PRESS CONFERENCE
AN ADDRESS TO THE 92nd (2026) GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE ORTHODOX PRESBYTERIAN
CHURCH (USA) BY REV DR CHRIS ANNGER, PhD.
THE NKST ASSISTANT GENERAL SECRETARY, FOR NKST CHURCH, NIGERIA
Protocols:
The Moderator, officers, and esteemed commissioners of this 92nd General Assembly of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church (USA), we bring you warm Christian greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
On behalf of the Nongu u Kristu u i Ser u sha Tar (NKST) Church, Nigeria, we express our sincere gratitude for the opportunity to address this august Assembly. We rejoice in the bond of the gospel that unites us across continents, cultures, and histories.
1. A Brief History of the NKST Church
The NKST Church traces its origins to the early 20th century through the missionary work of the Dutch Reformed Church of South Africa and Christian Reformed Church in North America (CRCNA). The first missionaries arrived in the Tiv land of present-day Benue State, Nigeria, in 1911. Through faithful preaching, sacrificial service, and the translation of the Scriptures into the Tiv language, the gospel took root and spread widely.
By the grace of God, what began as a mission has grown into one of the largest Reformed churches in Africa, with millions of members, over 500 organized congregations and thousands of preaching centers, and a wide network of institutions including schools, hospitals, and a university. The NKST Church stands today as a testament to God’s faithfulness in building His Church.
2. Doctrinal Position of the Church
The NKST Church remains firmly committed to the historic Reformed faith, grounded in the authority of Holy Scripture as the inspired, infallible, and inerrant Word of God. We uphold the classical Reformed confessions, including the Belgic Confession, the Heidelberg Catechism, and the Canons of Dort.
In a time when many churches are drifting from biblical orthodoxy, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to sound doctrine. We are deeply concerned about doctrinal compromises within the global church, including among some of our historic partners.
With a heavy but resolute heart, the NKST Church maintains its readiness to continuesly review and, if necessary, sever ecumenical relationships with churches that depart from the historic doctrines of the Christian faith. This includes even our founding partners where such deviations persist. Our allegiance is first and foremost to Christ and His truth.
3. Desire for New Fraternal Relations
While we grieve over divisions caused by doctrinal compromise, we are encouraged by the Lord’s preservation of a faithful remnant worldwide. The NKST Church earnestly desires to establish and strengthen fraternal relations with churches that uphold the orthodox teachings of the apostolic faith once delivered to the saints.
We believe such partnerships will foster mutual encouragement, theological strengthening, and collaborative mission. Together, we can more effectively serve God and proclaim the gospel not only in word but also through transformative deeds of love and justice.
4. Seeking Strategic Partnerships
The NKST Church is blessed with numerous institutions that serve as platforms for gospel proclamation and leadership development. These include theological seminaries, schools, healthcare facilities, and the University of Mkar.
However, the increasing demands on these institutions require strategic partnerships. We humbly seek collaboration in areas such as theological education, leadership training, infrastructure development, healthcare delivery, and mission outreach.
We are confident that partnerships grounded in shared doctrinal convictions will yield lasting fruit for the Kingdom of God.
5. Current Challenges Facing the Church
Beloved brethren, we speak with heavy hearts about the severe challenges confronting our Church and our nation.
Nigeria continues to grapple with insecurity, and Benue State where many of our members reside remains one of the epicenters of violent attacks. Armed groups, often identified as Fulani militias, have carried out repeated assaults on communities.
It is on record as at the time of this address that 5,967 NKST members have lost their lives in these coordinated acts of genocide on the Christian body. While many 753 NKST Churches with furniture are destroyed. Numerous schools, and healthcare facilities in rural areas have been either destroyed or abandoned.
These circumstances have deeply affected the life of the Church. Displacement, fear, and economic hardship have led to a significant decline in members’ capacity to give, which in turn affects the sustainability of our ministries and institutions, leaving mission work stagnant.
Yet, in the midst of suffering, our faith remains steadfast. We continue to trust in the sovereignty of God and the hope of the gospel.
6. Hope for Future Engagement
Despite these challenges, we remain committed to strengthening our global partnerships. We express our strong desire to participate physically in future General Assemblies of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, God willing.
We hope that visa processes and travel conditions will improve to make this possible in the coming year. We believe that face-to-face fellowship will deepen our shared commitment to Christ and His Church.
Conclusion
Dear brethren, we thank you for your prayers, your fellowship, and your steadfast commitment to the truth of God’s Word.
We stand together in a time that calls for courage, conviction, and compassion. May the Lord strengthen His Church, purify her witness, and use us all for the advancement of His Kingdom.
“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” (Isaiah 40:8)
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
Have a fruitful deliberation.
Thank you, and God bless you.
