Monday, June 13, 2016

The Global Church of the Nazarene News in Lenexa, Kansas, United States for Friday, 10 June 2016, Volume 1623 of The Global Nazarene Communication Network: "Former NTS president passes away" "This week in the Church of the Nazarene..."

The Global Church of the Nazarene News in Lenexa, Kansas, United States for Friday, 10 June 2016, Volume 1623 of The Global Nazarene Communication Network: "Former NTS president passes away" "This week in the Church of the Nazarene..."
Olathe, Kansas

Pastor, educator Gordon Wetmore passes away

Nazarene minister, educator, and beloved leader Arnold Gordon Wetmore passed away June 9. He was 82.
Wetmore was born on June 24, 1931, in New Brunswick, Canada. He received his undergraduate education at Eastern Nazarene College and earned the B.D. from Nazarene Theological Seminary in 1959. He also earned a Doctor of Ministry degree from Fuller Theological Seminary and completed further graduate study in a number of universities and divinity schools. He also received an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from ENC.
Wetmore served as a pastor in Wisconsin (Monroe), Massachusetts (Quincy/Wollaston), Ohio (Columbus First), and Missouri (Kansas City First). He served as dean of students at ENC, and in 1983 was elected president of the Northwest Nazarene College (now University), serving there until 1992 when he was elected as the seventh president of NTS. He served on the General Board of the Church of the Nazarene from 1970 to 1983 and was president of that board from 1979 to 1983. He also held many other board and council positions.
“[Dr. Wetmore] was the epitome of a Christian gentleman — a man who loved God and who loved all those with whom he came in contact," said Joel Persall, NNU president. "He was the same person whether he was in his leadership position, at home, interacting informally with people, or in the pulpit. Northwest Nazarene University is forever better as a result of the nine years Dr. Wetmore served as university president.”
Wetmore retired in 2000 and lived with his beloved wife, A. J., in Olathe, Kansas.
David Busic, chair of the Board of General Superintendents and former president of NTS, described Wetmore as “theologically faithful” and a “servant leader, calming presence, gentle spirit, and Christlike disciple.”
NTS extended its deepest condolences to Wetmore’s family, friends, and colleagues.
“Dr. Wetmore will be dearly missed,” said Carla Sunberg, NTS president. “His influence reached far and wide in many capacities. As pastor during my teenage years he carved an indelible impression on me, presenting an outstanding model of pastoral care and the holy life. I am humbled to follow in his footsteps at NTS where daily his imprint is seen and felt on the institution. His legacy will live on through his family and those whom he helped to shape and form in the image of God. “
In the face of rising tuition costs, Wetmore saw a great need to assist students to be able to afford to begin or to continue attending NTS. One of the focuses of his NTS presidency was the establishment of several fully funded scholarship funds (“Scholarships of Distinction”).
He encouraged many to begin scholarships, and in 1994 he began a scholarship fund in his and A. J.’s name. He faithfully gave as often and as long as he could, as he believed deeply in graduate theological education. Because of his foundational work in this area, today NTS offers more than 100 fully endowed scholarship funds to assist students with educational costs.
Even after his retirement, Wetmore continued to serve NTS for several years as he mentored the then new NTS president, Ron Benefiel, and as he continued to raise funds for NTS.
Roger Hahn, dean of faculty at NTS, recalled Wetmore’s impact on NTS and his personal ministry.
“The life and ministry of Dr. Gordon Wetmore was profoundly interwoven with the life of Nazarene Theological Seminary as a student, as Heinmiller Lecturer on the Devotional Life, as pastor of Kansas City First Church when it met in the Seminary chapel, and as seventh President,” Hahn said. “Dr. Wetmore was the president who took the risk of offering me a position on the faculty of NTS. He was both pastoral in his care for everyone he met and visionary in preparing the seminary for the 21st century. He made me a better person and I will always be grateful to for the model of leadership I experienced from him.”
In the last few years, Wetmore was proud that one of his grandsons, A. Gordon Wetmore III, planned to attend, and is now a current NTS student.
Funeral services for A. Gordon Wetmore are as follows:
Visitation – Saturday, June 18, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., College Church of the Nazarene (Uphaus), Olathe, Kansas.
Service – Sunday, June 19 at 4 p.m., College Church of the Nazarene, (main sanctuary), Olathe, Kansas.
Donations may be made to Dr. Gordon and A. J. Wetmore’s scholarship by going online at nts.edu by clicking “donate now.” Checks may be made out to Nazarene Theological Seminary and sent to 1700 E. Meyer Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64131. Earmark the check “Wetmore.”[Nazarene Theological Seminary]
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Petion-Ville, Haiti

Haiti seminary elects president

Jean Robert Maitre
The Council of Administration of Nazarene Theological Seminary of Haiti (STNH) elected Jean Robert Maitre as president of the institution to serve for a term of two years. The May 28 election was by unanimous consent.
Maitre is a pastor, theologian, and Haitian sociologist. He was ordained as an elder in the Church of the Nazarene in 1996.
He has served as a professor of theology at STNH since 1996. Maitre is currently the academic dean of STNH while also pastoring the Brothers Church of the Nazarene.
Academically, he earned a diploma and bachelor’s degree from STNH, a master’s in theology from Covington Seminary (Georgia, USA), a master’s in social sciences and humanities from Levan University (Quebec, Canada), and a doctorate in biblical studies from International Seminary (Florida, USA). Maitre is a member of various evangelical associations of note in Haiti.
At the graduation ceremony of STNH on May 29, he was installed as the new president, with Pierre Antoine Jacques, Haiti field director, offering a prayer of consecration.

Ruben Fernandez, Mesoamerica Region Education and Clergy Development coordinator, was pleased with the election.
“We are very happy with the election of Rev. Dr. Jean Robert Maitre as the new president of STNH,” Fernandez said. “We offer him sincere congratulations. In him we have found the perfect combination of pastoral heart and academic scholarship. We are profoundly grateful to Rev. Israel Acosta for his service as interim president this past year during which the institution has experienced complete renewal, placing it in the best position possible to confront the increasing challenges of a new century of theological education.”
Maitre is married and the father of three children, the oldest of whom is a medical student in Mexico.[Church of the Nazarene Mesoamerica Region]
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Fishers, Indiana

The Wesleyan Church elects general superintendent

Wayne Schmidt (The Wesleyan Church photo)
On Monday morning, June 6, the General Conference of The Wesleyan Church elected Wayne Schmidt, by 63 percent on the first ballot, to be the general superintendent of the North American General Conference for the next four years. His term began at the rise of the conference on June 8, at which time the mantle of leadership will be passed to him by 8-year General Superintendent Jo Anne Lyon.
Schmidt has served as the chief administrative officer of Wesley Seminary at Indiana Wesleyan University since January 1, 2010. He has led the seminary from its infancy to over 500 students from 34 states and 11 countries, achieving full accreditation and offering training in English and Spanish.
From 1979-2009, Schmidt was first a co-founding pastor, and then, senior pastor of Kentwood Community Church (KCC) in the Grand Rapids, Michigan, area. He gave leadership to planting the church and growing it to a multiethnic church with over 2,500 in weekend attendance and seeing more than 200 people saved annually. KCC also took the lead role in planting 10 daughter churches during Schmidt's tenure.
Schmidt has given outstanding leadership to building strong multi-ethnic communities. At Kentwood Community Church, the congregation moved from being only two percent multiethnic to over 12 percent by 2009. At Wesley Seminary, the same commitment to multi-ethnicity has resulted in the strong Spanish language programs and also serving other ethnicities well, with a student body that is nearly 40 percent ethnic minority.

Jo Anne Lyon and Wayne Schmidt (The Wesleyan Church photo)
He has been on the district boards of administration in West Michigan and Indiana North districts for a total of 15 years and also served as assistant district superintendent of West Michigan District for seven years. He has helped lead strategic roundtable discussions in all but two North American districts and has ministered on several mission fields. He is an Indiana Wesleyan University graduate, holds a master's degree, and earned a Doctor of Ministry degree at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.
Schmidt has demonstrated seminal thinking in ministry leadership through half a dozen books, including Accountability: Becoming People of Integrity; Leading When God is Moving; Soul Management; Lead On; Power Plays; and Ministry Velocity. He also has contributed chapters to books such as The Church Jesus Builds, various articles to publications, and has been a contributing editor for "Leadership Journal".
He and Jan have been married for 37 years. Their three children's families, including six grandchildren, all serve the Lord.
Schmidt has an intense commitment to prayer which has led him to lift, by name, hundreds of pastors and leaders across the denomination in daily prayer. The entire Wesleyan Church is urged to return that same commitment by praying for him and his family as he shoulders the responsibility of leadership for the entire North American General Conference. Pray also for Wesley Seminary as it will be seeking the Lord's will for new leadership to carry the seminary forward on the strong foundation that Schmidt helped build.[The Wesleyan Church]
Note: The Wesleyan Church and the Church of the Nazarene are sister denominations. Both are members of the Christian Holiness Partnership, National Association of Evangelicals, and World Methodist Council.
"Congratulations to @wkschmidt on his election as General Superintendent of the North American General Conference," Church of the Nazarene Chair of the Board of General Superintendents David Busic wrote on Twitter after the election. "We celebrate @JoAnneLyonGS for visionary and courageous leadership of our sister denomination @WesleyanChurch. She is a 'disciple of hope.'"
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GA2017: Opinions needed

As General Assembly 2017 draws closer and planning increases by the day, the Church of the Nazarene’s General Secretary’s Office requests opinions from Nazarenes around the world on their expectations for the event.
The denomination’s 29th General Assembly and Conventions are 21-30 June 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. For information, visit nazarene.org/ga.
  1. What makes General Assembly a success for your life, family, and ministry?
  2. What do you look for in the Exhibit Hall?
  3. What do you enjoy about the services?
  4. What resources do you use or would like to see?
The General Secretary’s Office wants to know.
To submit your opinions on the questions above or additional topics, write to generalassembly@nazarene.org.

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Eurasia

Trino Jara to lead South Asia Field

Trino and Anna Jara (Eurasia Region photo)
Global Mission, Church of the Nazarene, announced this week that Trino Jara was appointed the new field strategy coordinator (FSC) for the Eurasia Region’s South Asia Field.
The South Asia Field includes Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
Jara and his wife, Anna, were commissioned in February as global missionaries, affirming their many years of service to the Church of the Nazarene around the world.
Eurasia Regional Director Arthur Snijders expressed confidence in Jara’s appointment.
“Over the last years, Trino has ministered in Eurasia as a leader in Ukraine and Armenia,” Snijders said. “Besides these regional assignments, he was fully engaged with Nazarene Compassionate Ministries as Global Child Development coordinator, so our brother brings a wealth of experience to this new role.”
Trino and Anna will continue to live in Armenia and travel between their home on the CIS Field and the South Asia Field. As FSC, Trino will work closely with two appointed assistants – Amitava Chatterji (India) and Bill Grigory (USA/Sri Lanka).
Chatterji, a district superintendent in India, speaks fluent Bengali – the language of the church in Bangladesh – and will focus on church development and district assessment in that country. Grigory will focus on church and leadership development in Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
In the past 21 years, the Church of the Nazarene in South Asia has grown to more than 4,600 local churches. The expansive growth of new believers and new congregations occurred through a Spirit movement, in partnership with local Nazarenes’ focus on sharing God’s love through holistic ministries.
Snijders calls on the global Church of the Nazarene family to encircle the Jaras and the field in fervent, intercessory prayer.
“Wherever God’s Spirit is moving and bringing people to new life, the evil one seeks to disrupt and break the unity of the believers,” Snijders said. “It is critical for the continued development and maturity of the church that Nazarenes remember their brothers and sisters in prayer.”
For more information about the church in South Asia, visit eurasiaregion.org.[Global Mission]
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Flags of the Nations: United Kingdom

The Flag of United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is popularly called as the Union Jack. It is officially known as the Union Flag. The flag is a blue field with the red cross of Saint George (patron saint of England) edged in white superimposed on the diagonal red cross of Saint Patrick (patron saint of Ireland), which is superimposed on the diagonal white cross of Saint Andrew (patron saint of Scotland). (via ukflag.facts.co)
Since September 1, 2009, the Church of the Nazarene's Global Ministry Center (GMC) proudly flies a flag each week of one of the many nations in which the denomination is present in ministry. Leaders were invited to send a national flag to be flown at the GMC alongside the flag of the United States*. The national flags rotate weekly, and photos of them raised are sent to the church leaders of that country.
This week: United Kingdom
The Church of the Nazarene in the United Kingdom traces its origin to the Pentecostal Church of Scotland, which began with a congregation founded in 1906 by George Sharpe. This group united with the Church of the Nazarene in 1915, and it was followed by two other holiness groups in the 1950s.
The United Kingdom had a population of 64,088,222 in 2015. That same year, the United Kingdom reported 77 Churches of the Nazarene, 75 of which had been officially organized. The United Kingdom has 3,352 total members.
There are two Phase 3 districts in the United Kingdom. It is a part of the Eurasia Region.
The Flag of United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is popularly called the Union Jack. It is officially known as the Union Flag. The flag is a blue field with the red cross of Saint George (patron saint of England) edged in white superimposed on the diagonal red cross of Saint Patrick (patron saint of Ireland), which is superimposed on the diagonal white cross of Saint Andrew (patron saint of Scotland). (source)
* = The weekly highlighted flag is raised on the middle of three poles in compliance with U.S. government protocols. It flies to the left of the GMC host-nation United States flag, which flies above the host-state flag of Kansas. The Christian flag flies on the third pole.
The Global Ministry Center is the mission and service hub of the Church of the Nazarene.
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USA/Canada
Jacksonville, Florida

District, church mourn loss of Florida pastor

Abishai McDonald, 34, lead pastor of Jacksonville, Florida, New Dimensions Church of the Nazarene, passed away June 7.
McDonald’s legs were paralyzed in September 2015 due to a sudden blood clot on his spine. He fought courageously through rehab and physical therapy, but an infection in his blood and bones began to affect his internal organs. Hospice care began in May.
Jacksonville is on the Florida District, led by superintendent Larry Dennis.
“God has truly sustained Abishai and his wife in these days,” Dennis said. “Brittany says, ‘Are we sad? Absolutely. Are we grieving? Very deeply. But we also are resting in the peace and understanding that in all things and in all ways, our God is in control.’
“His congregation has modeled Christlike compassion throughout his illness.”

Funeral services will be held in Colorado.
Prayer is requested for Brittany, Shia (age 6). and Aniya (4) in these days, and as they relocate to be near family. Please also pray for the New Dimensions church in this difficult transition time.[Florida District]
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Cincinnati, Ohio

TEACH 2016 coming this August

TEACH 2016 is a national lay ministry conference for all those involved with small groups, Sunday school, and discipleship ministries.
The opening speaker is General Superintendent David Graves, who will address the first stage of discipleship – becoming rooted in Christ. For a video invitation from Graves, click here.
New believers who become “rooted in Christ” need an environment of persistent love, constant prayer, godly instruction, and modeling. Sunday school classes and small groups can provide an optimal social and spiritual environment in which new believers can learn the basic tenants of the gospel and begin to develop habits of holiness. TEACH 2016 will offer a variety of workshop tracks for equipping and resourcing lay people involved in ministry.
TEACH 2016 is August 12-13 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Learn more about TEACH 2016 at teach2016.org.[SDMI USA/Canada]
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Manila, Philippines

New chaplain appointed for APNTS

Sherry Shmidt was appointed the new campus chaplain for Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary (APNTS), effective June 1.
Shmidt, an ordained elder in the Church of the Nazarene and a registered nurse, has served previously in the areas of guidance counseling, member care, and general health services.
“We are prayerfully anticipating general benefits for the whole campus,” said Engineer Shionel Blas Gesite, officer in charge.
Sherry and her husband, Lynn, who is head of the Missiology Department at APNTS, arrived in the Philippines in 2015 after serving 18 years as missionaries in Africa.
“I look forward to the coming year,” Sherry said, “working to support and facilitate the spiritual and holistic development and growth of all who are a part of the APNTS community.”
In addition to serving as APNTS chaplain, Sherry will continue to serve as part of the member care team for the Asia-Pacific Region.[Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific Region]
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2016 USA/Canada Commencement Report

NCN News compiled the following list of spring commencement reports from each of the Nazarene institutions of higher education on the USA/Canada Region:
Ambrose University
President: Gordon T. Smith
Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Web: ambrose.edu
Date of Graduation Exercises: April 28 and 30
Commencement Speakers: Sherry Van de Veen (undergraduate), Clyde Glass (seminary), Michael Tymchak (education)
Number of Graduates: 167
Fast Facts: This year's Ambrose University graduation ceremony was held in three parts: 101 students received degrees at the undergraduate convocation, 41 were recognized at the seminary convocation, and 25 graduated at the education convocation ... Convocation events were held in Ambrose Gymnasium and broadcast live over the Internet.
Eastern Nazarene College
President: Corlis McGee
Location: Quincy, Massachusetts
Web: enc.edu
Date of Graduation Exercises: May 7
Commencement Speaker: Dan Copp, Church of the Nazarene education commissioner
Number of Graduates: 237
Honorary Doctorate: Kenneth Mills, retiring Mid-Atlantic district superintendent for the Church of the Nazarene
Fast Facts: This was ENC's 94th Spring Commencement ... The college presented awards to Elizabeth Aliota and Joshua Lojzim (outstanding seniors), Brian Alves (outstanding undergraduate, adult and graduate studies), Claire Krasnow (outstanding graduate, adult and graduate studies), and Montague Williams (teaching excellence) ... Susan Watkins was recognized as faculty emerita ... Video.
MidAmerica Nazarene University
President: David J. Spittal
Location: Olathe, Kansas
Web: mnu.edu
Dates of Commencement Exercises: May 7
Commencement Speakers: Wintley Phipps, vocal artist and Grammy Award nominee
Number of Graduates: 607
Honorary Doctorate Degree: Wintley Phipps
Fast Facts: MNU's 45th Commencement was held in two ceremonies at Olathe College Church of the Nazarene ... Terry Baldridge, who is retiring after 34 years, was recognized as faculty emeritus ... Don Dunn received the Robert I. Brower Award for excellence in teaching Professional and Graduate Studies ... The American Heritage Award, the highest award for one undergraduate male and female, was awarded to Caleb Asbill and Kristi Rose Jackson ... Photos ... Full story.
2016 Commencement by Carol Best
The MNU class of 2016 graduated May 6, 2016 with 607 in the graduating class. Held in two ceremonies, one for traditional undergrad and one for professional and graduate students, the 45th annual event was attended by nearly 6,000 people at College Church of the Nazarene, adjacent to the MNU campus.
Rev. Wintley Phipps, founder of the U.S. Dream Academy, a vocal artist and Grammy Award nominee, was the commencement speaker. The Harvest Prayer Ceremony was held immediately following traditional undergraduate commencement on the Campus Mall in Legacy Circle.

An honorary doctorate was bestowed upon Phipps. The status of professor emeritus of music was awarded to Dr. Terry Baldridge who is retiring after 34 years of teaching. Dr. Don Dunn received the Robert I. Brower Award for excellence in teaching Professional and Graduate Studies. The American Heritage Award, the highest award for one undergraduate male and female, was awarded to Caleb Asbill and Kristi Rose Jackson.
View the Commencement 2016 photo gallery here.

Mount Vernon Nazarene University
President: Henry W. Spaulding II
Location: Mount Vernon, Ohio
Web: mvnu.edu
Date of Graduation Exercises: April 30
Commencement Speaker: Robert Moore, Painesville Municipal Court judge (traditional), Vickie Sant, president of First-Knox National Bank (graduate and professional studies)
Number of Graduates: 432
Honorary Doctorate Degree: Geoffrey Kunselman, chair of the Board of Trustees at MVNU, and district Superintendent of the Northwestern Ohio District
Fast Facts: This was MVNU's 47th Spring Commencement ... The Class of 2016 included 208 traditional undergraduate students and 224 graduate and professional studies students ... Photos ... Full story.
Traditional and GPS Commencement Ceremonies Honor MVNU Class of 2016
MOUNT VERNON, Ohio — Mount Vernon Nazarene University honored this year's 432 graduates on Saturday, April 30, 2016. The Traditional Commencement ceremony was held in the morning and 208 degrees were conferred to the students. The Graduate and Professional Studies ceremony was held in the afternoon when 224 graduate students received their degrees.
Related Links: About MVNU/MVNU Commencement
Rev. Douglas Boquist ('79), lead pastor at Lima Community Church, spoke at the Baccalaureate service Friday night. As an MVNU alumnus, Boquist knows the obstacles an MVNU graduate may face. He reassured graduates that God's calling will lead them to the places they belong. He said that their vocations and lives are in God's hand.
Mr. Robert Moore, J.D., an attorney who previously served in the U.S. Marine Corps JAG, spoke at the Traditional Commencement ceremony. Moore's advice to the new graduates is to "stand firm."
"We need to have a clear faith and to stand firm in that faith. In a world which tells us that there is no absolute truth, no absolute morality, and no absolute good or evil, we need to be quite sure of what we believe and what we stand for. These may be our best times — God is giving us the opportunity to be tested and the circumstances to stand firm," said Moore.
Mrs. Vickie Sant currently works as the President of First-Knox National Bank and serves as a board director for Knox Country Chamber of Commerce. Her statement at the MVNU GPS Commencement ceremony reflected her thoughts on service in life. She encouraged students to give of themselves and their time in order to seek change. "The truth is, life happens and you can't control it. You can only control how you react to it and how you will grow from it. My hope for you is that you consciously choose how you will embrace change because you see, my friends; you will never control it," said Sant.
Mount Vernon Nazarene University is a private, four-year, intentionally Christian teaching university for traditional age students, graduate students and working adults. With a 327-acre main campus in Mount Vernon, Ohio, and several convenient Graduate and Professional Studies locations throughout the state, MVNU emphasizes academic excellence, spiritual growth and service to community and church. MVNU offers an affordable education to more than 2,100 students from 28 states and 16 countries/U.S. territories.
Nazarene Bible College
President: Harold B. Graves Jr.
Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Web: nbc.edu
Dates of Graduation Exercises: May 29
Commencement Speaker: Bob Broadbooks, USA/Canada regional director for the Church of the Nazarene
Number of Graduates: 92
Fast Facts: This was the 46th Spring Commencement at NBC ... The traditional Call and Response of the Apostles was held in Apostles Court ... Awards were bestowed on six Delta Epsilon Chi members and eight students on the Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges list ... Bachelor of Arts in Ministry degrees were awarded to 70 individuals, seven students earned associate's degrees, and 15 received certificates in ministerial preparation.
Northwest Nazarene University
President: Joel Pearsall
Location: Nampa, Idaho
Web: nnu.edu
Date of Graduation Exercises: May 7
Commencement Speaker: Joel Pearsall, NNU president (arts and sciences), Ed Robinson, interim vice president for Academic Affairs (adult and graduate studies)
Number of Graduates: 579
Fast Facts: This was the university's 100th commencement ceremony ... NNU's graduates represented 16 countries ... The university honored 41 "Golden Grads," who received their degrees 50 years ago ... The NNU School of Nursing held its 15th annual pinning ceremony ... Photos ... Full story.
NNU confers 579 degrees at 100th commencement

Northwest Nazarene University’s 100th Commencement brought family, friends, faculty and staff together to celebrate the milestone event on Saturday, May 7. 579 students received associate, bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees.
Separate ceremonies were held to honor the 241 graduates of the College of Arts & Sciences and the 338 graduates of the College of Adult & Graduate Studies. President Joel Pearsall and Dr. Ed Robinson were the keynote speakers, respectively.
Joining the celebration were 41 “Golden Grads” from NNU’s class of 1966. During the ceremony, the golden grads were recognized and pinned by members of the undergraduate class of 2016.
NNU’s graduates represented states from throughout the United States and 15 foreign countries, including Albania, Bahamas, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Mexico, Paraguay, Portugal, South Africa, South Korea, Ukraine, and Zambia.
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Remembering Dr. A. Gordon Wetmore

Northwest Nazarene University and president Joel Pearsall extend their deepest condolences to the family and friends of Dr. Arnold Gordon Wetmore, former NNU president. Dr. Wetmore passed away on the morning of June 9, 2016, at the age of 84.
Upon hearing of his passing, Pearsall described Dr. Wetmore as “the epitome of a Christian gentleman—a man who loved God and who loved all those with whom he came in contact. He was the same person whether he was in his leadership position, at home, interacting informally with people, or in the pulpit. Northwest Nazarene University is forever better as a result of the nine years Dr. Wetmore served as university president.”
Dr. Wetmore was born on June 24, 1931 in New Brunswick, Canada. He received his undergraduate education from Eastern Nazarene College (ENC) and Nazarene Theological Seminary (NTS) in 1959. He later earned a Doctor of Ministry from Fuller Theological Seminary and an honorary Doctor of Divinity from ENC. He served on the General Board of the Church of the Nazarene from 1970 to 1983 and was president of that board from 1979 to 1983. He was elected president of Northwest Nazarene College (NNC) in 1983 and served in that role until 1992, when he was elected president of NTS.
Fred Fullerton, Vice President for Spiritual and Leadership Development at NNU, was university chaplain while Dr. Wetmore was president of NNU and described him as “a very influential person in my life, training and ministry.”
Dr. Wetmore retired in 2000 and lived with his wife, A.J., in Olathe, Kansas.
In honor of Dr. Wetmore, the flags on the campus of NNU are being flown at half-mast through Sunday, June 19th.

Nazarene Theological Seminary
President: Carla Sunberg
Location: Kansas City, Missouri
Web: nts.edu
Date of Graduation Exercises: May 1
Commencement Speaker: Franklin Cook, former Eurasia regional director and founding editor of Holiness Today
Number of graduates: 49
Fast Facts: This was the 70th Spring Commencement at NTS ... Commencement activities were held at Kansas City First Church of the Nazarene ... The 49 graduates of the Class of 2016 received degrees as follows: 16 Master of Arts, 29 Master of Divinity, and four Doctor of Ministry ... Sixteen of the graduates earned certificates or diplomas ... The graduates represented six countries: U.S., Portugal, South Korea, Mexico, Canada, and Kazakhstan.
Olivet Nazarene University
President: John C. Bowling
Location: Bourbonnais, Illinois
Web: olivet.edu
Date of Graduation Exercises: May 7
Commencement Speakers: Suzanne Bell, psychologist
Number of Graduates: 1,395
Honorary Doctorate Degrees: Jerry Hammes, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and longtime supporter of the university
Fast Facts: This was Olivet's 103rd annual commencement ... At the undergraduate ceremony, awards were presented for the outstanding male and outstanding female graduates, as well as scholarly excellence and teaching excellence ... During the Graduate and Continuing Studies ceremony, the first Master of Engineering Management and Doctor of Education in ethical leadership degrees were presented ... There were 598 undergraduate degrees, one associate's degree, 159 adult studies bachelor's degrees, 613 master's degrees, and 24 doctoral degrees ... Full story.
ou are here:
Commencement celebrates Olivet Class of 2016

In Olivet's Class of 2016, Caleb Gulledge and Justine Von Arb received special recognition as the outstanding male and female graduates.

Olivet’s Class of 2016 includes 598 traditional undergraduate bachelor’s, one associate’s, 159 adult studies bachelor’s, 613 master’s and 24 doctoral degrees.

“Our character is our God-given, internal umpire. It is a person’s essential self. In the end, all education should seek to develop men and women of character.” — Dr. John C. Bowling, University president

Olivet's 2016 commencement, which included graduates receiving the Ed.D. degree, was the 103rd in University history.
During Commencement ceremonies last weekend, Olivet Nazarene University conferred degrees on 1,395 graduates, including those who earned the University’s first-ever Master of Engineering Management degrees.
Olivet’s Class of 2016 includes 598 traditional undergraduate bachelor’s, one associate’s, 159 adult studies bachelor’s, 613 master’s and 24 doctoral degrees. Commencement ceremonies for traditional undergraduate students and those in the University’sSchool of Graduate and Continuing Studies highlighted a weekend of activity to recognize the accomplishments of Olivet graduates and faculty.
During the Convocation for Traditional Undergraduates held Saturday morning, May 7, Dr. Suzanne Bell — a 1998 Olivet graduate — addressed the graduates and guests as the featured guest speaker. She is a tenured associate professor of industrial and organizational psychology in the College of Science and Health at DePaul University. In 2015, she and her collaborators were awarded a $1 million grant from NASA to create a predictive team composition model for long-distance space exploration (e.g., Mission to Mars).
“Teamwork is essential for success,” Dr. Bell told the graduates. “My message for you today is simple. Learn how to work well as part of a team. It is a brilliant person who enlists, respects and utilizes the thinking and talents of others in order to end up with a product that is far beyond the limits of a lone person’s abilities.”
An honorary Doctor of Letters degree was conferred upon Jerry Hammes of South Bend, Indiana. He is an entrepreneur, philanthropist and longtime supporter of the University.
Twelve students who earned bachelor’s degrees had the distinction of being Honors Program graduates. They are:
• Abigail Allen, a nursing major from Martinsville, Indiana
• Sarah Anderson, an English major from Frankfort, Illinois
• Madeline Bloom, a music ministry and Spanish major, from Eden Prairie, Minnesota
• Collin Brown, a biology major from LaFontaine, Indiana
• Barbara Budach, a nursing major from Woodridge, Illinois
• Samuel Cullado, a multimedia studies major, now living in Studio City, California
• Austin Fischer, an accounting major from Olathe, Kansas
• Caleb Gulledge, a biology major from Bourbonnais, Illinois
• Lindsay Morr, an exercise science major from Bloomington, Illinois
• Garrett Muhlstadt, an engineering major with a mechanical engineering concentration (also a pre-med concentration) from Kankakee, Illinois
• Jacob Ruetz, a business management major from Noblesville, Indiana
• Justine Von Arb, an English major from Lisle, Illinois
Highlights of undergraduate Commencement included:
• Maggie Sloan Crawford Award for outstanding female graduate to Justine Von Arb
• Robert M. Milner Award for outstanding male graduate to Caleb Gulledge
• Samuel L. Mayhugh Award for Scholarly Excellence toDr. Leo Finkenbinder, professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life and Health Sciences
• Richard M. Jones Award for Teaching Excellence to Dr. Craig Bishop, professor in the Department of Social Work and Criminal Justice, School of Life and Health Sciences
School of Graduate and Continuing Studies
In a Saturday afternoon ceremony, Dr. John C. Bowling, president of the University, addressed those receiving degrees from the Olivet School of Graduate and Continuing Studies (SGCS): “Our character is our God-given, internal umpire. It is a person’s essential self. In the end, all education should seek to develop men and women of character.”
Included among the 796 advanced-degree graduates were:
• First cohort of three graduates from Olivet’s Master of Engineering Management degree program
Doctor of Education: Ethical Leadership degree program graduate Patricia Lynn Starks Howard, whose son, Wesley Taylor, received his Bachelor of Science degree in the morning undergraduate ceremony
Student and faculty awards included:
• Willis E. Snowbarger Award for Teaching Excellence presented to Dr. Paul Fabbi, SGCS affiliate professor, teaching in the Master of Business Administration and Doctor of Education: Ethical Leadership degree programs.
• Ralph E. Perry Student Award of Excellence presented to Dr. Derrick Wells of Flossmoor, Illinois. He recently presented his research on the topic “Toward a Sustainable Leadership Model for Pastoral Leaders” during Olivet’s 2016 Ethical Leadership Colloquium.
Additional recognition
The 2016 commencement was the 103rd in Olivet’s history. Other commencement weekend activities included:
• The Friday evening baccalaureate service. Dr. Bowling delivered the sermon, “Your Days Are Numbered,” based on Psalm 90:12. He challenged the Class of 2016: “Be willing to exchange the passing moment for something eternally meaningful.” Graduates Megan McKinley, a Christian education major from Sugar Grove, Illinois, and Garrett Muhlstadt, an engineering major from Kankakee, Illinois, gave student testimonies.
Social work pinning ceremony (28 graduates). The Spirit of Social Work Award was presented to Laura Fosnaugh of Bourbonnais, Illinois.
Nursing pinning ceremony (41 traditional graduates). The Sigma Theta Tau, Kappa Sigma chapter, Senior Nursing Excellence Award was presented to Barbara Budach of Woodridge, Illinois.
Phi Delta Lambda, Gamma Chapter banquet. The chapter inducted 51 new members. Jamie Kraus — a junior engineering major with a concentration in geological engineering from Oak Forest, Illinois — received the chapter’s Enduring Hope Scholarship.
Military/ROTC commissioning ceremony. Seven cadets were commissioned as new second lieutenants in the U.S. Army.
Point Loma Nazarene University
President: Bob Brower
Location: San Diego, California
Web: pointloma.edu
Date of Graduation Exercises: May 7
Commencement Speakers: Bill Wood, PLNU professor of history (undergraduate convocation), and Ron Benefiel, lead consultant for mission resources & pastoral relations (graduate convocation prayer)
Number of Graduates: 964
Fast Facts: This was PLNU's 115th annual commencement ... All three ceremonies (two undergraduate, one graduate) were held in the historic Greek Amphitheater on PLNU's campus ... This year's class included the first cohort of graduates from the university's expanded adult degree completion programs, including BSN graduates from the community college partnership between PLNU and Grossmont Community College ... Six retiring faculty members were recognized ... Photos ... Webpage.
Southern Nazarene University
President: Loren Gresham
Location: Bethany, Oklahoma
Web: snu.edu
Date of Graduation Exercises: May 14
Commencement Speaker: Rick Harvey, Bethany First Church of the Nazarene pastor
Number of Graduates: 490
Honorary Doctorate Degrees: Susie Shellenberger and Kenneth Tillett
Fast Facts: This was SNU's 113th Spring Commencement ... Susie Shellenberger, an international speaker and Church of the Nazarene evangelist, received a Doctor of Divinity and Kennet, a Belize politician and SNU alumnus, received a Doctor of Humane Letters degree ... Mandie Oliver and Felipe Simoes received The President's Award, the highest award for undergraduates, in recognition of their academic excellence, service, campus leadership, and demonstration of the qualities reflected in SNU's motto, "Character, Culture, Christ" ... Twenty-six members of the Class of 1966 were presented with commemorative medalions ... The morning commencement was followed by the Tradition of the Ivy Ring with graduating seniors and their families ... Photos ... Full story.
SNU Celebrates 113th Commencement
BETHANY, OK – On Saturday, May 14th, Southern Nazarene University (SNU) celebrated the 113th Commencement on the Campus of SNU, with the awarding of 490 degrees. Also, two were awarded honorary doctorate degrees, and recognitions of outstanding service and student leadership were given. Dr. Rick Harvey, Pastor of Bethany First Church of the Nazarene, served as Commencement speaker.
The President's Award is the highest award at SNU for traditional undergraduate students. Two students, one male, and one female, are selected by a vote of the faculty and administration. Students are nominated based on academic excellence, service, campus leadership, and a demonstration of the qualities reflected in SNU's motto, "Character / Culture / Christ." The sculpture presented to recipients is entitled, "A Cup...in His Name" and was crafted by SNU alumnus Scott Stearman. Their names will be added to a plaque in Webster Commons displaying names of recipients since 1940. This marks the 77th year for presenting this award. Mandie Oliver and Felipe Simoes were the awardees this Commencement.
Susie Shellenberger received a Doctor of Divinity award. Susie Shellenberger is an internationally known author and speaker and a tenured Evangelist in the Church of the Nazarene.She received her B.A. degree in Communication in 1978 from Southern Nazarene University and her M.A. from the University of Central Oklahoma in English with an emphasis in Creative Writing in 1988. Susie was ordained in the Church of the Nazarene in 2004. She has traveled to every continent through her ministry and has led over 8000 students and adults on international mission trips over the last 17 years. Shellenberger has authored 57 books, been a featured guest on several TV shows, and has hosted a national call-in talk show for teens. Before creating Susie Shellenberger Ministries in 2009, she worked for Focus on the Family for 20 years and before that she was a high school teacher in Bethany. Susie currently resides here in Bethany but travels about 43 weeks of the year.
Ambassador Kenneth E. Tillett received a Doctor of Humane Letters award. Kenneth E. Tillett has been in public service throughout his life starting as a City Councilor for Belize City in 1974. During his time he has served in a variety of roles including Senate Minority Leader, Belizean Senate; Negotiator for Belize with both 
Belize-Guatemala Negotiations and Belize-Peoples of Republic of China Negotiations; Director of Refugee Department for the Government of Belize; and as Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Government of Belize, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Ambassador Tillett received his B.A. degree in Political Science in 1967 from Southern Nazarene University, his M.A. in American Government from George- town University, Washington, D.C. in 1972, and he was credentialed in Humanitarian Law at the Humanitarian Institute in San Remo, Italy in 1992. Most recently he has served as an instructor of Political Science at Southwestern Oklahoma State University. He resides in Florida with his wife, Margaret of 50 years. They have three children.
SNU honored twenty-six members of the Bethany Nazarene College Class of 1966, who 50 years ago walked across the Commencement stage to receive their diplomas. Each Golden Graduate was presented with a special commemorative medallion displaying the BNC & SNU seals. By honoring these Golden Grads, we signify the life-long connection between Alumni and this institution.
Following the morning Commencement, traditional graduates took part in the Ivy Ring ceremony, a symbolic parting of the ways that has taken place for over 76 years at SNU.
Southern Nazarene University's mission is to make Christlike disciples through higher education inChrist-centered community.
Trevecca Nazarene University
President: Dan Boone
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Web: trevecca.edu
Date of Graduation Exercises: May 7
Commencement Speaker: Tim Eades, associate provost for the School of Graduate and Continuing Studies
Number of Graduates: 733
Fast Facts: This was Trevecca's 115th Commencement ... Registrar Emeritus Becky Niece and Professor Emeritus Doug Lepter were recognized ... Trevecca President Dan Boone presented the Trevecca Citizenship Award to Sarah Hogan ... Photos ... Full story.

Trevecca awards 733 degrees at 2016 Commencement

Trevecca Nazarene University held its 115th Commencement Convocation on May 7, 2016. The University conferred 733 degrees on Saturday, ranging from associate to doctoral degrees.
The outdoor ceremony was held on The Quad with thousands in attendance.
Graduate Daniel Shelton, who was awarded a Bachelor’s of Business Administration with a concentration in accounting, was eager to begin life after college.
“I’m excited to begin the rest of my life,” Shelton said, adding that he will start a new full-time job at an accounting firm in Nashville this week. “Trevecca gave me the skills to get that job, and I had connections here that really helped me, too.”
Matthew Dunlap, who was awarded his Master’s in Arts and Religion on Saturday, saw graduation as an important step on his path toward ordination in the Church of the Nazarene.
“I was called into the ministry at the age of 30 and needed more study of religion,” he said. Dunlap will be ordained in the MidSouth District of the Church of the Nazarene on May 29.
"Everything I’ve learned has been helpful and practical for everyday ministry."
“I have loved my time at Trevecca,” Dunlap continued. “Everything I’ve learned has been helpful and practical for everyday ministry.”
Karen Bryant (Ed.D.) said she earned her doctoral degree for her children.
“Everything I’ve done is for my children,” Bryant, currently a third grade teacher in the Metro Nashville Public School System, said. “I wanted them to go forward in life and the best way to teach that is to live it before them.”
Dr. Tim Eades, associate provost of Trevecca’s School of Graduate and Continuing Studies, delivered the challenge to the graduates. During his speech, Eades encouraged students to live boldly, always remembering that their lives can have an eternal impact.
“Be a dispenser of hope in a hopeless world,” Eades said. “What you do today, what you do tomorrow, what you do will have eternal impact.”
Representatives of the graduating class also spoke, and the University honored retiring faculty Becky Niece, registrar emeritus, and Dr. Doug Lepter, emeritus professor.
Dr. Dan Boone, Trevecca’s president, also presented the citizenship award to Sarah Hogan, the outgoing student government association president.
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Global Ministry Center

In Memoriam

The following is a weekly listing of Nazarene ministers and leaders who recently went home to be with the Lord. Notices were received June 5-10, 2016.
Jimmie Lee Jennette Andrews, 86, of Franklin, Tennessee, passed away June 3. She was the widow of J. T. Andrews, who served in Tennessee. J. T. Andrews passed away in 2008.
Joyce A. Baggott, 71, of Mount Juliet, Tennessee, passed away June 3. She was the wife of retired minister and district superintendent Barney S. Baggott, who served in Florida, South Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee. He was superintendent of the North Arkansas District.
Lena Delores Harrison, 86, of Nacogdoches, Texas, passed away June 4. She was the widow of minister and evangelist John L. Harrison, who served in Oklahoma and Texas. John L. Harrison passed away in 2004.
Abishai McDonald, 34, of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away June 7. He was the lead pastor of Jacksonville, Florida, New Dimensions Church of the Nazarene. He is survived by his wife, Brittany. (story)
Marie Jean-Pierre, 59, of Sarasota, Florida, passed away June 7. She was the wife of Wilner Jean-Pierre, pastor of Bradenton First Haitian Church of the Nazarene.
Robert A. Schmidt, 77, of New Matamoras, Ohio, passed away June 6. He was a retired minister, serving in West Virginia, Virginia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. He is survived by his wife, Rose Marie Schmidt.
A. Gordon Wetmore, 82, of Olathe, Kansas, passed away June 9. He was a retired minister and educator (Eastern Nazarene College, Northwest Nazarene University, Nazarene Theological Seminary), serving in Wisconsin, Massachusetts, Ohio, Missouri, and Idaho. (story)
Note: Please join us in prayer for the families who have lost loved ones. Click on names for full stories, funeral information, local online obituaries, and/or guest books (if available). To submit an entry of a minister or church leader, send to news@nazarene.org.[Compiled by NCN News]
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Human Resources

GMC employment opportunities

People are our most valued resource. Our committed employees are involved in "Making Christlike Disciples in the Nations" in 159 world areas.
The Global Ministry Center Human Resources Office professionals strive to deliver the highest possible service to our employees, and are responsible for the recruitment, placement and retention of qualified individuals to staff the ministry and administrative positions of the GMC. The many employee services include compensation and benefit administration, payroll, employment, employee relations, training, counseling, organizational communication and events, and workplace programs.
*Volunteer opportunities for GMC ministries are available now. Email bsikes@nazarene.org for details.
Employment Opportunities
Donor Services — Donor Services Manager (Full time)
Office: Financial Services
Ministry: Donor Services
Title: Donor Services Manager
Description: This financial ministry position leads the Donor Services staff in the function of receiving, crediting, depositing, and receipting all funds donated to the ministries of the Church of the Nazarene, Inc., through the General Treasurer’s Office, including the administration of applicable supporting systems and reporting.
Sunday School & Discipleship Ministries International (SDMI) — Office Assistant (Full time temporary)
Office: Global Mission
Ministry: Sunday School & Discipleship Ministries International (SDMI)
Title: Office Assistant
Description: Responsibilities are to assist with communicating, organizing, administrating, and serving global SDMI needs and responsibilities. Additional responsibilities include assisting with Tell The Story events with administrative support in promotion, correspondence, communications, registrations, record keeping, training materials, and social media resources. This position also assists with the 2017 SDMI Convention.
USA/Canada Regional Office — Senior Program Assistant (Full time)
Office: Global Mission
Ministry: USA/Canada Regional Office
Title: Senior Program Assistant
Description: This position provides assistance to the USA/Canada Regional Office New Church Development director with event planning, travel arrangements, finance reconciliation, word processing, database maintenance, correspondence, and other tasks as needed.
To obtain additional information, please call 913-577-0500 and ask for Human Resources.
Location of our Positions
The GMC is the administrative hub for the Church of the Nazarene denominational ministries in 159 world areas. The GMC is conveniently located in Lenexa, Kansas, with easy access to I-35 and I-435 and within short driving distance to Kansas City International airport. All GMC positions report to this location.
Our Non-Discrimination Policy
The Church of the Nazarene Global Ministry Center offers equal employment opportunity to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, disability, race, religion, creed, sex, or veteran status. The Global Ministry Center is an “at will” employer.
Our Faith-Based Organization
We are a faith-based organization. Acceptance of our Christian Code of Conduct is required and membership in the Church of the Nazarene is required for certain positions. The GMC and applicable remote work sites are smoke-, alcohol-, and drug-free Christian workplaces.
Application Processing
Our Human Resources Office receives and processes many employment applications annually for a limited number of positions. While we regret that we cannot respond to each applicant, we do contact those individuals possessing the skills, education/training, and experience that best match the requirements of the open position for which the application was submitted.
An application must be completed by all applicants and an application must be completed for each position for which one wishes to be considered. Applications are retained for one year. Resumés are not necessary for entry-level positions, but they are preferred for professional level positions.
Applying for Employment with the GMC
Application forms may be requested by calling 913-577-0500, emailing bsikes@nazarene.org, or obtained in person from Human Resources at the Church of the Nazarene Global Ministry Center, 17001 Prairie Star Parkway, Lenexa, Kansas, 66220, Monday through Friday from 8:00 to 4:30 U.S. Central Time. Completed applications may be mailed or emailed to the attention of the Human Resources Office.
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The discipling of Millennials

Disciplemaking in the U.S. has become a major challenge in recent years, especially among the Millennial Generation (adults born after 1980). The Pew Research Center reports that Millennials are much less likely than prior generations to embrace Christianity, and more than one in three Millennials now say they have no religion – a 10 point increase since just 2007.
The declining number of young Christians and the growing ranks of the non-religious are due largely to higher losses of young adults raised in Christian households. Evangelicals, like Catholics and mainline protestants, have seen heavy recent losses among young adults. According to the Pew research, there are about one-third fewer evangelical Christians among the Millennial generation compared to their grandparents’ generation.
The Next Generation Project of Indianapolis, Indiana, is actively working to meet this growing challenge. Larry Barnett, director of the Project, wants to help congregations be effective in making disciples of the next generation. He hopes to help the next generation thrive and grow in their Christian faith as they transition into adulthood.
The Next Generation Project is a research initiative to understand why so many young adults are now leaving Christianity. Over the past five years, through three large national studies, the Project has explored the reasons behind the higher recent losses of young people from Christianity. Barnett is now applying the insights from this research to training U.S. Christians to become more effective in discipling the next generation.
Next month, through Sunday School and Discipleship Ministry International’s the Discipleship Place, Barnett will host two webinars based on his research. On July 7, he will host “Why Younger Americans are Leaving Christianity,” where he will discuss the major drivers of the recent decline of Christianity among younger Americans. On July 21, Barnett will host “The Hidden Key to Effective Disciple-Making,” which will detail practical insights from this research for helping the next generation thrive and grow in their faith.
The webinars are offered free of charge. Registration is available through thediscipleshipplace.org.[SDMI USA/Canada]
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