Frequently Asked Questions
The questions we are asked most often about the National Bishops Council of Pakistan, membership, the Maranatha Christian High Schools, advocacy and how to reach the office in Lahore.
What is the National Bishops Council of Pakistan?
The National Bishops Council of Pakistan (NBC Pakistan) is a council of Christian Bishops founded in 2017 that unites more than 100 churches across Pakistan. It gives independent churches a spiritual covering, represents Christian communities before the authorities, runs five tuition-free Maranatha Christian High Schools, and serves communities. Its office is in Lahore.
When and why was the Council founded?
The Council was founded in 2017 with a single mission: to unite churches and serve communities across Pakistan. Independent churches are stronger when they stand together, and the Council was formed so that pastors and congregations would no longer stand alone.
How many churches belong to the Council?
More than 100 churches nationwide are part of the Council. Many are independent congregations that remain independent in their daily life while standing under the spiritual covering of the Council.
Who are the Christian bishops of the National Bishops Council of Pakistan?
The Bishops are respected Christian leaders in Pakistan who serve in various districts, guiding member churches, representing their communities and leading educational, social and spiritual initiatives. Their portraits and names are on the Our Bishops page.
What does "spiritual covering" mean?
Spiritual covering means that a church and its pastor are not alone: a Bishop serving in that district prays for the congregation, visits, and is available for counsel and hard decisions. It is not ownership. The Council does not take a church's property, choose its pastor or direct its finances.
Which churches can join the Council?
Christian churches and fellowships in Pakistan that hold to the Bible as the Word of God, are led by a recognised pastor or leader, and are willing to walk in fellowship with other churches. Independent congregations, small house fellowships and established churches are all welcome.
How does a church apply for membership?
Through the form on the Membership page, or by writing to the Council office in Lahore. The enquiry is passed to the Bishop serving your district, who arranges a visit or meeting. Where both are agreed, the church is welcomed and receives its certificate. There is no cost to enquire.
What are the Maranatha Christian High Schools?
Five tuition-free Christian schools in Pakistan operated by the Council, giving children from poor Christian families a quality education with faith at its heart. They follow the national curriculum and teach the Bible openly. See the Maranatha Christian High Schools page for how to enrol a child or support a student.
What does the Council do when a Christian community faces difficulty?
The Council represents its member churches before local and national authorities, and its Bishops stand with affected families, calmly and lawfully. If your church or community needs support, write through the Contact page with the subject "Advocacy or support for a church", or speak to your district Bishop.
What is the Maranatha Christian Development Learning Centre?
The Maranatha Christian Development Learning Centre is one of the educational projects of the Council, alongside the Maranatha Christian Schools. Full details will be published on the Maranatha Learning Centre page soon.
How can I contact the Council?
Write through the Contact page, email info@nbcpakistan.com, or call +92 42 3595 0337. The office is at Haji Park #1, Anam Road, Asif Town, Ferozpur Road, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.
Not answered here? Write to the Council and we will reply.
Bring your church into the Council
Spiritual covering, an advocacy platform and education, in a fellowship of 100+ churches across Pakistan. There is no cost to enquire.