View source for Sadar North Baptist Association

{{EngvarB|date=October 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2025}}
{{More citations needed|date=May 2009}}
[[File:SNBAsymbol.jpg|thumb|220px|The symbol of Sadar North Baptist Association]]
{{Baptist}}
'''Sadar North Baptist Association (SNBA)''' is a [[Baptists|Baptist]] [[Christian denomination]] in [[Tripura]].  It is located within the [[West Tripura]] district of Tripura in India.

{{Infobox Christian denomination|name=Sadar North Baptist Association|orientation=[[Baptist]]|leader_title=President|leader_name=Dhaniram Debbarma|headquarters=SNBA Office, Mission Compound, A.D. Nagar, [[Agartala]], Tripura|founded_date=1989|founded_place=Tripura, India|congregations=191}}

== History ==
SNBA started as a small circle within the Central Baptist Association of [[Tripura Baptist Christian Union]] (TBCU). It later on evolved and developed into a full-fledged association of TBCU with many churches affiliated to it. Today there are around more than 150 churches and fellowships within Sadar North Baptist Association. Some of the pioneers of the Baptist's in Sadar North is Life Deacon Biralal Debbarma (one of the first three Christians in the [[Kokborok]] speaking community and the ex-President of SNBA) and the Late Rev. Rabindra Debbarma.

=== Birth  ===
[[File:Birolal Debbarma.jpg|thumb|180px|Life Deacon Lt. Birolal Debbarma, (ex-President, SNBA).]]
Before its birth as a full association the SNBA was one of the four Pastoral Circles under the [[CBA TBCU|Central Baptist Association]]. As churches grew rapidly with more new believers everywhere in the state, the Annual Assembly Session of Tripura Baptist Christian Union which was held in Subhash Nagar ([[North Tripura]]) on 23–26 February 1989 passed resolution that the Circles (e.g., South, Udaipur, Saisawm Sazai, and Sadar North) be given the full status of Associations. And it was how the Sadar North Baptist Association was established as an Association in the month of February 1989.

The leaders of the newly born Association with the kind presence of Rev. Hnehliana, the then General Secretary of TBCU, met prayerfully on 25 March 1989 at [[Durga Chowdhury Baptist Church]] and formed the first Executive Committee of the Association on ad hoc basis. The first members selected for the executive committee were:
# President: Mr. Birolal Debbarma
# Secretary: Rev. Rabindra Debbarma
# Treasurer: Mr. Chandra Kanta Debbarma.

==Faith and doctrine==
SNBA is based on the principles of Baptist theology and doctrines and is strongly threaded and bounded by firm faith on [[Jesus Christ]], [[Holy Spirit]] and the one and only omnipotent [[Father God]].

== Organization ==
[[File:ES SNBA.jpg|thumb|180px|Rev. Dr. Chandra Kanta Debbarma, Former Executive Secretary, SNBA and Former General Secretary, TBCU.]]
[[File:SNBYF06 01.jpg|thumb|Choir group from [[Mandwi]] Baptist Circle presenting a song in the 19th Sadar North Baptist Youth Fellowship that was organised in [[Abhicharan Baptist Church]] on 13–15 January 2006.]]
SNBA has the highest strength of Kokborok speaking Baptist community in Tripura.

=== Office ===
The association is led by the Executive Secretary, Rev. Ranjit Debbarma, and has its head-office in Baptist Mission Compound, Arundhutinagar, [[Agartala]].

The association is registered under the [[Tripura Baptist Christian Union]] (TBCU). The association is located within the West Tripura district of Tripura state in India.

=== Baptist Pastoral Circles ===
SNBA has eight Pastoral Circles, namely:
# [[Mandwi]] Baptist Pastoral Circle.
# [[Dakdu]] Baptist Pastoral Circle.
# [[Champaknagar]] Baptist Pastoral Circle.
# [[Abhicharan]] Baptist Pastoral Circle.
# [[Jamilwng]] Baptist Pastoral Circle.
# [[Khumulwng]] Baptist Pastoral Circle.
# [[Hezamara]] Baptist Pastoral Circle.
# [[Borkathal]] Baptist Pastoral Circle.

=== Sadar North Baptist Women's Society (SNBWS)===
*President: Mrs.Shrila Molsom([[Khumulwng Baptist Church]])
*Secretary: Mrs. Anjali Debbarma (Agartala City Baptist Church)

=== Sadar North Baptist Sikla Bodol (SNBSB)===
*President: Moses Debbarma 
*Secretary: Samson Debbarma

=== Sunday School Committee ===
*Convener: Evan. Lalnunsiama
*Member: Rev. Nilmani Debbarma
*Member: Ord. Evan. C. K. Chhoma.

== Affiliated organisations ==

=== Schools ===
The association runs four English Medium schools, namely:
# [[Yakhili Academy]] (in [[Khumulwng]])
# [[Tipprah Academy]] (in [[Barkathal]])
# [[Salka Academy]] (in [[Hezamara]])
# [[Pohor Academy]] (in [[Burakha]])

=== Hospital ===
The foundation for a new hospital under the association was laid on 30 September 2013 for which the construction is underway.

Sponsored by: '''Sadar North Baptist Women Society (SNBWS)'''

Location: Patni Village, Borokathal Baptist Pastoral Circle (around 20&nbsp;km from Agartala city).

=== Institute of Community Transformation ===
Sponsored by [[Seva Bharat]] (Mission India)

Location: [[Madhab Baptist Church]], [[Mandwi]] Baptist Pastoral Circle.

==Statistics==

According to a census published by the association in 2023, it claimed 23,500 members and 191 churches.<ref>Baptist World Alliance, [https://www.baptistworld.org/member-unions/ Members], baptistworld.org, USA, retrieved 5 May 2023</ref>

'''SNBA Census'''
{| class = "wikitable"
|-
!Description/Particulars|| 2001 || 2010 || 2025
|-
|Churches|| 84 || 129 || 185
|-
|Fellowships|| 5 || 7 || 3
|-
|Members|| 8,562 || 20,943 || 22,531
|-
|* Male members|| 4,411 || 11,203 ||
|-
|* Female members|| 4,151 || 9,740 ||
|-
|Minors|| 2,972 || 4,533 || 4,729
|-
|Government Employees|| 947 || 1,480 || 1,628
|-
|Christian Families|| 2,128 || 4,332 || 
|-
|Workers of SNBA|| 13 || 52 || 58
|-
|Pastors|| 8 || 10 || 38
|-
|Evangelists|| 4 || 27 || 19
|-
|Others|| 1 || 2 || 1
|-
|Deacons|| 77 || 183 || 341
|-
|Life Deacons|| 2 || 6 || 38
|-
|}

=== Missionaries  ===
There are eight missionaries working in SNBA. Missionaries are mainly from four organisations:
* [[Baptist Church of Mizoram]]
* [[Evangelical Church of Maraland]]
* Jampui Sakhan Baptist Association
* [[Kailashahar Baptist Christian Association]]

== Affiliated churches ==
Some churches like [[Zion Baptist Church, Tripura|Zion Baptist Church]], [[Kisong Baptist Church]], [[Jangalia Baptist Church]], [[Abhicharan Baptist Church]], [[Bhuban Chontai Baptist Church]], and [[Khumulwng Baptist Church]], have huge strength of members whereas others like churches like [[Roktia Baptist Church]], and [[Rasu Baptist Church]], have less strength of members.

The affiliated churches with foundation date are listed below according to the Pastoral Circles:

=== Abhicharan Baptist Pastoral Circle ===
{{col-begin}}
{{col-break}}
* Kisong (1973)
* Dofidar (1977)
* Rajghat (1977)
* Durga Choudhury Kami (1982)
* Abhicharan (1983)
{{col-break}}
* Wala Kami (1983)
* Lefunga (1987)
* Sadhiram (1988)
* Kainta Kwpra (1990)
* Habildar (1990)
{{col-break}}
* Twisa Kwthang (1992)
* Mokam (1993)
* Bokjur (2002)
* Twisa Kwchang (2006)
* Rojong (2006)
{{col-break}}
* Kumaribil (2006)
* Phota Kami (2007)
* Raikanai (2008)
* Raj Chantai (2010)
* Kanto Kwpra (2010)
* Maikhor (2012)
{{col-end}}

=== Borkathal Baptist Pastoral Circle ===
{{col-begin}}
{{col-break}}
* Debra (1978)
* Bosong thansa (1980)
* Borkathal (1986)
* Doigola (1987)
* Belphang (1987)
{{col-break}}
* Bargachia (1988)
* Khwichang (1988)
* Patni (1989)
* Yacharai (1991)
* Tokmakari (1994)
{{col-break}}
* Hathai Kwchang (2005)
* Chakhuma (2006)
* Khampar (2007)
* Bag Kami (2008)
* Radhanagar (2008)
{{col-break}}
* Salka (2010)
* Dugurai 
* Urua Kami (2012)
* Twibru
* Twiraja 
{{col-end}}

=== Champaknagar Baptist Pastoral Circle ===
{{col-begin}}
{{col-break}}
* Khamting (1971)
* Bhrigudas (1977)
* Joynagar (1988)
* Jangalia (1988)
* Goyacharan (1989)
* Kulang Thagu (2013)
{{col-break}}
* Sobhamani (1990)
* Sinai Kami (1991)
* Maharam Sardar (1993)
* Hamari (1993)
* Rasu (1994)
* Rangking 
{{col-break}}
* Sarat Sardar (1995)
* Roktia (1997)
* Debra (1999)
* Lalit Mohan (1999)
* Chokhreng (2003)
* Borduar
{{col-break}}
* Waraitwisa (2004)
* Duranta (2005)
* Uakjara (2005)
* Chandra Sadhu (2006)
* Immanuel (2007)
{{col-break}}
* Mang Kanto (2008)
* Rabicharan Thakur (2010)
* Nareng (2010)
* Thastwi Hatai (2011)
* Sambhusadhu (2012)
{{col-end}}

=== Dakdu Baptist Pastoral Circle ===
{{col-begin}}
{{col-break}}
* Binon Kwpra (1975)
* Bhuban Chantai (1979)
* Madhab (1980)
* Sonamoni Sipai (1983)
* New Testament (1984)
{{col-break}}
* Boidya Kwpra (1986)
* Ramchandra (1990)
* Sibram (1998)
* Sridam Kwpra (1999)
* Chamathwi (2007)
{{col-break}}
* Sikwrai Kwpra (2007)
* Badramisip (2008)
* Thang Kami (2008)
* Lamkwthar (2010)
* Burakha (2010)
{{col-break}}
* Aitorma (2011)
* Kha Kwtal (2014)
* Boirwng
{{col-end}}

=== Hezamara Baptist Pastoral Circle ===
{{col-begin}}
{{col-break}}
* Hezamara (1994)
* Garing Kami (1994)
* Shankhola (1995)
* Doldoli (1998)
* Chandranath (2003)
{{col-break}}
* Hasing Auar (2005)
* Matia (2006)
* Sonaram Industry (2008)
* Twisa Kuphur (2009)
* Bargatha (2010)
{{col-break}}
* Ganthalwng 
* Dagia 
{{col-end}}

=== Jamilwng Baptist Pastoral Circle ===
{{col-begin}}
{{col-break}}
* Bagbari (1978)
* Bhati Fatik Cherra (1987)
* Agartala City (1988)
* Singlwng (1990)
* Gangalwng (1993)
{{col-break}}
* Jamilwng (1995)
* Kami Kwtal (1997)
* Hamari (2003)
* [[Kha Kotor Baptist Church|Kha Kotor]] (2004)
* Sipai (2006)
{{col-break}}
* Khampar kami (2008)
* Pohor (2009)
* Gamsa Kwpra (2010)
* Naran Kami
* Thansa (2023){{col-end}}

=== Khumulwng Baptist Pastoral Circle ===
{{col-begin}}
{{col-break}}
* Kalasati (1976)
* Zion (1983)
* Dashram (1985)
* Joygobind (1986)
* Khutamura (1987)
{{col-break}}
* Khakchangma (1988)
* Sukia Kwpra (1988)
* Muichingor (1990)
* Chhoigoria (1990)
* Birchandra (1996)
{{col-break}}
* Bardhaman Thakur (1997)
* Khumulwng (1998)
* Rangchak (2000)
* Langma (2005)
* Dula Kwpra (2005)
{{col-break}}
* Khasrang (2006)
* Galili (2007)
* Mohan Kwpra (2008)
* Kandra (2008)
* Immanuel (2010)
{{col-break}}
* Bas Kwpra (2013)
* Rambuk (2014)
* Kandra 
{{col-end}}

=== Mandwi Baptist Pastoral Circle ===
{{col-begin}}
{{col-break}}
* Thaiplok Phang (1977)
* Manikung (1978)
* Matham (1983)
* Mandwi (1986)
* Udai Kwpra (1987)
{{col-break}}
* Bishram (1989)
* Khengrai (1989)
* Sat Para (1996)
* Nepal Mura (1996)
* Naba Chandra (1997)
{{col-break}}
* Begram (1999)
* Lakhan Kwpra (2000)
* Bethel (2000)
* Baludum (2005)
{{col-break}}
* Hachwk Madhab (2007)
* Kanta Kobra (2009)
* Nolbogola (2009)
* Dondra (2015)
{{col-break}}
* Kherengbar (2010)
* Chhoigoria (2010)
* Chairgoria (2013)
* Emau (2013)
* Bokhiri (2013)
* Narayan kami (2016)
{{col-end}}

==See also==
* [[Tripura Baptist Christian Union]]
* [[Baptist World Alliance]]
* [[Christianity in Tripura]]
* Jampui Sakhan Baptist Association

== References ==
{{Reflist}}
* Debbarma, Sukhendu (1996) [https://books.google.com/books?id=vyfrzVvJNxUC ''Origin and Growth of Christianity in Tripura: With Special Reference to the New Zealand Baptist Missionary Society, 1938–1988''], Indus Publishing, New Delhi. {{ISBN|81-7387-038-1}}
* Borok Baptist Convention, Rangchak Mukumu, 2010

==External links==
* [http://sadarnorth.org/ SadarNorth.Org], the Official ePortal of Sadar North Baptist Association
* [http://www.bwanet.org/ Baptist World Alliance]

{{Churches in India}}

[[Category:Tripura Baptist Christian Union]]
[[Category:Baptist denominations in India]]
[[Category:Christianity in Tripura]]
[[Category:Christian organizations established in 1989]]
[[Category:Baptist denominations established in the 20th century]]