History of the Evangelical Church of Papua New Guinea
From Madiri in 1931 to Biula, Balimo in 1966, and onward to the 60th Diamond Jubilee in 2026, this is the story of God's faithfulness, humble beginnings, local leadership and mission.
Explore TimelineOur Story
The history of the Evangelical Church of Papua New Guinea began through the work of the Unevangelised Fields Mission, later known as Asia Pacific Christian Mission. Mission work began at Madiri in 1931 and later expanded to Balimo, where the Gospel took root among the Gogodala people.
Through the sacrifice of missionaries, pastors, elders, teachers, women, youth and faithful believers, ECPNG grew from humble beginnings into a national church serving communities across Papua New Guinea.
Historical Timeline: 1931–2026
Mission Work Begins at Madiri
Mission work began at Madiri in Western Province through the Unevangelised Fields Mission. This marked the beginning of the Gospel work that would later become ECPNG.
Mission Expands to Balimo
The mission expanded to Balimo and the surrounding Gogodala area. Evangelism, education, literacy, Bible teaching and medical care became important parts of the ministry.
The Gospel Spreads
The Gospel began spreading through Gogodala villages. Early local believers emerged and Christian teaching began shaping families, communities and village life.
Birth of the Indigenous Church
The first four Gogodala believers — Pasiya, Guwaba, Apani and Mase — were baptized. This event is remembered as the birth of the indigenous church that would later become ECPNG.
Faith During World War II
During World War II, missionaries were forced to leave Papua New Guinea. Local elders and believers continued preaching, leading and caring for the growing church until the missionaries returned.
Bible Training Begins
After the missionaries returned, Bible training was strengthened to prepare pastors, evangelists and local church leaders for ministry.
Maino II Opens the River for Mission
The arrival of the mission boat Maino II helped open the Fly River as a pathway for the Gospel, allowing mission work to expand into more remote communities.
Gogodala Pastors Become Missionaries
Local Gogodala pastors and their families began serving beyond their own communities, carrying the Gospel to other tribes and language groups alongside expatriate missionaries.
Churches, Schools and Health Work Grow
New churches were planted, Bible schools trained more pastors, and education and medical ministries became important tools for serving communities and sharing the love of Christ.
Towards a National Church
Mission and church leaders recognised the need to unite scattered tribal churches into a recognised national church body with its own identity, leadership and constitution.
Evangelical Church of Papua Inaugurated
The Evangelical Church of Papua was officially inaugurated at Biula, Balimo. Pastor Danaya Baila became the first President. This is the official founding date used for ECPNG anniversary celebrations.
Dedication Service
A dedication service was held to commend the new Church to God. District representatives joined together in thanksgiving, prayer and commitment.
Second General Conference
The second General Conference continued shaping church order, governance, finance, pastoral responsibilities and district representation.
Mission, Education and Urban Growth
The Church continued expanding through evangelism, Bible schools, education services, health work and growing congregations in urban centres such as Port Moresby.
No Fading Vision Published
No Fading Vision documented the early missionary work, sacrifice and growth of the Gospel among communities that later became part of ECPNG.
Gogodala New Testament Completed
Bible translation remained a major part of the Church's work. The completion of the Gogodala New Testament was an important milestone for Scripture access in local languages.
National Leadership Strengthened
Church administration continued developing, with increased national leadership and stronger organisational structures for the growing Church.
Name Changed to ECPNG
The Church officially adopted the name Evangelical Church of Papua New Guinea, reflecting its national identity and wider ministry across the country.
50 Years Since First Baptisms
The Church celebrated 50 years since the first baptisms of 1940, remembering the birth of the indigenous church and giving thanks for God's faithfulness.
Silver Jubilee
ECPNG celebrated 25 years since the official inauguration of the Evangelical Church of Papua in 1966.
Golden Jubilee
ECPNG celebrated 50 years since the official inauguration of the Evangelical Church of Papua in 1966.
60th Diamond Jubilee
ECPNG celebrates 60 years of God's faithfulness from 1966 to 2026. This milestone honours the humble beginnings of the Church, the work of missionaries and national leaders, and the next generation called to carry the mission forward.
Historical References
The historical information presented on this page has been compiled from official publications and historical records of the Evangelical Church of Papua New Guinea, including:
1. No Fading Vision
Historical account of the early missionary work, the spread of the Gospel among the Gogodala people, and the development of the Church during its formative years.
2. Salt & Light in a Changing World
Historical publication documenting the ministries, missionary expansion, education, Bible schools, health services, and growth of the Evangelical Church of Papua New Guinea.
3. A Church Is Born: A History of the Evangelical Church of Papua New Guinea
By John & Moyra Prince. A comprehensive historical account of the formation of the Evangelical Church of Papua, its leadership, governance, mission expansion and transition to the Evangelical Church of Papua New Guinea.