e-Connection November 2017
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Please enjoy this video greeting from our President-elect, Dr. Jeren Rowell!
NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Jeren Rowell Elected President
The Trustees of Nazarene Theological Seminary are delighted to announce the election of Jeren Rowell as the seminary's 11th president. Rowell is well known for his gifted leadership and theological integrity...
The trustees of Nazarene Theological Seminary are delighted to announce the election of Dr. Jeren Rowell as the seminary’s 11th president.
Dr. Rowell is well-known for his gifted leadership and theological integrity. He is highly respected by NTS’ broad community, including the Board of General Superintendents of the Church of the Nazarene, NTS trustees, faculty, staff, students and the seminary’s global constituency. Dr. Rowell received approval by the trustees October 12, 2017. Dr. Rowell’s election comes three and a half months after NTS’ previous president, Dr. Carla D. Sunberg, was elected to the Board of General Superintendents.
Friday’s election follows a comprehensive search process that began in late July. Dr. David Downs, chair of the Presidential Search Committee and vice-chair of the NTS trustees, noted the trustees’ confidence in Dr. Rowell, especially “his understanding of the intricacies of graduate-level theological education. Throughout his ministry — as a pastor, an adjunct professor, the editor of Preacher’s Magazine, and as superintendent of the Kansas City District Church of the Nazarene — Dr. Rowell has demonstrated a strong passion for the theological education and practical/professional preparation of ministers in the Wesleyan/holiness tradition.”
“We are pleased with Dr. Rowell’s election as the new NTS president,” said Gustavo A. Crocker on behalf of the Board of General Superintendents. “It is obvious that the Lord has been preparing him for such a time as this. He has been an effective pastor and district superintendent, a gifted writer on both the theology and practice of pastoral ministry, and a committed member and chairman of NTS’ Board of Trustees. The Board of General Superintendents congratulates Nazarene Theological Seminary on the gift of this election.”
Upon accepting the position, Dr. Rowell acknowledged the challenges of the role, but noted that he has great joy and confidence in the future — not of his own power, but of God’s. “We have experienced the overwhelming presence of the Holy Spirit in this process,” he said. “By the grace of God, I’m ready.”
Dr. Josh Sweeden, dean of the NTS faculty, was appreciative of Dr. Rowell’s work with the seminary and looks forward to the future. “Dr. Rowell’s gifts as a pastor-scholar will be a gift to the NTS community,” he said. “As both president and a member of the faculty, Dr. Rowell will further strengthen our academic programs and learning community — academically, spiritually, and professionally. NTS is committed to being a community of Christian wisdom and practice that develops leaders to join in God’s unfolding work in the world. We are excited for the ways Dr. Rowell will lead us forward in response to God’s mission.”
Dr. Rowell served in churches in Nampa, Idaho, and Chicago, Illinois, before pastoring the Shawnee Church of the Nazarene in Kansas from 1991 to 2005 when he was elected Kansas City district superintendent. He has served on the NTS board since 2005, and as chair from 2009 until earlier this year. He attended Trinity Evangelical Seminary and NTS. Dr. Rowell earned a Bachelor of Arts from Northwest Nazarene University, a Master of Arts from Olivet Nazarene University, and a Doctor of Education from Olivet. He has served as an adjunct professor for both NTS and Olivet. Dr. Rowell has authored several books and numerous articles on pastoral theology and practice. He and his wife, Starla, reside in the Kansas City area.
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The trustees of Nazarene Theological Seminary are delighted to announce the election of Dr. Jeren Rowell as the seminary’s 11th president.
Dr. Rowell is well-known for his gifted leadership and theological integrity. He is highly respected by NTS’ broad community, including the Board of General Superintendents of the Church of the Nazarene, NTS trustees, faculty, staff, students and the seminary’s global constituency. Dr. Rowell received approval by the trustees October 12, 2017. Dr. Rowell’s election comes three and a half months after NTS’ previous president, Dr. Carla D. Sunberg, was elected to the Board of General Superintendents.
Friday’s election follows a comprehensive search process that began in late July. Dr. David Downs, chair of the Presidential Search Committee and vice-chair of the NTS trustees, noted the trustees’ confidence in Dr. Rowell, especially “his understanding of the intricacies of graduate-level theological education. Throughout his ministry — as a pastor, an adjunct professor, the editor of Preacher’s Magazine, and as superintendent of the Kansas City District Church of the Nazarene — Dr. Rowell has demonstrated a strong passion for the theological education and practical/professional preparation of ministers in the Wesleyan/holiness tradition.”
Upon accepting the position, Dr. Rowell acknowledged the challenges of the role, but noted that he has great joy and confidence in the future — not of his own power, but of God’s. “We have experienced the overwhelming presence of the Holy Spirit in this process,” he said. “By the grace of God, I’m ready.”
Dr. Josh Sweeden, dean of the NTS faculty, was appreciative of Dr. Rowell’s work with the seminary and looks forward to the future. “Dr. Rowell’s gifts as a pastor-scholar will be a gift to the NTS community,” he said. “As both president and a member of the faculty, Dr. Rowell will further strengthen our academic programs and learning community — academically, spiritually, and professionally. NTS is committed to being a community of Christian wisdom and practice that develops leaders to join in God’s unfolding work in the world. We are excited for the ways Dr. Rowell will lead us forward in response to God’s mission.”
Dr. Rowell served in churches in Nampa, Idaho, and Chicago, Illinois, before pastoring the Shawnee Church of the Nazarene in Kansas from 1991 to 2005 when he was elected Kansas City district superintendent. He has served on the NTS board since 2005, and as chair from 2009 until earlier this year. He attended Trinity Evangelical Seminary and NTS. Dr. Rowell earned a Bachelor of Arts from Northwest Nazarene University, a Master of Arts from Olivet Nazarene University, and a Doctor of Education from Olivet. He has served as an adjunct professor for both NTS and Olivet. Dr. Rowell has authored several books and numerous articles on pastoral theology and practice. He and his wife, Starla, reside in the Kansas City area.
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Sweeden Installed as Dean of the Faculty
Dr. Joshua Sweeden was installed as the 8th Dean of the Faculty of Nazarene Theological Seminary in a chapel service held October 24 at the NTS campus...
Dr. Joshua Sweeden was installed as the 8th Dean of the Faculty of Nazarene Theological Seminary in a chapel service held October 24, 2017 at the NTS campus.
Dr. Sweeden holds a BA in Bible and Christian Ministries from Point Loma Nazarene University, an MDiv from Nazarene Theological Seminary, and a PhD in Practical Theology from Boston University School of Theology. He is an ordained Elder in the Church of the Nazarene and has served in various ministerial capacities for the denomination including local churches, Nazarene higher education, Global Mission, and Nazarene Compassionate Ministries. He is the author of several articles and book chapters, reviews, and denominational publications. Josh lives in Kansas City with his wife, Dr. Nell Becker Sweeden, and their two boys, Eli and Asher.
In his address, Dr. Sweeden noted the challenges of education and ministry in a rapidly changing world and the unique role seminaries can play. “As a result of the shifting landscape, both the church and the academy are having to rediscover themselves in a new era,” said Dr. Sweeden. “And right in the middle of it are seminaries; ecclesial-based graduate schools of theology whose primary task is a practical-theological one.”
Dr. Joshua Sweeden was installed as the 8th Dean of the Faculty of Nazarene Theological Seminary in a chapel service held October 24, 2017 at the NTS campus.
Dr. Sweeden holds a BA in Bible and Christian Ministries from Point Loma Nazarene University, an MDiv from Nazarene Theological Seminary, and a PhD in Practical Theology from Boston University School of Theology. He is an ordained Elder in the Church of the Nazarene and has served in various ministerial capacities for the denomination including local churches, Nazarene higher education, Global Mission, and Nazarene Compassionate Ministries. He is the author of several articles and book chapters, reviews, and denominational publications. Josh lives in Kansas City with his wife, Dr. Nell Becker Sweeden, and their two boys, Eli and Asher.
In his address, Dr. Sweeden noted the challenges of education and ministry in a rapidly changing world and the unique role seminaries can play. “As a result of the shifting landscape, both the church and the academy are having to rediscover themselves in a new era,” said Dr. Sweeden. “And right in the middle of it are seminaries; ecclesial-based graduate schools of theology whose primary task is a practical-theological one.”
Faculty, staff, and friends gather around Dr. Sweeden as Dr. Rowell praysDr. Sweeden shared his vision for academics at NTS. “The task of a seminary is to help the church be the church,” he said. “At Nazarene Theological Seminary, we are not waiting, but moving forward in our task ‘to nourish, nurture, discipline, and resource the pastoral and ecclesial imagination’* We are confident that God has called God’s people for such a time as this.”The service included charges by representatives of the student body and the seminary faculty. “We’re asking you to set an example for us,” said student leader Abe Powers. “We are charging you not just to lead us to knowledge and provide us with a degree, but to lead us to Christ and worship Him with us.”
Dr. Judith Schwanz offered a charge on behalf of the faculty. “We ask you to hold up for the church the need for a vision of a well-prepared clergy, with deep biblical and theological convictions that inform and shape ministry practice,” said Schwanz. “We also ask you to represent us in the area of theological academia so that the fruits of our Wesleyan heritage serve as a voice and a gift to the Christian Church.”
Before offering a prayer of consecration and blessing, President-elect Dr. Jeren Rowell affirmed the strong leadership Dr. Sweeden has displayed during the seminary’s recent search for a new president. He also conveyed his enthusiasm about the future, “As we anticipate working together to guide this seminary into its next and exciting chapter, I am delighted for the opportunity to partner with Dr. Sweeden as we forge a fresh path for the continuing and increasing vitality of NTS.”
NTS invites the church to join in prayer for Dr. Sweeden and the ministry of the seminary in the days to come.
*A phrase quoted from Craig Dykstra in “Pastoral and Ecclesial Imagination.” In Dorothy C. Bass and Craig R. Dykstra. For Life Abundant: Practical Theology, Theological Education, and Christian Ministry(Grand Rapids, Mich: William B. Eerdmans Pub, 2008), 43.
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As we boarded our flight in San Juan for Kansas City, we could not have known that in just days, our friends in Puerto Rico would be facing a direct hit from Hurricane Maria...
As we boarded our flight in San Juan for Kansas City, we could not have known that in just days, our friends in Puerto Rico would be facing a direct hit from Hurricane Maria.
NTS Partners With Puerto Rico
As we boarded our flight in San Juan for Kansas City, we could not have known that in just days, our friends in Puerto Rico would be facing a direct hit from Hurricane Maria.
In August, Nazarene Theological Seminary presented its first Puerto Rico Theology Conference, with Dr. Roger Hahn speaking on “Holiness in the Pauline Epistles.” Ninety pastors and lay leaders from the Puerto Rico East and West districts were present for the two-day event organized by superintendents Dr. Andres Hernandez (East) and Rev. Ramon Sierra (West). This event was envisioned by NTS trustee, Juan Vazquez, as a natural next step in a growing partnership between NTS and Puerto Rico. While anticipation is high for future initiatives, we are all presently focused on the island’s recovery from the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria. During the Benner Preachers Conference in September, NTS students and friends were moved to prayer for Puerto Rico, participating in a special offering for relief.Phone conversations with both district superintendents confirm that many people in Puerto Rico are without water and electricity. All of our Nazarene church buildings have sustained damage—some severe. In the midst of their own need, Nazarene churches are actively ministering to neighbors and communities all over the island, distributing supplies as they arrive, lending a hand for clearing and rebuilding, and praying for and encouraging others.
It is truly amazing what God is doing through our brothers and sisters in Puerto Rico. Special thanks to NTS student Rev. Nestor Hernandez for his immediate response and continued work, including the organizing of relief efforts from church and government agencies. Nestor’s father, East District Superintendent Dr. Andres Hernandez, writes: “We are grateful to Nazarene Compassionate Ministries for providing power generators for a total of 41 of our churches, and for partnering with Heart to Heart International to send food and supplies which we have been able to distribute to the most vulnerable communities.” You can read Dr. Hernandez’ Puerto Rico update, including prayer ideas, HERE. West District Superintendent Rev. Ramon Sierra also plans to send an update, including a list of material needs, when he is able to access Wi-Fi. Thank you for your continued prayers and help for our friends in Puerto Rico.
Rev. Tim McPherson
Dean for Advancement
The Board of General Superintendents has elected Senegal native and NTS alum Daniel Abdou Karim Lucien Gomis to the position of Africa regional director, effective October 15, 2017. The Church of the Nazarene's General Board ratified the election with an email vote coordinated by General Secretary David P. Wilson. Jurisdictional General Superintendent...The Board of General Superintendents has elected Senegal native Daniel Abdou Karim Lucien Gomis to the position of Africa regional director, effective 15 October 2017.
The Church of the Nazarene’s General Board ratified the election with an email vote coordinated by General Secretary David P. Wilson. Jurisdictional General Superintendent for Africa Carla D. Sunberg and Global Mission Director Verne S Ward III prayerfully led the nomination and election process.
Gomis succeeds Filimão M. Chambo as Africa regional director. Chambo was elected the denomination’s 42nd general superintendent on 26 June 2017, creating a vacancy in the Africa Regional Office, located in Johannesburg, South Africa.
“As the Africa Region has more members than any other region in the Church of the Nazarene, we recognize that this is a very significant assignment,” Sunberg said. “We are pleased that God has led us to Rev. Daniel Gomis, a talented and Spirit-led follower of Jesus Christ. With his heart for the entire African continent, we believe that Rev. Gomis will continue to lead the Church in bringing the good news of Jesus Christ to those who have not yet heard.”
Gomis has pastored for 11 years in his home country of Senegal. He currently serves as field strategy coordinator for the region’s Africa West Field. Prior to serving as a pastor, Gomis worked as the operations assistant for the International Organization for Migration (IOM). He has also served the Church of the Nazarene in a variety of positions, including Africa French literature coordinator, Africa West Field education coordinator, and as superintendent of the Senegal District. Daniel and his wife, Elisabeth Gomis, have served as missionaries for the Church of the Nazarene since 2012. He has four daughters: Raissa, Maiva, Sarah, and Tabitha.
“Rev. Gomis is known and respected as a godly man, fully consecrated to Christ, full of the Spirit, and obedient to his calling as a minister,” Ward said. “Both in his personal life and in the way he leads, Gomis demonstrates a passion for reaching unreached people.
“We are grateful for the Lord’s leading as Daniel steps into a new role in serving our church,” Ward continued. “He and Elisabeth are faithful servants of the Lord. Their gifted leadership is contagious to anyone they encounter.”
Ordained in 2011, Daniel Gomis earned a Master of Divinity degree at Nazarene Theological Seminary in Kansas City, USA. Prior to earning his master’s degree, Gomis completed his Bachelor of Arts in English at the University of Saint Louis and earned a master’s certificate in African studies.
“My family and I are thankful to God our Father for His goodness and His faithfulness at every step of our walk with Him,” Gomis said.
“This is a new season for us, and we will continue to follow Him in His work of transformation of the people of Africa and the advancement of His Kingdom. Our prayer is for the message of the life of our Savior Jesus Christ to spread all over this beautiful continent and bring healing, peace, and restoration.”
The Africa Region will host an installation service on Sunday, 15 October 2017, marking Gomis’ transition. (Board of General Superintendents)
This announcement is also available in the following languages:
NTS Alum Named Award Finalist
NTS alum Merideth Spriggs (04), President and Chief Kindness Officer at Caridad, has been selected by People Magazine and the American Heroes Channel as one of three finalists for the Red Bandanna Hero Award for her dedication and innovative approach to help humanize the homeless...
NTS alum Merideth Spriggs (04), President and Chief Kindness Officer at Caridad, has been selected by People Magazine and the American Heroes Channel as one of three finalists for the Red Bandanna Hero Award for her dedication and innovative approach to help humanize the homeless by providing customer service based street outreach.
After earning a Masters of Divinity in 2004 from Nazarene Theological Seminary, Spriggs lost her job and became homeless in October of 2008. She overcame and was hired at the San Diego Rescue Mission to work in the Recuperative Care Unit. Determined to make a difference, Spriggs founded Caridad Inc. in 2010 in San Diego to collect socks and underwear donations for local homeless charities, educate the public about the facts of homelessness and create partnerships between legitimate agencies and volunteers. She expanded the charity to Las Vegas when she and her husband relocated in 2013 and joined the Downtown Rangers in 2014 to provide customer service based outreach to the homeless.
Recognized as a homeless advocate and trusted leader, Spriggs was invited to participate in the 100,000 Homes Campaign; has provided training for Seattle, Boise, and San Diego communities under the 25 Cities Initiative; continues to work with Community Solutions to provide outreach leadership in Southern Nevada under the Built for Zero Campaign; and The City of Las Vegas recognized her with a Citizen of the Month Award in October 2015. Currently, Spriggs serves as the Southern Nevada lead on outreach for the federal 25 Cities Initiative working with federal VA, HUD, and USICH to coordinate ending veterans homelessness. A champion of the housing first model, Spriggs has housed hundreds and helped thousands of homeless.
A brief bio is featured in People Magazine’s October 30 edition. Spriggs’ story is also featured on 911 Hero: The Red Bandanna Legacy on the American Heroes Channel, October 28 at 10/9 p.m. (EST/PST)
To learn more about Caridad and her ministry, contact Merideth at 702-981-7800 or merideth@caridadcharity.com.
NTS alum Merideth Spriggs (04), President and Chief Kindness Officer at Caridad, has been selected by People Magazine and the American Heroes Channel as one of three finalists for the Red Bandanna Hero Award for her dedication and innovative approach to help humanize the homeless by providing customer service based street outreach.
After earning a Masters of Divinity in 2004 from Nazarene Theological Seminary, Spriggs lost her job and became homeless in October of 2008. She overcame and was hired at the San Diego Rescue Mission to work in the Recuperative Care Unit. Determined to make a difference, Spriggs founded Caridad Inc. in 2010 in San Diego to collect socks and underwear donations for local homeless charities, educate the public about the facts of homelessness and create partnerships between legitimate agencies and volunteers. She expanded the charity to Las Vegas when she and her husband relocated in 2013 and joined the Downtown Rangers in 2014 to provide customer service based outreach to the homeless.
Recognized as a homeless advocate and trusted leader, Spriggs was invited to participate in the 100,000 Homes Campaign; has provided training for Seattle, Boise, and San Diego communities under the 25 Cities Initiative; continues to work with Community Solutions to provide outreach leadership in Southern Nevada under the Built for Zero Campaign; and The City of Las Vegas recognized her with a Citizen of the Month Award in October 2015. Currently, Spriggs serves as the Southern Nevada lead on outreach for the federal 25 Cities Initiative working with federal VA, HUD, and USICH to coordinate ending veterans homelessness. A champion of the housing first model, Spriggs has housed hundreds and helped thousands of homeless.
A brief bio is featured in People Magazine’s October 30 edition. Spriggs’ story is also featured on 911 Hero: The Red Bandanna Legacy on the American Heroes Channel, October 28 at 10/9 p.m. (EST/PST)
To learn more about Caridad and her ministry, contact Merideth at 702-981-7800 or merideth@caridadcharity.com.
The Doctor of Ministry program at NTS has undergone some exciting developments! Two tracks, Innovative Leadership in Changing Cultures and Spiritual Formation and Discipleship, are designed by passionate scholars and practitioners to give life and depth...
The Doctor of Ministry Degree is a professional degree, which means that the curriculum is focused on advancing knowledge and skills necessary for the practice of a profession--much like a Doctor of Medicine (MD). A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), on the other hand, is a research degree, which means that it prepares a candidate to do narrow, scholarly research on a topic in order to contribute to the advancement of an academic discipline. Students interested in the Doctor of Ministry program can expect to develop further in their professional practice. Further, they will make important contributions to their field of practice.
INTERESTED IN BEING A PART OF THE DOCTOR OF MINISTRY, CONNECT WITH US:
TAILORED TRACKS
The Doctor of Ministry program offers tracks to give you focus in your core courses. The first two tracks, Innovative Leadership in Changing Cultures and Spiritual Formation and Discipleship, are designed by passionate scholars and practitioners to give life and depth to the content. You will be invited to engage the core subject matter while integrating your expertise and context with the goal of constructing new knowledge and practice that will benefit every participant.
CUSTOMIZED COURSES & RESEARCH
The Doctor of Ministry program creates space for you to explore your interests and integrate your perspectives as a part of the learning community. You will be paired with a Faculty Advisor before courses begin to facilitate this exploration. The goal is to craft a learning experience that results in research that has a measured impact on your context.
COHORT COMMUNITY
The cohort drives the learning experience. While the face-to-face colloquies will form the core of the interaction in the program, you will be invited into frequent conversations through various media to work out how the literature, course material, and experiences are shaping your ministry in context. Enrolling in the Doctor of Ministry program means joining a learning community of your peers who are eager to discover new ways of engaging in transformational ministry.
THREE COLLOQUIES
Each track will provide three, week-long opportunities for face-to-face interactions with your peers and experts in the field. These colloquies will be held in various locations, both domestically and internationally, that will expose you to diverse contexts and perspectives. The interaction of the faculty, students, and context will facilitate rich experiences and life-changing learning opportunities.
PROGRAM DISTINCTIVES
CUSTOMIZED ENGAGEMENT
Integration of academic abilities, research methods, and advanced ministry skills to develop creative forms and modes of engagement in mission in the Wesleyan spirit.
PARTICIPATION IN THE MISSIO DEI
Formation of a theology of ministry grounded in understanding of and participation in the mission of God in the world.
WESLEYAN FOUNDATION
Growth in the understanding of and appreciation for the integration of Scripture, reason, tradition, and experience that characterizes the Wesleyan tradition.
LIFELONG LEARNING
Growth in self-understanding, self-evaluation, and self-direction in regard to lifelong study, increased knowledge and skills in human relationships, spiritual growth, and leadership potential in various ministry contexts.INTERESTED IN BEING A PART OF THE DOCTOR OF MINISTRY, CONNECT WITH US:
Name *
First Name
Last Name
Email Address *
1700 EAST MEYER BOULEVARD
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI 64131, UNITED STATES
(816)268-5400
DMIN@NTS.EDU
Faculty Position
Nazarene Theological Seminary seeks a professor (open rank) with demonstrated expertise in evangelism/Christian witness and the ability to contribute to the core curriculum of the seminary in a corresponding discipline such as Church History, Theology, Philosophical Theology, Contextual Theology, Old Testament, Practical Theology or Pastoral Theology. Responsibilities will include teaching graduate introductory and specialized courses, advising doctor of ministry students, and participation in the spiritual formation of students. Additionally, it is anticipated that this professor will serve as the Smith/Cooper Chair of Evangelism and will advance research and scholarship on the theology and practice of evangelism.
Ideal candidates will hold a terminal degree, preferably a Ph.D. or Th.D., and have a record of excellence in teaching, scholarship, and ecclesial practice. NTS faculty teach in online/hybrid and traditional formats. Candidates should demonstrate familiarity with changing ministerial contexts and innovative approaches to teaching and Christian practice.
Nazarene Theological Seminary is a graduate school of theology in the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition that prepares women and men—academically, professionally, and spiritually—for ministry in various contexts. As part of its mission, NTS seeks to be a theological resource to the Church of the Nazarene and the broader Christian Church. NTS offers four master’s degrees, a doctor of ministry degree, and various courses and events through its Center for Pastoral Leadership. Candidates must share a Wesleyan perspective and affirm the theological identity and mission of NTS.
Review of applications will begin November 10, 2017. The position will be open until filled. NTS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Candidates from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.
Application materials should include a cover letter, curriculum vitae with a list of at least three references, and a 500-word (max) statement that describes the candidate’s pedagogical approach and scholarly agenda.
Please submit all materials electronically to: HR@nts.edu. Please include “Faculty position – YOUR NAME” as the subject line.
NAZARENE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
Address postal inquiries to:
Nazarene Theological Seminary
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