Asia-Pacific Regional Communications of The Global Church of the Nazarene in Manila, Philippians of The Asia-Pacific Region's Around The Region News..."New Mission News Video! Stan Toler Undergoes Cancer Treatment, Health Education impacts PNG Tribe, Dr. Bruce Oldham Visits APNTS, Deadline for the Election of Global NYI Convention Nears, Card Skimming- Don't be a Victim!, Church Methods that Need to Change and MUCH MORE!!!" Volume 4 / Issue Number 34 for Saturday, September 24, 2016 
The Global Church of the Nazarene News from Around the Globe(Bold Items - Latest News)
Africa:
Nazarenes in East Africa Train, Equip Refugees for Ministry by Michelle Lane for Engage magazine
As more than half a million refugees seek shelter throughout northeastern Africa, longtime Nazarene missionaries Gabor* and Tafui* Buhari are employing innovative ways to serve them: radio broadcast, training in handicrafts, and reuniting separated family members.One of the tools they have found most effective is radio ministry. Through radio, Gabor, Tafui, and their partners are reaching areas near and far, especially those they cannot easily or safely travel to. Nazarene in East Africa transmit radio programs through World Mission Broadcast in 11 native languages, reaching thousands of listeners every week. Counterintuitively, the radio programs that are broadcast to camps made up of refugees and local communities from other faith groups do not include explicit gospel messages. There is a lack of openness to Christianity among these groups. Instead, programs cover subjects like reconciliation, peace, hope, love, public hygiene, relationships, family, and marriage. Through these neutral topics, the people find many needs met, and every message brings them God’s comfort.
“They’re scared,” Gabor explains. “They lack peace, so we talk about peace. They lack love; we talk about love. They lack hope; we talk about hope.”
For the rest of the story, see Engage magazine.
*Names changed for security reasons
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PALCON Sessions Equip, Challenge Malawi Leaders
Nearly 150 Malawi pastors and leaders from the Church of the Nazarene's five districts gathered for the Pastors and Leaders Conference (PALCON), themed "Prepare the Way of the Lord."Invited guests included Africa South-East Field Strategy Coordinator Paul Mtambo, Africa South Field Strategy Coordinator Mashangu Maluleka, Africa South-East Field education coordinators Gary and Penny Sidle, evangelist Larry Leckrone, and Africa Region Finance Coordinator David Allen.
Each guest covered a variety of topics that were timely for Malawi and the church, including leadership lessons, church growth and development, stewardship, the call and role of an evangelist, reaching cities for Christ, and the process of making disciples.
Maluleka challenged participants each evening with his preaching. He communicated and expounded on the Word of God in the Africa way, preaching the holiness message and helping the people understand sanctification in their context. After the preaching, the altar was full of people presenting their burdens to God and renewing their relationship with God.
On the last day, Mtambo served Communion to all participants, including the guests.
Attendees thanked the organizing committee and testified that the conference was one of the best in the country and their lives were equipped and challenged.[Church of the Nazarene Africa Region via Out of Africa]
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Eurasia:
Running for Refugees: Nazarenes Partner to Fund Education for Syrian Children
Kyiv, Ukraine
On a warm morning in April, more than 2,500 kilometers away from Beirut, Lebanon, a handful of Nazarenes from Germany, Bulgaria, Moldova, Russia, the USA, and Ukraine joined 15,000 participants at the ‘START’ line of a track in Kyiv, Ukraine. Despite their diversity, the Nazarenes shared one common goal — they were running to raise US$7,000 for the Agape Table Project, which provides hot meals to the children of the Beirut Nazarene School. The group surpassed their goal, raising $9,000 for the project.The 50 children who attend the Beirut Nazarene school belong to refugee families from the civil war in Syria. Because of their refugee status, they cannot attend a Lebanese school. To minister to children traumatized by their war-torn past, the Nazarene church in Beirut has been providing school and meals for the children over the past year. In October 2015, the ministry was running out of funds. Pastor Andrew Salameh was struggling with the reality that he would have to tell teachers, children, and parents that the doors of the school were closing. In the very midst of those dark moments, an email arrived, bringing hope.
Tanya Cantarella, a Nazarene pastor in Russia, contacted Pastor Salameh with the idea of having a team of Nazarenes that would run in a Kyiv half-marathon to raise funds. She committed that all monies raised would go to Agape Table. It was a lifeline for the Beirut school.
Running for a reasonLast November, sitting together at Eurasia Regional Conference, the Cantarella and Sukanen families, both serving in the CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) Field, began to discuss an idea. Less than six months from that night, Kyiv was scheduled to host a marathon. What if the families would commit to run in the event together? Everyone at the table was willing except for Tanya’s husband, Davide. Running in an organized race was not an activity that he would do for recreation alone. The question was posed to Davide, “What cause would be important enough for you to run?”
He responded, “I would run if it helped Syrian refugee children.” Inspired by that answer, the Nazarene runners joined together to raise money for the Agape Table Project. It was at the same conference that Tanya found one of the key members of the running team: Cindy Phelps, who is serving with her husband, Dick, in Varna, Bulgaria. Now in retirement, the Phelpses have made a home as Mission Corps volunteers in Bulgaria’s seaside city.
Soon, the team of runners was well on its way to meeting their projected goal and the group of runners was growing in numbers and diversity. Tanya connected with friends and colleagues to raise awareness of the refugee situation. As she and her Italian husband, Davide, trained for the marathon during Moscow’s harsh winter. Neither the snow, nor ice, nor sickness managed to stop the couple, who are also parents, from training. The Sukanens, Mission Corps volunteers in Moldova, organized logistics for the team.
Team effortMeanwhile, the Phelpses in Varna were getting the word out to friends in the U.S., hoping to stir hearts. Cindy, a child psychologist for 30 years, knew that research demonstrates children cannot learn without proper nutrition. Phelps said the Agape Table Project is an example of the church going back to the roots of Christianity by providing for the social needs of their society. When the day of the race dawned, there were 16 Nazarenes runners amid the 15,000 participants competing in the race. As a team, they were a large presence showing their unity and cause with matching shirts that said “AGAPE TABLE PROJEKT.”
The team was well supported on the sidelines by CIS Field Strategy Coordinator Scott Rainey, his wife Jenni, and their two daughters; Linda Russell from the CIS; Pastor Vladimir and Sylvia Masyuk, and Phelps’s husband, Dick. Moldova church planter Sergey Talalai, who is Ukrainian, brought his Moldovan youth group to Kyiv to be a part of the event.
When asked why she chose to participate in the Kyiv marathon, Phelps said, “Everybody can do something; you just have to have the desire in your heart.”
As the day of races came to a close, weary but elated athletes came together for a celebratory ceremony and the Nazarene team received a baton for participating. Addressing the crowd, Kyle Sukanen spoke for the group, “We did our part of the race, now we pass the baton to the people in Beirut. Continue the race.”[Church of the Nazarene Eurasia Region]
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Vision 2020: CIS Field Embraces Challenge to Double in 15 Years
Eurasia Region
What would it look like to double the number of Nazarene churches in the CIS Field (Commonwealth of Independent States) in the next 15 years?So far, it’s looking like families moving into cities and countries where the denomination does not yet have a presence, and in some cases drawing on the experience and insights of other churches and groups who have already been at work there for a long time.
20-20 vision
In 2015, the denomination’s six general superintendents met with Nazarene field strategy coordinators from around the world and, during one session, presented statistics that demonstrated the denomination has doubled in size every 15 years since it was first organized more than a century ago.
“What would it look like if we’re doubled by 2030?” asked Jerry Porter, general superintendent. Field Strategy Coordinator Scott Rainey remembers Porter then pointing out that, in some areas of the world, the Nazarene church is expanding well ahead of that pace. That’s when Porter threw out a challenge: “What if we doubled in five years – by 2020?”
Rainey had been sitting there with a pencil, writing down figures for what the CIS Field would look like with double the number of current churches. It would go from 44 local congregations to 88 and from more than 1,500 attendees to more than 3,000. Currently, there are Nazarene churches in six countries in the CIS; Rainey thought about expanding to be present in a total of 12 countries.
Just the year before, when Rainey had stepped into leadership for CIS, he met with the district superintendents and learned that the youngest church had been planted seven years before. But the leaders expressed a strong desire to grow again.
Rainey returned to his field after hearing about Vision 2020 and met with the leaders again.
“We prayed, we talked; I had them begin to pinpoint where they think we could be in their district in terms of numbers: attendance, membership, number of churches, and number of countries that we’re in. These were the categories of particular interest to me.
“I asked them to make faith projections for their district: By faith where do they see us by 2030? I was shocked at how close their added faith projections were to the ones for the field. We were looking at doubling in size – by faith – in 15 years, which basically says this to me: we don’t want the fast-growing places in the world to make up for our lack of growth.”
Their short-term goal was to add 16 churches by 2020, starting with four new churches in the first year.
God going before
And, it’s happening. In some ways, it seems God was orchestrating all of this before Rainey ever heard about 2020. Four families were already sensing that God was calling them into pioneer places to plant churches.
- Ukrainian family Oleg and Ira Kuz felt God was leading them to plant a church in L’viv, in the western part of Ukraine where there is no Nazarene church. Rainey and his family also sensed a burden to be involved in church planting, and at the Kuz’s invitation agreed to relocate and partner with them in the endeavor.
- Davide and Tatiana Cantarella, long-time leaders in Moscow, Russia, and throughout the CIS through theological education, had been feeling drawn to a new country where the Church of the Nazarene has no presence. Through an exploratory trip and numerous meetings with Christian leaders there, their family is now planning to relocate in January 2017.
- Another couple has relocated this summer to a sensitive area in the CIS to begin developing relationships and support local believers with the hope of starting Nazarene work in their new city.
- On the other side of Russia, a South Korean family is moving to Vladivostok, where they felt God was calling them to plant a church. Additionally, field leaders have chosen two locations to plant churches in 2017: Chisinau, Moldova, to start a Romanian-speaking congregation; and Georgia, where a couple from outside the Eurasia Region has agreed to establish Nazarene presence.
Hard soil
Behind all of these developments is the shadow of restrictive government legislation in several CIS countries, which limits evangelism to very specific settings and contexts and makes it difficult to register the church in new areas.
“This is going to happen because of hard work and total commitment," Davide Cantarella said. "I think it’s a reality that the doubling of churches can happen [but] it will take a commitment that maybe has not been there before.”
Rainey and Cantarella described how, in the first 20 years of religious freedom after the Communist government collapsed across the former Soviet Union, people were fascinated with Christianity, and any church that was opened flourished and grew.
“We have enjoyed incredible freedom, but also a rising in materialism and a lack of interest in any religious message,” Cantarella said.
As a result, several countries have been tightening their control over religious activity. When meeting with established Christian leaders in one of the new countries to find out what they knew about ministry there, Rainey said the leaders were very glad to have the partnership of another Christian denomination but were honest about the difficulty of working there.
Rainey recalls the local leaders said: “We’ve been praying and we sense that something new is happening in [our country], and your coming is like evidence that God is starting something fresh here and we welcome you. We’ll work with you.”
Yet one of the national Christian leaders cautioned, “In 1994, soon after the fall of the Soviet Union, we worked really hard to plant churches in [our country] and in that year we planted 30 churches. And this year, in 2015, we worked really hard to plant churches, just as hard as we did in 1994, and we planted one church.”
Rainey believes the Church of the Nazarene in the CIS Field will embrace the challenge.
“Once people see their leaders doing this – the commitment and perseverance to make steps to plant new cities and churches – I believe local churches will begin to get that passion again,” Rainey said. “People will begin to be bold. They’ll say, ‘Why don’t our group of 10 people start trying to plant a church?’ We hope this will become a church planting movement. We could far exceed our goal.”[Church of the Nazarene Eurasia Region]
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Healthy Relationships Build Healthy Communities in Ukraine
Kyiv, Ukraine
Can – or should – Christians do non-evangelistic events for the community?This was the question the leaders of Kyiv First Church of the Nazarene discussed as they planned an event together with Kirche in Aktion (KiA), a Nazarene church in Frankfurt, Germany.
About three years ago, Kyiv First Church moved to another part of the city and it took a while to find ways to connect with the new community. In 2015, a group from KiA came to help with construction on the church, but besides helping with physical construction, they also noticed they could help the congregation build relationships with people outside of the church.
In Frankfurt, leaders of Kirche in Aktion (Church in Action) center their calling and activities around their dream: bringing and witnessing “Heaven on Earth.” It was this dream that motivated them to start reaching beyond their city by sending teams all over the world to serve people.
This summer, KiA sent out 10 teams.
“Serving others is one of the most important tasks and most fulfilling tasks for the follower of Christ,” said Robert Stößer, project manager for KiA. “Whenever we serve and think more of the needs of others than our own, we grow spiritually, emotionally, and mentally.”
The KiA team joined forces with Kyiv First Church to serve their community through a series of seminars on marriage. Then it was decided to widen the topic to a more universal concept: Healthy families make healthy communities.
Each night’s seminar focused on various themes related to relationships: non-violent and effective communication, conflict resolution, building a strong marriage, etc. The presentations were followed either by a question and answer time or a discussion among a panel of speakers who shared their own experiences and tips on how to handle challenges and problems.
“No matter which country you’re from, we all want to be loved and to love," said Sabine Wolf, a KiA team member. "However, being married is not always that easy. Sometimes we have to work a lot on our relationships. It was amazing to see all the people who came to the meetings with a desire to have healthy relationships in life and I personally have learned a lot during these seminars as well.”
It was decided not to brand these events as being sponsored by a church group because in Ukraine, where there is currently an abundance of false religious teachings, people are wary of some events.
The main purpose of these events was to meet the community and establish relationships first, being Christ to these people instead of simply telling them about Him.
“Since we’ve been working on ways to meet more people and to make a positive impact on our surrounding community, this was a great project to try,” said Sylvia Cortez Masyuk, an attendee at Kyiv First and Ukraine Learning Center coordinator (European Nazarene College).
While looking for a place to host the events, Kyiv First Church contacted a large, gated community complex within walking distance from the church. The idea was not only to offer free seminars, but to also partner with a local coffee house that would provide coffee and snacks and to meet residents, business owners, and employees.
“This project was our first event with this community and we look forward to partnering with them again in the future. We were also able to make great and lasting connections. We are so thankful for our KiA team and the lasting impact they are helping us make here in Kyiv,” said Cortez Masyuk.
The events turned out to be an interesting mix of serious, deep talks and moments of laughter when the speakers, as well as people from the audience, gave insight into their own relationship struggles, some of which could be quite amusing.
“We look back on a week of meetings with honest sharing of more or less intimate details of our own lives as married or unmarried [people] and were received with great hospitality and gratitude of providing a space in which insights and maybe even solutions to conflicts could be gained in the end," Stößer said. "Our team felt enriched by all the wonderful moments of trust and friendship that we experienced during our stay. We are very thankful to the amazing people who supported us every day from morning until night and made us feel at home in a way that cannot be put into words.”[Church of the Nazarene Eurasia Region]
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Mesoamerica:
Panama Churches Celebrate Bible Month
Espave, Panama
Espave of Chame Church of the Nazarene, with the support of its mother church, El Progreso, celebrated Bible month with a parade through the community.The group brought joy through a Christian music band, and hope through intercessory prayer for children and families. Times of prayer were led by Pastor Eusebio Bermudez from the Espave Church and Sol de Vergara, Panama Nazarene Compassionate Ministry coordinator, at three community sites.
The September 4 parade ended with a celebration led by guest reggae artist Pastor Broma, who ministered to the those in attendance.[Church of the Nazarene Mesoamerica Region]
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South America:
Brazil Districts Host Joint Women's Ministry Training
The Sao Paulo and the Southeast Sao Paulo districts in Brazil held a joint women's ministry training for 100 local leaders and coordinators, led by Regional Women's Ministry Coordinator Waner Nunes.Southeast Sao Paulo District Coordinator Marcilene Felix presented the district women's ministry project during the September 10 training. She encouraged attendees to join together, using their gifts and talents for the kingdom of God to fulfill the Great Commission through this ministry.
"Thanks to all the leaders who participated in this meeting," Nunes said. "We pray that all may bear more and more fruit and that the kingdom of God may advance."[Church of the Nazarene South America Region]
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Argentina Professors Gather for Workshop
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Professors from the Argentina Central District gathered September 3 for workshops about teaching theology courses in the associate's degree program.The 30 attending professors are in charge of teaching classes at Southern Cone Nazarene Theological Seminary's main campus and accredited centers. Invited speakers included Walter Perez Doglio, rector of the Biblical Institute of Buenos Aires, who talked about theological education for adults, and theological educator Gustavo Valiño, who presented the workshop “Building Healthy Families Today.” During this time of development, there was an abundance of reflection and debate about the topics.
District Superintendent Marcelo Correa and Roberto Sosa, district coordinator of Decentralized Theological Education, hosted the workshops. Representatives from Southern Cone Nazarene Theological Seminary were also present: Jorge Julca, rector; Eduardo Velazquez, academic dean; Pablo Tello, decentralized theological education coordinator, and Marco Rocha, coordinator of virtual education. They brought greetings and led informative discussions about the seminary's programs and projects."We are grateful to God for the time shared with the professors of the Argentina Central District and the enriching conferences developed under a warm fellowship and communion," Velazquez said.[Church of the Nazarene South America Region]
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USA / Canada:
Toler Undergoes Treatment for Cancer
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
General Superintendent Emeritus Stan Toler was recently diagnosed with cancer and began treatment this week. The family posted the following statement on Toler's Facebook page:
Stan and Linda Toler were supported by their family as Stan began a series of chemotherapy treatments for bile duct cancer [September 20]. Following the treatments, a timeline for surgery will be decided. Stan remains positive and confident in his faith.
Dr. Toler’s fall speaking schedule has been rearranged. Updates on his progress will be posted on this page. His church family and friends worldwide are asked to pray for his complete healing according to James 5:14-15[James 5:14 Is someone among you ill? He should call for the elders of the congregation. They will pray for him and rub olive oil on him in the name of the Lord. 15 The prayer offered with trust will heal the one who is ill — the Lord will restore his health; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.].
Toler is the founding, executive director of the Resource Center for Pastoral Leadership at Southern Nazarene University. He was elected a general superintendent in the Church of the Nazarene at the 2009 General Assembly and Conventions in Orlando, Florida, and served in the position four years. He was awarded emeritus status in 2013. Toler previously served as a pastor for more than 40 years in Ohio, Florida, Tennessee, and Oklahoma. Toler has written more than 100 books, which have sold more than 3 million copies. He and his wife, Linda, an educator, have two married sons, Seth (Marcy) and Adam (Amanda), and five grandchildren.
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Politics and Jesus: Our Prophet, Priest, and King
This morning my sleepy little coffee shop is abuzz with chatter about a big political speech given last night. Eavesdropping on the conversations at tables around me becomes my “water-cooler” perspective on recent events.A circle of retired gentlemen solve the problems of the world one expresso at a time. A father and daughter trade policy positions, and life, over steamy cups of something sweet. And a group of women with open Bibles talk about how their faith impacts their politics.
I can’t help but take in the jumble of stories all around me. Each group weaves together various bits of their life in conversation with one another. But there is one common thread through each story: politics and politicians.
Reading quickly through 2 Kings, you will find stories that at first glance seem as random as my jumble of coffee shop conversations. Stories are there of prophets speaking the word of the Lord, kings fumbling the political ball, women arguing over their sons, nations positioning themselves with and against one another, priests attending to the needs of the temple, little slave girls with a curious perspective—typical ancient world water-cooler conversations.
For the rest of the article, see Holiness Today.
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Politics and Jesus, Our Prophet, Priest, and King
Jesus calls the church to be engaged in the political arena.
by Shawna Songer GainesThis morning my sleepy little coffee shop is abuzz with chatter about a big political speech given last night. Eavesdropping on the conversations at tables around me becomes my “water-cooler” perspective on recent events.
A circle of retired gentlemen solve the problems of the world one expresso at a time. A father and daughter trade policy positions, and life, over steamy cups of something sweet. And a group of women with open Bibles talk about how their faith impacts their politics.
I can’t help but take in the jumble of stories all around me. Each group weaves together various bits of their life in conversation with one another. But there is one common thread through each story: politics and politicians.
Reading quickly through 2 Kings, you will find stories that at first glance seem as random as my jumble of coffee shop conversations. Stories are there of prophets speaking the word of the Lord, kings fumbling the political ball, women arguing over their sons, nations positioning themselves with and against one another, priests attending to the needs of the temple, little slave girls with a curious perspective—typical ancient world water-cooler conversations.
When you read these stories, it is tempting to assume the main story line is about the kings, the political leaders of their time, and the rest of the stories are subplots. After all, the book is about kings, isn’t it?
My husband and co-pastor, Tim, and I preached through the book of 2 Kings during a particularly heated political season a few years ago. When we first selected this book, we also assumed that it would be a timely conversation partner because of its focus on the people with the power: kings.
But what we and our congregation uncovered was the challenging and often strained relationship between prophet, priest, and king. Each character had an important role to play in leading God’s people and each one needed the other.
The prophet is the one who brings the word of the Lord. Throughout Scripture, and especially in 2 Kings, we find that the word of the Lord is not always welcome in places of power, like the palaces of kings. Just ask Elisha after his confrontation with Jezebel! The role of the prophet is to confront the king (the power-holder) with the limit of his or her position and the overwhelming authority of God.
The priest is one who mediates the covenant between a holy God and a people made holy by God’s grace alone. The mere presence of the priest is an uncomfortable reminder that we are sinners in need of grace. The priest is also the one who anoints the King from among the people, giving him the authority to rule and instructing him in the ways of the Lord. During the reign of wicked kings, priests largely fall out of the conversation, but when kings “do what is right in the eyes of the Lord,” suddenly priests reappear in the narrative.
The king is one anointed by the priest as a servant of the Lord to govern the people and receive God’s protection. They must execute law and rule with authority, but they do so as a servant who acts under the authority of the Most High King. Ideally, the king gives ear to the prophet and works in coordination with the priests to lead God’s people and navigate tenuous relationships among the nations.
An ideal relationship between prophet, priest, and king is never fully realized in the book of 2 Kings, primarily because the kings refuse to listen to the prophets and priests. Kings want to believe that they are the main characters in the story and everyone else is just the supporting cast.
But let’s give kings and political rulers a break. The fault is not theirs alone. We talk, live, and worry as though the history of the world rises and falls on their shoulders. Even our coffee shop conversations reflect it: the single thing that unites our random stories and subplots is one’s nation and the people who rule over it.
Jesus: Prophet, Priest, and King
Christians have often struggled with the role of the church in political life. Often, we think that the church has two options: 1) Propping up broken political systems and throwing ourselves completely behind one person or political agenda or, 2) Tending only to “souls” and avoiding politics and any other subject that meddles in the messy and tangible stuff of life.
The first option is what happens when the people of God forget the role of the prophet. The second option is what happens when we forget the role of priest and the means of grace in God’s world.
Where can we find a model of prophet, priest, and king working in harmony and reflecting God’s kingdom? No nation today is quite like ancient Israel. Today, God’s people are spread throughout every country, speaking every language, worshiping in great diversity and supporting any number of political systems and parties around the world. There is no one king, one prophet, one priest. But the model of prophet, priest, and king is still critical for understanding our engagement in the political process of any nation.
As Christians, we recognize that the role of prophet, priest, and king find their ultimate fulfillment in one person: Jesus Christ. Jesus is our prophet, priest, and king.
As prophet, He announces the word of the Lord in His very life because He is the Word Made Flesh. As priest, He mediates a new covenant in which God’s people are made holy in the blood of the lamb by the Lamb that was slain. As king, He has authority to rule and reign over God’s people because He is God with us.
The work of prophesying and priesting and even kinging is all done in the shadow of Christ who fills all three offices and whatever space there may be between those offices. Because we believe that Christ is coming again to bring about God’s reign with perfect harmony, the work we do right now to proclaim the word of God, mediate the grace of God and engage the processes of governing the children of God ought to bear witness to this future reality.
We have work to do
But what does this mean for Christians living a big jumbled-up story, balancing faith, family, church, work, and figuring out where politics fits in the mix? It means we have work to do.
* We must do the prophetic work of speaking truth to power, even when kings fail to listen, because Christ is the Word that changes everything.
* We can do the priestly work of mediating grace in tangible ways that are more real than any law, election, or foreign policy agenda because in Christ, grace flooded our world.
* We can do the royal work of governing without fear or anxiety when we participate in the political systems of our nations, even as kingdoms rise and fall, because Christ is our king and His reign has no end.
This work is too big for any one individual. We must work together to discern when and how the holy people of God need to be engaged in prophetic, priestly, and political work, open to truly hear from one another and be challenged to seek more faithfully after the prophet, priest, and king, Jesus Christ. The reality of Christ as prophet, priest, and king means that Christians can and should talk about politics.
In those conversations Christians will disagree with one another. But even those disagreements can be undertaken in holiness when we recognize that our political perspectives are not meant to make ourselves the main character of the story, but to spur one another to a deeper faithfulness to the One who is.
After all, neither we nor the “kings” that govern us are the main characters of this story. We can disagree as we discern together because our words, prayers, and policies are called to be submissions to, and reflections of Jesus Christ who is—
Prophet and Word. Priest and Covenant. King and God.
Shawna Songer Gaines is a pastor and author living in Nashville. She and husband, Tim Gaines, recently published Kings and Presidents: Politics in the Kingdom of God through Beacon Hill Press.
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Moving Ministers: August 2016
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 from August 1 to August 31, 2016.
To view the August report, click here.
For previous reports, see usacanadanazarene.org.
Moving Ministers As of: 9/1/2016
from 8/1/2016 to 8/31/2016
Rev. Jerry L. Appleby from Unassigned
Florida
Lakeland FL
to Pastor on 6/12/2016
Tavares
Tavares FL
Rev. Ken B. Armstrong from Pastor
Bethel
Johnson KS
to Pastor on 8/1/2016
Bella Vista Family
Bella Vista AR
Rev. Gabrielle Bagby from Pastoral Service
West Columbia First
West Columbia SC
to Pastoral Service on 8/1/2016
Columbia First
Columbia SC
Rev. Rex Baker from Pastoral Service
Connecting Point
Denair CA
to Pastor on 6/12/2016
Grants Pass The Pursuit
Grants Pass OR
Rev. Terry J. Bennett from Pastoral Service
Rock Hill First
Rock Hill SC
to Pastoral Service on 8/1/2016
West Columbia Central
West Columbia SC
Rev. Kevin E. Bishop from Pastoral Service
Manchester
Manchester GA
to Pastoral Service on 6/2/2016
Griffin First
Griffin GA
Rev. Ryan A. Bloyd from Student
MidSouth
Nashville TN
to Pastoral Service on 8/12/2016
Kansas City Summit View
Kansas City MO
Rev. Esther M. Boodhoo from Unassigned
Canada Central
to Pastoral Service on 6/9/2016
Toronto Emmanuel Mission
Toronto ON
Canada
Rev. Rick Carney from Student
Georgia
McDonough GA
to Pastoral Service on 6/2/2016
Gainesville First
Gainesville GA
Rev. Roger E. Christiana from Unassigned
Georgia
McDonough GA
to Pastoral Service on 6/2/2016
Brunswick Grace Community
Brunswick GA
Rev. T. Robert Click from Pastoral Service
Twin Falls
Twin Falls ID
to Pastoral Service on 7/12/2016
Olathe College
Olathe KS
Rev. Janos Csoke from Pastoral Service
Whitby Gateway Community
Oshawa ON
Canada
to Pastor on 6/9/2016
Ajax Connect
Ajax ON
Canada
Rev. John P. Emery from Pastor
York Stillmeadow
York PA
to Pastoral Service on 7/6/2016
San Antonio New Vision Community
San Antonio TX
Rev. Ricki L. Emery from Pastor
York Stillmeadow
York PA
to Pastoral Service on 7/6/2016
San Antonio New Vision Community
San Antonio TX
Rev. Cheryl M. Evans from Pastor
Dover The Cross
Dover DE
to Pastoral Service on 7/17/2016
Sanborn Faith Community
Sanborn NY
Rev. Cheryl M. Evans from Pastor
Dover The Cross
Dover DE
to Pastoral Service on 7/17/2016
Amherst
Amherst NY
Rev. Ruben Fernandez Rivera from Unassigned
Canada Central
to Pastoral Service on 6/9/2016
Toronto Main Street
Toronto ON
Canada
Rev. Mario Paul Flores from Student
Kansas City
Overland Park KS
to Pastoral Service on 8/15/2016
Crossbridge Community
Ottawa IL
Rev. Terry Flummer from Unassigned
Alabama South
Prattville AL
to Pastor on 6/3/2016
Fayette
Fayette AL
Rev. Anna J. Good from Pastoral Service
Kansas City Nall Avenue
Prairie Village KS
to Pastor on 8/1/2016
Adrian Madison
Adrian MI
Rev. James T. High Sr. from Pastor
Covington Central
Fort Wright KY
to Pastor on 8/28/2016
Eaton First
Eaton OH
Rev. Martin M. Hodge from Pastor
Beaverton
Beaverton MI
to Pastor on 6/12/2016
Mackey
Mackey IN
Rev. Michael Khan from Unassigned
Canada Central
to Pastoral Service on 6/9/2016
Richmond Hill Solid Rock Community
Richmond Hill ON
Canada
Rev. Michael N. Kohl from Pastor
Fort Wayne West Main
Fort Wayne IN
to Pastor on 7/10/2016
Greensboro
Greensboro IN
Rev. Coy J. Lindsey from Pastoral Service
Lakeland Highland Park
Lakeland FL
to Pastor on 8/13/2016
Somos
Rev. Mercedes List Y Torruco from Unassigned
Canada Central
to Pastoral Service on 6/9/2016
Toronto Main Street
Toronto ON
Canada
Rev. Jay B. Lyons from Pastoral Service
Woodward
Woodward OK
to Pastoral Service on 6/13/2016
Grandview
Grandview MO
Rev. Timothy J. Maynard from Pastor
Horseheads Grace
Horseheads NY
to Pastor on 6/12/2016
Jacksonville Oak Hill
Jacksonville FL
Rev. Jeremiah D. McClure from Unassigned
Illinois
Alton IL
to Pastor on 7/18/2016
Rock Hill Trinity
Rock Hill SC
Rev. Adrien Nkundimana from Pastoral Service
Penuel African Nazarene Fellowship
Dayton OH
to Pastor on 7/19/2016
Philadelphia African
Rev. Adrien Nkundimana from Student
Southwestern Ohio
West Chester OH
to Pastor on 7/19/2016
Philadelphia African
Rev. SeongMin Oh from Student
Northern California
Concord CA
to Pastor on 8/1/2016
Carrollton NewStart Korean
Carrollton TX
Rev. Stephen E. Raney from Pastoral Service
Tidewater Central
Virginia Beach VA
to Pastor on 7/28/2016
Soldotna
Soldotna AK
Rev. Robert Rasmussen from Pastoral Service
Killeen First
Killeen TX
to Pastor on 7/20/2016
Tallmadge
Tallmadge OH
Rev. Zachary R. Roy from Pastoral Service
Trenton Gracepointe
Trenton OH
to Student on 7/19/2016
Southwestern Ohio
West Chester OH
Rev. Mark R. Seitz from Pastor
Helena
Helena MT
to Pastor on 8/7/2016
Fortuna
Fortuna CA
Rev. Jordan L. Serracino from Pastoral Service
Bethany Williams
Bethany OK
to Pastor on 8/1/2016
Davenport
Davenport OK
Rev. Samantha L Shreve from Pastoral Service
Kelloggsville
Conneaut OH
to Pastoral Service on 7/17/2016
Webb City
Webb City MO
Rev. Matthew M. Slater from Pastoral Service
New Philadelphia First
New Philadelphia OH
to Pastor on 8/8/2016
Champion
Warren OH
Rev. Jeremy Stavropoulos from Pastoral Service
Toronto Rosewood
Scarborough ON
Canada
to Pastoral Service on 6/9/2016
Ajax Connect
Ajax ON
Canada
Rev. Dallas T. Tharp from Student
Kansas City
Overland Park KS
to Pastoral Service on 7/18/2016
New Beginnings
Loudon NH
Rev. Joel P. Tooley from Pastor
Tavares
Tavares FL
to Pastor on 6/26/2016
Melbourne First
Melbourne FL
Rev. Pamela R. Tooley from Pastoral Service
Tavares
Tavares FL
to Pastoral Service on 6/26/2016
Melbourne First
Melbourne FL
Rev. Loren T. Torgerson Jr. from Student
Oregon Pacific
Salem OR
to Pastor on 8/10/2016
Goodhope
Ava MO
Rev. Timothy N. Traxel from Pastor
Caddo
Caddo OK
to Pastor on 8/1/2016
Siloam Springs
Siloam Springs AR
Rev. Heath Twyman from Pastor
Shattuck
Shattuck OK
to Pastor on 9/11/2016
Vici
Vici OK
Rev. Nathan W. Twyman from Pastor
Isabella
Isabella OK
to Pastor on 8/21/2016
Woodward
Woodward OK
Rev. Valerie Twyman from Pastor
Shattuck
Shattuck OK
to Pastor on 9/11/2016
Vici
Vici OK
Rev. Donal Leon Westbrook from Student
North Arkansas
Conway AR
to Pastor on 8/15/2016
Maple Shade
Alma AR
Rev. Timothy M. Wheatley from Pastoral Service
Marysville
Marysville WA
to Pastor on 8/21/2016
Deer Lake Lakeside
Loon Lake WA
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Nazarenes in the News
Nazarenes in the News is a compilation of online news articles featuring Nazarene churches or church members.
A man drove his car through the New Hope Ministries Church of the Nazarene sanctuary on Sunday morning (church Facebook photo).Washington man smashes car through church
Bellevue, Washington
(KIRO7, September 4) A man crashed his car through the front of a Bellevue church Sunday morning, splintering wood and shattering glass.
New Hope Ministries is located in the 15700 block of northeast 4th Street. No one inside the church was hurt, Bellevue police said.
The car was removed from the church by 11 a.m. The crash occurred just after 7 a.m.
The driver, a 32-year-old Renton man, was arrested under suspicion of drunk driving and hit-and-run.
For the rest of the story, click here.
Northwest Nazarene University music professor Walden Hughes teaches in the same room on the Nampa campus where he was born. (KBOI photo)NNU professor teaches in same room where he was born
Nampa, Idaho
(KBOI2, September 6) It's more than coincidence Northwest Nazarene University music professor Walden Hughes is playing a baby grand piano in his office this day.
It's destiny – because Hughes started life as a baby in this very room in 1955.
Literally.
Hughes was born the room when it was part of the maternity ward at Samaritan Hospital in Nampa.
It's a fact he abruptly discovered 10 years ago when two former Samaritan Hospital nurses just happened to drop by to visit the old hospital which is now the fine arts building.
For the rest of the story, click here.
A free food pantry sits outside the Shepherdsville Church of the Nazarene (Wave 3 News photo)Kentucky church creates 'open pantry'
Shepherdsville, Kentucky
(Wave 3 News, September 4) Standard pantry items, like dried cranberries, oats and cornbread mixes, sit inside a little red and yellow box outside of the Shepherdsville First Church of the Nazarene.
“Some people put some really nice stuff in here, it’s quality food,” Pastor Rob Beckett said.
The pantry is little. It has a roof and stands on one wooden post. It also has a latch, but not a lock. What’s special about this pantry is that it’s open to anyone.
“It’s been already almost a week and a half, it was almost emptied out, then I came back the next morning and looked and it has already been filled back up!” Beckett said.
For the rest of the story, click here.
Stories to share? Send them to news@nazarene.org.[Compiled by NCN News]
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Collegiate:
SNU President to Retire in 2017
Bethany, Oklahoma
Loren Gresham announced he will retire July 31, 2017. At that time he will have led Southern Nazarene University as president for 28 years. For the 22 years preceding his presidency, Gresham served SNU in other administrative, teaching, and coaching roles."Linda and I are grateful for the privilege to have served at Southern Nazarene University for these past years," Gresham said. "Our commitment to the mission and our love for the people for whom we have worked and with whom we have served are the hallmarks of our experience here. We have more yet to accomplish and hope that our remaining time of service will be among our most productive."
Loren Gresham came to SNU, then Bethany Nazarene College, in 1967. He became a Fulbright Scholar and was granted leave for the 1970-1971 academic year to do research in New Zealand. Gresham was named provost of the university in 1985, and in 1989 the SNU Board of Trustees elected him to be the institution’s 14th president. He is now the longest-serving president in the history of Southern Nazarene University and also in the history of SNU’s sister Nazarene institutions. Additionally, he’s currently the longest serving president of any college or university in the state of Oklahoma.
“Dr. Gresham’s record of leadership at SNU is unsurpassed,” said Brad Moore, chair of the SNU Board of Trustees. “He leads with wisdom, passion, and vision. Both he and Linda care deeply about SNU’s students, faculty, staff, and constituents. That’s evident in everything they do.”
During Gresham’s presidency, SNU has had 27 consecutive years of balanced budgets, and last fall’s total enrollment of 2,254 was the all-time high to that point in SNU’s 117-year history.
“When Dr. Gresham retires next July, it will have been 50 years since he arrived here as a young political science professor," said Terry Rowland, the board’s vice chair. "And in the years he’s served as president, about 36,000 degrees have been earned at SNU. That means nearly 80 percent of all degrees granted by SNU since the school’s founding in 1899 have been granted under his presidency.”
Gresham served at various times as chair of the Board of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, comprised of nearly 250 member and affiliate institutions, and as chair of the Council of Presidents of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. No stranger to athletics, he was the head coach of the SNU men’s basketball team that won the 1981 NAIA National Championship.
Gresham is an inductee in the Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame and was named to the 2014 class of Most Admired CEOs in Oklahoma City. He has served on the boards of the YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City, the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, and Integris Baptist Medical Center.
“Dr. Gresham confidentially informed the SNU Board of Trustees last May of his retirement plans,” Moore said. “We immediately initiated steps to ensure strong presidential transition. That’s clearly a top priority in the year ahead, but the board’s support for Dr. Gresham’s leadership will continue unabated throughout the coming year, as well. Together we’ll energetically pursue both existing and new initiatives to make 2016-2017 a great year for SNU.”[Southern Nazarene University]
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MNU Receives $4.1M from Donated Land's Sale
Olathe, Kansas
MidAmerica Nazarene University announced that a portion of the assets from the estate of Edgar (Class of 1972) and Maron (Lorimer) Moore sold at auction September 13. The sale of nearly 1,400 acres of farmland in Henry County, Missouri, in six separate tracts, brought the university $4.1 million.The estate gift, in excess of $9 million, represents the largest one-time gift from an alumnus in the 50-year history of MNU, according to MNU President David Spittal.
“We are so grateful for the vision of Edgar and Maron Moore and what their generous gift of land and other assets will do now and in the future at MNU,” Spittal said. “The Moores’ great passion was to help educate young people. Due to their foresight, this legacy will live on at our university.”
Kevin Borger (left) and Dave Webb take bids at the land auction.The auction was held at the Benson Community Center in Clinton, Missouri, by Webb & Associates. Attendees numbered more than 100 and 25-30 pre-qualified buyers were there to bid on the property. Dave Webb, principal of the firm and an MNU alum, marketed and sold the property, assisted by alumnus and auctioneer Kevin Borger. Both Webb and Borger spent months in preparation for the sale, marketing the property through national advertising and personal solicitation. In addition, both alums chose to donate their commission on the sale to MNU, helping the university realize the greatest gain on the sale of the property.
Jon North, vice president for University Advancement, expressed his gratitude to the auctioneers for their dedication to the university.
“Through the work of Dave Webb and Kevin Borger, we feel the land brought the highest, best dollar it could have for the university,” North said. “We appreciate their commitment to the university and the fact that the Lord brought the right buyers and sellers together for this event.”
Edgar and Maron MooreEdgar and Maron Moore cultivated a rich relationship with MNU during their lifetimes. The Olathe-area natives were known for their generosity, especially to educational institutions. In 1972, Edgar graduated from MNU having completed his bachelor’s degree at age 62. He later ran for and was elected to the Kansas State House of Representatives.
After Maron’s career in public education, she engaged in a wide variety of civic, charitable, and social organizations. During this period, having observed the needs of troubled youth and broken families, the Moores became convinced they needed to help solve the challenges of future generations by investing in youth and education.
Together they donated more than $1 million to Kansas 4-H and to the Clovia Scholarship House at Kansas State University. After Edgar’s death in 1991, Maron continued their philanthropy with significant contributions to various local projects and organizations, including Johnson County Community College. Their estate planning and gift to MNU represented the culmination of their lives of service and giving to ensure quality education in the state of Kansas.
An often-quoted Johnson's County Gazette statement from Edgar gives the best insight into the Moores’ desire to invest in Christian higher education at MNU.
“I like to look at the lights on the campus of MidAmerica and wonder just how far those lights are really shining. They go far from the Olathe community into dark places of the world and they bring light and hope. It is up to us to help them shine.”
Remaining portions of Edgar and Maron Moore’s gift will be distributed to the university in the next six months, pending the final probate of the estate.[MidAmerica Nazarene University]
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MVNU Invites Community to be Involved in Messiah
MOUNT VERNON, Ohio — Mount Vernon Nazarene University's choral union is beginning preparation for the annual presentation of Handel's Messiah, scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 11, 2016, at 7 p.m. MVNU is pleased to invite community members to sing with the students in this traditional performance.Unless you are a returning participant, interested singers should provide a reference to Dr. Robert Tocheff by email at Bob.Tocheff@mvnu.edu or by phone at 740-397-9000, ext. 3005.
Rehearsal times are Wednesdays 4:30-5:30 p.m. in the Nease Rehearsal Hall in the R.R. Hodges Chapel/Fine Arts Center on the MVNU campus. The first practice will be Wednesday, Sept. 28. Regular rehearsal attendance will be expected to prepare a quality performance.
Singers will need to provide a score—preferably the G. Schirmer edition. Please join the MVNU and Knox County community for this significant event of the Christmas season.
Mount Vernon Nazarene University is a private, four-year, intentionally Christian teaching university for traditional age students, graduate students and working adults. With a 327-acre main campus in Mount Vernon, Ohio, and several convenient Graduate and Professional Studies locations throughout the state, MVNU emphasizes academic excellence, spiritual growth and service to community and church. MVNU offers an affordable education to more than 2,100 students from 28 states and 16 countries/U.S. territories.
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Mark Raymond: From Marine to Elementary School Teacher
After 24 years of hard work and service in the Marine Corps, Mark Raymond left his post as first sergeant to pursue a career he loves, as a fifth-grade elementary school teacher.Raymond, a native of Pontiac, Mich., received his Master of Arts in Teaching from Trevecca’s School of Education and now teaches at Eastside Elementary in Shelbyville, Tenn.
Raymond says that he was not academically prepared for college after graduating high school, so he joined the Marines to travel the world.
“My best assignment was as the detachment commander at the United States Interests Section, Havana, Cuba,” Raymond said. “Cuba, under diplomatic status, was very enjoyable.”
Raymond loved Cuba and its vibrant people. After retiring from the Marines, Raymond served as a Marine instructor for JROTC while working on his Bachelor of Arts in Management and Human Relations at Trevecca, graduating in 2006.
“I was so impressed with TNU that I chose to pursue my Master of Arts in Teaching, K-6,” said Raymond.
The decision wasn’t spur of the moment. Long before he’d served in the Marines, way back in sixth grade, Raymond’s football coach had made a lasting impression.
“He was funny, athletic, smart, and he loved us,” Raymond recalled. “I was hooked.”
Raymond knew he wanted to follow in his sixth grade coach’s footsteps and leave a lasting legacy, so he chose to follow up his bachelor’s degree with a master’s in education. He took part in the Department of Defense’s Troops to Teachers program, which is designed to assist military personnel who want to pursue a second career as an educator in a public school system.
Raymond graduated in 2008 and is currently in his seventh year as a teacher in Bedford County Schools.
According to Raymond, excellent professors and teachers characterized his Trevecca experience.
“Dr. Simpson ran the education department, and I immediately liked her. She was no-nonsense with high expectations, yet very caring, not unlike many a Marine I served with over the years,” he said. “Dr. Suzie Harris personalized TNU, and I hold her in high esteem.”
Dr. Suzie Harris, dean of the School of Education, recalls Mark Raymond to be a student who won the hearts of many Trevecca faculty members.
“His heart was filled with passion and care for the students he was preparing to teach,” Harris said. “He is currently living out the commitment he made during his Trevecca MAT program as he continues to dedicate himself to making a difference in the lives of his fifth-grade students in Bedford County.”
Raymond credits his Trevecca experience with igniting in him a great interest in classroom organization and management. His Trevecca training also helped Raymond transition from leading and teaching young adults in the Marine Corps JROTC to leading and teaching younger students, Raymond said.
Above all, Raymond says his second career as a teacher has been one of God’s greatest blessings in his life—and is thankful for Trevecca’s role in his greater story.
“God has richly blessed me,” said Raymond. “Trevecca’s School of Education was the catalyst.” by Hannah Pollok, Media contact: Mandy Crow, mmcrow@trevecca.edu, 615-248-1695
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Business Luncheon will Challenge Common Conception of What It Means to be Creative
Creativity isn’t just art.That’s the focus of the next Trevecca Nazarene Association of Business Professionals luncheon, set for October 12.
The event, titled “Why All Work Is Creative (And What to Do About It)," will feature a panel discussion with Jeremy Cowart, Benji Cowart and Blake Thompson. Matt Litton, a #1 best-selling ghostwriter, author and editor, will serve as the moderator.
“Creativity is an essential piece of teaching, managing, engineering, entrepreneurial work, and even financial work,” said Litton. “Creativity means bringing order to chaos, meaning to people's lives, context to learning. In that sense, all work is truly creative.”
Organizers expect the conversation to challenge attendees to develop a broader definition of creativity—and encourage them to build a culture of creativity within their own careers and among those they lead. The discussion will help attendees to develop a new mind-set about creativity—a way of thinking that results in original ideas, innovative solutions and imaginative responses to business challenges.
The luncheon is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on October 12 in the Boone Convocation Center on Trevecca’s campus. Tickets cost $25 per person while table sponsorships cost $300. Table sponsorships reserve eight seats. You can register for the event at www.trevecca.edu/businessprofessionals.
All proceeds benefit student scholarships. Over the past three years, the Trevecca Nazarene Association of Business Professionals have awarded more than 30 scholarships to business students as a result of these events.
About the Panelists
Matt Litton is a #1 national bestselling ghostwriter, an author, editorialist and content editor. He has written about faith, culture, music and sports for numerous publications including: The Dallas Morning News, The Huffington Post, CNN.com, Christianity Today, Catalyst Leader, Busted Halo and Relevant.com.
Jeremy Cowart loves the creative process. From painting to photography, marketing campaigns and more, it’s the act of creating something from nothing that fuels his passion. Jeremy got his start as a painter, then started his own graphic design company and eventually switched over to photography full-time. He has photographed celebrities (Taylor Swift, Tim Tebow), created the social network/community OKDOTHIS, and founded Help Portrait, a worldwide movement of photographers using their time, equipment, and expertise to give back to those less fortunate. Jeremy played a pivotal role in St. Thomas Health’s award-winning “Nothing Shall Be Impossible” marketing campaign, shooting the photos used in the multimedia campaign. Most recently, Jeremy announced his plans for The Purpose Hotel, an out-of-the-box concept for the hospitality industry—a hotel for the socially conscious where a night’s stay can help to change the world.
Benji Cowart is a worship leader and songwriter. Benji co-wrote the song “Redeemed” with Mike Weaver of Big Daddy Weave. The song was nominated for four Dove Awards, reached #1 on the Billboard Christian Charts, and was certified gold in 2015. Benji has also had songs recorded by Meredith Andrews, Karen Peck, Josh Wilson and Aaron Shust. He and his wife, Jenna, have also released several albums of their own. He is signed as a songwriter with Word Publishing and teaches in Trevecca’s National Praise and Worship Institute.
Blake Thompson was hired as the producer of “The Dave Ramsey Show” in 1996 as just the eighth person to join the company. Ramsey Solutions now has more than 550 team members with Blake serving as Senior Executive Producer of Ramsey Media. In addition to supervising production of “The Dave Ramsey Show” and “Chris Brown’s True Stewardship” radio programs and podcasts, Blake oversees production of the company’s YouTube and video channels, along with multiple podcasts including Chris Hogan’s Retire Inspired, EntreLeadership, Leadership Momentum, and Christy Brown’s Business Boutique. Blake earned a broadcast and communications degree from Trevecca Nazarene University.
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Resources:
Lay Leaders: August 2016
Sunday School and Discipleship Ministry International's The Discipleship Place congratulates the following individuals approved by their pastor and local church board to receive a certificate of lay ministry. Upon approval, they will complete lay ministry courses.- Richard B. George, Southside Church of the Nazarene, Virginia District
- Jan Green, New Horizon Church of the Nazarene, South Texas District
- Robert Keister Jr., Grace Church of the Nazarene, Upstate New York District
- Jeremiah E. Swift, Montrose Church of the Nazarene, Iowa District
- Caleph Todd, Waynesville Church of the Nazarene Southwestern Ohio District
- Marcia Tomlinson, Metro West Church of the Nazarene, Florida District
- Nima Flue-Bess, Mocha Arcadia Church of the Nazarene, Guyana Demerara Essequibo District Adult Worker, Children's Worker, Youth Worker
- Elena LaCiero, Oregon City Church of the Nazarene, Oregon Pacific District Women's Ministry
- Tracy Maxwell, Ogden Church of the Nazarene, Illinois District Communicating the Gospel in a Pluralistic World
- Sara Mohan, La Grange Church of the Nazarene, Guyana Demerara Essequibo District Compassionate Ministry, Members, Stewardship, Theological & Doctrinal Studies
- Jane Oberding, Cross Roads Community Church of the Nazarene, New Mexico District Communicating the Gospel in a Pluralistic World
- Jeremiah Swift, Montrose Church of the Nazarene, Iowa District
- Telling the Old Testament Story of God
- Michael Thacker, Greenville First Church of the Nazarene, Michigan District Communicating the Gospel in a Pluralistic World, Exploring John Wesley's Theology, Exploring Nazarene History and Polity, Practicing Wesleyan-Holiness Spiritual Formation, Telling the New Testament Story of God, Telling the Old Testament Story of God
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Current Issue: Didache Vol 16 Number 2
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NCM Magazine Summer 2016 Edition
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Nazarene Essentials Available in 18 Eurasia Languages
Eurasia Region
“Church of the Nazarene? Never heard of it. What kind of church are you? How are you different from other denominations?”Many Nazarenes know what it is like to be asked these questions by friends and acquaintances who are curious about what kind of church they belong to. People often want to know what Nazarenes believe and stand for. In order to help answer these questions, Nazarene Essentials was produced. Nazarene Essentials,which describes the DNA of our global church, is a new document explaining the basics of the Church of the Nazarene's teaching, history, theology, mission, funding, and connections.
"Nazarene Essentials is a resource available to all churches to help deepen our people's understanding of who we are and what we believe," said David Graves, Church of the Nazarene general superintendent. "It is one of the most exciting resources that has been developed for the global church."
In the year since the Board of General Superintendents released Nazarene Essentials, translators on the Eurasia Region have been working rigorously to complete 18 translations of the publication. Although the denomination was first planted in India more than 100 years ago and spread across Europe, the Middle East, and South Asia over the past century, rapid growth in certain areas of the region over recent years means many members – laity and clergy – are new Christians and/or new to the denomination's doctrines and beliefs, particularly about scriptural holiness.
Written in plain language, Nazarene Essentials is a timely document to help new generations of Nazarenes and new believers understand what the church believes and why.
The translations now available to Eurasian Nazarenes are:
Completed, printed, and available on the Wesleyan Holiness Digital Library
- Albanian
- Croatian
- French
- Romanian
- Russian
- Spanish
- Portuguese
- Armenian
- Bulgarian
- Hindi
- Marathi
- Telugu
- Kannada
- Oriya
- Tamil
- Gujrathi
- Punjabi
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BGS Calls for Time of Reflection as Thank Offering Approaches
Global Ministry Center
When you look around, you can’t help but notice it: God has blessed us in so many ways. The psalmist calls on us to “sacrifice thank offerings and tell of his works with songs of joy” (Psalm 107:22). When we give back, we recognize God as the giver of all good things. We remember now so that we never forget: it’s All From Him.“All From Him” is the theme for the 2016 Thanksgiving, or Thank, Offering. Together, we join in prayer and preparation for this annual emphasis in the Church of the Nazarene. As our gifts come together through the World Evangelism Fund, we make Christlike disciples in the nations. We remember God’s generosity toward us and respond by giving back and spreading the gospel around the world.
As you prepare for this important offering, remember these verses from Deuteronomy 8:
"Be careful that you do not forget the Lord your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day. He gave you manna to eat in the wilderness, something your ancestors had never known, to humble and test you so that in the end it might go well with you. You may say to yourself, 'My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.' But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today" (Deuteronomy 8:11, 16-18).
Prepare your church for this offering emphasis by reflecting together on your blessings, praying for ministry around the world, and remembering that God is the great giver.
The offering will be received on 9 October 2016 in Canada and 20 November 2016 globally. Please note that this date may vary for some, depending on the calendar of each field or district.
Resources will be available soon at nazarene.org/generosity in English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, and Korean. If you have questions, contact Stewardship Ministries at 1-800-544-8413 orstewardship@nazarene.org.
Yours in Christ,
The Board of General Superintendents
The letter is also available in:
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General Assembly 2017 Website Now Available
Global Ministry Center
The 2017 General Assembly and Conventions is just over one year away. To assist participants in planning for and promoting this life-changing experience, the event website is now live at nazarene.org/ga.From June 21 to 30, 2017, more than 20,000 Nazarenes from across the globe will gather in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, for the Church of the Nazarene’s largest quadrennial gathering, themed “One Body, One Spirit, One Hope.”
General Assembly is an ideal opportunity for families to unite and share in their faith. It's also a chance for attendees to learn more about their extended church family, meet fellow members from around the world, and participate in local mission projects.
The website contains needed information and resources for planners and participants. Produced by the General Assembly Planning Committee, nazarene.org/ga will be updated frequently with the latest announcements about the assembly and the Nazarene Youth International, Nazarene Missions International, and Sunday School and Discipleship Ministries International conventions. Information is also available on the Global Nazarene Education Consortium Conference.
General Assembly is the "supreme doctrine-formulating, lawmaking, and elective authority of the Church of the Nazarene" (Manual, 300). The Assembly, conventions (Nazarene Missions International, Nazarene Youth International, and Sunday School and Discipleship Ministries International), and additional activities bring Nazarenes from every world region together for a time of business, celebration, and worship.
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GMC Employment Opportunities
Human Resources
People are our most valued resource. Our committed employees are involved in "Making Christlike Disciples in the Nations" in 159 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 bsikes@nazarene.org for details.
Employment Opportunities
General Superintendents’ Office — Administrative Assistant (Full time)
Office: General Superintendents’ Office
Title: Administrative Assistant
Description: This position provides administrative support for the General Superintendents’ Office, including travel expense reconciliation, proofreading of correspondence, and credential processing. It also assists with preparation of the annual office budget and monthly reports, as well as events as needed.
Global Mission Administration — Communication Specialist (Full time)
Office: Global Mission
Ministry: Administration
Title: Communication Specialist
Description: The Global Mission communication specialist will contribute insight and support the work of the Global Mission administrative director; help foster collaborative communication efforts between the regions and Global Mission team; advance the implementation and continuous improvement of the Global Mission communication strategy; collaborate on the improvement of existing and the creation of new initiatives, stories, and projects; and participate in and assist in the development of communication procedures and planning of meaningful gatherings for communicators.
Global Mission Office — Social Media and Digital Content Manager (Part-time)
Office: Global Mission
Ministry: Nazarene Compassionate Ministries
Title: Social Media and Digital Content Manager
Description: This position works under the oversight of the director of development and communications manager and is responsible for the execution of social media marketing and communications plans, including developing and executing a comprehensive social media strategy to increase visibility, traffic, engagement, and constituent support. Applicant must have the ability to create excellent content and think strategically about how social media fits within an overall business/ministry marketing strategy.
To obtain additional information, please call 913-577-0500 and ask for Human Resources.
Location of our Positions
The GMC is the administrative hub for the Church of the Nazarene denominational ministries in 159 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, religion, 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 bsikes@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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Global Praise Reports and Prayer Requests
Recent praise reports and prayer requests from NCN News, Nazarene Missions International, and JESUS Film Harvest Partners include:
PRAISES
JESUS Film - Guatemala
“After the team leader prayed, my heart began to have a normal beat,” said Randy in Guatemala. “I was in a JESUS Film gathering and began feeling discomfort in my heart. I felt terrible and wondered if I should leave the service to get some medical help, but I decided to stay. The leader started talking about God's great power and how He could save a person and heal them too. I believed what I heard. God healed me right then and there. I thank God for what He did for me.”
JESUS Film - Nepal
“They found a tumor in my head,” said a viewer in Nepal. “I was very frightened. As I contemplated surgery, I was invited to a gathering. When I arrived, they were showing the JESUS film. I saw how Jesus healed people and I said, 'Lord, I believe in you. I ask you to heal me in this moment. Here is my life and my heart.' I left the service believing I was saved and healed. A short time later, I went to the doctor and the test results showed the tumor was gone — I was healed! To God be the glory!”
PRAYER REQUESTS
Fort McMurray fire
Ambrose University recently hosted more than 600 people who were forced to evacuate from their homes due to the Fort McMurray fire in Alberta, Canada. The fire has destroyed more than 1,633 square miles, causing more than 9 billion in damage and displacing 90,000 people.
South Sudan attack
Earlier this month, more than 200 people were killed in the Gambella Region of Ethiopia during a cross-border raid by the South Sudanese Murle community. According to the BBC, the Nuer ethnic group of South Sudan and Ethiopia were targets of the violence. In addition to the dead, more than 100 people — mostly children — were kidnapped and taken back over the border into South Sudan. Because it borders South Sudan, Gambella is a common place to find South Sudanese refugees. The Church of the Nazarene has a strong presence in this area.
After some time, Nazarene leaders in Ethiopia were able to get into Gambella and assess the situation and how the Church of the Nazarene was affected. Here are their findings:
Total adults dead = 14
Total children dead = 6
Total children abducted = 9
Total adults wounded = 8
Total people with property vandalized and/or stolen = 73
"Please let us lift-up our churches and church members in prayer during this difficult time of unrest and uncertainty. Some families are missing children right now. Let us also pray for other people in that area who are vulnerable to this kind of violence."[Church of the Nazarene Africa]
MORE...
For more global concerns and continued requests, see the NMI Prayer Mobilization Line by clicking here or JESUS Film Harvest Partners by clicking here. To share additional praises or prayer requests, please use the comment section below or see the Prayer Mobilization Line's Facebook page.
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Passings:
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 September 19-23, 2016.
R. Harold Brown, 88, of Denver City, Texas, passed away September 20. He was a retired minister, serving in Missouri, Texas, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and Oklahoma. He is survived by his wife, Vera Brown.
Ruth (Briemann) Colvin, 83, of Craigsville, Virginia, passed away September 19. She was the widow of retired minister William Colvin, who served in Virginia. William Colvin passed away in 2012.
Darrell Dennis, 83, of Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away September 17. He was a retired minister and evangelist, serving in Indiana, Florida, Tennessee, and Georgia. He is survived by his wife, Helen Dennis.
Edward Redmon, 90, of Louisville, Kentucky, passed away September 17. He was a retired minister, serving in Kentucky. He is survived by his wife, Ethel "Darleen" (Adamson) Redmon.
Laura Richards, 83, of Kissimmee, Florida, passed away September 15. She was the widow of retired minister Maynard Richards, who served in Michigan. Maynard Richards passed away in 1989.
Gregory White, 51, of DeSoto, Texas, passed away September 11. He was a minister, serving in Texas. He is survived by his wife, Beretha White.
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]
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Engage Magazine:
A Channel For God's Blessing by Amy Crofford
2 Corinthians 9:12 – “This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.”
ANU Student Leaders, Prof. Leah Marangu, ANU's Transportation Team and the Glory Bus
The Blessing Begins
As Rob North, Africa Nazarene University’s Director for University Advancement, spoke about the need for a bus, he felt the Holy Spirit prod him to ask a listener that day to donate the entire cost of a bus. At ANU, buses are used for many reasons including daily transportation of some staff/students to the small city of Rongai where they can pick up public transportation, student mission trips – about three per semester organized by the chaplain’s office, trips by other campus organizations, athletic teams, and club/department outings and conferences. Since some of the roads in Nairobi and the surrounding areas can be rough, reliable vehicles are required. After Rob finished speaking, a woman confirmed that she and her husband felt they should donate a bus through a foundation they were associated with. The money was sent and the bus was built.
At the Faculty Workshop day in early September, the bus made its first appearance on the ANU campus. The faculty and administration circled the bus and prayed for it.
The video of the bus coming to the campus shows a common route traveling passing the Galleria Mall and Nairobi National Park before turning onto a busy road that leads to ANU.
The Blessing Builds
The awareness of just how great this blessing was began to grow in hearts and minds; people just could not contain it. Chaplain Rev. Cindy North explains, “Charles Ogutu, our Vice Chairperson of Student Council for the main campus, came to me saying, ‘We want to do a dedication for the new bus and the student council wants to encourage the community to do a 'Thanks' offering back to God.’
“We continued to brainstorm about the Church of the Nazarene’s thrust to the cities emphasis for Africa and how we at ANU want to support the work of the Church of the Nazarene here. Charles Ogutu is a Nazarene pastor's kid.
“Charles left the office and, within a short time after that, Pastor Shaun [Bati, the assistant chaplain] walked in telling me about the Christian Union students beginning to plan a mission for 1 October to Mathare Church of the Nazarene to work with the youth. Immediately, I sensed the Holy Spirit was bringing together my earlier conversation with Charles to this new development that Pastor Shaun was bringing to me.
“Early in this week, we begin connecting the Student Council with the Christian Union leaders to do a combined effort of ministry as a special launch outreach program with the new bus.”
The Blessing is Celebrated
Prof. Leah Marangu, Crescencia and Joseph Kisoi, and Polly Kamau reminisce about the first bus.
Dr. Brenda Johnson, on sabbatical from Northwest Nazarene University, shares about the special bus dedication chapel. “The student leader shared about the offering and the importance of the ‘Glory Bus.’ Vice Chancellor Marangu challenged those present to live a life of thanksgiving and for others, which is the African way.”
She reminded everyone that this is not ANU’s first bus. She asked if anyone was present who was at the first bus dedication when the zebras and giraffes wandered on the campus. Three people stood and then came to join her on the platform. Rev. Joseph Kisoi, a lecturer in the Department of Religion, was the student leader at that time and he shared what a blessing the first bus had been because before then, the students had to walk from Rongai to the campus and the road was not paved as it is now. His wife, Crescencia who manages the college bookstore, and Polly Kamau from Alumni Relations were the others who could witness the former event.
ANU's transportation team.
Later, Michael Kinuthia, Director of Transportation, and two other ANU drivers received the appreciation of those gathered and bowed their heads as a prayer was said for their ministry and safety. Dr. Johnson remarks that the drivers “are very talented individuals who invest so much in getting their passengers there safely. Truly we have been with them when the skill taken to maneuver the van/bus in very small spaces was phenomenal. In the middle of all the traffic, these drivers represent ANU and I have seen their patience and kindness in the midst of what appears to me great chaos.”
Dr Johnson continues, “The student body leaders challenged us to give to a third party as ANU was a recipient of the ‘Glory Bus.’ God asks us in turn to give sacrificially. Students, faculty and staff alike put money into two boxes to assist the student ministry team in their mission to help education in a small village outside Nairobi.” At that one service, approximately $200 USD was raised. More will come in from those who missed the chapel or came unprepared as well as from the downtown campus.
The Blessing Flows
Assistant Chaplain Shaun Bati said, “Because we are given grace by God, we become channels to show his grace to others.” The outreach in Mathare will be his fifth outreach trip to a school, usually outreaches are to orphanages. Sometimes the mission trips are for a weekend, but often they are day trips.
Mathare is the second largest slum in Nairobi. It has all the problems and issues one would expect. Life is difficult for everyone, but especially children. Many families cannot raise school fees. Many households have been affected by HIV/AIDS. Amenities are unknown. There are very few schools in the area and often children turn to crime for survival.
Paris Akoyi, an ANU alumna, is in her seventh year as the head of Community Care School founded by her father, Rev Paul Akoyi. The pastor saw the need in his neighborhood and took up the challenge. It is a beacon of light in a dark place. They serve 40 students between the ages of 3 and 15.
For the Mathare outing, ANU students and others will spend time with the children doing various activities, e.g. draw, play games, talk about teenage issues with the older kids, pray, read the Bible, and do an educational activity.
Ms. Akoyi mentioned some of the school needs are stationary supplies, clothes and food.
The Blessing Multiplies
The trip to Mathare will be the inaugural mission outreach for the bus, but not its last. Several outreaches are planned for this trimester. In addition to the chaplain’s office other campus organizations that do outreaches to disadvantaged kids include business students, Sing Africa, and the Christian Union.
ANU’s motto is “What begins here, transforms the world.” Sometimes though, the blessing begins elsewhere and the ANU community becomes a channel to continue the flow of grace, blessing and love.
Please pray for the Glory Bus, the Mathare outreach, and trips that will follow.
Reflect on how you have been blessed and how you can be a channel for blessing others.
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The following is a weekly listing of Nazarene ministers and leaders who recently went home to be with the Lord. Notices were received September 19-23, 2016.R. Harold Brown, 88, of Denver City, Texas, passed away September 20. He was a retired minister, serving in Missouri, Texas, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and Oklahoma. He is survived by his wife, Vera Brown.
Ruth (Briemann) Colvin, 83, of Craigsville, Virginia, passed away September 19. She was the widow of retired minister William Colvin, who served in Virginia. William Colvin passed away in 2012.
Darrell Dennis, 83, of Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away September 17. He was a retired minister and evangelist, serving in Indiana, Florida, Tennessee, and Georgia. He is survived by his wife, Helen Dennis.
Edward Redmon, 90, of Louisville, Kentucky, passed away September 17. He was a retired minister, serving in Kentucky. He is survived by his wife, Ethel "Darleen" (Adamson) Redmon.
Laura Richards, 83, of Kissimmee, Florida, passed away September 15. She was the widow of retired minister Maynard Richards, who served in Michigan. Maynard Richards passed away in 1989.
Gregory White, 51, of DeSoto, Texas, passed away September 11. He was a minister, serving in Texas. He is survived by his wife, Beretha White.
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]
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Engage Magazine:
A Channel For God's Blessing by Amy Crofford
2 Corinthians 9:12 – “This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.”
ANU Student Leaders, Prof. Leah Marangu, ANU's Transportation Team and the Glory BusThe Blessing Begins
As Rob North, Africa Nazarene University’s Director for University Advancement, spoke about the need for a bus, he felt the Holy Spirit prod him to ask a listener that day to donate the entire cost of a bus. At ANU, buses are used for many reasons including daily transportation of some staff/students to the small city of Rongai where they can pick up public transportation, student mission trips – about three per semester organized by the chaplain’s office, trips by other campus organizations, athletic teams, and club/department outings and conferences. Since some of the roads in Nairobi and the surrounding areas can be rough, reliable vehicles are required. After Rob finished speaking, a woman confirmed that she and her husband felt they should donate a bus through a foundation they were associated with. The money was sent and the bus was built.
At the Faculty Workshop day in early September, the bus made its first appearance on the ANU campus. The faculty and administration circled the bus and prayed for it.
The video of the bus coming to the campus shows a common route traveling passing the Galleria Mall and Nairobi National Park before turning onto a busy road that leads to ANU.
The Blessing Builds
The awareness of just how great this blessing was began to grow in hearts and minds; people just could not contain it. Chaplain Rev. Cindy North explains, “Charles Ogutu, our Vice Chairperson of Student Council for the main campus, came to me saying, ‘We want to do a dedication for the new bus and the student council wants to encourage the community to do a 'Thanks' offering back to God.’
“We continued to brainstorm about the Church of the Nazarene’s thrust to the cities emphasis for Africa and how we at ANU want to support the work of the Church of the Nazarene here. Charles Ogutu is a Nazarene pastor's kid.
“Charles left the office and, within a short time after that, Pastor Shaun [Bati, the assistant chaplain] walked in telling me about the Christian Union students beginning to plan a mission for 1 October to Mathare Church of the Nazarene to work with the youth. Immediately, I sensed the Holy Spirit was bringing together my earlier conversation with Charles to this new development that Pastor Shaun was bringing to me.
“Early in this week, we begin connecting the Student Council with the Christian Union leaders to do a combined effort of ministry as a special launch outreach program with the new bus.”
The Blessing is Celebrated
Prof. Leah Marangu, Crescencia and Joseph Kisoi, and Polly Kamau reminisce about the first bus.Dr. Brenda Johnson, on sabbatical from Northwest Nazarene University, shares about the special bus dedication chapel. “The student leader shared about the offering and the importance of the ‘Glory Bus.’ Vice Chancellor Marangu challenged those present to live a life of thanksgiving and for others, which is the African way.”
She reminded everyone that this is not ANU’s first bus. She asked if anyone was present who was at the first bus dedication when the zebras and giraffes wandered on the campus. Three people stood and then came to join her on the platform. Rev. Joseph Kisoi, a lecturer in the Department of Religion, was the student leader at that time and he shared what a blessing the first bus had been because before then, the students had to walk from Rongai to the campus and the road was not paved as it is now. His wife, Crescencia who manages the college bookstore, and Polly Kamau from Alumni Relations were the others who could witness the former event.
ANU's transportation team.Later, Michael Kinuthia, Director of Transportation, and two other ANU drivers received the appreciation of those gathered and bowed their heads as a prayer was said for their ministry and safety. Dr. Johnson remarks that the drivers “are very talented individuals who invest so much in getting their passengers there safely. Truly we have been with them when the skill taken to maneuver the van/bus in very small spaces was phenomenal. In the middle of all the traffic, these drivers represent ANU and I have seen their patience and kindness in the midst of what appears to me great chaos.”
Dr Johnson continues, “The student body leaders challenged us to give to a third party as ANU was a recipient of the ‘Glory Bus.’ God asks us in turn to give sacrificially. Students, faculty and staff alike put money into two boxes to assist the student ministry team in their mission to help education in a small village outside Nairobi.” At that one service, approximately $200 USD was raised. More will come in from those who missed the chapel or came unprepared as well as from the downtown campus.
The Blessing Flows
Assistant Chaplain Shaun Bati said, “Because we are given grace by God, we become channels to show his grace to others.” The outreach in Mathare will be his fifth outreach trip to a school, usually outreaches are to orphanages. Sometimes the mission trips are for a weekend, but often they are day trips.
Mathare is the second largest slum in Nairobi. It has all the problems and issues one would expect. Life is difficult for everyone, but especially children. Many families cannot raise school fees. Many households have been affected by HIV/AIDS. Amenities are unknown. There are very few schools in the area and often children turn to crime for survival.
Paris Akoyi, an ANU alumna, is in her seventh year as the head of Community Care School founded by her father, Rev Paul Akoyi. The pastor saw the need in his neighborhood and took up the challenge. It is a beacon of light in a dark place. They serve 40 students between the ages of 3 and 15.
For the Mathare outing, ANU students and others will spend time with the children doing various activities, e.g. draw, play games, talk about teenage issues with the older kids, pray, read the Bible, and do an educational activity.
Ms. Akoyi mentioned some of the school needs are stationary supplies, clothes and food.
The Blessing Multiplies
The trip to Mathare will be the inaugural mission outreach for the bus, but not its last. Several outreaches are planned for this trimester. In addition to the chaplain’s office other campus organizations that do outreaches to disadvantaged kids include business students, Sing Africa, and the Christian Union.
ANU’s motto is “What begins here, transforms the world.” Sometimes though, the blessing begins elsewhere and the ANU community becomes a channel to continue the flow of grace, blessing and love.
Please pray for the Glory Bus, the Mathare outreach, and trips that will follow.
Reflect on how you have been blessed and how you can be a channel for blessing others.
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NMI Highlight
Global NMI Convention
This week I had the opportunity to visit the Global Ministry Center in Lenexa Kansas and to meet with Lola Brickey, the Global NMI Director.
As we discussed the Global NMI Convention coming up in June, we got excited with all that will be happening, sharing ideas about how to keep everyone involved. We discussed some great ideas she has about using social media apps to connect those at the convention, as well as keeping those around the globe informed about all that is happening.
If you are planning to go to the General NMI Convention 21-23 June 2017, you must first fill out the Certificate of Election (COE) and turn that in to be eligible to register.
At the Convention, each region has the opportunity to elect an individual to represent them on the Global NMI Council. Please note that Districts are not required to submit names, but if you choose to, nominations must be received by January 1, 2017. Or, if your district desires to present constitution resolutions to the Global NMI Convention, they must be received by January 1, 2017. Click here for the forms.
Questions? Comments? Click here. I love to hear feedback!
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Developing Leaders by Stan Toler
How to Turn Your Thoughts Positive
Four Tips to Eliminate Negative Thinking
Most people would rather have a positive attitude than a negative one. But negative thinking can be subtle and hard to eliminate. If you are like I was during my early years, weighed down by life and a series of negative circumstances, finding a silver lining may seem like wistful thinking.
Let me assure you that it isn't. Here are some practical first steps toward moving yourself from the negative column to a positive outlook. Put these into practice, and you really can change your outlook.
1. Recognize Negative Thinking. First, recognize negative thinking in yourself. This can be difficult to do because negative thinking can become the "hardwiring" in your brain. You might need to ask for outside help. Find someone that you trust and ask them, "Would you say I am an optimist or a pessimist? Where do you see negative thinking in my life?"
Be open and non-defensive. Just listen, and take what you hear to heart. If you are willing to see when and how you think negatively, you are on the road to change.
2. Resolve to Take Action. When Jesus met a man who had been lame for thirty-eight years, he asked what would seem to be a ridiculous question: "Do you want to get well?" (Matthew 5:6). Jesus was probing the man's thinking to find out how serious he was about dealing with his problem.
Negative thinking can feel like a warm blanket-safe and familiar. It seems comforting to believe that your life isn't changing because "it can't" or because "that's just the way it is."
That's why making the resolve to change is a necessary first step toward improving your outlook. Do you want to have a positive attitude? Resolve to change.
3. Practice Displacement. When you discover yourself defaulting to negative thinking, immediately replace the negative thought with a positive one. Here are some examples.
It'll probably rain. It might not rain.
Nobody ever wins those things. Somebody has to win, why not me?
She'll probably say no. She might say yes!
don't think I can. I'll give it a try.
Replacing negative thoughts with positive ones, even in small ways, is a solid first step to transforming your outlook on life.
4. Get Accountability.
You can't do this alone. That's not negative thinking; it's just a fact. Making positive changes in our lives takes a network of support. Find at least one friend or relative who will help you change your future by changing the way you think.
See the story on the right about Stan Toler's fight against cancer and how you can pray.[Stan Toler]
Share The Story!
Global NMI ConventionThis week I had the opportunity to visit the Global Ministry Center in Lenexa Kansas and to meet with Lola Brickey, the Global NMI Director.
As we discussed the Global NMI Convention coming up in June, we got excited with all that will be happening, sharing ideas about how to keep everyone involved. We discussed some great ideas she has about using social media apps to connect those at the convention, as well as keeping those around the globe informed about all that is happening.
If you are planning to go to the General NMI Convention 21-23 June 2017, you must first fill out the Certificate of Election (COE) and turn that in to be eligible to register.
At the Convention, each region has the opportunity to elect an individual to represent them on the Global NMI Council. Please note that Districts are not required to submit names, but if you choose to, nominations must be received by January 1, 2017. Or, if your district desires to present constitution resolutions to the Global NMI Convention, they must be received by January 1, 2017. Click here for the forms.
Questions? Comments? Click here. I love to hear feedback!
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Developing Leaders by Stan TolerHow to Turn Your Thoughts Positive
Four Tips to Eliminate Negative Thinking
Most people would rather have a positive attitude than a negative one. But negative thinking can be subtle and hard to eliminate. If you are like I was during my early years, weighed down by life and a series of negative circumstances, finding a silver lining may seem like wistful thinking.
Let me assure you that it isn't. Here are some practical first steps toward moving yourself from the negative column to a positive outlook. Put these into practice, and you really can change your outlook.
1. Recognize Negative Thinking. First, recognize negative thinking in yourself. This can be difficult to do because negative thinking can become the "hardwiring" in your brain. You might need to ask for outside help. Find someone that you trust and ask them, "Would you say I am an optimist or a pessimist? Where do you see negative thinking in my life?"
Be open and non-defensive. Just listen, and take what you hear to heart. If you are willing to see when and how you think negatively, you are on the road to change.
2. Resolve to Take Action. When Jesus met a man who had been lame for thirty-eight years, he asked what would seem to be a ridiculous question: "Do you want to get well?" (Matthew 5:6). Jesus was probing the man's thinking to find out how serious he was about dealing with his problem.
Negative thinking can feel like a warm blanket-safe and familiar. It seems comforting to believe that your life isn't changing because "it can't" or because "that's just the way it is."
That's why making the resolve to change is a necessary first step toward improving your outlook. Do you want to have a positive attitude? Resolve to change.
3. Practice Displacement. When you discover yourself defaulting to negative thinking, immediately replace the negative thought with a positive one. Here are some examples.
It'll probably rain. It might not rain.
Nobody ever wins those things. Somebody has to win, why not me?
She'll probably say no. She might say yes!
don't think I can. I'll give it a try.
Replacing negative thoughts with positive ones, even in small ways, is a solid first step to transforming your outlook on life.
4. Get Accountability.
You can't do this alone. That's not negative thinking; it's just a fact. Making positive changes in our lives takes a network of support. Find at least one friend or relative who will help you change your future by changing the way you think.
See the story on the right about Stan Toler's fight against cancer and how you can pray.[Stan Toler]
Share The Story!
Regional Praise Reports and Prayer Requests
Asia-Pacific Region
Sowing the Seeds of Health Education Impacts Lives at Hewa Tribe!
Papua New Guinea: In 2012, Nazarene Health Ministries (NHM) Community Based Health Care (CBHC), was introduced to the Hewa tribe. They are a group of people living in isolation somewhere between the borders of Enga, Hela and East Sepik provinces in Papua New Guinea. Matthew Galman, CBHC Coordinator and his team conducted a week-long medical training during their visit to the tribe. Little did they know that this simple training would lead to a long-term and significant impact to the lives of the people there.
During the training, they introduced clean and safe birthing, and treatment of sick people. Living in seclusion from the outside world, the whole concept was entirely new to them. This was the very first time for the husbands to learn that it’s all right to take care of the wives while they’re pregnant. It is also common practice to care for their wives during and after childbirth, including holding and cradling their babies. This was the first time in their lives have they heard that it’s okay to have the baby delivered in a family house, instead of isolating themselves in a bush for more than two weeks.
That and so much more were taught to the tribe! But with all these completely new ideas instilled in them, Matthew found it difficult to determine whether their training had an impact or not. But upon returning to the tribe last year and visiting them again recently, he found tremendous positive changes in the lives of the Hewa people.
Pregnant women are well cared for now. Babies are being delivered under the supervision of trained and experienced village birth attendants. Pit latrines with hand washing stations are being constructed. Foot paths with flower beds are being put up for the first time! People are making an effort to fence out pigs. More houses with ventilation windows are built, dish racks are assembled, and so much more!
Matthew Galman, NHM CBHC Coordinator
Hewa people are now taking necessary actions to improve the community’s health condition, promote prevention of diseases and care for their community for a better future. God is at work. Praise be to His name!
CBHC extends their heartfelt gratitude to the USA NMI districts that have adopted and raised money to support their cause. They are thankful to the churches, individuals and ministries who have prayed and given their needs. Truly, without prayers, support and generous giving, it would be totally impossible to achieve what they have accomplished. God is truly glorified as CBHC is reaching out and touching peoples’ lives for Jesus, especially in remote and medically uneducated communities in many parts of PNG.[Submitted by: Matthew Galman, NHM CBHC Coordinator]
Learn more about what CBHC does and how it impacts the communities in PNG!
Asia-Pacific Region
Sowing the Seeds of Health Education Impacts Lives at Hewa Tribe!
Papua New Guinea: In 2012, Nazarene Health Ministries (NHM) Community Based Health Care (CBHC), was introduced to the Hewa tribe. They are a group of people living in isolation somewhere between the borders of Enga, Hela and East Sepik provinces in Papua New Guinea. Matthew Galman, CBHC Coordinator and his team conducted a week-long medical training during their visit to the tribe. Little did they know that this simple training would lead to a long-term and significant impact to the lives of the people there.
During the training, they introduced clean and safe birthing, and treatment of sick people. Living in seclusion from the outside world, the whole concept was entirely new to them. This was the very first time for the husbands to learn that it’s all right to take care of the wives while they’re pregnant. It is also common practice to care for their wives during and after childbirth, including holding and cradling their babies. This was the first time in their lives have they heard that it’s okay to have the baby delivered in a family house, instead of isolating themselves in a bush for more than two weeks.That and so much more were taught to the tribe! But with all these completely new ideas instilled in them, Matthew found it difficult to determine whether their training had an impact or not. But upon returning to the tribe last year and visiting them again recently, he found tremendous positive changes in the lives of the Hewa people.
Pregnant women are well cared for now. Babies are being delivered under the supervision of trained and experienced village birth attendants. Pit latrines with hand washing stations are being constructed. Foot paths with flower beds are being put up for the first time! People are making an effort to fence out pigs. More houses with ventilation windows are built, dish racks are assembled, and so much more!
Matthew Galman, NHM CBHC CoordinatorHewa people are now taking necessary actions to improve the community’s health condition, promote prevention of diseases and care for their community for a better future. God is at work. Praise be to His name!
CBHC extends their heartfelt gratitude to the USA NMI districts that have adopted and raised money to support their cause. They are thankful to the churches, individuals and ministries who have prayed and given their needs. Truly, without prayers, support and generous giving, it would be totally impossible to achieve what they have accomplished. God is truly glorified as CBHC is reaching out and touching peoples’ lives for Jesus, especially in remote and medically uneducated communities in many parts of PNG.[Submitted by: Matthew Galman, NHM CBHC Coordinator]
Learn more about what CBHC does and how it impacts the communities in PNG!
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Prayer Requested for Japan District Nazarene Youth International Camp
Japan District: Please pray for the Japan District NYI Camp that will be held this week, September 16 – 19, in Hiroshima, Japan. Organizers were hoping for 50 participants from across the district. Currently, 52 young people are registered!
Pray:
1. For the participants, that God’s Holy Spirit will fill their hearts with His love and passion for the lost.
2. For the logistics of the event coordination.
3. For the NYI council, for unity as they prepare, especially for Abe Sensei and his leadership.
4. For a revival in the church in Japan through these young people.
5. For Jana and Anderson Godoy as they prepare to speak at this event.
97.8% of the total population of Japan (126,154,000) is considered “Unreached” according to the Joshua Project website (https://joshuaproject.net/countries/JA )
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Typhoon Meranti Pummels Taiwan and China, Another One On the Way- Please Pray!
Asia-Pacific: Typhoon Meranti left devastation and ruin in Asia-Pacific, particularly in Taiwan and China.
Storm damage is seen near Fugang fishing port in Southern Taiwan.
Considered as a super typhoon, Typhoon Meranti hit Taiwan first on Wednesday, bringing rains and winds of up to 230mph. It left 1 dead, 44 injured and more than half a million households without power and supply.
It then battered China, making its landfall early Thursday morning. The typhoon caused 2 casualties and dozens injured
Typhoon Malakas
Another typhoon being monitored, Typhoon Malakas. It is expected to hit Taiwan first, and will next take aim at Japan.
Please join us as we pray for the countries affected and will be affected by these typhoons. Let us all lift the people up to God, that He will envelope them with His protective love.[Photo Credits
Maps: Weather Underground- http://weatherunderground.com
Storm Damage in Taiwan: CNN- http://edition.cnn.com/2016/09/14/asia/typhoon-meranti-weather/]-------
Friday Night Bombing in Davao City Kills 14, Injures 70, Nazarenes Checking In
Davao City, Southern Philippines: An explosion Friday Night, September 2nd, at the Roxas Night Market, Davao City, Southern Philippines, has resulted in a reported 15 fatalities and as many as 70 injured.
Davao City, Southern Philippines
Various news agencies are reporting on those who might be responsible for this blast.
The Philippine Micronesia Field Strategy Coordinator, Rev. Stephen Gualberto, sent in the following report:
“I have been in conference with the District Superintendent of Mindanao East District, Rev. Nicholas Cacho. He lives in Davao City and is also pastoring one of the four Nazarene churches in Davao City. He reported that no Nazarenes were injured in the bombing.
A group of young people from his church were planning to be at the market (site of the bombing) that evening to eat. But when they were about to go, one of the young people got sick and so the whole group cancelled the plan.
Another group of young adults from the Manila area were vacationing in Davao City and had been at the market just hours prior to the bombing.
While we are recognizing God’s grace in protecting these youth and thanking Him for that protection, we are at the same time extremely saddened and are praying for the families of those who lost loved ones and for those who were injured.”
Prayer Focus:Please join us in continuing to pray for the nation of the Philippines, and for the impact of the Church in serving as the tangible hands and feet of Christ. Pray for those who lost family members, and for the healing and recovery of those who were injured.
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Fire Heavily Damages Church and Parsonage in Southern Philippines
Mindanao East District, Southern Philippines: It has been a challenging week for the Mindanao East District. On Monday, September 5th, a fire destroyed the Lupon Church of the Nazarene in Davao oriental. This comes after the night market bombing in Davao City on September 2nd.
Lupon Church Parsonage
Rev. Nicholas Cacho, District Superintendent, reported that the whole parsonage and the interior of the sanctuary were destroyed. The pastor and his family were away when the fire started. They were not able to save any of their belongings. Clothes, appliances, important documents, utensils; everything was destroyed by fire.
According to initial reports by the Bureau of Fire, the cause of the fire was faulty electrical wiring. Rev. Jessie Rosales, pastor of the church, and his wife, Whelma Rosales, are safe but traumatised by what happened.
Lupon Church Sanctuary
The church members and other churches are helping with in-kind donations and cash to provide for the Rosales and to assist with the rebuilding of the parsonage and sanctuary.
Prayer Focus:
Please pray for the Rosales family as well as for the Lupon church family as they recover from this fire.
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Prayer Requested for Missionary After Passing of Father
Vanuatu, South Pacific: It is with sadness that we received the news of the passing of Kenneth John Potter, Missionary David Potter’s father, who passed peacefully on August 31st, 2016. Sylvia sent in the following note:
“We are very sad, but so very glad that he is receiving the reward that he has trusted his Savior for all his life! He went to heaven on his wife’s birthday. She was probably having a big party and Dad couldn’t miss it!”
Please commit to pray for David and Sylvia Potter as they travel home to be with family for the memorial service. Pray for safety of travel and the peace that only our Lord can bring during times such as these. Thank the Lord that we have hope in Him!
*** Update***
David was just diagnosed with a detached retina and will have surgery to correct this on Monday September 12th in Colorado Springs, CO. Please keep David in your prayers as well as the Surgeon and staff, that God would guide them and the procedure would be successful.
David and Sylvia Potter
David and Sylvia Potter have served as missionaries with the Church of the Nazarene since 1992, and are currently serving in the South Pacific island nation of Vanuatu.
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Most Up-to-Date Prayer Requests & Praise Reports for the Global Church - Prayer Mobilization Line.
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Latest WMC News Video
Church Damaged by Fire, Football Team Baptized, District Youth's
Japan District: Please pray for the Japan District NYI Camp that will be held this week, September 16 – 19, in Hiroshima, Japan. Organizers were hoping for 50 participants from across the district. Currently, 52 young people are registered!
Pray:
1. For the participants, that God’s Holy Spirit will fill their hearts with His love and passion for the lost.
2. For the logistics of the event coordination.
3. For the NYI council, for unity as they prepare, especially for Abe Sensei and his leadership.
4. For a revival in the church in Japan through these young people.
5. For Jana and Anderson Godoy as they prepare to speak at this event.
97.8% of the total population of Japan (126,154,000) is considered “Unreached” according to the Joshua Project website (https://joshuaproject.net/countries/JA )
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Typhoon Meranti Pummels Taiwan and China, Another One On the Way- Please Pray!
Asia-Pacific: Typhoon Meranti left devastation and ruin in Asia-Pacific, particularly in Taiwan and China.
Storm damage is seen near Fugang fishing port in Southern Taiwan.Considered as a super typhoon, Typhoon Meranti hit Taiwan first on Wednesday, bringing rains and winds of up to 230mph. It left 1 dead, 44 injured and more than half a million households without power and supply.
It then battered China, making its landfall early Thursday morning. The typhoon caused 2 casualties and dozens injured
Typhoon MalakasAnother typhoon being monitored, Typhoon Malakas. It is expected to hit Taiwan first, and will next take aim at Japan.
Please join us as we pray for the countries affected and will be affected by these typhoons. Let us all lift the people up to God, that He will envelope them with His protective love.[Photo Credits
Maps: Weather Underground- http://weatherunderground.com
Storm Damage in Taiwan: CNN- http://edition.cnn.com/2016/09/14/asia/typhoon-meranti-weather/]-------
Friday Night Bombing in Davao City Kills 14, Injures 70, Nazarenes Checking In
Davao City, Southern Philippines: An explosion Friday Night, September 2nd, at the Roxas Night Market, Davao City, Southern Philippines, has resulted in a reported 15 fatalities and as many as 70 injured.
Davao City, Southern PhilippinesVarious news agencies are reporting on those who might be responsible for this blast.
The Philippine Micronesia Field Strategy Coordinator, Rev. Stephen Gualberto, sent in the following report:
“I have been in conference with the District Superintendent of Mindanao East District, Rev. Nicholas Cacho. He lives in Davao City and is also pastoring one of the four Nazarene churches in Davao City. He reported that no Nazarenes were injured in the bombing.
A group of young people from his church were planning to be at the market (site of the bombing) that evening to eat. But when they were about to go, one of the young people got sick and so the whole group cancelled the plan.
Another group of young adults from the Manila area were vacationing in Davao City and had been at the market just hours prior to the bombing.
While we are recognizing God’s grace in protecting these youth and thanking Him for that protection, we are at the same time extremely saddened and are praying for the families of those who lost loved ones and for those who were injured.”
Prayer Focus:Please join us in continuing to pray for the nation of the Philippines, and for the impact of the Church in serving as the tangible hands and feet of Christ. Pray for those who lost family members, and for the healing and recovery of those who were injured.
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Fire Heavily Damages Church and Parsonage in Southern Philippines
Mindanao East District, Southern Philippines: It has been a challenging week for the Mindanao East District. On Monday, September 5th, a fire destroyed the Lupon Church of the Nazarene in Davao oriental. This comes after the night market bombing in Davao City on September 2nd.
Lupon Church ParsonageRev. Nicholas Cacho, District Superintendent, reported that the whole parsonage and the interior of the sanctuary were destroyed. The pastor and his family were away when the fire started. They were not able to save any of their belongings. Clothes, appliances, important documents, utensils; everything was destroyed by fire.
According to initial reports by the Bureau of Fire, the cause of the fire was faulty electrical wiring. Rev. Jessie Rosales, pastor of the church, and his wife, Whelma Rosales, are safe but traumatised by what happened.
Lupon Church SanctuaryThe church members and other churches are helping with in-kind donations and cash to provide for the Rosales and to assist with the rebuilding of the parsonage and sanctuary.
Prayer Focus:
Please pray for the Rosales family as well as for the Lupon church family as they recover from this fire.
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Prayer Requested for Missionary After Passing of Father
Vanuatu, South Pacific: It is with sadness that we received the news of the passing of Kenneth John Potter, Missionary David Potter’s father, who passed peacefully on August 31st, 2016. Sylvia sent in the following note:
“We are very sad, but so very glad that he is receiving the reward that he has trusted his Savior for all his life! He went to heaven on his wife’s birthday. She was probably having a big party and Dad couldn’t miss it!”
Please commit to pray for David and Sylvia Potter as they travel home to be with family for the memorial service. Pray for safety of travel and the peace that only our Lord can bring during times such as these. Thank the Lord that we have hope in Him!
*** Update***
David was just diagnosed with a detached retina and will have surgery to correct this on Monday September 12th in Colorado Springs, CO. Please keep David in your prayers as well as the Surgeon and staff, that God would guide them and the procedure would be successful.
David and Sylvia PotterDavid and Sylvia Potter have served as missionaries with the Church of the Nazarene since 1992, and are currently serving in the South Pacific island nation of Vanuatu.
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Most Up-to-Date Prayer Requests & Praise Reports for the Global Church - Prayer Mobilization Line.
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Latest WMC News Video
Church Damaged by Fire, Football Team Baptized, District Youth's
Creative Ministry,
APNTS President Visits
Great Missions Moment Service Opener
Download now - click here
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Sowing the Seeds of Health Education Impacts Lives at Hewa Tribe!
Papua New Guinea
In 2012, Nazarene Health Ministries (NHM) Community Based Health Care (CBHC), was introduced to the Hewa tribe. They are a group of people living in isolation somewhere between the borders of Enga, Hela and East Sepik provinces in Papua New Guinea.
Matthew Galman, CBHC Coordinator, and his team conducted a week-long medical training during their visit to the tribe. Little did they know that this simple training would lead to a long-term, significant impact to the lives of the people there.
The training was an eye opener to the people in the tribe! From then on, their lives have significantly changed.
Follow the link to find out how CBHC changed the lives of the people in Hewa tribe!
Sowing the Seeds of Health Education Impacts Lives at Hewa Tribe!
Toler Undergoes Treatment for Cancer
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
General Superintendent Emeritus Stan Toler was recently diagnosed with cancer and began treatment this week.
Toler is the founding, executive director of the Resource Center for Pastoral Leadership at Southern Nazarene University. He was elected general superintendent at the 2009 General Assembly and Conventions in Orlando, Florida, and served in the position four years. He was awarded emeritus status in 2013.
Dr. Toler is also the Around the Region News' source for articles on developing leaders. We join the Nazarene family in prayer for his complete healing.
Click here for a statement released by his family. May God keep them strong during this challenging time.
General Superintendent Emeritus Stan Toler was recently diagnosed with cancer and began treatment this week.
The family posted the following statement on Toler's Facebook page:
He and his wife, Linda, an educator, have two married sons, Seth (Marcy) and Adam (Amanda), and five grandchildren.
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Incoming APNTS President Visits Campus
Manila, Philippines
Incoming President of Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary (APNTS), Dr. Bruce Oldham, visited the campus from September 13-21, 2016.
According to Dr. Bruce, this was his very first visit to the campus not to mention the Philippines! His 7-day stay was a way of "getting his feet wet," and gaining a feel of what's in store when he assumes the APNTS Presidency post in November.
Dr. Bruce had a very full week meeting faculty and staff. He also blessed the campus with his first-ever chapel service.
He had nothing but very kind words for the students, faculty and staff of APNTS!
Read all about it here!
Manila, Philippines: Incoming President of Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary (APNTS) Dr. Bruce Oldham arrived in Manila Tuesday evening and will be staying on campus until next week.Read:Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary Announces New President
According to Dr. Bruce (as he would like to be called), this is his very first visit to the campus, not to mention the Philippines! His 7-day stay is a way of “getting his feet wet” and have a feel of what’s in store when he assumes the APNTS Presidency post in November.
On Thursday, September 15, APNTS was privileged to have Dr. Bruce speak during the chapel service. He talked about God’s dream for His children, and how he wants us to live a life of power, love and purity. Quoting his life verse, Ephesians 3:20, Dr. Bruce left an inspiring message that God’s dream for us can be the legacy of our lives.
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.”- Ephesians 3:20 (NIV)
World Mission Communications Asia-Pacific (WMC A-P) was also given a chance to interview him and ask how his stay has been so far. According to Dr. Bruce, he will spend his days meeting the faculty and several groups of people, speak in some church services and do “almost as much as I could cram into those 7 days!”
Dr. Bruce is very thankful for the opportunity to visit APNTS. He appreciates the beautiful scenery of the seminary and the friendliness of the people. When asked what his message is to the students, faculty and staff of APNTS, he had this to say:
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Radio Crossing Mountain Ranges and Valleys to Reach and Teach in Papua New Guinea!
Highlands of Papua New Guinea
World Mission Broadcast truly is effective in reaching the otherwise unreachable populations of the world. Thank you for your ongoing participation in and prayers for this very vital ministry.
You don't want to miss reading this very exciting report from Rev. Daniel Eka, the World Mission Broadcast Coordinator for Papua New Guinea. He shares that a major Christian broadcaster in the country, Wantok Radio Light, has ranked Krai Bilong Ol Meri,one of the WMB programs, as one of the top locally produced Christian programs being aired. This is exciting news for a program that although is aimed at women, has been having men respond as well.
Click here to find out how radio is making impact in Papua New Guinea!
The highlands of PNG are largely untouched by the outside world.
Highlands of Papua New Guinea: A short visit to the highlands of Papua New Guinea reveals a land rich with rugged mountain ranges and deep valleys, but also a land void of many of the infrastructures found in other parts of the world. It is a land of remote villages, reached only by days of walking or mission aircraft. This is a land perfectly suited for the impact of radio ministry!
Rev. Daniel Eka, WMB Ministry Coordinator for Papua New Guinea
As the month of August came to a close, Papua New Guinea World Mission Broadcast Coordinator, Rev. Daniel Eka, sent in the following report.
During the month of August we have received tremendous responses for three of our radio programs, Krai Bilong Ol Meri (Cry of Women), Kirapim Gutpela Sindaun (Starting a Good Life), and Krais I Laikim Olgeta Pikinini (Christ Loves All Kids) which collectively are airing on 17 radio stations across Papua New Guinea.
Freda Peu, program director for Krai Bilon Ol Meri
Freda Peu, program director for Krai Bilong Ol Meri was very excited to report that as a result of the radio program, 10 single ladies have given their lives to the Lord. Two men also heard the program and called on the phone, discussing how they have been encouraged by the programs, and are challenged to not mistreat their wives any more.
“Even though the program is aimed at women, men are also responding to this program, which means that God is using this program to touch the lives of men as well,” shared Freda.
We know that in all of our media ministries, the quality of the production makes an impact on engagement.
“Krai Bilong Ol Meri is ranked by Wantok Radio Light (a major Christian broadcaster in the country) as one of the top locally produced Christian programs being aired,” shared Eka. “We praise God for such comments made by our major broadcast partner.”
Biora Wan, program director for Krais I Laikim Olgeta Pikinini
Daniel Eka went on to share that Biora Wan, who is the program director for Krais I Laikim Olgeta (Christ Loves All Kids) is not just producing the program, she is actively going and visiting children that have been contacted through the radio program.
“Imparting at least a Bible verse in [a] child’s life is more than giving a silver or a gold because God’s word is the creative power to direct life,” says Biora.
“We thank God for this vital tool/medium that God is using to touch and transform the lives of many people who are unable to read and write and who live faraway, especially in the very remotest parts of Papua New Guinea,” said Eka.
World Mission Broadcast truly is effective in reaching the otherwise unreachable populations of the world. Thank you for your ongoing participation in and prayers for this very vital ministry.
See below the re-enactment of a Radio Ministry Story from Papua New Guinea.
24th Global Nazarene Youth International Convention- Deadline Approaching!
Nazarene Youth International
The countdown to the Global NYI Convention continues.... We are 10 months away! Each district NYI convention should be electing youth, lay, and ministerial delegates and alternates at this time. The deadline to elect NYI delegates is 31 March 2017.
Each month leading up to the Global NYI Convention, we are highlighting various aspects of the convention to help delegates prepare. The focus of this highlight is on resolutions.
Learn more about the 10 important things about resolutions, and access more information on the NYI website and Facebook page!
Follow the link for further details and be in-the-know!
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Building a Ministry Team
Board of General Superintendents
I believe that in every church there are individuals who have a deep desire to make an impact for God. They are committed to God, to the church, and to helping their pastors. The Apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 4:11-12 that God appointed pastors and teachers "to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the Body of Christ may be built up..." One of the joys of being a pastor is to prepare and equip people for ministry. We are to develop a ministry team that includes paid staff and volunteers.
All people who serve truly want to be effective in their ministries. As a pastor, you are to motivate and challenge your people to continue growing and developing. Encourage people to stretch themselves. Provide opportunities for personal and corporate growth.
As the leader, release your congregants to be innovative and to find new ways to succeed. Effective leaders are not micromanagers. Giving people the authority to make decisions within their areas of responsibility validates their worth and signals your trust in them.
Involve people in decision making and vision casting. Doing this allows others to contribute to both goal setting and goal reaching. When workers feel that they are involved in the process, they buy into the goal with greater enthusiasm. As a leader, it is freeing to know you do not have to have all the answers. You are a team.
Click here for ways you can encourage your team!
Building a Ministry Team by David W. Graves
I believe that in every church there are individuals who have a deep desire to make an impact for God. They are committed to God, to the church, and to helping their pastors. The Apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 4:11–12 that God appointed pastors and teachers “to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the Body of Christ may be built up…” One of the joys of being a pastor is to prepare and equip people for ministry. We are to develop a ministry team that includes paid staff and volunteers.
All people who serve truly want to be effective in their ministries. As a pastor, you are to motivate and challenge your people to continue growing and developing. Encourage people to stretch themselves. Provide opportunities for personal and corporate growth.
As the leader, release your congregants to be innovative and to find new ways to succeed. Effective leaders are not micromanagers. Giving people the authority to make decisions within their areas of responsibility validates their worth and signals your trust in them.
Involve people in decision making and vision casting. Doing this allows others to contribute to both goal setting and goal reaching. When workers feel that they are involved in the process, they buy into the goal with greater enthusiasm. As a leader, it is freeing to know you do not have to have all the answers. You are a team.
Your expressed appreciation for the ministry of lay people may not be their motivation for ministry, but it can be the encouragement they need to continue serving. A phone call, an email, a pat on the back, or a kind word can keep them going. Private appreciation and public recognition are both great impetus for quality ministry.
As a leader, you need to invest in the lives of your ministry team. Get to know them personally. Stay connected and be interested in their lives. Enjoy life together. In so doing, they will feel connected to you and feel your love for them. Let your people know that you care about them and their families. Encourage group connection. A connected group makes a better team.
One of my greatest joys of being a pastor was to serve with others. We are not in this by ourselves. God will provide the support and leaders to work along with us. Our responsibility is to train, equip, encourage, and care for them. With God’s help, we can develop a ministry team so that the Body of Christ might be built up.
May God bless you as you lead.
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Don't be a Victim! How to Avoid Card Skimming
Editorial
Technology is a double-edged sword.
Technology has definitely made our lives so much easier and a lot more convenient. This is especially true when it comes to banking! Gone are the days when the only way to do bank transactions is by physically going there, fall in line and have a teller process whatever it is that you need.
Nowadays, doing bank transactions is as easy as snapping your fingers. However, with all the advantages of technology on banking, there are drawbacks that pose serious threats that will make you think if technology is really a blessing or a curse. One of, if probably not the worst blow of technology to banking is breach of security, brought about by card skimming.
Be informed of what card skimming is and how to avoid it! Don't miss out- click here!
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3 Church Methods that Need to Change
Christianity Today
It's long been said the seven last words of a church are "We've never done it that way before."
The effect of holding onto bad tradition, bad habits, and bad strategy is ineffective evangelism, stagnation and eventually death.
How can churches avoid holding onto mechanisms, strategies, traditions, and the like, past their expiration date? How can churches be constantly effective in reaching their communities?
A must-read! Get these pointers on how to effectively make disciples and reach communities in light of today's cultural realities.
Follow the link to find out!
3 Church Methods That Need to Change
Church methods have to change for churches to remain effective. by Ed Stetzer
It’s long been said the seven last words of a church are “We’ve never done it that way before.”
The effect of holding onto bad tradition, bad habits, and bad strategy is ineffective evangelism, stagnation and eventually death.
How can churches avoid holding onto mechanisms, strategies, traditions, and the like, past their expiration date? How can churches be constantly effective in reaching their communities?
In light of modern cultural realities, here are three methodological shifts churches should consider to more effectively make disciples and reach our communities.
Consider scattering over gathering
Why not push more of the functions of church life to the periphery of church, including the amount of times we gather? I know this may sound counterintuitive and I don’t want to completely de-emphasize the large gathering. Gatherings are biblical.
But it would make more sense in our current context to do less gathering and more scattering. We are beyong the place where saying “Everyone come!” will bring unbelievers to a gathering. Churches need to have more of a “Let’s go!” mentality.
To be successful, leaders need to empower people. Church members need to be released as witnesses in their everyday lives—to be the "church scattered."
In some cases, it’s helpful to empower small groups to have a broader functionality, even to the point of these groups functioning almost like little congregations. Some can be pre-church plants.
When ownership and responsibility is distributed, the more likely you are to have greater impact in a community.
Consider how to use pathways
We need a simple and regularly applied approach to what I call “pathways.” A pathways strategy is shown when a church moves people from sitting in rows to sitting in circles. This simple rearrangement is a means of changing members from consumers to participants. Rows tend to focus everyone on a single person. Circles tend to focus everyone on each other.
Pathways transitions people away from apathy into groups where they’ll provoke one another to love and good deeds (Heb. 10:24). We need to help people live as agents of God’s mission.
Sometimes you have to stop doing good things to do the best things. That’s always a hard call, especially for churches. Churches that refuse to budge on inerrancy of Scripture should be commended. Churches that confuse inerrancy with methodology should be corrected.
That tendency can be applied to aspects of ministry that have outlived their usefulness. We need clearer systems and processes that lead people from passivity to activity in involvement in the mission of God and serving one another.
The declergification of ministry
Within our theological understanding of church and ordination, let’s de-emphasize the role of clergy. Ironically, many low church denominationa are not a clergy-driven people, but we certainly function like a clergy people. Many low church congregations have a leadership culture that is essentially a hierarchial priesthood. There’s one man who is the only one who has the authority to interpret and teach the Bible. To them, the pastor functions almost as an intermediary priest.
If you are a Protestant, you probably agree clergification is a bad thing, even if you believe, as I do, that pastor is a biblical role. And, you probably agree the Protestant Reformation emphasis on direct access to God was a reflection of the biblical teaching that Jesus is the one mediator between God and man.
I want to see a de-clergification of ministry in evangelical churches where God’s people own the ministry collaboratively and corporately and pastors serve as equippers of the saints in accordance with Ephesians 4:11—to equip God’s people for works of service to the building up of the body of Christ.
In the new ministry environment, churches need to scatter more, develop better pathways to encourage active members, and combat clergification by equipping the entire body of Christ for service.
APNTS President Visits
Great Missions Moment Service Opener
Download now - click here
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Sowing the Seeds of Health Education Impacts Lives at Hewa Tribe!
Papua New Guinea
In 2012, Nazarene Health Ministries (NHM) Community Based Health Care (CBHC), was introduced to the Hewa tribe. They are a group of people living in isolation somewhere between the borders of Enga, Hela and East Sepik provinces in Papua New Guinea. Matthew Galman, CBHC Coordinator, and his team conducted a week-long medical training during their visit to the tribe. Little did they know that this simple training would lead to a long-term, significant impact to the lives of the people there.
The training was an eye opener to the people in the tribe! From then on, their lives have significantly changed.
Follow the link to find out how CBHC changed the lives of the people in Hewa tribe!
Sowing the Seeds of Health Education Impacts Lives at Hewa Tribe!
Papua New Guinea: In 2012, Nazarene Health Ministries (NHM) Community Based Health Care (CBHC), was introduced to the Hewa tribe. They are a group of people living in isolation somewhere between the borders of Enga, Hela and East Sepik provinces in Papua New Guinea. Matthew Galman, CBHC Coordinator and his team conducted a week-long medical training during their visit to the tribe. Little did they know that this simple training would lead to a long-term and significant impact to the lives of the people there.
During the training, they introduced clean and safe birthing, and treatment of sick people. Living in seclusion from the outside world, the whole concept was entirely new to them. This was the very first time for the husbands to learn that it’s all right to take care of the wives while they’re pregnant. It is also common practice to care for their wives during and after childbirth, including holding and cradling their babies. This was the first time in their lives have they heard that it’s okay to have the baby delivered in a family house, instead of isolating themselves in a bush for more than two weeks.
That and so much more were taught to the tribe! But with all these completely new ideas instilled in them, Matthew found it difficult to determine whether their training had an impact or not. But upon returning to the tribe last year and visiting them again recently, he found tremendous positive changes in the lives of the Hewa people.
Pregnant women are well cared for now. Babies are being delivered under the supervision of trained and experienced village birth attendants. Pit latrines with hand washing stations are being constructed. Foot paths with flower beds are being put up for the first time! People are making an effort to fence out pigs. More houses with ventilation windows are built, dish racks are assembled, and so much more!
Matthew Galman, NHM CBHC Coordinator
Hewa people are now taking necessary actions to improve the community’s health condition, promote prevention of diseases and care for their community for a better future. God is at work. Praise be to His name!
CBHC extends their heartfelt gratitude to the USA NMI districts that have adopted and raised money to support their cause. They are thankful to the churches, individuals and ministries who have prayed and given their needs. Truly, without prayers, support and generous giving, it would be totally impossible to achieve what they have accomplished. God is truly glorified as CBHC is reaching out and touching peoples’ lives for Jesus, especially in remote and medically uneducated communities in many parts of PNG.[Submitted by: Matthew Galman, NHM CBHC Coordinator]
Learn more about what CBHC does and how it impacts the communities in PNG!
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Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
General Superintendent Emeritus Stan Toler was recently diagnosed with cancer and began treatment this week. Toler is the founding, executive director of the Resource Center for Pastoral Leadership at Southern Nazarene University. He was elected general superintendent at the 2009 General Assembly and Conventions in Orlando, Florida, and served in the position four years. He was awarded emeritus status in 2013.
Dr. Toler is also the Around the Region News' source for articles on developing leaders. We join the Nazarene family in prayer for his complete healing.
Click here for a statement released by his family. May God keep them strong during this challenging time.
General Superintendent Emeritus Stan Toler was recently diagnosed with cancer and began treatment this week.
The family posted the following statement on Toler's Facebook page:
Stan and Linda Toler were supported by their family as Stan began a series of chemotherapy treatments for bile duct cancer [September 20]. Following the treatments, a timeline for surgery will be decided. Stan remains positive and confident in his faith.
Dr. Toler’s fall speaking schedule has been rearranged. Updates on his progress will be posted on this page. His church family and friends worldwide are asked to pray for his complete healing according to James 5:14-15.
Toler is the founding, executive director of the Resource Center for Pastoral Leadership at Southern Nazarene University. He was elected a general superintendent in the Church of the Nazarene at the 2009 General Assembly and Conventions in Orlando, Florida, and served in the position four years. He was awarded emeritus status in 2013. Toler previously served as a pastor for more than 40 years in Ohio, Florida, Tennessee, and Oklahoma. Toler has written more than 100 books, which have sold more than 3 million copies. He and his wife, Linda, an educator, have two married sons, Seth (Marcy) and Adam (Amanda), and five grandchildren.
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Incoming APNTS President Visits Campus
Manila, Philippines
Incoming President of Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary (APNTS), Dr. Bruce Oldham, visited the campus from September 13-21, 2016.According to Dr. Bruce, this was his very first visit to the campus not to mention the Philippines! His 7-day stay was a way of "getting his feet wet," and gaining a feel of what's in store when he assumes the APNTS Presidency post in November.
Dr. Bruce had a very full week meeting faculty and staff. He also blessed the campus with his first-ever chapel service.
He had nothing but very kind words for the students, faculty and staff of APNTS!
Read all about it here!
Manila, Philippines: Incoming President of Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary (APNTS) Dr. Bruce Oldham arrived in Manila Tuesday evening and will be staying on campus until next week.Read:Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary Announces New President
According to Dr. Bruce (as he would like to be called), this is his very first visit to the campus, not to mention the Philippines! His 7-day stay is a way of “getting his feet wet” and have a feel of what’s in store when he assumes the APNTS Presidency post in November.
On Thursday, September 15, APNTS was privileged to have Dr. Bruce speak during the chapel service. He talked about God’s dream for His children, and how he wants us to live a life of power, love and purity. Quoting his life verse, Ephesians 3:20, Dr. Bruce left an inspiring message that God’s dream for us can be the legacy of our lives.
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.”- Ephesians 3:20 (NIV)World Mission Communications Asia-Pacific (WMC A-P) was also given a chance to interview him and ask how his stay has been so far. According to Dr. Bruce, he will spend his days meeting the faculty and several groups of people, speak in some church services and do “almost as much as I could cram into those 7 days!”
Dr. Bruce is very thankful for the opportunity to visit APNTS. He appreciates the beautiful scenery of the seminary and the friendliness of the people. When asked what his message is to the students, faculty and staff of APNTS, he had this to say:
“You’re doing a wonderful job. And the legacy that’s been part of the Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary has been over the years is tremendous. We see so many positive benefits of the investment of this school over time and that will continue. And if I can come alongside and partner with you so that excellence and our commitment will continue that will fulfill me most of all.”
Dr. Bruce will return to the school in November with his wife Peggy. We are truly thankful for this divine appointment, and we are looking forward to what God will allow him to do for APNTS. For the meantime, let’s continue to pray for him and his wife as they get ready for this new adventure in their lives.-------
Radio Crossing Mountain Ranges and Valleys to Reach and Teach in Papua New Guinea!
Highlands of Papua New Guinea
World Mission Broadcast truly is effective in reaching the otherwise unreachable populations of the world. Thank you for your ongoing participation in and prayers for this very vital ministry.You don't want to miss reading this very exciting report from Rev. Daniel Eka, the World Mission Broadcast Coordinator for Papua New Guinea. He shares that a major Christian broadcaster in the country, Wantok Radio Light, has ranked Krai Bilong Ol Meri,one of the WMB programs, as one of the top locally produced Christian programs being aired. This is exciting news for a program that although is aimed at women, has been having men respond as well.
Click here to find out how radio is making impact in Papua New Guinea!
The highlands of PNG are largely untouched by the outside world.Highlands of Papua New Guinea: A short visit to the highlands of Papua New Guinea reveals a land rich with rugged mountain ranges and deep valleys, but also a land void of many of the infrastructures found in other parts of the world. It is a land of remote villages, reached only by days of walking or mission aircraft. This is a land perfectly suited for the impact of radio ministry!
Rev. Daniel Eka, WMB Ministry Coordinator for Papua New GuineaAs the month of August came to a close, Papua New Guinea World Mission Broadcast Coordinator, Rev. Daniel Eka, sent in the following report.
During the month of August we have received tremendous responses for three of our radio programs, Krai Bilong Ol Meri (Cry of Women), Kirapim Gutpela Sindaun (Starting a Good Life), and Krais I Laikim Olgeta Pikinini (Christ Loves All Kids) which collectively are airing on 17 radio stations across Papua New Guinea.
Freda Peu, program director for Krai Bilon Ol MeriFreda Peu, program director for Krai Bilong Ol Meri was very excited to report that as a result of the radio program, 10 single ladies have given their lives to the Lord. Two men also heard the program and called on the phone, discussing how they have been encouraged by the programs, and are challenged to not mistreat their wives any more.
“Even though the program is aimed at women, men are also responding to this program, which means that God is using this program to touch the lives of men as well,” shared Freda.
We know that in all of our media ministries, the quality of the production makes an impact on engagement.
“Krai Bilong Ol Meri is ranked by Wantok Radio Light (a major Christian broadcaster in the country) as one of the top locally produced Christian programs being aired,” shared Eka. “We praise God for such comments made by our major broadcast partner.”
Biora Wan, program director for Krais I Laikim Olgeta PikininiDaniel Eka went on to share that Biora Wan, who is the program director for Krais I Laikim Olgeta (Christ Loves All Kids) is not just producing the program, she is actively going and visiting children that have been contacted through the radio program.
“Imparting at least a Bible verse in [a] child’s life is more than giving a silver or a gold because God’s word is the creative power to direct life,” says Biora.
“We thank God for this vital tool/medium that God is using to touch and transform the lives of many people who are unable to read and write and who live faraway, especially in the very remotest parts of Papua New Guinea,” said Eka.
World Mission Broadcast truly is effective in reaching the otherwise unreachable populations of the world. Thank you for your ongoing participation in and prayers for this very vital ministry.
See below the re-enactment of a Radio Ministry Story from Papua New Guinea.
KILOP – Papua New Guinea from Asia-Pacific Nazarene on Vimeo.-------
Nazarene Youth International
The countdown to the Global NYI Convention continues.... We are 10 months away! Each district NYI convention should be electing youth, lay, and ministerial delegates and alternates at this time. The deadline to elect NYI delegates is 31 March 2017.Each month leading up to the Global NYI Convention, we are highlighting various aspects of the convention to help delegates prepare. The focus of this highlight is on resolutions.
Learn more about the 10 important things about resolutions, and access more information on the NYI website and Facebook page!
Follow the link for further details and be in-the-know!
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Building a Ministry Team
Board of General Superintendents
I believe that in every church there are individuals who have a deep desire to make an impact for God. They are committed to God, to the church, and to helping their pastors. The Apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 4:11-12 that God appointed pastors and teachers "to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the Body of Christ may be built up..." One of the joys of being a pastor is to prepare and equip people for ministry. We are to develop a ministry team that includes paid staff and volunteers.All people who serve truly want to be effective in their ministries. As a pastor, you are to motivate and challenge your people to continue growing and developing. Encourage people to stretch themselves. Provide opportunities for personal and corporate growth.
As the leader, release your congregants to be innovative and to find new ways to succeed. Effective leaders are not micromanagers. Giving people the authority to make decisions within their areas of responsibility validates their worth and signals your trust in them.
Involve people in decision making and vision casting. Doing this allows others to contribute to both goal setting and goal reaching. When workers feel that they are involved in the process, they buy into the goal with greater enthusiasm. As a leader, it is freeing to know you do not have to have all the answers. You are a team.
Click here for ways you can encourage your team!
Building a Ministry Team by David W. Graves
I believe that in every church there are individuals who have a deep desire to make an impact for God. They are committed to God, to the church, and to helping their pastors. The Apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 4:11–12 that God appointed pastors and teachers “to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the Body of Christ may be built up…” One of the joys of being a pastor is to prepare and equip people for ministry. We are to develop a ministry team that includes paid staff and volunteers.All people who serve truly want to be effective in their ministries. As a pastor, you are to motivate and challenge your people to continue growing and developing. Encourage people to stretch themselves. Provide opportunities for personal and corporate growth.
As the leader, release your congregants to be innovative and to find new ways to succeed. Effective leaders are not micromanagers. Giving people the authority to make decisions within their areas of responsibility validates their worth and signals your trust in them.
Involve people in decision making and vision casting. Doing this allows others to contribute to both goal setting and goal reaching. When workers feel that they are involved in the process, they buy into the goal with greater enthusiasm. As a leader, it is freeing to know you do not have to have all the answers. You are a team.
Your expressed appreciation for the ministry of lay people may not be their motivation for ministry, but it can be the encouragement they need to continue serving. A phone call, an email, a pat on the back, or a kind word can keep them going. Private appreciation and public recognition are both great impetus for quality ministry.
As a leader, you need to invest in the lives of your ministry team. Get to know them personally. Stay connected and be interested in their lives. Enjoy life together. In so doing, they will feel connected to you and feel your love for them. Let your people know that you care about them and their families. Encourage group connection. A connected group makes a better team.
One of my greatest joys of being a pastor was to serve with others. We are not in this by ourselves. God will provide the support and leaders to work along with us. Our responsibility is to train, equip, encourage, and care for them. With God’s help, we can develop a ministry team so that the Body of Christ might be built up.
May God bless you as you lead.
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Don't be a Victim! How to Avoid Card Skimming
Editorial
Technology is a double-edged sword.Technology has definitely made our lives so much easier and a lot more convenient. This is especially true when it comes to banking! Gone are the days when the only way to do bank transactions is by physically going there, fall in line and have a teller process whatever it is that you need.
Nowadays, doing bank transactions is as easy as snapping your fingers. However, with all the advantages of technology on banking, there are drawbacks that pose serious threats that will make you think if technology is really a blessing or a curse. One of, if probably not the worst blow of technology to banking is breach of security, brought about by card skimming.
Be informed of what card skimming is and how to avoid it! Don't miss out- click here!
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3 Church Methods that Need to Change
Christianity Today
It's long been said the seven last words of a church are "We've never done it that way before."The effect of holding onto bad tradition, bad habits, and bad strategy is ineffective evangelism, stagnation and eventually death.
How can churches avoid holding onto mechanisms, strategies, traditions, and the like, past their expiration date? How can churches be constantly effective in reaching their communities?
A must-read! Get these pointers on how to effectively make disciples and reach communities in light of today's cultural realities.
Follow the link to find out!
3 Church Methods That Need to Change
Church methods have to change for churches to remain effective. by Ed Stetzer
It’s long been said the seven last words of a church are “We’ve never done it that way before.”The effect of holding onto bad tradition, bad habits, and bad strategy is ineffective evangelism, stagnation and eventually death.
How can churches avoid holding onto mechanisms, strategies, traditions, and the like, past their expiration date? How can churches be constantly effective in reaching their communities?
In light of modern cultural realities, here are three methodological shifts churches should consider to more effectively make disciples and reach our communities.
Consider scattering over gathering
Why not push more of the functions of church life to the periphery of church, including the amount of times we gather? I know this may sound counterintuitive and I don’t want to completely de-emphasize the large gathering. Gatherings are biblical.
But it would make more sense in our current context to do less gathering and more scattering. We are beyong the place where saying “Everyone come!” will bring unbelievers to a gathering. Churches need to have more of a “Let’s go!” mentality.
To be successful, leaders need to empower people. Church members need to be released as witnesses in their everyday lives—to be the "church scattered."
In some cases, it’s helpful to empower small groups to have a broader functionality, even to the point of these groups functioning almost like little congregations. Some can be pre-church plants.
When ownership and responsibility is distributed, the more likely you are to have greater impact in a community.
Consider how to use pathways
We need a simple and regularly applied approach to what I call “pathways.” A pathways strategy is shown when a church moves people from sitting in rows to sitting in circles. This simple rearrangement is a means of changing members from consumers to participants. Rows tend to focus everyone on a single person. Circles tend to focus everyone on each other.
Pathways transitions people away from apathy into groups where they’ll provoke one another to love and good deeds (Heb. 10:24). We need to help people live as agents of God’s mission.
Sometimes you have to stop doing good things to do the best things. That’s always a hard call, especially for churches. Churches that refuse to budge on inerrancy of Scripture should be commended. Churches that confuse inerrancy with methodology should be corrected.
That tendency can be applied to aspects of ministry that have outlived their usefulness. We need clearer systems and processes that lead people from passivity to activity in involvement in the mission of God and serving one another.
The declergification of ministry
Within our theological understanding of church and ordination, let’s de-emphasize the role of clergy. Ironically, many low church denominationa are not a clergy-driven people, but we certainly function like a clergy people. Many low church congregations have a leadership culture that is essentially a hierarchial priesthood. There’s one man who is the only one who has the authority to interpret and teach the Bible. To them, the pastor functions almost as an intermediary priest.
If you are a Protestant, you probably agree clergification is a bad thing, even if you believe, as I do, that pastor is a biblical role. And, you probably agree the Protestant Reformation emphasis on direct access to God was a reflection of the biblical teaching that Jesus is the one mediator between God and man.
I want to see a de-clergification of ministry in evangelical churches where God’s people own the ministry collaboratively and corporately and pastors serve as equippers of the saints in accordance with Ephesians 4:11—to equip God’s people for works of service to the building up of the body of Christ.
In the new ministry environment, churches need to scatter more, develop better pathways to encourage active members, and combat clergification by equipping the entire body of Christ for service.
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New Mobile Application Connects The Word With You...And Your Heart!
Asia-Pacific Region
INITIAL PUBLIC LAUNCH!
Does engaging the Word of God truly lead to life transformation?
The Center for Bible Engagement has surveyed more than 200,000 people, ages 8-80, across 20 countries, 75 denominations and most major religions.
What did they find?
The Power of 4 Effect
APNaz Connect is the Asia-Pacific Region's Mobile Application to help you and those whom you are discipling, actively engage the Word! An included spiritual assessment will customize the app to deliver scriptures that speak to you personally. Sign up for a specialized devotional track on a topic of interest like Anger, Worry, When Life Hurts, Growing Spiritually, Engaging the Scriptures, and more.
Take a moment and find out what the Power of 4 Effect is and how to download the app by clicking here!
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General Assembly Just One Year Away. Will You Help Us? We Need to Hear from You!
Regional Announcement
As General Assembly 2017 draws closer and planning increases by the day, the Church of the Nazarene's General Secretary's Office requests opinions from Nazarenes around the world on their expectations for the event.
The denomination's 29th General Assembly and Conventions are 21-30 June 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.
To submit your thoughts and ideas
click here!
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APNTS Career Opportunities
Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary
Know what's in store! Click here to view their website!
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Around the Region News Archive
Asia-Pacific
Do you remember seeing a particular story in one of our weekly newsletters?
Are you wishing you could send a copy of a previous newsletter to a friend? Be sure to check out the Around The Region Weekly Newsletter Archive.
Click here to find out more about the Archive.
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This newsletter is a ministry of your Asia-Pacific Regional Communications Office. Please submit questions or comments to: Regional Communications Coordinator
Connie Aebischer - Editor - Around the Region News
Writers: Ingrid Kiper, Laurice Maggay
World Mission Communications Asia-Pacific
Ortigas Avenue Extension
Taytay, Rizal, Philippines
Around the Region is released each week on Saturday. If you have news to share, please forward to our office by Friday at noon (PHT).
Strategic Partners Ltd, Ortigas Avenue Extension, Kaytikling, Taytay, Rizal, Manila 1920 Philippines
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Asia-Pacific RegionINITIAL PUBLIC LAUNCH!
Does engaging the Word of God truly lead to life transformation?
The Center for Bible Engagement has surveyed more than 200,000 people, ages 8-80, across 20 countries, 75 denominations and most major religions.
What did they find? The Power of 4 Effect
APNaz Connect is the Asia-Pacific Region's Mobile Application to help you and those whom you are discipling, actively engage the Word! An included spiritual assessment will customize the app to deliver scriptures that speak to you personally. Sign up for a specialized devotional track on a topic of interest like Anger, Worry, When Life Hurts, Growing Spiritually, Engaging the Scriptures, and more.
Take a moment and find out what the Power of 4 Effect is and how to download the app by clicking here!
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General Assembly Just One Year Away. Will You Help Us? We Need to Hear from You!
Regional Announcement
As General Assembly 2017 draws closer and planning increases by the day, the Church of the Nazarene's General Secretary's Office requests opinions from Nazarenes around the world on their expectations for the event.The denomination's 29th General Assembly and Conventions are 21-30 June 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.
To submit your thoughts and ideas
click here!
-------
APNTS Career Opportunities
Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary
Know what's in store! Click here to view their website!
-------
Around the Region News Archive
Asia-Pacific
Do you remember seeing a particular story in one of our weekly newsletters? Are you wishing you could send a copy of a previous newsletter to a friend? Be sure to check out the Around The Region Weekly Newsletter Archive.
Click here to find out more about the Archive.
-------
This newsletter is a ministry of your Asia-Pacific Regional Communications Office. Please submit questions or comments to: Regional Communications Coordinator
Connie Aebischer - Editor - Around the Region News
Writers: Ingrid Kiper, Laurice Maggay
World Mission Communications Asia-Pacific
Ortigas Avenue Extension
Taytay, Rizal, Philippines
Around the Region is released each week on Saturday. If you have news to share, please forward to our office by Friday at noon (PHT).
Strategic Partners Ltd, Ortigas Avenue Extension, Kaytikling, Taytay, Rizal, Manila 1920 Philippines
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