized that Nagas must never forget the Americans -- for it was them who introduced the Nagas to the living God. He further stressed that a Naga church in this country could play a very 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 South Western Baptist Theological Seminary and shared his vision of a Naga church. He became very committed to the idea and together they fervently worked with other like- minded Nagas. Finally, on May 19, 2018, through the blessings of the Almighty God, the following Nagas, 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), took a firm decision even under extreme

criticisms to start the Naga church in America.

The second meeting for the Naga church was held at Mr. Kughaho Chishi's residence. The following

members were in attendance: Mr. Mairising Damai, Mr. Brian Kashung, Mr. Mathingmi Hongchui, Mr. Chuingachan Shokwungnao, Ms. Themsing Wungsek Shokwungnao, Mr. Kugaho Chishi, Ms. Toshini Chishi,

Ms. Tolina Chishi, Mr. Kinoto Chishi, Mr. Nikoto Chishi, Mr. Lanutenzuk Lemtur, Mr. Visedelie Seyie, Mr. Theishing Konghar and Mr. Ningreithan Shaiza. With God's blessings the first service was held on 4th Nov

2018 and it was during this meeting, the church was named "First Naga Baptist Church".

After much struggle in finding a pastor to lead the church the committee approached Mr. Lanutenzuk Lemtur, a graduate from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary with a Master of Arts in Biblical Counselling to be the pastor. He willingly accepted the responsibility of pastoring the new church. Around the same time, Mr. Kughaho Chishi, the worship leader of Burton Hill Baptist Church, shared the concern about finding a place to worship with his pastor, Dr. Terry Coley. He warmly welcomed the First Naga Baptist Church

to use their facility free of cost, for which the church will remain grateful to Burton Hill Baptist Church.

In one of their meetings, the church planning committee members also decided to host the church's inauguration celebration on the 10th and 11th of August 2019 and invite the Naga church leaders from Nagaland, Manipur, and Myanmar to come and bless the occasion. Many of them responded positively and Rev. Dr. Zelhou Keyho (General Secretary, Nagaland Baptist Church Council) was the speaker for the program along with guest speakers, Rev. Dr. Mathotmi Vasha (Executive Secretary, Tangkhul Baptist Churches

Association); Rev. Dr.. Daniel Kashung (Executive Secretary, Southern Tangkhul Naga Baptist Association); Rev. Dr. Atsi Dolie (Executive Secretary, Angami Baptist Church Council); Rev. Say Phro (Advisor, Naga Baptist

Convention Myanmar) and Rev. Dr. Wungreiso Valui ( Pastor, Santa Clara First Baptist Church).

Our main objectives are as follows: 

To share the Word and engage with the unreached.

To support Naga students and families in the DFW area.

To connect with the Naga community throughout the United States.

To reach out to the Indian subcontinent community in DFW.

To strengthen connections among Naga churches and American communities.

Dated September 17, 2022.

At First Naga Baptist church, we envision a world where everyone feels loved, valued, and accepted and Jesus Christ is honored. We strive to create a community where people can come together to worship, learn, and grow in their faith. 

Our main objectives are as follows: 

To share the Word and engage with the unreached.

To support Naga stude

At First Naga Baptist church, we envision a world where everyone feels loved, valued, and accepted and Jesus Christ is honored. We strive to create a community where people can come together to worship, learn, and grow in their faith. 

Our main objectives are as follows: 

To share the Word and engage with the unreached.

To support Naga students and families in the DFW area.

To connect with the Naga community throughout the United States.

To reach out to the Indian subcontinent community in DFW.

To strengthen connections among Naga churches and American communities.

While the Naga church was founded to create a space for Nagas to worship and connect with their communities, our goal has always been one of inclusivity, offering a welcoming environment for everyone. We believe that the richness of our community comes from our diverse backgrounds and experiences. Together, we strive to create a supportiv

While the Naga church was founded to create a space for Nagas to worship and connect with their communities, our goal has always been one of inclusivity, offering a welcoming environment for everyone. We believe that the richness of our community comes from our diverse backgrounds and experiences. Together, we strive to create a supportive atmosphere where all can grow in faith, fellowship, and love.

At First Naga Baptist church, we aim to spread the love of Jesus Christ by proclaiming His message through our words and deeds. We believe in building a strong faith foundation through worship, fellowship, and outreach programs that uplift everyone and honor Jesus Christ. We believe in taking our faith beyond the walls of our church and i

At First Naga Baptist church, we aim to spread the love of Jesus Christ by proclaiming His message through our words and deeds. We believe in building a strong faith foundation through worship, fellowship, and outreach programs that uplift everyone and honor Jesus Christ. We believe in taking our faith beyond the walls of our church and into the world. 

Most of our members are also actively serving in various organizational and ecclesiastical contexts.

Annually, the church partners with another local organization to serve refugees and build relationships with them.

The church is taking the initiative to serve those experiencing homelessness and the most vulnerable groups in our society by visiting them and providing essential items this Christmas season

Sochanngam Shirik was appointed as the pastor of the First Naga Baptist Church in November 2024. Prior to this role, he served briefly as a pastoral intern in Massachusetts and also taught at a Bible college in India. Mr. Shirik obtained his PhD from Asbury Theological Seminary, Kentucky, in 2024, as well as his M.Div and ThM from the Sou

Sochanngam Shirik was appointed as the pastor of the First Naga Baptist Church in November 2024. Prior to this role, he served briefly as a pastoral intern in Massachusetts and also taught at a Bible college in India. Mr. Shirik obtained his PhD from Asbury Theological Seminary, Kentucky, in 2024, as well as his M.Div and ThM from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Kentucky. Sochanngam is married to Hannah Grace, and they have two children, Alethia and Caleb. In his free time, he enjoys playing soccer, fishing with his son, and reading.

Ms. Katensangla Longchar is the Coordinator of the Children's Ministry. A native of Nagaland, India, Katen is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling and certification at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Texas. She is passionate about leading children to Christ and has been privileged to serve as a Children'

Ms. Katensangla Longchar is the Coordinator of the Children's Ministry. A native of Nagaland, India, Katen is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling and certification at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Texas. She is passionate about leading children to Christ and has been privileged to serve as a Children's Ministry Coordinator in her home country for three years. Additionally, she interned in children's ministry at LPBC in Joshua, Texas. With over six years of dedicated service to children, Katen brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to care for our precious young ones.