During our visit, I reflected on the early days of the ACN, before its formal formation. As we worked with an unreached people group in the 1990s, I often wondered what kind of church these new believers would form as they organized into worshipping communities. To see the fruit of those early labors—a healthy, vibrant, and Christ-centered church—is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Today, the ACN stands as a testament to God’s faithfulness, demonstrating the five core values of collaboration, relational unity, indigenousness, prayer, and being strategic that we at AFM uphold for healthy churches and missions.

Below, I’ll share observations that highlight how the ACN embodies these five values, encouraging us to pray for unreached peoples and the cross-cultural workers laboring among them.

The ACN’s leaders—priests, deacons, and pastors-in-training—exemplify a spirit of collaboration. Together, they skillfully organized the 25-year anniversary celebration, coordinating intricate details such as guest hosting, worship services, and outreach visits. Over the nearly two weeks Beth and I spent in Nepal, we witnessed leaders working together to adapt to challenges and find group solutions. This level of cooperation is a testament to the years they have spent building trust and relationships.

One of the most striking features of the ACN is the deep camaraderie among its clergy. Whether in worship, meetings, or casual moments, there was abundant laughter and joy. Stories shared among these men and women spoke of loyalty, affection, and mutual encouragement. They are a true “band of brothers and sisters” who exemplify unity in Christ.

From its inception, the ACN has prioritized being authentically Nepali. Leadership, planning, and worship are imbued with a distinctly Nepalese tone and character. This intentionality was evident in every aspect of the anniversary celebrations, from Nepali dancing and singing to traditional dress. The churches themselves reflect the rich diversity of Nepal, worshiping God in ways that resonate deeply with their cultural context. Seeing God’s creativity expressed through this unique cultural lens was a powerful reminder of His universal love.

Prayer remains at the heart of the ACN’s identity. Every gathering, decision, and act of ministry begins and ends with fervent prayer. During our visit, we attended a service at one of the first local churches to join the ACN. Beginning with Morning Prayer from the Nepalese Book of Common Prayer, the service continued for two hours of heartfelt worship, a beautiful demonstration of the church’s deep reliance on God.

The ACN has demonstrated remarkable foresight in addressing both spiritual and practical needs. One notable example is the ministry in Balkhu, where the church began working among the poor and landless by establishing a school, assisting with citizenship (not automatically granted to those born in Nepal), and replacing makeshift shelters with permanent homes. Today, the Anglican Church in Balkhu has 300 members.

Another strategic milestone was the registration of ACN properties under Nepal’s Guthi system. Historically, Christians were not permitted to register land for religious purposes, unlike Hindus and Buddhists. However, recent legal research revealed that the Guthi system—a framework for registering religious properties—can also be utilized by Christians. In 2024, the ACN successfully registered its headquarters and proto-cathedral as Guthi property, ensuring its protection for religious purposes. Plans are underway to extend this status to all ACN properties, a development that is both strategic and culturally grounded. Thanks be to God!

In the mid-1990s, as I began conversations with Nepali church leaders about joining the Anglican Communion, I prayed that this vision would be well received. Today, the ACN comprises 106 churches and over 11,000 baptized members from diverse ethnic backgrounds across every province of Nepal. Through challenges, joys, and unwavering faith, the ACN has grown into a thriving community that reflects the glorified Christ to the world. The next significant step will be the establishment of the Anglican Diocese of Nepal and the election of its first Nepali bishop. To God be the glory!