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Indianapolis, Indiana
One in Spirit
“One Spirit” was the emphasis of Friday night’s worship service, the second segment of the General Assembly theme “One Body, One Spirit, One Hope, One Lord, One Faith.” The service began with a greeting and invocation by General Superintendent J. K. Warrick before Global Nazarene Youth International President Gary Hartke welcomed the gathering and NYI delegates from sites around the world via live video. Hartke spoke of NYI’s establishment (formerly Nazarene Young Peoples Society) in 1923.
A medley of worship songs emphasizing the work of the Holy Spirit preceded a welcome by Dan Copp, International Board of Education commissioner. Copp noted that more than 50,000 Nazarene students are enrolled throughout the world today.
General Superintendent David W. Graves preached from Joel 2 and Acts 2, highlighting the promise of God to “pour out His Spirit on all people.” Because of God’s faithfulness, Graves reminded, we can “hold unswervingly to the promises we profess, because He who promises is faithful” (Hebrews 10:23). God’s promise to “pour out His Spirit” can be trusted because of God’s faithfulness.
Graves further emphasized that God never pours out His Spirit simply for the purpose of entertaining. Instead, God pours out His Spirit to empower us to “take the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world.”
“God wants to pour out His Spirit again today, just as He did at Pentecost,” Graves said.
The gift of God’s Spirit is not limited to a certain select few. Instead, “all who call upon the name of the Lord” can trust the promise of God to receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit. In the words of Graves, “God poured, pours, and will continue to pour out His Spirit.” Also, “the Holy Spirit does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, or social class,” as Joel 2 reminds. In fact, according to Graves, “God’s Spirit is for all of us!”’
Graves reminded the congregation that youth are making a difference in the world and are needed by the Church to help carry on the mission of Christ. He shared an example of a group of Christian teenagers who have recently formed a Nazarene church in Hong Kong. The Church also needs active adults who will “dream dreams.” Using the example of Phineas Bresee being used of God to start the Church of the Nazarene at age 56, Graves recognized the need for everyone to be filled with the Spirit – the Spirit whom God promises to “pour out on all people,” not only to save us, but also to fill us.
Indianapolis, Indiana
NMI Convention concludes with awards, celebration
Nazarene Missions International delegates carried Thursday’scelebratory attitude and spirit of unity into the final day of the conventionFriday.
Nazarene Missions International delegates carried Thursday’s celebratory attitude and spirit of unity into the final day of the convention Friday. Each NMI workshop was offered a second time to packed audiences, then delegates tossed beach balls as they entered the plenary session while the Guatemala quartet sang lively pre-session music.
Newly re-elected Global NMI President Philip Weatherill presented Distinguished Service Awards to retiring general superintendents Jerry D. Porter and J. K. Warrick for their active support of NMI and its leadership. Weatherill noted that Porter “had black-rimmed spectacles and I had black hair” when they first met in the Dominican Republic in 1976. He stated that Warrick has been “a good listener as I got to grips with this role.” The convention heartily applauded the two award recipients.
Following an announcement of the newly elected Global Council and Executive Global NMI Council, Global Mission Director Verne Ward led the conference in a special time of prayer for the new leaders.
During the final plenary session, Global NMI Director Lola Brickey brought a powerful challenge. She focused on the life of Ada Bresee, who served as the vice president for what is now the Global NMI Council.
“It would be easy to say that what she did was not necessary, but Susan Fitkin (NMI president) could not have accomplished what she did without Ada,” Brickey said.
In the same way, “we cannot do what we do without you,” Brickey continued. “We need you to continue to remain involved and to bring your unique God-given abilities to NMI to advance Christ’s kingdom.”
General Superintendent Emerita Nina G. Gunter, former Global NMI director, prayed a blessing over the delegates. After a surprise presentation, Weatherill released the convention by reading from Joshua. Shooting ribbons rained down on attendees as they departed.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the convention,” delegate Corey Chesson said. “We got a lot done, and it was fast-paced and fun.”
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Indianapolis, Indiana
NYI stays true to core strategies
Indianapolis, Indiana
NYI stays true to core strategies
Three of the main sessions during the Global Nazarene Youth International Convention focused on the core strategies of NYI: evangelism (represented by “Be”), discipleship (represented by “Do”), and leadership development (represented by “Go)”.
A spoken-word poem on each of these three core strategies was a definite highlight of the plenary. Youth and youth leaders were challenged to “Be” a light for Christ in the dark and ignored places of their worlds.
They were called to “Do” the things that Jesus did as they follow in His footsteps and live in community with one another. Finally, they were sent out to “Go” into their worlds as servant leaders, engaging in the mission of Christ with humble attitudes and learning spirits.
Video recordings of these spoken-word poems will be made available after the convention in English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Korean to download and share.
Updated graphics were revealed for the NYI “Be Do Go” logos.
“These new colors represent the three primary colors of blue, red, and yellow,” said Gary Hartke, global NYI director. “It is from the combination of these three primary colors that other colors are made. These colors remind us that all we do in NYI is colored by Be, Do, Go … Everything we do should flow out of our focus on evangelism, discipleship, and leadership development.”
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Indianapolis, Indiana
SDMI, NTS highlight biblical engagement
Indianapolis, Indiana
SDMI, NTS highlight biblical engagement
Sunday School and Discipleship Ministries International and Nazarene Theological Seminary hosted a breakfast Friday morning to address the importance of biblical engagement. The program featured a panel discussion facilitated by Dean Blevins and panelists Roger Hahn, Christine Hung, and Sam Harrell of the American Bible Society. The panel focused on the why and how of biblical engagement.
Harrell spoke about the decline of biblical literacy by sharing recent research that revealed specific trends. John Comstock of The Discipleship Place mentioned a free course called “How to Study the Bible” that is available by texting the letters DP to 33733. Dana Preusch shared about resources from the NTS Center for Pastoral Leadership available for pastors at cpl.nts.edu. Frank Moore talked about the One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism curriculum that is now available for all Churches of the Nazarene. General Superintendent Emeritus Jesse C. Middendorf closed the time in prayer.
During the SDMI plenary Friday, each regional director gave a powerful testimony of how key figures led them into the ministry through discipleship, and Philippines motocross star Sam Yamato shared his unique salvation story.
Indianapolis, Indiana
NCM: Compassion in the refugee crisis
War and severe violence in Syria have caused millions to flee their homes, many of whom are left in limbo for years as they try to reach safety. All over the world, churches are caring for those living as refugees.
Nazarene Missions International, the Eurasia Region, and Nazarene Compassionate Ministries are shining a light on the crisis and the way churches are providing care. Food, clothes, education, safety, medical care, and relational support are just a few of the things they have provided to those living as refugees.
Lindell and Kay Browning, who served in the Middle East with the Church of the Nazarene for more than 30 years, facilitated a workshop with speakers who serve directly with refugees in their own countries.
“When we depersonalize crisis, we’re in danger,” Kay said during the workshop.
Refugees aren’t only from Syria, though. To learn more about the current refugee crisis and how the Church of the Nazarene is involved in ministry to them, visit the Eurasia Region booth and the NCM booth, which are highlighting the problem — and the church’s response — via stories and 360 video.
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Indianapolis, Indiana
JFHP equips the nations
Indianapolis, Indiana
JFHP equips the nations
As assembly goers attend workshops and plenaries, equipment is being delivered to JESUS Film Harvest Partners teams. Nazarenes gathering from all over the world provided an opportunity for 77 sets and hundreds of supplementary pieces of equipment to be moved to the forefront of Kingdom-building.
This is the largest amount of equipment JFHP has moved to the field at General Assembly in more than 12 years. Teams received a wide variety of equipment depending on their needs, including mini-solar sets, evangelism soccer balls, iPods, micro SD cards, JESUS film screens, and audio Bibles.
Delivering the equipment at General Assembly provides a convenient time for team members to receive additional training on the tools they are using in the field. It also allows JFHP staff to receive feedback from team members.
“It’s a great time to hear from the ones on the field doing the work about the things that are working well and the things that are not working well,” said Rusty Robbins, JFHP field services coordinator. “Their input lays the framework for how we move forward. It’s in those conversations that we get a chance to be better and ultimately segue into the next technologies.”
Equipment sets are going to teams working with broken equipment or teams transitioning from older to new equipment, which allows them to more easily get to hard-to-reach places.
Robbins said the result of these deliveries should be lasting.
“Our teams will be set for quite a while,” he said. “We think the equipment has a three- to five-year shelf life, which means this equipment will have a significant impact.”
More than 600 JESUS Film teams are serving tirelessly in 50 countries, focusing on evangelism, discipleship, and church maturation.
As assembly goers attend workshops and plenaries, equipment is being delivered to JESUS Film Harvest Partners teams. Nazarenes gathering from all over the world provided an opportunity for 77 sets and hundreds of supplementary pieces of equipment to be moved to the forefront of Kingdom-building.
This is the largest amount of equipment JFHP has moved to the field at General Assembly in more than 12 years. Teams received a wide variety of equipment depending on their needs, including mini-solar sets, evangelism soccer balls, iPods, micro SD cards, JESUS film screens, and audio Bibles.
Delivering the equipment at General Assembly provides a convenient time for team members to receive additional training on the tools they are using in the field. It also allows JFHP staff to receive feedback from team members.
“It’s a great time to hear from the ones on the field doing the work about the things that are working well and the things that are not working well,” said Rusty Robbins, JFHP field services coordinator. “Their input lays the framework for how we move forward. It’s in those conversations that we get a chance to be better and ultimately segue into the next technologies.”
Equipment sets are going to teams working with broken equipment or teams transitioning from older to new equipment, which allows them to more easily get to hard-to-reach places.
Robbins said the result of these deliveries should be lasting.
“Our teams will be set for quite a while,” he said. “We think the equipment has a three- to five-year shelf life, which means this equipment will have a significant impact.”
More than 600 JESUS Film teams are serving tirelessly in 50 countries, focusing on evangelism, discipleship, and church maturation.
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GA live streaming
Day/Date/Time/Speaker (All times Eastern Daylight Time)
Thursday 22 June, 7:00-8:30 p.m., Gustavo A. Crocker
Friday 23 June, 7:00-8:30 p.m., David W. Graves
Saturday 24 June, 7:00-8:30 p.m., Jerry D. Porter
Sunday 25 June, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., J. K. Warrick
Sunday 25 June, 4:00 p.m., Eugénio R. Duarte
Monday 26 June, Quadrennial Address, David A. Busic
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Live Streaming
The 2017 General Assembly worship services and GA plenary meetings will be live streamed for online viewing (Note: SDMI, NMI, GNEC, and NYI plenaries are not able to be broadcast). For Spanish, French, and Portuguese, interpreters' audio will be included. Services will be archived and posted for additional/later viewing.
The service schedule for Sunday morning, 25 June, including music selections, can be downloaded by clicking here (All times Eastern Daylight Time. For the official time in Indianapolis, click here.).
Day/Date/Time/Speaker (All times Eastern Daylight Time)
Thursday 22 June, 7:00-8:30 p.m., Gustavo A. Crocker
Friday 23 June, 7:00-8:30 p.m., David W. Graves
Saturday 24 June, 7:00-8:30 p.m., Jerry D. Porter
Sunday 25 June, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., J. K. Warrick
Sunday 25 June, 4:00 p.m., Eugénio R. Duarte
Monday 26 June, Quadrennial Address, David A. Busic
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GA 2017 app
GA 2017 app
The 2017 General Assembly app is now available on iOS and Android devices.
The app includes several features to help attendees keep track of event activities, including a daily schedule and a map of the Indiana Convention Center.
Attendees can filter events or use the search feature to look for specific activities. The schedule section also includes the option to star activities. There are optional reminders for starred events, which are then added to the “Favorites and Notes” section for easy access.
While an account is not required to use the app, attendees can create an account to connect with others at the event.
Additional app features include a General Assembly news section, access to online giving, and a link to the live stream.
To download the app, search “Nazarene GA 2017” on the App Store or Google Play.
Read more
To view the complete Daily Summary as distributed at General Assembly,click here.
Previous editions:
Wednesday 21 June
Thursday 22 June
Friday 23 June
Follow along through social media with #GA2017 or check out a curated feed of posts from Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram by clicking here.
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Nazarene Communication Network News in Lenexa, Kansas, United States for Thursday, 22 June 2017: General Assembly Day 3
The latest General Assembly news...
Indianapolis, Indiana
To view the complete Daily Summary as distributed at General Assembly,click here.
Previous editions:
Wednesday 21 June
Thursday 22 June
Friday 23 June
Follow along through social media with #GA2017 or check out a curated feed of posts from Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram by clicking here.
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Nazarene Communication Network News in Lenexa, Kansas, United States for Thursday, 22 June 2017: General Assembly Day 3
The latest General Assembly news...
Indianapolis, Indiana
Opening service highlights unity in diversity
The Thursday night worship service began with pre-service music in Spanish from the Guatemalan group Qatrium. The orchestra also offered prelude music for the service. The service theme “One Body,” was introduced with a video montage featuring Nazarenes from throughout the world sharing about unity.
General Superintendent Jerry D. Porter brought opening greetings, reminding the crowd of the importance of hospitality toward those who serve us this week. He introduced One Heart – Many Hands, a group of Nazarenes who have spent the week engaged in service projects throughout the community.
Phillip Weatherill, global Nazarene Missions International president, greeted the congregation and introduced the NMI 100th anniversary video. Weatherill highlighted the fact that nearly 300 people per day come to Christ in the Church of the Nazarene worldwide. Global NMI Director Lola Brickey also greeted the assembly and introduced the much-anticipated march of the flags of the nations.
Ron Dalton led the congregation in prayer after the procession. Porter noted that all offerings received over the event goal of US$250,000 will be sent to assist Syrian refugees throughout the world. Porter also introduced General Superintendent Gustavo Crocker, who presented his message after Scripture readings from representatives of each of the denomination’s six global regions and the song “We Will Stand.”
Crocker’s message was taken from I Corinthians 12:12-26, emphasizing the metaphor of “one body,” citing that the Church is the embodiment of Jesus and Jesus’ unity with the Father. Crocker emphasized that in the Church there is “unity in diversity,” and in this diversity we find beauty and strength. Crocker specifically mentioned ways in which each region – Africa, Asia-Pacific, Eurasia, Mesoamerica, South America, and USA/Canada — contributes to the diverse beauty and strength of the Church of the Nazarene and its mission. Likewise, Crocker emphasized local congregations who have consistently given to strengthen the mission, while highlighting the importance of every member and every church consistently contributing what they can in time, giving, and other means of sacrifice to strengthen the whole Body of Christ.
Crocker gave moving stories from his own life and the lives of people throughout the world that highlighted the importance of being a consistently loving and connected body as the Church.
"The Church is a body that is concerned about the last, the least, and the lost," he said. “A global church suffers with those who suffer and rejoices with those who rejoice. We are one.”
He repeated the “Ubuntu” philosophy of the African peoples: “We are; therefore, I am.”
The service closed with an invitation to everyone to find someone from a different culture and generation, and pray together.
"This is your Church, Father,” Crocker prayed. “Bring down any barrier that is between us."
Indianapolis, Indiana
Ambassadors of compassion
More than 1,200 Nazarenes have gathered this week for One Heart – Many Hands, a weeklong service project in the 46201 zip code.
The group is working on nearly 150 projects, including building five brand new homes in partnership with the Central Indiana Fuller Center for Housing.
Lorie Crawford, Work & Witness coordinator for the USA/Canada Eastern Kentucky District, shared about her experience working on one of the new houses.
“The neighbor across the street from us wasn't happy because we were using his yard to sit around in and store one of our trailers,” she said. “I kept hearing people say he was grouchy, so I made it a point to meet him myself.”
As Crawford talked with him, she knew the team needed to something for him, too. The man’s yard was full of weeds because his lawnmower was broken, so the team bought him a lawn mower, gas can, and gas.
“We mowed his yard while he was at work the next day and then surprised him with the new mower when he came home,” Crawford said. “He was so happy! He knows who the Nazarenes are now!”
The team’s generous act inspired another group to borrow the new mower and cut another yard on the same street.
Other projects included repairs to 85 owner-occupied homes and 58 projects at abandoned houses in high-crime areas chosen by the county.
Improvements to the abandoned houses included installing floodlights in backyards, removing vegetation, and painting designs on boarded-up windows and doors.
“They got real creative with the designs,” said George Sisler, OHMH president. “I saw stained glass windows and a table with light and flowers. The neighbors were happy to get rid of some eye sores!”
Sisler is grateful for the help of several partners.
“I want to thank our partners that have made this possible — Shepherd Community Center, Englewood, SEND, the Fuller Center, and most importantly the home owners for allowing us to be part of their lives for a week,” he said.
OHMH began 18 June and concludes 23 June.
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Indianapolis, Indiana
SDMI united in its mission to make disciples
Indianapolis, Indiana
SDMI united in its mission to make disciples
The Sunday School and Discipleship Ministries International Convention opened Wednesday evening with a series of inspiring international speakers and vibrant music.
Missionaries Scott and Emily Armstrong emceed the program, which featured “TED Talks” from Angel Segui (Guatemala/USA), Jimmy De Gouveia (Venezuela), Khalil Halaseh (Middle East), and Celita Soares (Cabo Verde), and a greeting from Global SDMI Director Woodie Stevens. All focused on making disciples through Sunday school and related ministries.
Nazarene singers from Cali, Colombia, led worship in song Wednesday night, and the group Blessed Generation from Rwanda served as Thursday’s worship leaders.
Thursday’s SDMI plenary included a message from General Superintendent Jerry D. Porter, who talked about encouragement and being open to new methods in the church. Porter highlighted his points with “older music,” which he pointed out was once new, unwelcomed, and initially rejected. He encouraged SDMI delegates of all ages to avoid bitterness and arrogance in attitude and welcome new ideas.
He closed his message by emphasizing the importance of relationships as Nazarenes make disciples – who make disciples – who make disciples.
“Who is discipling you, and who are you discipling?” Porter asked.
“It is absolutely thrilling to recognize the global family coming together, united in our great mission of making disciples,” Stevens said. “All of us are sharing the same mission, and we’re united around Vision 2020.”
Porter, who is retiring this year as general superintendent, and his wife, Toni, were presented with the Second Mile Award for their service to SDMI and the Church of the Nazarene.
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Indianapolis, Indiana
NYI announces Third Wave location
Indianapolis, Indiana
NYI announces Third Wave location
During the first night of the Global Nazarene Youth International Convention, more than 3,000 NYI delegates and visitors participated in a unique worship experience hosted by the USA/Canada Region NYI. This worship event involved creative elements of song, prayer, Scripture reading, and reflection. Music was led by Harbour, the worship team for NYC2015 in Louisville, Kentucky.
One of the new elements added to the 24th Global NYI Convention schedule is the inclusion of delegate caucuses. During a segment of each day, delegates will be divided by delegate type — youth, lay, and ministerial — and invited to participate in focused dialogue and conversation around the three NYI core strategies of evangelism, discipleship, and leadership development.
“This is a great opportunity for NYI leaders to hear directly from youth and youth leaders around the world on what is important to them,” said Gary Hartke, global NYI director.
NYI delegates also learned what youth ministry looks like in each other’s local church, district, and field.
“By sharing about their successes in youth ministry — as well as their challenges and struggles — NYI members will be able to learn from one another on how to be more effective in reaching youth for Christ, discipling them in their walk, and developing them as leaders,” Hartke said.
During the Thursday afternoon session, an important announcement was made regarding Third Wave 2019. The Third Wave Leadership Conference gives young people in the Church of the Nazarene the chance to be developed as leaders within a global setting through worship, training, fellowship, and service. The past four Third Wave conferences have taken place in Quito, Ecuador, in 2004; Johannesburg, South Africa, in 2007; Bangkok, Thailand, in 2012; and San Jose, Costa Rica, in 2015.
The upcoming Third Wave in January 2019 will be held in Kolkata, India. Participants will engage in the vibrant culture of India, one of the largest and fastest growing areas within the Church of the Nazarene. Youth between the ages of 16 and 29 who are interested in participating in Third Wave 2019 should contact their field NYI leadership.
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Indianapolis, Indiana
NMI looks forward
Indianapolis, Indiana
NMI looks forward
On day 2 of the Nazarene Missions International Convention, NMI adopted a simple and more flexible constitution.
A committee spent the last quadrennium endeavoring to create the constitution, which “keeps NMI focused on being a movement rather than an organization,” according to Global NMI President Philip Weatherill.
“The streamlined, simpler wording will probably translate better around the world,” said Gloria Miller, an NMI delegate and former missionary.
In addition to business, NMI sessions featured steel drums, a Rwandan children’s choir, and personal stories about LINKS.
Regional reports continued to be fast-moving and story-focused.
“I like that the convention has focused on why we do what we do,” said delegate Zack Smithson.
The Thursday evening service included an NMI challenge and flags of the 162 world areas where the Church of the Nazarene has a presence.
“I was thrilled that the opening evening service highlighted missions,” said Karen Davisson, an NMI delegate.
Live Streaming
The 2017 General Assembly worship services and GA plenary meetings will be live streamed for online viewing (Note: SDMI, NMI, GNEC, and NYI plenaries are not able to be broadcast). For Spanish, French, and Portuguese, interpreters' audio will be included. Services will be archived and posted for additional/later viewing.
The service schedule for Sunday morning, 25 June, including music selections, can be downloaded by clicking here (All times Eastern Daylight Time. For the official time in Indianapolis, click here.).
Day/Date/Time/Speaker (All times Eastern Daylight Time)
Thursday 22 June, 7:00-8:30 p.m., Gustavo A. Crocker
Friday 23 June, 7:00-8:30 p.m., David W. Graves
Saturday 24 June, 7:00-8:30 p.m., Jerry D. Porter
Sunday 25 June, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., J. K. Warrick
Sunday 25 June, 4:00 p.m., Eugénio R. Duarte
Monday 26 June, Quadrennial Address, David A. Busic
MoreRead more
GA 2017 app
GA 2017 app
The 2017 General Assembly app is now available on iOS and Android devices.
The app includes several features to help attendees keep track of event activities, including a daily schedule and a map of the Indiana Convention Center.
Attendees can filter events or use the search feature to look for specific activities. The schedule section also includes the option to star activities. There are optional reminders for starred events, which are then added to the “Favorites and Notes” section for easy access.
While an account is not required to use the app, attendees can create an account to connect with others at the event.
Additional app features include a General Assembly news section, access to online giving, and a link to the live stream.
To download the app, search “Nazarene GA 2017” on the App Store or Google Play.
Read more
To view the complete Daily Summary as distributed at General Assembly,click here.
Previous editions:
Wednesday 21 June
Thursday 22 June
Follow along through social media with #GA2017 or check out a curated feed of posts from Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram by clicking here.
Copyright © 2017 NCN News, All rights reserved.
Nazarene Communications Network
nazarene.org/news
news@nazarene.org
Material created and owned by NCN News may be used for church newsletters and bulletins.
ABOUT US
The Global Church of the Nazarene is a Protestant Christian church in the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition. Organized in 1908, the denomination is now home to about 2.3 million members worshipping in more than 29,000 local congregations in 159 world areas.
Address:
The Global Church of the Nazarene
Global Ministry Center
17001 Prairie Star Parkway
Lenexa, Kansas, United States 66220
Phone: 913-577-0500
Email: info@nazarene.org
Department directory
Terms of Use — ECFA Member
To view the complete Daily Summary as distributed at General Assembly,click here.
Previous editions:
Wednesday 21 June
Thursday 22 June
Follow along through social media with #GA2017 or check out a curated feed of posts from Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram by clicking here.
Copyright © 2017 NCN News, All rights reserved.Nazarene Communications Network
nazarene.org/news
news@nazarene.org
Material created and owned by NCN News may be used for church newsletters and bulletins.
ABOUT US
The Global Church of the Nazarene is a Protestant Christian church in the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition. Organized in 1908, the denomination is now home to about 2.3 million members worshipping in more than 29,000 local congregations in 159 world areas.
Address:
The Global Church of the Nazarene
Global Ministry Center
17001 Prairie Star Parkway
Lenexa, Kansas, United States 66220
Phone: 913-577-0500
Email: info@nazarene.org
Department directory
Terms of Use — ECFA Member
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