From the Desk of...
The District Superintendent
Wednesday, October 31, 2018
Hello, Ministry Leaders!As I travel the District and meet church boards and congregations, I am amazed at the "off the chart" expectation for ministers. As you know firsthand, pastors are expected to be experts in all areas, perform all things extremely well, and solve everyone's problems. This expectation includes the significant challenges churches face in this increasingly complex, combative and divisive culture.
Management and leadership guru, Peter Drucker said:
"Over the years I have made a career out of studying the most challenging management roles out there. After all of that I am now convinced the two most difficult jobs in the world are these - one, to be President of the United States, and two, to be the leader of a church."
Ministry is, without a doubt, a challenging and sometimes frustrating job, but it is well worth our best effort as we obediently fulfill our calling to reach people with the hope of Jesus Christ. Our success is measured by a different standard, the Divine.
Ultimately, we serve and rest with God's affirmation, not others.
As we close Pastors Appreciation Month, I simply say Thank You for your sacrifice and service. It's an honor to serve with you!
Looking Ahead At Key Dates
Your prayers are appreciated for Dr. Wil Spaite and Dr. Dan Spaite due to the loss of wife and mom, Pollie. Pray for these with health concerns: Albert Hughes, Mary Micale, Andi Blanton and Dave Lukas.
Educational Opportunities
I received the following note from Dr. Mark Maddix at Point Loma Nazarene University:
"We are off to a great start this fall at PLNU with strong enrollment in the University and School of Theology & Christian Ministry.
I wanted to update you on some changes to our Master of Ministry program. In the recent clergy convocation some of the leadership from the districts expressed the need to have our MM program meet the Course of Study (COS) requirements. We have listened to that request and added four additional courses to the program so it meets the COS requirements. A list of the COS ability statements are attached for you as you work with COS students.
Also, we renamed the MM program to a Master of Arts in Christian Ministry and the program can be completed in two years instead of three years. Also the MACM program in Spanish began this fall with 17 students and we have made an agreement with SENDAS for students who do not have a bachelor's degree to complete a one-year gap program with SENDAS. This gap program prepares them for the MACM program.
If you have any questions let me know."
And from Nazarene Theological Seminary:
"NTS is excited to share about a Spring 2019 cohort now forming for the Certificate in Church Planting.
Through a generous partnership with the USA/Canada Regional Office of Evangelism and New Church Development, reduced tuition is available for qualified applicants who are accepted to the program. Additional scholarships are available for degree-seeking students.
This program is designed to serve church planters and church leaders desiring to build a church planting movement in their context. If you or someone on your district may be a good candidate for this program, we would love to hear from you! Reach out to our enrollment team at enroll@nts.edu or (816)268-5444."
Looking Ahead
The PLNU Youth Worker Day is March 15, 2019 with Mark Oestreicher. He is a veteran youth worker and founding partner of The Youth Cartel, which provides resources, training, and coaching for church youth workers. The cost is $15. Register at pointloma.edu/youthworkerday
Congratulations
District Advisory Board member and Phoenix Renovation Church staff member, Dr. Dan Spaite will receive The Distinguished Achievement Award from Point Loma Nazarene University at Homecoming. It is the highest award presented by the Alumni Association. This alumni award is given to recognize a lifetime of significant and outstanding accomplishments in a profession, academics, and/or service to a nonprofit organization. You can read more about this in the Viewpoint Magazine, either in print or online. Congratulations to Dan on receiving this prestigious award!
I am personally anticipating a deeply meaningful Advent Season. It is my favorite time of the year as we gather to celebrate with loved ones and church family.
Honestly, I miss the moments I had as pastor to minister to individuals, families, and the church during the holiday season. But as a fulfilling alternative, Becky and I will join with you as schedules allow celebrating the great things God is doing through your church, your people and your Mission Area.
You are in my prayers as you spiritually capitalize on the significant ministry opportunities Advent brings.
Doug Pierce
District Pastor/Superintendent
As we close Pastors Appreciation Month, I simply say Thank You for your sacrifice and service. It's an honor to serve with you!
Looking Ahead At Key Dates
- January 31, 2019: Pastors' Equipping Day #1 with Dr. Mark Maddix, Dean of the School of Theology and Christian Ministry at PLNU
- February 26, 2019: Annual Studies and Credentials Boards Student Interviews
- April 4, 2019: Pastors' Equipping Day #2 with Dr. Rick Harvey, Lead Pastor at Bethany First Church
- April 30, 2019: NEW CHURCH YEAR-END DATE (13 month year)
- June 6-8, 2019: District Assembly/Conventions at CrossRoads
- July 16-21, 2019: 75th Anniversary Camp Meeting with Dr. David Busic and other special speakers at Pinerock Camp and Retreat Center
- Rev. David Embrey (Sharon) announced his resignation and retirement at Show Low New Life Community. He will continue as Vice-Principal at Sequoia Village School.
- Rev. Bob Simms (Gaylene) announced his resignation at Sahaurita Santa Rita.
- I appointed Tom Eng as Interim Lay Pastor at Show Low New Life Community effective November 1.
- Dr. Brian Delbridge accepted the appointment as Interim Pastor at Phoenix First and will begin November 5.
- Rev. Rich Stoffan will begin his tenure at the camp as Executive Director November 5, 2018. Trish will serve as Guest Relations and Office Manager.
- Rev. Rich and Mrs. Trish Stoffan
- We welcome Brad Hilliar as the new Worship Pastor at Oro Valley.
Your prayers are appreciated for Dr. Wil Spaite and Dr. Dan Spaite due to the loss of wife and mom, Pollie. Pray for these with health concerns: Albert Hughes, Mary Micale, Andi Blanton and Dave Lukas.
Educational Opportunities
I received the following note from Dr. Mark Maddix at Point Loma Nazarene University:
"We are off to a great start this fall at PLNU with strong enrollment in the University and School of Theology & Christian Ministry.
I wanted to update you on some changes to our Master of Ministry program. In the recent clergy convocation some of the leadership from the districts expressed the need to have our MM program meet the Course of Study (COS) requirements. We have listened to that request and added four additional courses to the program so it meets the COS requirements. A list of the COS ability statements are attached for you as you work with COS students.
Also, we renamed the MM program to a Master of Arts in Christian Ministry and the program can be completed in two years instead of three years. Also the MACM program in Spanish began this fall with 17 students and we have made an agreement with SENDAS for students who do not have a bachelor's degree to complete a one-year gap program with SENDAS. This gap program prepares them for the MACM program.
If you have any questions let me know."
And from Nazarene Theological Seminary:
"NTS is excited to share about a Spring 2019 cohort now forming for the Certificate in Church Planting.
Through a generous partnership with the USA/Canada Regional Office of Evangelism and New Church Development, reduced tuition is available for qualified applicants who are accepted to the program. Additional scholarships are available for degree-seeking students.
This program is designed to serve church planters and church leaders desiring to build a church planting movement in their context. If you or someone on your district may be a good candidate for this program, we would love to hear from you! Reach out to our enrollment team at enroll@nts.edu or (816)268-5444."
Looking Ahead
The PLNU Youth Worker Day is March 15, 2019 with Mark Oestreicher. He is a veteran youth worker and founding partner of The Youth Cartel, which provides resources, training, and coaching for church youth workers. The cost is $15. Register at pointloma.edu/youthworkerday
Congratulations
District Advisory Board member and Phoenix Renovation Church staff member, Dr. Dan Spaite will receive The Distinguished Achievement Award from Point Loma Nazarene University at Homecoming. It is the highest award presented by the Alumni Association. This alumni award is given to recognize a lifetime of significant and outstanding accomplishments in a profession, academics, and/or service to a nonprofit organization. You can read more about this in the Viewpoint Magazine, either in print or online. Congratulations to Dan on receiving this prestigious award!
Dr. Dan Spaite
Dr. Dan Spaite Rock Climbing
- Pastor Javier Tamez was elected to replace Rev. Rich Stoffan on the District Advisory Board for the remainder of Rich's term. Congratulations to Pastor Jav!
- Successful church/pastoral reviews were completed for Pastor Drew Raney (Melissa) at Tucson Cactus Community and Pastor Don Minter (Laura) at Flagstaff. Both couples are leading well and moving their churches ahead.
I am personally anticipating a deeply meaningful Advent Season. It is my favorite time of the year as we gather to celebrate with loved ones and church family.
Honestly, I miss the moments I had as pastor to minister to individuals, families, and the church during the holiday season. But as a fulfilling alternative, Becky and I will join with you as schedules allow celebrating the great things God is doing through your church, your people and your Mission Area.
You are in my prayers as you spiritually capitalize on the significant ministry opportunities Advent brings.
Doug Pierce
District Pastor/Superintendent
Doug Pierce
T (480)237-7000
F (480)237-7777
dougpierce@arizonadistrict.org
STAY CONNECTED
Southern Nevada/Arizona District Church of the Nazarene
2420 West Ray Road, Suite 1
Chandler, Arizona 85224, United States
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