Parts of India are considered some of the world’s oldest civilizations (third and second millennia BC). From the 1800s, India was part of Great Britain, which influenced some of its culture; however, in 1947, India achieved independence. With 1.44 billion people, India is the second most populous country in the world, surpassed only by China. A country of significant diversity in religion, politics, and social structures, India struggles with its discriminatory caste system and violence against women and religious minorities. The Church of the Nazarene established work in India in 1898, well before the denomination was officially formed. Once isolated within one district in Maharashtra, the Church of the Nazarene is now present and ministering the holy love and grace of God in 16 districts across the Indian subcontinent.

105,534 Members

1,854 Fully Organized Churches; 508 Not Yet Organized Churches

496 District Licensed and 269 Ordained Ministers on 16 Districts

PRAYER Pray for the continued growth of the church and the development of those who will lead the churches in India in the next generation.

Pray for revival in the churches and for a clear representation of the transformational message of scriptural holiness.

Pray for the many women in ministry now in India, several of whom lead districts, that God would increase their number and empower their ministries in difficult situations.

PRAISE Praise God for his faithfulness in calling young people, both women and men, into ministry and missions in India.

Praise the Lord for the recent Women in Ministry Conference, and for the growing awareness of God’s call upon women for leadership in various ministries.

Praise God for South Asia Nazarene Bible College, now in its 26th year of preparing women and men for ministry in the Church of the Nazarene across India and beyond.

Women in Ministry

The Women in Ministry Conference was held from January 17-19, 2025, at Nava Spoorti Kendra, Bangalore, centered around the theme “The Chosen and Called” (Deuteronomy 14:2). Fifty-six women from 14 districts across the India Field gathered to renew their calling as daughters of God, reaffirming their commitment to serving his church in every possible way.

A dedicated team volunteered their time and effort to ensure the smooth running of the conference.

Participants were grateful for the opportunity to step away from their daily routines and experience a time of spiritual renewal and fellowship. The conference was a time of deep spiritual nourishment. Attendees sought the Lord, yearning for his presence, power, and a renewed sense of calling. Despite personal and societal responsibilities, they were reminded of their divine purpose.

Carla Sunberg delivered powerful sessions on “Embracing God,” “Embracing Ourselves,” and ‘'Embracing Ministry.” She emphasized that God calls and chooses us regardless of our background or circumstances. Reflecting on Ruth's story, she highlighted that even though Ruth was a Moabite, she became King David's great-grandmother. In "Embracing Ourselves," Carla unpacked Psalm 23, reminding everyone of God's sustaining presence even in life's darkest moments; she also offered biblical affirmations for preaching and leadership.

One of the sessions focused on embracing the balance between family and ministry, offering practical insights on navigating each one’s roles with grace and purpose. Additionally, interactive workshops provided valuable opportunities for reflection and growth. Other sessions explored topics like nurturing emotional well-being, equipping participants with tools for resilience and self-care, encouraging creativity in womanhood, and inspiring attendees to express their faith and identity in meaningful ways.

You can read the full article and learn more about this conference here.
* Source: Eurasia Region Snapshots February 21, 2025

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