Guwahati, March 11, 2026: The Church must move beyond maintenance-oriented pastoral approaches and rediscover its missionary identity if it is to respond to the vast spiritual needs of the world, said Manoj Sunny, International Coordinator of Jesus Youth and Global Mission 2033, while addressing Church leaders from Northeast India.
Sunny spoke during the first session of the regional planning meeting “Journeying Together Towards Mission 2033 as a Synodal Church” held at NEDSSS, Kharghuli.
Presenting the vision of Mission 2033, he noted that billions of people across the world have yet to encounter the Gospel, describing this reality as a form of “gospel poverty.” The year 2033, marking two thousand years of the Redemption, offers the Church a providential moment to renew its missionary commitment and intentionally share the message of Christ.
Sunny explained that synodality and mission must go hand in hand, calling for a shift in pastoral thinking from maintaining existing structures to actively reaching those who have not yet heard the Gospel.
He also reflected on leadership within the Church, drawing from Pope Francis’ image of the shepherd who sometimes walks ahead, sometimes in the midst, and sometimes behind the flock. This, he said, symbolises a style of leadership rooted in listening, accompaniment, and discernment.
Sunny further highlighted the important role of lay people and young people in evangelisation.
Witnessing through authentic Christian life must be accompanied by the explicit proclamation of the Gospel, he said, emphasising that both are integral to the Church’s mission.
Sharing personal experiences, including his own journey of faith and illness, he encouraged participants to trust in God’s providence and offer their best talents for the mission of Christ.
The session concluded with a call for the Church in Northeast India to embrace creative forms of evangelisation suited to the region’s unique cultural and social context.