Bishop's Message
Rt. Rev. T. Nathaniel Naik
Archbishop
Evangelical Anglican Church of India
“Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” — Mark 1:17
Greeting's and blessing's in the matchless name of our lord and Saviour Jesus christ may his peace and mercy upon your,
It is with joy and thanksgiving to God that I welcome you to the official website of the Evangelical Anglican Church of India. Whenever I reflect upon the calling of the Church, I am drawn again to the words of our Lord Jesus Christ:
“Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” — Mark 1:17
These words stand at the heart of our vision. They remind us that Christian ministry begins with Christ. He calls us to follow Him, forms us as His disciples, and sends us to become instruments of His grace in the lives of others. The Church in India stands at a significant moment in its journey. We see great opportunities before us, yet we also recognise the many challenges that confront the Church and the communities we are called to serve. In many places, there is a deep need for faithful Christian witness, sound biblical teaching, compassionate pastoral care, and leaders who will serve with integrity and perseverance.
Our Lord Jesus, seeing the crowds, said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few” (Matthew 9:37). He then called them to pray to the Lord of the harvest for labourers. These words remain deeply relevant to the Church. The need is great, and the calling is urgent not because the work belongs to us, but because the harvest belongs to God.
These words invite us to look beyond ourselves and to ask how God would have us participate in His work. We need pastors who will remain faithful when ministry is difficult. We need leaders who are willing to learn, teach, and serve with humility. We need congregations that are rooted in Scripture, devoted to prayer, and committed to loving their neighbours.
Yet the work of the Church is not measured only by what is visible. A pastor faithfully caring for a small congregation, a teacher opening the Scriptures to children, a Christian praying for a neighbour, or a church standing beside a family in a time of need all are expressions of faithful service to Christ. Much of the work of God's Kingdom takes place quietly, without recognition, but never without significance before Him.
For this reason, I believe we must keep our eyes firmly fixed upon Christ and remain attentive to His call. We must not allow difficulties to discourage us, nor should we measure faithfulness merely by outward success. Our calling is to remain faithful to Scripture, to Christ, to one another, and to the people whom God has entrusted to our care.
I especially ask our clergy, church leaders, and congregations to pray for one another. Pray for those who are preparing for ministry. Pray for those serving in difficult places. Pray for pastors who carry heavy responsibilities. Pray that the Lord will raise up a new generation of faithful men and women who will hear His call and respond with courage, humility, and devotion.
The road before us will not always be easy. There will be seasons of difficulty, uncertainty, and sacrifice. Yet we do not walk this road alone. The same Christ who called the first disciples continues to call His Church today, and His grace remains sufficient for the work He entrusts to us.
May the Evangelical Anglican Church of India remain centred upon Christ, faithful to the Holy Scriptures, steadfast in prayer, and ready to serve wherever the Lord leads. May our clergy be strengthened, our congregations encouraged, and our younger generation equipped to follow Christ faithfully and serve His Church with courage.
May the Lord grant us grace to follow faithfully, wisdom to serve faithfully, courage to stand faithfully, and love to care faithfully for His people.
With prayers and episcopal blessing,
Rt. Rev. T. Nathaniel Naik
Archbishop
Evangelical Anglican Church of India