The Global Church of the Nazarene News: From call to action of The Nazarene Communication Network News in Lenexa, Kansas, United States Volume 1833 for Friday, 17 August 2018 "This week in the Church of the Nazarene..."
Congregation’s call to missions leads to new churches in Armenia
Armenia
Hamlet Mkrtchyan had been leading the Nazarene group that he planted in Maralik, Armenia, for 10 years when he realized he had become too comfortable.
“If the church where I’m pastoring is an alive church, it must have some fruits,” Hamlet said. “This church needs to be a mother church and have some missions in other places because we are part of the Great Commission. I was hearing [from God], ‘There is the Great Commission, but you are not doing anything for that.’”
He already knew a little about planting a church. A shoemaker by trade, Hamlet was drawn to pastoral ministry not long after he first gave his life to Christ as an adult. In 2005, he had been attending the Church of the Nazarene in Gyumri, Armenia, for about a year when the congregation began to pray about planting a new church in the city of Maralik.
Hamlet visited the city, where he saw many prostitutes working while their children played unsupervised on the streets.
“I wanted to do something for those kids,” he said. “I didn’t want these girls to grow up and be like their mothers. And God just put in my heart that I need to go in this community. I entered this city, and I just loved it.”
Hamlet frequently visited Maralik. He shared God’s love with the people he met, and when they saw how much Hamlet loved them, they became curious about the gospel.
He started a small group in the city, which grew over time into a thriving congregation. Today, more than 60 people belong to the group, and about 40 adults meet regularly for Sunday worship. The congregation also works with about 80 children a week, and the youth group has more than a dozen regular attendees.
Over the years, some of the children grew up and moved away, but Hamlet continues to disciple them through regular Skype calls.
In 2016, when Hamlet sensed God asking his congregation to plant more small groups, he proceeded with both determination and caution. He would take a small step, then pray and watch to see if God blessed the initiative. Through this process, he continually sought wisdom and input from other leaders and from his congregation.
At first, not everyone in the congregation agreed with the vision to plant other churches. Some said the places they considered starting a small group were impossible to reach and that the people were difficult. Despite the congregation’s fears, Hamlet trusted the leading of God and convinced his congregation to embrace this vision.
The decision about where to plant the first new small group came after he noticed that a regular attendee’s sister would only show up to church occasionally. When he asked her why she didn’t come every Sunday, she said it was too difficult because the roads in her part of the city were in poor condition.
Hamlet told her they should pray for the government to improve the roads, but the woman admitted this seemed like a strange thing to pray for.
“So, in front of the church, I just said, ‘I’m proclaiming for the roads to be done, and if one day your roads will be good enough, this will be our sign that God wants to have a church in your community,’” Hamlet said.
Time passed, and eventually, Hamlet forgot about his bold and confident public prayer. Then, about 18 months later, some of the church members approached him.
“Do you remember you prayed for the roads?” they said. “Did you know they [fixed] the roads? Now we have nice roads. Do you think it’s time to do the next step?”
The first time he visited the woman’s community and saw the new roads, he was speechless. He understood that God had taken his prayer seriously, and now it was the congregation’s turn to follow through on his promise.
The church sent members to begin the small group, starting with the woman who lived in that community. Within a year, the group was stable and growing.
Some of the church members also planted a small group in the city of Dzitenkov.
“All the church is involved in these missions, because every time [I visit a new city] I take different people with me,” Hamlet said. “I spread the vision to all the church, and the whole church has this vision to go to these places.”
Recently, Hamlet attended a small group discipleship training, where he learned new ideas and ways of thinking about small groups and discipleship.
“Now, I am thinking and dreaming that each member in my church should have his or her own small group,” he said. “Not to preach, but just to communicate once a week. Invite [at least one person] to your home and have a relationship, discussions, coffee, and listen to them.”
He’s already challenged his congregation to try this. Those who have taken the challenge excitedly report to him each Sunday the stories of their interactions with people during the week. Now, the congregation is praying that each member’s one disciple will gradually grow into many disciples.
“We will [use these small groups to] multiply in this way,” he said.
Today, Hamlet is not the only church planter in his family. His daughter, Lamara, and her husband, Armen, are leading a new Nazarene church in Gyumri, where their family’s spiritual journey began. They hope to continually grow their congregation through discipleship ministries, just like Hamlet’s church. (Engage Magazine.)
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Asia-Pacific Region re-envisions Christian education
The Philippines
A group of educators and leaders from the Asia-Pacific Region, the USA, and Europe met from 24 to 27 July in the Philippines to explore how to be more effective in missions through theological education in the Church of the Nazarene.
This was the continuation of a dialogue started in Singapore in October 2017. The group strategized how to prepare for the changes happening in education across the globe. The church is growing rapidly in some areas of the denomination's Asia-Pacific Region, leaving a high demand for equipped leaders. In other places, the growth has stagnated, leaving the need for a fresh vision and new methods.
The committee believes that the Nazarene theology of holiness as love provides a clear roadmap to effective discipleship, that making disciples is not for a select few but is at the very heart of who Nazarenes are as Jesus’ followers, and that the goal of theological education is to train leaders who in turn train others to fulfill the Great Commission of making Christlike disciples in the nations.
Throughout history, the church used the parish model where most of the work of ministry is left to a few highly trained professional clergy. The region urges a paradigm change where all believers are trained for the mission. This will require cooperation among the local church, districts, and educational providers. Education must be applicable to local contexts, accessible in local languages, affordable for everyone, and with opportunity for continued growth.
In order to fulfill that mission, the region is rolling out a new course of study for ministry. This new curriculum focuses on character formation in context through mentoring and the development of practical skills. It also places importance on learning together through fellowship with God, dialogue with one another, involvement in local churches, and engagement in their local community.
The committee developed the following affirmation statements as a way forward in dialogue and development:
• We affirm that our purpose is to make Christlike disciples who multiply.
• We affirm the role and the equipping of the priesthood of all believers.
• We affirm that theological education is about developing Christlike character in the community.
• We affirm that theological education begins in the local church with intentional discipleship.
• We affirm that the theological education process must be relational.
• We affirm that the educational process is a shared responsibility between educators, church, mentors, and District Ministerial Studies Boards and District Ministerial Credential Boards.
• We affirm the catalytic role of faculty in the development of students.
• We affirm the need for the transformational development of college boards, administration, and faculty members to develop the character of students.
• We affirm the importance of Wesleyan-Holiness theological tradition and accountability.
• We affirm that we are stronger when we collaborate. (Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific)
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Santa Marta, Colombia
More than 130 pastors from Colombia’s six districts gathered from 31 July to 2 August for a national pastor’s retreat in Santa Marta.
The retreat centered on Nazarene identity, and the speakers were General Superintendent Gustavo A. Crocker, South America Regional Director Christian Sarmiento, and Field Strategy Coordinator David González.
The pastors participated in communion and worshipped together in addition to visiting some of the region’s tourist attractions.
The retreat offered the pastors a much-needed rest and challenged them to empower a new generation of leaders in their local communities. (Church of the Nazarene South America.)
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Holiness Today announces annual church history issue
Global Ministry Center
The September/October 2018 issue of Holiness Today will highlight the life and legacy of Susanna Wesley. Susanna has been called, literally and figuratively, the Mother of Methodism and consequently of the Holiness Movement.
The best known of her 11 children were John and Charles Wesley, who led revivals that spread throughout Europe and North America in the 18th century.
This issue of Holiness Today features a wide range of contributors, including both scholars and pastors, who highlight the sometimes overlooked contributions of this pioneering woman of faith.
The September/October issue is the second annual church history issue of Holiness Today. The first church history issue, last September/October’s issue on the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, was used widely in churches and was given an award by Evangelical Press Association.
Subscribe now at holinesstoday.org to receive this issue. (Holiness Today.)
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Guatemala North Verapaz District holds first PK retreat
Cobán, Guatemala
About 50 children and young adults attended the first pastors' kids retreat in the Guatemala North Verapaz District 4-5 August at the Nazarene Bible Institute in Cobán.
District Superintendent Francisco Cho believes the district should support this group due to some of the challenges they face at such a young age.
“[Pastors’ kids] require ‘special pastoral care,’” Cho said. “That begins in our district with this event through Nazarene Youth International. During this time, the young people were challenged to build their own story following the will of God. They had times of fellowship, fun, prayer, and worship.”
Cho also thanked Wilmer Ac, Wilmer’s wife, and Marlon Sep for their work with this district event.
“The punctual coordination and creativity of [everyone involved] gave a special touch to the retreat,” Cho said. “We thank God for all of them.”
The district intends to follow throw with their commitment to spiritually support their pastors’ kids and are already planning the next retreat. (Church of the Nazarene Mesoamerica)
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South America
Peru youth encouraged to continue living out faith
Huánuco, Peru
More than 50 children and young adults from the Pucallpa, Tocache, and Huánuco regions of Peru gathered for a four-day camp called God’s Not Dead. The Peru Central East District Nazarene Youth International hosted the camp 2-5 August in Huánuco.
The main discussion topics were forgiveness, God’s love, and salvation. The camp also featured a forum on current events in the country that taught the campers how to engage in present social issues.
District Superintendent Cesar Arroyo, National Communications Coordinator Oscar Suárez, North Peru District NYI President Daniel Huamanchumo, and sociologist Richard Diego served as camp speakers.
“The campers experienced beautiful moments of praise and worship as they listened to the speakers preach the Word of God, and many campers personally experienced God’s forgiveness and salvation,” Suárez said.
Several students explained that it was worth all the effort to get to camp because God touched their lives in a way that gave them the strength to continue living as disciples of Christ in their own communities.
“I am grateful for God’s faithfulness,” said Carlos Osores, district NYI vice president. “By speaking to our lives through the speakers, by touching the hearts of young people and moving them to repentance. It was an event that will mark the history of the Church of the Nazarene in our Central East District. Honor and glory be to our God.” (Church of the Nazarene South America)
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Flags of the Nations: Argentina
The blue stripes upon a white field were placed on the flag by Manuel Belgrano, the leader of the revolution, and are said to be symbolic of the sky above. The golden sun, with the Sun of May face was added to the flag in 1818.
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: Argentina
The Church of the Nazarene officially entered Argentina in 1909.
Argentina had a population of 44,293,293 in 2017. That same year, Argentina reported 253 Churches of the Nazarene, 248 of which had been officially organized. Argentina has 18,011 total members.
Located on the South America Region, Argentina has two Phase 3 districts, five Phase 2 districts, and five Phase 1 districts. For more information about the South America Region, visit samnaz.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.
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USA/Canada
The Foundry Kids to host children's leadership conference
Kansas City, Missouri
Registration is filling quickly for the Ignite Children’s Leadership Conference, to be held in Kansas City, Missouri, from 1 to 4 October.
Ignite Coordinator Kyle Tyler says workshops are tailored to the needs of children’s leaders and are kept intimate to encourage one-on-one conversation and mentorship.
“We are passionate about the spiritual formation of kids and families,” Tyler said. “Every workshop and general session is focused on creating space for children’s leaders to learn in an environment that allows for conversation, feedback, and contextualization. Ignite limits the number of attendees so that workshop presenters are approachable.”
Keynote speakers will also be available for informal conversation. This year’s speakers include Tim Suttle, Steven James, Robbie Castleman, and General Superintendent Gustavo A. Crocker.
The daily schedule features general sessions and smaller workshops covering specific areas of ministry. There will also be discussion groups for attendees looking for a team to help them problem-solve.
“We are especially excited about our workshop lineup this year,” Tyler said. “In years past, we’ve heard feedback from experienced children’s leaders. We have listened and responded. This year, many workshops will offer practical, philosophical, theological, and even psychological approaches to ministry.”
Eric Bryant, The Foundry Kids director, says the 2018 Ignite conference will also place emphasis on support and Sabbath rest.
“Our desire is for children’s leaders to walk away from these three days with fresh ideas and renewed passion, but also with renewed energy,” Bryant said. “The Foundry Kids believes part of our mission is to support and encourage leaders in ministry.”
Children's leaders can register before 20 August at IgniteConferenceKC.com to get the early-bird rate. (The Foundry Kids)Read more
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 13-17 August 2018.
Betty Bixby, 96, of Orlando, Florida, passed away 9 August. She was the widow of retired minister and evangelist Benjamin Bixby Jr., who served in Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Florida, and Virginia. Benjamin Bixby Jr. passed away in 2009.
Rosswell Brunner, 82, of Allen, Texas, passed away 11 August. He was a retired minister, serving in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Texas. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marian Brunner, in January.
Sue Duncan, 85, of Caddo, Oklahoma, passed away 15 August. She was the widow of retired minister Billy Duncan, who served in Texas and Oklahoma. Billy Duncan passed away in 2007.
Larry Ferris, 67, of Louisville, Mississippi, passed away 8 August. He was a retired minister, serving in Pennsylvania, Mississippi, and Louisiana. He is survived by his wife, Cathy Ferris.
Mildred Lois Firestone, 102, of Bethany, Oklahoma, passed away 6 August. She was the widow of retired minister Orville Firestone, who passed away in 1980.
Alvin Tso Sr., 86, of Page, Arizona, passed away 12 August. He was a retired minister and evangelist, serving in Arizona. He is survived by his wife, Margie Tso.
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)
Read moreHuman 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 occasionally available. Email jveigl@nazarene.org for details.
Employment Opportunities
Administrative Assistant (Full-time)
Nazarene Youth International
Description: This person will provide general administrative support to the NYI director including meeting planning, logistics, finance, event planning, and other general projects.
Administrative Director (Full-time)
Stewardship Development
Description: Reporting to the Global Communications director, this person will be responsible for daily oversight and administration of pastoral leadership development resourcing and growing a giving church culture through educational materials and training. This individual will oversee all fundraising, denominational marketing, brand development, and advancement strategies for constituent development and donor care.
Communications Assistant (Part-time, 30 hours/week)
USA/Canada Regional Office
Description: This person will work closely with the USA/Canada communications coordinator to plan and implement the communications strategy for the USA/Canada Region. Specifically, this is done through the USA/Canada website. The person will assist with the planning and editing of the USA/Canada website, newsletters, and social media resources and will also work with the Global Communications team.
Constituent Care Specialist (Temporary – 9 to 12 months)
Stewardship Development
Description: The person in this position will advance the customer service and communication excellence of the Stewardship Development department for the Funding the Mission website by assisting in expanding outstanding customer care support. This position works with all members of the Stewardship Development team to assist pastors and treasurers through helpful customer service and careful management of resources offered to them.
To obtain additional information for GMC positions, please call 913-577-0500 and ask for Human Resources.
Church of the Nazarene Foundation
All positions are located within the Global Ministry Center in Lenexa, Kansas.
General Clerk (Part-time)
This position will assist with the planned giving work of the Foundation through interaction with constituents; maintenance of constituent records; and all other operations of the office environment which include but are not limited to answering the telephone, scanning documents, paperless filing, and data entry. Learn More
JESUS Film Harvest Partners
To learn more about positions available at the JFHP, visit jfhp.org. All positions are located on-site in the Olathe, Kansas, office. Recent openings: Full-Time Assistant Field Services Coordinator.
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 occasionally available. Email jveigl@nazarene.org for details.
Employment Opportunities
Administrative Assistant (Full-time)
Nazarene Youth International
Description: This person will provide general administrative support to the NYI director including meeting planning, logistics, finance, event planning, and other general projects.
Administrative Director (Full-time)
Stewardship Development
Description: Reporting to the Global Communications director, this person will be responsible for daily oversight and administration of pastoral leadership development resourcing and growing a giving church culture through educational materials and training. This individual will oversee all fundraising, denominational marketing, brand development, and advancement strategies for constituent development and donor care.
Communications Assistant (Part-time, 30 hours/week)
USA/Canada Regional Office
Description: This person will work closely with the USA/Canada communications coordinator to plan and implement the communications strategy for the USA/Canada Region. Specifically, this is done through the USA/Canada website. The person will assist with the planning and editing of the USA/Canada website, newsletters, and social media resources and will also work with the Global Communications team.
Constituent Care Specialist (Temporary – 9 to 12 months)
Stewardship Development
Description: The person in this position will advance the customer service and communication excellence of the Stewardship Development department for the Funding the Mission website by assisting in expanding outstanding customer care support. This position works with all members of the Stewardship Development team to assist pastors and treasurers through helpful customer service and careful management of resources offered to them.
To obtain additional information for GMC positions, please call 913-577-0500 and ask for Human Resources.
Church of the Nazarene Foundation
All positions are located within the Global Ministry Center in Lenexa, Kansas.
General Clerk (Part-time)
This position will assist with the planned giving work of the Foundation through interaction with constituents; maintenance of constituent records; and all other operations of the office environment which include but are not limited to answering the telephone, scanning documents, paperless filing, and data entry. Learn More
JESUS Film Harvest Partners
To learn more about positions available at the JFHP, visit jfhp.org. All positions are located on-site in the Olathe, Kansas, office. Recent openings: Full-Time Assistant Field Services Coordinator.
Nazarene Bible College
To 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.
Nazarene Theological Seminary
To learn more about current positions available at NTS, see the following employment opportunities. All positions are located on-site on the Kansas City, Missouri, campus.
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.
To 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.
Nazarene Theological Seminary
To learn more about current positions available at NTS, see the following employment opportunities. All positions are located on-site on the Kansas City, Missouri, campus.
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.
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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 30,000 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
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