General Secretary David P. Wilson and Nazarene Research Services released the annual Church of the Nazarene statistical reports for 2017. These detailed reports documenting the missional activities of the denomination on a global scale show growth for the Church of the Nazarene over the statistical year, as well as continued growth over the past decade.
"We have seen some significant increases in several areas and we're grateful for the leadership of the Spirit and the hard work of God's people around the world," Wilson said.
Global reports show total current membership for the Church of the Nazarene at 2,550,374, a net increase of 78,821 (3.19 percent) from 2016.
The denomination welcomed in 146,577 new Nazarenes this year.
The fastest growing regions in membership were South America (12.88 percent) and Mesoamerica (5.57 percent).
There are currently 30,875 churches in the denomination, an increase of 301 from last year's report. Of the churches listed, 22,928 are considered officially organized, a gain of 535 in that category.
The Church of the Nazarene has 17,911 ordained elders, 858 ordained deacons, and 9,950 licensed ministers.
Information is based on reports received from districts for assemblies held 1 October 2016 through 30 September 2017. For the full statistical report, click here.
"We have seen some significant increases in several areas and we're grateful for the leadership of the Spirit and the hard work of God's people around the world," Wilson said.
Global reports show total current membership for the Church of the Nazarene at 2,550,374, a net increase of 78,821 (3.19 percent) from 2016.
The denomination welcomed in 146,577 new Nazarenes this year.
The fastest growing regions in membership were South America (12.88 percent) and Mesoamerica (5.57 percent).
There are currently 30,875 churches in the denomination, an increase of 301 from last year's report. Of the churches listed, 22,928 are considered officially organized, a gain of 535 in that category.
The Church of the Nazarene has 17,911 ordained elders, 858 ordained deacons, and 9,950 licensed ministers.
Information is based on reports received from districts for assemblies held 1 October 2016 through 30 September 2017. For the full statistical report, click here.
Read more
Global Ministry Center
Global Ministry Center
BGS declares effective date for new Manual
The Board of General Superintendents declared 1 December 2017 as the effective date for the 2017-2021 Manual of the Church of the Nazarene.An electronic version of the new Manual in English is accessible via nazarene.org/manual or by going directly to its website. The printed version will be available in March 2018 as a sales item from Nazarene Publishing House. More information will be provided as other translations (electronic and printed) are completed.
In June 2017, the General Assembly commissioned the Manual Editing Committee to work on all resolutions that were adopted (or amended and adopted) by the Assembly. According to Manual par. 909, specific legislative language and updates (new or revised) are not deemed “official” until this committee’s assignment has been completed, which was November 2017. Legislation affecting the Manual is now applicable.
A section of the General Assembly website, ga2017.com/resolutions, provided access to resolutions for General Assembly delegates and the general public prior to and during the 2017 General Assembly. This section is still available to anyone who wishes to access it, and no log-in is required.
The page contains folders for each of the original resolutions submitted to the General Assembly (available in English, French, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish). A Calendar of Resolutions was posted to this site in August 2017, which identifies the specific action (adopted, amended and adopted, rejected, or referred) taken for each resolution by the 2017 General Assembly. The resolutions are organized into separate folders by committees according to each resolution code.(The Office of David P. Wilson, General Secretary)
Saving GraceSusan Mwenda hopes that her participation in the savings and credit association will enable her to expand her small business so she can send her children to school.
In Lusaka, Zambia, a group stands in a dusty lot, saying their goodbyes against the backdrop of the setting sun. Each week, the same group of 20 comes together to support one another as a savings and credit association. The group is filled with the kind of energy that comes with a sense of hope for the future.
Susan Mwenda, a member of the group, hopes it can help revive her small business. In 2011, she began selling groceries, and business was good. Then, she and her husband could afford to provide for the basic needs of their four sons and a nephew who lives with them, including their school fees. That changed a couple of years ago when her business took a hit during a major downturn in Zambia’s economy. At that point, covering education costs for five children became difficult. With no free government schools in their area, the children would have to drop out of school if Mwenda and her husband couldn’t come up with the money for fees and supplies.
“I had a lot of pressure when the business came down,” Mwenda says. “I have been thinking day and night about how to boost my business.”
Going to a bank for a loan isn’t an option for Mwenda.
“I was thinking about going to the bank [to] borrow some money, but the fees will be too much,” she explains.
Like more than 2 billion people around the world, Mwenda doesn’t use formal banking systems. Even in areas where banks exist, such as Lusaka, they aren’t easily accessible because they charge high fees to keep a savings account open and require hefty collateral and high interest on even small loans. Without access to credit, making ends meet is difficult for individuals who don’t have opportunities for employment and must, therefore, rely on small businesses for income.
Savings and credit associations pool their collective savings in boxes such as this one, which is used by a group in Haiti. Members elect officers, and at lest three have keys to the box.
Families who don’t have a savings buffer are also especially vulnerable when emergencies strike. Any unexpected costs, such as medical care, can plunge a family deeper into poverty. Parents often have to choose between putting food on the table or sending children to school.
There are other informal savings and loan options in Zambia, but Mwenda insists her group is different. The other groups, “don’t care about one another,” she says. “If you go there, they won’t help you.”
Mwenda says she has confidence in her savings and credit association, which formed out of the local Nazarene church she attends, “because Jesus is the center of everything.”
She adds, “We share together and pray together, and because of that I have courage. With this group, we help each other because we are the church.”
Saving without shame
Nazarene churches in Zambia have partnered with HOPE International, a Christian microenterprise development organization, to create and train savings and credit groups. The partnership now serves more than 700 members in 48 groups through local Nazarene churches across the country.
HOPE’s model is a holistic approach that combines systems for savings and credit, financial and business training, and discipleship through Bible study and prayer.
Each week, groups of 15 to 20 individuals come together. The groups are self-selected and self-managed. They elect leaders and determine the minimum they’ll commit to save. In Mwenda’s group, each member adds at least 25 Kwacha (about US$2.75) in savings to a collective fund weekly.
Once the pot builds up, members can take out loans at reasonable interest rates, also determined by the group. Instead of going to a bank, the interest payments go back to the group, which increases the credit available for additional loans. At the end of each savings cycle, the accumulated interest is distributed to group members, thereby growing each member’s individual savings.
Through small loans, group members are able to start or expand small businesses. They are also afforded a safe place to save money.
Abigail Liche started a small business selling sausages several years ago. Recently, her products were stolen and she needed credit to re-start her business. She was able to get what she needed through a loan from her savings and credit group.
According to member Abigail Liche, saving isn’t something that comes naturally in her culture.
“I have learned how to save without having shame to not give when those are in need around me,” she says. “Saving can be biblical, too, but it’s greed that causes harm.”
Liche and her husband care for their three children and three other children who live with them. Covering the cost of education for six children isn’t easy. Liche says she has trouble paying for clothes and food, let alone school fees.
“I struggle and my husband struggles because we get little,” she says. “[But] because of the savings group, I can send my children to school.”
Bernard Kazerbe echoes Liche’s experience.
“The church trained me to give, but I was not taught how to save,” he says. “This group has showed me a way to save and not feel guilty.”
Kazerbe came to Zambia as a refugee when violence made it impossible to remain in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He says it was hard to save at home because he felt the need to give what he had to others who had needs. Now, though, he sees how saving can provide greater benefits in the long run.
Kazerbe has dreams of growing his business and “making it big.” He wants to meet the needs of his family, including his wife, their son, and six orphaned nieces and nephews; but he doesn’t want to simply focus on improving the lives of his family members.
“My heart is to help the people in my community,” Kazerbe says. “I want to start a business to employ the young men in the community to work and pay them. … Now that the savings group came, it gives me hope that I can accomplish this and help my community and the church.”
According to Desir Myrtil, the groups are addressing both material and spiritual poverty by affirming members’ God-given dignity. The groups come together to discover how much they are capable of doing on their own.
Raised up in dignity
Nazarene churches in Haiti have also been partnering with HOPE International to introduce savings and credit associations in their communities. There are currently 1,500 members in 72 groups from 47 Nazarene churches across the country.
“A lot of people around here live in poverty,” member Desir Myrtil says, explaining why he decided to join a group.
What he means is more than simply a lack of resources, though. While the groups do help people financially, Myrtil emphasizes the less tangible aspects of poverty.
“It’s not only money,” he says. “It’s the whole thinking thing. … The first thing is to help the person understand that he is able to do things.”
As groups come together, they discover how much they are capable of doing on their own, from increasing their savings to expanding or starting businesses. And as parents are able to provide for their children, their understanding of their God-given dignity grows as well.
Mercy Wilbert, a mother of two daughters and a son, says participating in her group has given her a boost of courage to face the future.
“It’s such a good thing,” she says. “The way we put together whatever we have—we put it together, and we are not scared. We are not afraid.”
Wilbert is a soft-spoken woman, but the group has affirmed her quiet leadership. She was elected secretary of her group.
“For me and my family,” she says, “I would like for God to raise us up in dignity.”(Republished with permission from the Winter 2017 edition of NCM agazine)
Englewood, Colorado
Faye Stowe passes away
Faye C. Stowe, wife of General Superintendent Emeritus Eugene L. Stowe, passed away 4 December. She was 99.
The Stowes served churches in California, Oregon, and Idaho before Eugene was named district superintendent for Central California in 1963. He later served as president of Nazarene Theological Seminary from 1966 to 1968, when he was elected general superintendent. He served in that position until his retirement in 1993.
Eugene and Faye Stowe were married 74 years. She would have turned 100 in January.
More information will be posted as it is made available.
Faye C. Stowe, wife of General Superintendent Emeritus Eugene L. Stowe, passed away 4 December. She was 99.
The Stowes served churches in California, Oregon, and Idaho before Eugene was named district superintendent for Central California in 1963. He later served as president of Nazarene Theological Seminary from 1966 to 1968, when he was elected general superintendent. He served in that position until his retirement in 1993.
Eugene and Faye Stowe were married 74 years. She would have turned 100 in January.
More information will be posted as it is made available.
Flags of the Nations: FranceThe tricolore consists of three vertical bands of equal width, displaying the country's national colors: blue, white, and red. Red, white, and blue have come to represent liberty, equality and fraternity — the ideals of the French Revolution.
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: France
The Church of the Nazarene officially entered France in 1977.
France had a population of 66,836,154 in 2016. That same year, France reported nine Churches of the Nazarene, eight of which had been officially organized. France has 342 total members.
Located on the Eurasia Region, France is a Phase 1 district. For more information about the Eurasia Region, visit eurasiaregion.org.
* = 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.
Read moreUSA/Canada
Moving Ministers: November 2017
Compiled by the General Secretary's Office from district reports, Moving Ministers is a monthly listing of Nazarene ministers in new assignments on the USA/Canada Region.
Roles included in the latest report are pastor and pastoral service. Entries were received in November 2017.
To view the November report, click here.
Moving Ministers from Wednesday, 1 November 2017 to Thursday, 30 November 2017
Name From To
Including Roles: Pastor, Pastoral Service, Student Page 1 of 2
Rev. David J. Allison Pastor from Carthage Carthage NY to Pastor on 11/8/2017 Rantoul Rantoul IL
Rev. Kevin M. Angel Pastor from Wichita Falls Lakeview Wichita Falls TX to Pastor on 11/12/2017 Dayspring Canal Winchester OH
Rev. Wayne L. Dawson Pastor from Guymon Guymon OK to Pastor on 11/5/2017 Fort Smith First Fort Smith AR
Rev. Shane E. Endicott Pastoral Service from Cheney Cheney WA to Pastor on 11/6/2017 Orofino Orofino ID
Dr. Bradley K. Estep Pastor from Kansas City First Kansas City MO to Pastor on 11/27/2017 Sun City Sun City AZ
Rev. Trevor Farnsworth Pastoral Service from Post Falls Post Falls ID to Pastoral Service on 11/1/2017 St. Maries Saint Maries ID
Rev. Earl L. Gillett Pastor from Roxana Roxana IL to Pastor on 11/6/2017 Stockton Horizon Christian Fellowship Stockton CA
Rev. Michael L. Johnson Unassigned from North Arkansas Conway AR to Pastoral Service on 11/13/2017 Branson Branson MO
Rev. Bailey A. Medley Pastoral Service from Together Ministries Thornville OH to Pastoral Service on 11/6/2017 Grove City Grove City OH
Rev. Toni Miller Pastoral Service from Circleville Heritage Circleville OH to Pastoral Service on 11/1/2017 Obetz Obetz OH
As of: 12/4/2017
Rev. Carol A. Myers Pastoral Service from Shepherd’s Hill Louisville OH to Pastoral Service on 11/5/2017 Leavittsburg First Leavittsburg OH
Rev. Rebecca L. Quimby Pastoral Service from Auburn Auburn ME to Pastor on 11/26/2017 Dover-Foxcroft Dover Foxcroft ME
Rev. Timothy Shane Weaver Pastoral Service from Harvester Saint Peters MO to Pastor on 12/17/2017 Ava Highway Ava MO
For previous reports, see usacanadanazarene.org.
In MemoriamThe following is a weekly listing of Nazarene ministers and leaders who recently went home to be with the Lord. Notices were received 4-8 December 2017.
David Aaserud, 81, of Niagra Falls, New York, passed away 1 December. He was a retired minister, serving in New York, Maine, Maryland, Florida, Virginia, and Illinois. He is survived by his wife, Linda Aaserud.
Quincy Angier, 88, of Portland, Oregon, passed away 2 December. He was a retired minister, serving in Oregon. He was preceded in death by his wife, R. Lorraine Angier, in 2014.
Ronald Comfort, 72, of Howell, Michigan, passed away 24 November. He was a retired minister, serving in Ohio and Michigan. He is survived by his wife, Sandra Comfort.
Leila Grant, 76, of Albany, Kentucky, passed away 1 December. She was the wife of minister Bobby Grant, who pastors the Highway Church of the Nazarene in Albany, Kentucky.
Randy Kelley, 72, of Bristol, Virginia, passed away 1 December. He was a minister, pastoring the Scenic Park Church of the Nazarene in Bristol, Virginia. He is survived by his wife, Jullie Kelley.
Ruth Kinnersley, 95, of Tiskilwa, Illinois, passed away 4 December. She was the widow of retired minister Robert Kinnersley, who served in Iowa, North Dakota, Wisconsin, and Illinois. Robert Kinnersley passed away in 1996.
Allen Ray, 86, of Alpharetta, Georgia, passed away 3 December. He was a retired minister, serving in Pennsylvania and New York. He is survived by his wife, Jacqulyn Ray.
Dean Rhoades, 94, of Lebanon, Missouri, passed away 30 November. He was a retired minister, serving in Missouri. He was preceded in death by his wife, Julia (Wallace) Rhoades, in 2006.
Deborah Shaffer, 66, of St. Cloud, Florida, passed away 2 December. She was a minister, serving at St. Cloud, Florida, Church of the Nazarene.
Basil Shaw, 81, of Weirton, West Virginia, passed away 5 December. He was a retired minister, serving in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruby Shaw, in 2013.
James Steele, 81, of West Palm Beach, Florida, passed away 5 December. He was a retired minister, serving in Florida, Indiana, and Alabama. He is survived by his wife, Laura Steele.
Faye Stowe, 99, of Englewood, Colorado, passed away 4 December. She was the wife of General Superintendent Emeritus Eugene L. Stowe, who pastored in California, Oregon, and Idaho, led the Central California District, and served as president of Nazarene Theological Seminary before being elected general superintendent in 1968. (story)
Clifford Tazelaar, 91, of Dover, Delaware, passed away 30 November. He was a retired minister, serving in Oklahoma, Texas, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. He is survived by his wife, Iva (Tyson) Tazelaar.
For previous editions of In Memoriam, see the "Passings" section by clicking here.
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.
Global Ministry Center
Global Ministry Center holiday schedule
While there will be no staff at the Church of the Nazarene Global Ministry Center Friday, 22 December 2017, through Monday, 1 January 2018, if an emergency need arises for communication of information during the Christmas holidays, please leave a voice mail message at the following number: 913-577-2720. That number will be checked at least once daily. Have a blessed Christmas season and happy new year!
While there will be no staff at the Church of the Nazarene Global Ministry Center Friday, 22 December 2017, through Monday, 1 January 2018, if an emergency need arises for communication of information during the Christmas holidays, please leave a voice mail message at the following number: 913-577-2720. That number will be checked at least once daily. Have a blessed Christmas season and happy new year!
Human Resources
GMC employment opportunities
People are our most valued resource. Our committed employees are involved in "Making Christlike Disciples in the Nations" in 162 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 jveigl@nazarene.org for details.
Employment Opportunities
Business Analyst (Full-time)
Information Technology
Description: Members of the IT team are primarily responsible for facilitating the ministry of the Global Ministry Center though the analysis, design, implementation, and support of software solutions. The Business Analyst will act as the primary liaison between the General Treasurer’s office, the Information Technology department, and other departments to enhance business processes.
Digital Content Specialist (Full-time)
Nazarene Communications
Description: This person will create, edit, and publish content for nazarene.org, including news and informational and marketing pieces. Additional responsibilities include general management of nazarene.org and the Nazarene family of websites, as well as collaborating on creative projects with the Nazarene Communications team.
Security Specialist (Full-time)
Information Technology
Description: Members of the IT department are primarily responsible for facilitating the ministry of the Global Ministry Center through assistance and consultation to technology users. The Security Specialist troubleshoots and assists with network access and security policies and procedures.
Video Production Manager (Full-time)
Nazarene Communications
Description: This person is responsible for video acquisition, shooting, editing, and all related responsibilities for productions of varying lengths. Additional responsibilities include knowledge of production-related software and equipment, as well as collaborating on creative projects with the Nazarene Communications team.
To obtain additional information for GMC positions, please call 913-577-0500 and ask for Human Resources.
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 jveigl@nazarene.org for details.
Employment Opportunities
Business Analyst (Full-time)
Information Technology
Description: Members of the IT team are primarily responsible for facilitating the ministry of the Global Ministry Center though the analysis, design, implementation, and support of software solutions. The Business Analyst will act as the primary liaison between the General Treasurer’s office, the Information Technology department, and other departments to enhance business processes.
Digital Content Specialist (Full-time)
Nazarene Communications
Description: This person will create, edit, and publish content for nazarene.org, including news and informational and marketing pieces. Additional responsibilities include general management of nazarene.org and the Nazarene family of websites, as well as collaborating on creative projects with the Nazarene Communications team.
Security Specialist (Full-time)
Information Technology
Description: Members of the IT department are primarily responsible for facilitating the ministry of the Global Ministry Center through assistance and consultation to technology users. The Security Specialist troubleshoots and assists with network access and security policies and procedures.
Video Production Manager (Full-time)
Nazarene Communications
Description: This person is responsible for video acquisition, shooting, editing, and all related responsibilities for productions of varying lengths. Additional responsibilities include knowledge of production-related software and equipment, as well as collaborating on creative projects with the Nazarene Communications team.
To obtain additional information for GMC positions, please call 913-577-0500 and ask for Human Resources.
Nazarene Bible CollegeTo learn more about positions available at the NBC Administrative Offices, visit nbc.edu/jobs. All positions are located within the Global Ministry Center in Lenexa, Kansas.
Location of Global Ministry Center Positions
The GMC is the administrative hub for the Church of the Nazarene denominational ministries in 162 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, 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 humanresourcesgroup@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.
Español
Portuguese
Read more
Copyright © 2017 The Global Church of the Nazarene, Inc., All rights reserved.
The Global Nazarene Communications Network
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 2.5 million members worshipping in more than 29,000 local congregations in 162 world areas.
Address:
The Global Church of the Nazarene
Global Ministry Center
17001 Prairie Star Parkway
Lenexa, Kansas 66220, United States
Phone: (913)577-0500
Email: info@nazarene.org
-------
No comments:
Post a Comment