Overland Park, Kansas
2017 Annual Report of the Board of General SuperintendentsJ. K. Warrick delivered the annual Board of General Superintendents' Report during the 94th Session of the General Board 26 February in Overland Park, Kansas, USA.
Warrick's report, titled "The Mission of the Holiness Message," was enthusiastically received by the members of the General Board, officers, Global Ministry Center directors and staff, regional directors, Nazarene Publishing House leaders, and guests.
To view a transcript of this report, click below:
English
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE BOARD OF GENERAL SUPERINTENDENTS TO THE 94th GENERAL BOARD
CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE
Sunday, 26 February 2017 Overland Park, Kansas, United States
“The Mission of the Holiness Message”
INTRODUCTION
The Lord said to Moses, “Speak to the entire assembly of Israel and say to them: ‘Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy’”(Leviticus 19:1-2 NIV).
In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and on behalf of the Board of General Superintendents (BGS), I welcome you to the 94th General Board of the Church of the Nazarene and the presentation of this General Board Report.
It is hard to believe, but this is the fourth and final General Board Session of the 2013-2017 quadrennium.
Alice Walker says that “Time moves slowly but passes quickly.”
So,
Where has the time gone?
The years have slipped away. Every time you look around, There is a brand “new” day.
The old passes on— Making way for the new. The new becomes many, And the old becomes few. [1]
One year ago this week, the denomination made way for the new, doing something it has never done before—that is convene a General Board outside the USA. Nearly all of the previous 92 General Board Sessions took place in and around Kansas City, Missouri, USA.
Locating General Board in Ede, Netherlands, on the Eurasia Region, at the invitation of General Board member Robert Kegel was a historic experience. Perhaps it was a glimpse of the future?
The future to which I am referring is not just about location, although several Global Mission regions have now expressed interest in hosting a General Board. I am speaking about the way in which church leadership, General Board members, staff, and guests experience their time together.
A worthy goal: finding the right mix of prayer, general church business, discussion, fellowship, and cultural context in order to grow and develop as spiritual leaders of an international community of faith—all of this while convened for such short periods of time.
The presence of the Holy Spirit made it possible for participants in Ede to draw closer to the Lord in a tranquil environment. The Belmont Hotel became a brief respite from the responsibilities of assignments back home.
Nazarenes do like to “break bread” together. Perhaps the meal times were the best opportunities to become better acquainted, laugh, share life and ministry stories, as well as offer prayers of hope, blessing, and thanksgiving.
Sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ and spreading scriptural holiness are foundational for making Christlike disciples in the nations. Let us never forget that this is why we meet—to focus on our reason to be: finding ways to be more fruitful in ministry and service to others. “Give of your best to the Master,” the song goes.
For nearly 11 decades, the church has held these values dearly. What Nazarenes believe is clarified and strengthened in community. Diminish or lose those values and we will not be the same church. While technology is helping us in many ways, General Board in Ede makes a case for something more than facetiming our way into the future.
As someone said, “A significant value of the Internet is a way to share information, but it is not a substitute for relational structure and accountability.”
As you might imagine, it was no small task to move General Board so far from the support provided by the Global Ministry Center. However, with God’s help, General Secretary David P. Wilson and his staff of Susan Metcalf, Elizabeth Kuhns, Diane Miller, and Shirley Marvin, in partnership with IT and others, made it happen.
We give thanks to God for traveling mercies and want to express our deep appreciation to this team for an outstanding effort on the General Board’s behalf.
It was, in my opinion, one of the best General Board sessions in my nearly 12 years in this office.
Appreciation
As we gather once again in Overland Park, Kansas, USA, we find the same quality of support from our general secretary, David Wilson, and staff.
We welcome Joy Hartke to the BGS office as administrative director and extend our thanks to her and the office staff for their diligent service to the general superintendents.
Special Note
There is one absent from General Board this year who was with us in the Netherlands— Michigan District Superintendent John Seaman. Within six months after General Board, Dr. Seaman was diagnosed with a brain tumor. He had surgery, followed by treatments from which he responded well under the conditions.
Please keep John and Linda Seaman, and their family, in your prayers for God’s complete healing.
NEW GENERAL TREASURER In 2016 we welcomed Keith Cox as the denomination’s general treasurer. The General Board elected Keith on 30 June to serve as general treasurer and chief financial officer. That role is principally defined as “having custody of all funds belonging to the general interests of the Church of the Nazarene” (Manual 330.1).
The general treasurer is a member of the General Board and its Executive Committee.
Keith comes to this assignment with broad experience in banking in the USA. These experiences will serve the denomination well as he leads the Office of the General Treasurer.
He is a graduate of MidAmerica Nazarene University (B.A.) and Rockhurst University (M.B.A.).
While enjoying success in his chosen field, Keith and his wife, Julie, have faithfully engaged in ministry and service through their local church, Kansas City Nall Avenue, as well as JESUS Film Harvest Partners and Work & Witness. Keith has also served as a member of the Board of Trustees at MNU.
NEW CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER (CAO) The Board of General Superintendents announced that William Sawyer, vice president for Financial Services at TransUnion and senior pastor of Santa Ana, California, First Church of the Nazarene, would serve as chief administrative officer of the Global Ministry Center.
The CAO position, which is not a General Board office, was created in response to recommendations from the Nazarene Future Study Group and the Best Christian Workplaces Institute.
As CAO, Bill Sawyer provides on-site leadership, establishing direction for the Global Ministry Center in addition to overseeing various non-ecclesiastical, administrative tasks currently assigned to the BGS.
THE PURSUIT OF MISSION
If Dr. Phineas F. Bresee, the first general superintendent of the “united church” (1908), were present this evening, he might remind us that “Denominational success is not our aim, but that souls may be saved and sanctified.”
However, as you read about Dr. Bresee, you find that he had great interest in knowing how the church was moving forward as an organized holiness movement, conserving and multiplying the fruits of evangelism.
A General Board preceding a General Assembly gives us the ability to examine not only the past year, but the 2013-2017 quadrennium as well. Here is an update on efforts by dedicated Nazarene pastors, laity, missionaries, Sunday school teachers, and others—some serving in daunting circumstances—to conserve and multiply those being saved and sanctified!
Annual Statistics The 2016 report from the Office of the General Secretary shows the following: 2
Warrick's report, titled "The Mission of the Holiness Message," was enthusiastically received by the members of the General Board, officers, Global Ministry Center directors and staff, regional directors, Nazarene Publishing House leaders, and guests.
To view a transcript of this report, click below:
English
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE BOARD OF GENERAL SUPERINTENDENTS TO THE 94th GENERAL BOARD
CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE
Sunday, 26 February 2017 Overland Park, Kansas, United States
“The Mission of the Holiness Message”
INTRODUCTION
The Lord said to Moses, “Speak to the entire assembly of Israel and say to them: ‘Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy’”(Leviticus 19:1-2 NIV).
In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and on behalf of the Board of General Superintendents (BGS), I welcome you to the 94th General Board of the Church of the Nazarene and the presentation of this General Board Report.
It is hard to believe, but this is the fourth and final General Board Session of the 2013-2017 quadrennium.
Alice Walker says that “Time moves slowly but passes quickly.”
So,
Where has the time gone?
The years have slipped away. Every time you look around, There is a brand “new” day.
The old passes on— Making way for the new. The new becomes many, And the old becomes few. [1]
One year ago this week, the denomination made way for the new, doing something it has never done before—that is convene a General Board outside the USA. Nearly all of the previous 92 General Board Sessions took place in and around Kansas City, Missouri, USA.
Locating General Board in Ede, Netherlands, on the Eurasia Region, at the invitation of General Board member Robert Kegel was a historic experience. Perhaps it was a glimpse of the future?
The future to which I am referring is not just about location, although several Global Mission regions have now expressed interest in hosting a General Board. I am speaking about the way in which church leadership, General Board members, staff, and guests experience their time together.
A worthy goal: finding the right mix of prayer, general church business, discussion, fellowship, and cultural context in order to grow and develop as spiritual leaders of an international community of faith—all of this while convened for such short periods of time.
The presence of the Holy Spirit made it possible for participants in Ede to draw closer to the Lord in a tranquil environment. The Belmont Hotel became a brief respite from the responsibilities of assignments back home.
Nazarenes do like to “break bread” together. Perhaps the meal times were the best opportunities to become better acquainted, laugh, share life and ministry stories, as well as offer prayers of hope, blessing, and thanksgiving.
Sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ and spreading scriptural holiness are foundational for making Christlike disciples in the nations. Let us never forget that this is why we meet—to focus on our reason to be: finding ways to be more fruitful in ministry and service to others. “Give of your best to the Master,” the song goes.
For nearly 11 decades, the church has held these values dearly. What Nazarenes believe is clarified and strengthened in community. Diminish or lose those values and we will not be the same church. While technology is helping us in many ways, General Board in Ede makes a case for something more than facetiming our way into the future.
As someone said, “A significant value of the Internet is a way to share information, but it is not a substitute for relational structure and accountability.”
As you might imagine, it was no small task to move General Board so far from the support provided by the Global Ministry Center. However, with God’s help, General Secretary David P. Wilson and his staff of Susan Metcalf, Elizabeth Kuhns, Diane Miller, and Shirley Marvin, in partnership with IT and others, made it happen.
We give thanks to God for traveling mercies and want to express our deep appreciation to this team for an outstanding effort on the General Board’s behalf.
It was, in my opinion, one of the best General Board sessions in my nearly 12 years in this office.
Appreciation
As we gather once again in Overland Park, Kansas, USA, we find the same quality of support from our general secretary, David Wilson, and staff.
We welcome Joy Hartke to the BGS office as administrative director and extend our thanks to her and the office staff for their diligent service to the general superintendents.
Special Note
There is one absent from General Board this year who was with us in the Netherlands— Michigan District Superintendent John Seaman. Within six months after General Board, Dr. Seaman was diagnosed with a brain tumor. He had surgery, followed by treatments from which he responded well under the conditions.
Please keep John and Linda Seaman, and their family, in your prayers for God’s complete healing.
NEW GENERAL TREASURER In 2016 we welcomed Keith Cox as the denomination’s general treasurer. The General Board elected Keith on 30 June to serve as general treasurer and chief financial officer. That role is principally defined as “having custody of all funds belonging to the general interests of the Church of the Nazarene” (Manual 330.1).
The general treasurer is a member of the General Board and its Executive Committee.
Keith comes to this assignment with broad experience in banking in the USA. These experiences will serve the denomination well as he leads the Office of the General Treasurer.
He is a graduate of MidAmerica Nazarene University (B.A.) and Rockhurst University (M.B.A.).
While enjoying success in his chosen field, Keith and his wife, Julie, have faithfully engaged in ministry and service through their local church, Kansas City Nall Avenue, as well as JESUS Film Harvest Partners and Work & Witness. Keith has also served as a member of the Board of Trustees at MNU.
NEW CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER (CAO) The Board of General Superintendents announced that William Sawyer, vice president for Financial Services at TransUnion and senior pastor of Santa Ana, California, First Church of the Nazarene, would serve as chief administrative officer of the Global Ministry Center.
The CAO position, which is not a General Board office, was created in response to recommendations from the Nazarene Future Study Group and the Best Christian Workplaces Institute.
As CAO, Bill Sawyer provides on-site leadership, establishing direction for the Global Ministry Center in addition to overseeing various non-ecclesiastical, administrative tasks currently assigned to the BGS.
THE PURSUIT OF MISSION
If Dr. Phineas F. Bresee, the first general superintendent of the “united church” (1908), were present this evening, he might remind us that “Denominational success is not our aim, but that souls may be saved and sanctified.”
However, as you read about Dr. Bresee, you find that he had great interest in knowing how the church was moving forward as an organized holiness movement, conserving and multiplying the fruits of evangelism.
A General Board preceding a General Assembly gives us the ability to examine not only the past year, but the 2013-2017 quadrennium as well. Here is an update on efforts by dedicated Nazarene pastors, laity, missionaries, Sunday school teachers, and others—some serving in daunting circumstances—to conserve and multiply those being saved and sanctified!
Annual Statistics The 2016 report from the Office of the General Secretary shows the following: 2
Ø 213,331 decisions for Christ (+1.95%) and 87,384 baptisms (-2.03%)
Ø 691 churches organized
Ø 30,574 churches worldwide (+2.10%), with 22,392 organized (+2.19%)
Ø 691 churches organized
Ø 30,574 churches worldwide (+2.10%), with 22,392 organized (+2.19%)
Ø 139,560 new Nazarenes (-2.46%)
Ø 1,245,818 in discipleship attendance (+2.89%)
Ø 1,503,872 (flat at 0.36%) average worship attendance
Ø 1,245,818 in discipleship attendance (+2.89%)
Ø 1,503,872 (flat at 0.36%) average worship attendance
Ø 2,471,553 (+1.24%) members in 159 world areas
Ø The International Board of Education reports 52 schools with a total enrollment of 51,555 students, providing education in more than 120 nations
Global Mission Regions Our Nazarene Research Services provides the following synopsis of Global Mission regions:
2006-2016 trend lines
Languages used in primary worship services
Totals for the 2013-2017 quadrennium
4. A brief analysis of each region
Africa Region
The Africa Region reports 82 different languages are used in its primary worship services.
Ø The International Board of Education reports 52 schools with a total enrollment of 51,555 students, providing education in more than 120 nations
Global Mission Regions Our Nazarene Research Services provides the following synopsis of Global Mission regions:
2006-2016 trend lines
Languages used in primary worship services
Totals for the 2013-2017 quadrennium
4. A brief analysis of each region
Africa Region
The Africa Region reports 82 different languages are used in its primary worship services.
QUADRENNIAL OVERVIEW:
Ø 705 new churches
Ø 147,062 new Nazarenes
Ø US$916,951 given to WEF
Ø 170,768 profession of faith reported
Ø 705 new churches
Ø 147,062 new Nazarenes
Ø US$916,951 given to WEF
Ø 170,768 profession of faith reported
Ø 76,842 baptisms
Analysis: Nazarene membership growth is widespread in Africa, including new areas such as Benin and Togo, as well as established areas like Mozambique and South Africa.
Asia-Pacific Region
The Asia-Pacific Region reports 28 different languages are used in its primary worship services.
Analysis: Nazarene membership growth is widespread in Africa, including new areas such as Benin and Togo, as well as established areas like Mozambique and South Africa.
Asia-Pacific Region
QUADRENNIAL OVERVIEW:
Ø 144 new churches
Ø 27,241 new Nazarenes
Ø US$1,360,477 given to WEF
Ø 37,357 professions of faith reported
Ø 144 new churches
Ø 27,241 new Nazarenes
Ø US$1,360,477 given to WEF
Ø 37,357 professions of faith reported
Ø 12,039 baptisms
Analysis: Asia-Pacific’s largest increases are concentrated in Papua New Guinea and the Philippines, though several smaller areas are also doing well. As discipleship enrollment has been emphasized, attendance has also increased.
Eurasia Region The Eurasia Region reports 46 different languages are used in its primary worship services.
Analysis: Asia-Pacific’s largest increases are concentrated in Papua New Guinea and the Philippines, though several smaller areas are also doing well. As discipleship enrollment has been emphasized, attendance has also increased.
Eurasia Region The Eurasia Region reports 46 different languages are used in its primary worship services.
QUADRENNIAL OVERVIEW: Ø 2,286 new churches
Ø 107,194 new Nazarenes
Ø US$1,366,992 given to WEF
Ø 179,275 professions of faith reported
Ø 107,194 new Nazarenes
Ø US$1,366,992 given to WEF
Ø 179,275 professions of faith reported
Ø 96,761 baptisms
Analysis: Eurasia’s membership growth has been concentrated in Bangladesh, India, and the rest of the Indian subcontinent. Discipleship is growing, while membership gains are being consolidated.
Mesoamerica Region The Mesoamerica Region reports 13 different languages are used in its primary worship services.
Analysis: Eurasia’s membership growth has been concentrated in Bangladesh, India, and the rest of the Indian subcontinent. Discipleship is growing, while membership gains are being consolidated.
Mesoamerica Region The Mesoamerica Region reports 13 different languages are used in its primary worship services.
QUADRENNIAL OVERVIEW:
Ø 305 new churches
Ø 93,189 new Nazarenes
Ø US$1,710,337 given to WEF
Ø 110,369 professions of faith reported
Ø 305 new churches
Ø 93,189 new Nazarenes
Ø US$1,710,337 given to WEF
Ø 110,369 professions of faith reported
Ø 52,132 baptisms
Analysis: Mesoamerica membership growth is largest in the established areas of Haiti, Guatemala, and Mexico, with good percentage gains in newer areas like Suriname and Aruba. Discipleship attendance is growing.
South America Region
The South America Region reports six different languages are used in its primary worship services.
QUADRENNIAL OVERVIEW: Ø 201 new churches
Ø 80,712 new Nazarenes
Ø US$1,041,951 given to WEF
Ø 139,254 professions of faith reported
Analysis: Mesoamerica membership growth is largest in the established areas of Haiti, Guatemala, and Mexico, with good percentage gains in newer areas like Suriname and Aruba. Discipleship attendance is growing.
South America Region
QUADRENNIAL OVERVIEW: Ø 201 new churches
Ø 80,712 new Nazarenes
Ø US$1,041,951 given to WEF
Ø 139,254 professions of faith reported
Ø 45,592 baptisms
Analysis: South America has seen decadal membership growth in every country, doubling in Brazil, Colombia, and Ecuador. Discipleship participation continues to grow.
USA/Canada Region
The USA/Canada Region reports 33 different languages are used in its primary worship services.
Analysis: South America has seen decadal membership growth in every country, doubling in Brazil, Colombia, and Ecuador. Discipleship participation continues to grow.
USA/Canada Region
QUADRENNIAL OVERVIEW:
Ø 543 new churches
Ø 104,217 new Nazarenes
Ø US$146,573,497 given to WEF
Ø 203,379 professions of faith reported
Ø 543 new churches
Ø 104,217 new Nazarenes
Ø US$146,573,497 given to WEF
Ø 203,379 professions of faith reported
Ø 78,253 baptisms
Analysis: The USA/Canada membership growth has been most pronounced in cross-cultural efforts. Hispanic, multicultural, and Haitian groups have all grown by thousands of members this decade. Discipleship efforts mirror the declining membership numbers.
Vision 2020
At General Board in Ede, the Board of General Superintendents humbly restated global Vision 2020 Faith Projections. With God’s help, we yearn to see global membership and attendance increase by one million with 20,000 new churches by 2020, to the glory of God.
• 3.5 million Nazarenes
• 2.5 million in worship and discipleship attendance
Analysis: The USA/Canada membership growth has been most pronounced in cross-cultural efforts. Hispanic, multicultural, and Haitian groups have all grown by thousands of members this decade. Discipleship efforts mirror the declining membership numbers.
Vision 2020
At General Board in Ede, the Board of General Superintendents humbly restated global Vision 2020 Faith Projections. With God’s help, we yearn to see global membership and attendance increase by one million with 20,000 new churches by 2020, to the glory of God.
• 3.5 million Nazarenes
• 2.5 million in worship and discipleship attendance
• 50,000 churches
Reaching new people for Christ must be both deep—seeing lives and communities transformed by the grace of God—and wide—going where the church is not yet.
Jesus said, “Don't you have a saying, 'It's still four months until harvest'? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest” (John 4:35 NIV).
The Board of General Superintendents celebrates the goals from pastors and congregations—but more importantly the souls they represent.
For the sake of the Kingdom, Christlike disciples can do no less than to “seek and save that which is lost.”
Missionaries
The denomination reported 700 missionaries and their 364 children were deployed from 50 world areas, including 253 Global Serve/Mission Corps volunteers. There were also 285 short- term volunteers and 9,208 Work & Witness team members. All categories of missionaries receive some level of support from the World Evangelism Fund (WEF) through the Church of the Nazarene. Work & Witness teams benefit from the global system of mission and structure in place, also made possible by WEF.
Fifteen candidates will be presented for missionary appointment on Monday evening, and two couples, George and Nancy Miller along with Kent and Kathleen Pelton, will be honored for their many years of service as they move into retirement.
FUNDING THE MISSION
Nazarenes have always believed in the mission to make Christlike disciples in the nations and have supported that mission with their prayers, engagement, and giving.
In 2016:
• $38.2 million was given to the World Evangelism Fund
Reaching new people for Christ must be both deep—seeing lives and communities transformed by the grace of God—and wide—going where the church is not yet.
Jesus said, “Don't you have a saying, 'It's still four months until harvest'? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest” (John 4:35 NIV).
The Board of General Superintendents celebrates the goals from pastors and congregations—but more importantly the souls they represent.
For the sake of the Kingdom, Christlike disciples can do no less than to “seek and save that which is lost.”
Missionaries
The denomination reported 700 missionaries and their 364 children were deployed from 50 world areas, including 253 Global Serve/Mission Corps volunteers. There were also 285 short- term volunteers and 9,208 Work & Witness team members. All categories of missionaries receive some level of support from the World Evangelism Fund (WEF) through the Church of the Nazarene. Work & Witness teams benefit from the global system of mission and structure in place, also made possible by WEF.
Fifteen candidates will be presented for missionary appointment on Monday evening, and two couples, George and Nancy Miller along with Kent and Kathleen Pelton, will be honored for their many years of service as they move into retirement.
FUNDING THE MISSION
Nazarenes have always believed in the mission to make Christlike disciples in the nations and have supported that mission with their prayers, engagement, and giving.
In 2016:
• $38.2 million was given to the World Evangelism Fund
• $31.2 million was given for Approved Mission Specials.
This is a total of $69.4 million!
On behalf of those whose lives have been transformed by the gospel, the Board of General Superintendents expresses appreciation to all who give—many sacrificially—making it possible to share the gospel and spread scriptural holiness throughout the nations. It is troubling, however, that approximately 75% of churches worldwide report only “some” or “no” WEF giving—leaving one-quarter of churches with 5.5% or more giving to WEF.
If the church is to “go where it is not yet,” our local churches around the world must be committed to the financial support of that mission. Every people group that has been blessed by the gospel is called by God to make certain that all other people groups will hear the gospel as well.
We call upon our local pastors to enlist the lay leaders in their respective congregations to lead those congregations to become generous, not only in prayer and participation, but also in the grace of giving to God’s mission as expressed in the Church of the Nazarene. 2 Corinthians 8:7:
But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness, and in your love for us—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.
Use of Mission Gifts In fulfilling the mission, it is not just raising funds, but accounting for where they go and how they are used. In 2016, 85.5% of mission gifts went to five categories of “field ministries” and 14.5% were allocated over two categories of “support and delivery.” The distributions are shown on the screen and will be included in the General Board Report when it is posted online.
Nazarene Foundation The Church of the Nazarene Foundation, established in 2004, had its best year ever in 2016. Funds under management grew by an astounding 75%.
At the end of the year, the Foundation facilitated what is believed to be the largest single gift in the church’s history—$43 million. In the month of December alone, the Foundation experienced a total increase in funds under management of nearly $50 million. The church's global ministries will benefit from this God-inspired generosity in the days ahead.
Thanks to those Nazarenes who have a long-term vision of their stewardship, and to Foundation President Ken Roney and his outstanding staff.
2017 GENERAL ASSEMBLY INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA, USA
In 119 days, David A. Busic, as chair of the Board of General Superintendents, will officially open the 29th General Assembly for the Church of the Nazarene in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. The date is Sunday, 25 June 2017 and the place is the Indiana Convention Center. General Conventions and other programs begin 21 June.
Permit me to brief you on some important agenda items:
Delegate Orientation A delegate orientation will be held Saturday, 24 June. This one-hour session is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. in Halls A-B-C. A separate commissioning of delegates will take place on Monday, 26 June.
This mid-morning timeframe allows delegates to attend college/university breakfasts and luncheons that day. A program schedule will be posted on all Nazarene media outlets 1 March.
Future of the General Superintendency At the 2013 General Assembly, the BGS committed to further examining the office of the general superintendency. Much time and effort has gone into this extended study during the past four years. The BGS will present findings and recommendations in the delegate orientation for further consideration.
Mission Funding Time was blocked on Monday morning of General Board in 2015 and 2016 to discuss Funding the Mission and to hear from representatives across the church. Feedback from the breakout groups provided insights in understanding the context and complexities surrounding the church’s current funding model.
The caution from the study is not to look for a final solution when it comes to funding the mission. In fact, the World Evangelism Fund has evolved over more than 10 decades and will likely continue doing so. As giving patterns and trends continue to change, the church must be willing to adapt to these realities and, perhaps, to give consideration to cultural adaptations around the world.
The BGS will present a Mission Funding Report to General Board on Monday on what was learned and where we go next. Delegates to General Assembly will also be informed of the next steps.
Clergy Restoration (JUD-818) For many years, the BGS and others have been concerned about our processes regarding clergy restoration. To that end Stan Rodes, administrative director of Clergy Development, has worked to reframe our response to the needs of clergy who find themselves under discipline, to the needs of their families, and to the needs of the congregations impacted.
There are several legislative proposals that will be presented to the General Assembly. Our thanks to Stan for his heart of compassion for Nazarene clergy and the outstanding, comprehensive work on this monumental project.
The Covenant of Christian Conduct—Human Sexuality and Marriage (CA-703) The call of God in Romans 12:2 is that we would no longer be conformed to the pattern of the world culture, but to be transformed by the renewing of the mind by the Holy Spirit. We find ourselves living with new cultural realities that challenge our thinking and our behavior regarding human sexuality.
As a result, a Covenant of Christian Conduct Study Group was appointed by the BGS.
The study group’s report was received with a final version unanimously approved by the BGS.
It is an outstanding work by a global committee with representatives from every region. We are indebted to them for this report that embodies the very best of who we are in light of the Word of God. It is clear, concise, and comprehensive.
I am of the opinion that the report will take its place alongside the “Pastoral Perspective on Homosexuality,” which the BGS commissioned in 2011, in its usefulness to our local churches and other institutions. It is important that we be clear about where God’s Word calls us to stand on these issues. There can be no ambiguity as to who we are. This document will enable us to clearly delineate our position according to the Word of God as we lovingly and redemptively engage the cultures in which we live.
This document will be presented to General Assembly delegates as follows: The 2017 General Assembly Reference Committee met to work on all regular resolutions on 31 January. The General Secretary’s Office is now reorganizing the documents (as per the committee’s actions) with the intent to release those resolution documents electronically—in all five of our official languages—by the end of April.
Workshops will be offered at General Assembly on the topic of human sexuality from a biblical perspective.
The topic will also be addressed at the delegate orientation on Saturday, 24 June to prepare delegates in advance of the voting.
A position paper, developed by a specially assigned global committee and unanimously approved by the current BGS, will be read prior to the presentation of the legislation on the General Assembly floor.
In the judgment of the Board of General Superintendents, it would be best if the General Assembly agrees to an up or down vote on this work. To edit the document in its first reading does not do justice to the careful work of this committee. If, after four years, the General Assembly should desire further editing, that would always be the prerogative of such a gathering.
It is the opinion of the Board of General Superintendents that the Articles of Faith Committee and Covenant of Christian Conduct Study Group have fulfilled the requirements of Manual paragraph 27.
SUMMARY
We give thanks to God for His blessings over the past four years. They have not been without their challenges, but He has faithfully led us through the difficult times. The church has celebrated many wonderful moments of spiritual victory by being His “witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8 NIV).
HOLINESS FOREVERMORE I began this report with a word from Leviticus . . .
“‘Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy.’”
This verse and a host of others in Scripture make it clear that God has called us to be a holy people. That suggests there is a message of holiness that must be preached and a life of holiness that must be lived.
Phineas Bresee pled for “a holiness worthy of our religion.” That plea burns in my heart today.
Signs of Life
I like signs. I look for signs everywhere. A few of my favorites:
• When was the last time you did something for the first time?
That one inspired me to buy a pair of roller blades. I have had them on a few times (first time), stood up in them (first time), and even spun the wheels with my hand (first time) . . . but have not yet taken my first skate! Patty insists on additional life insurance before I take that first skate!
Here is another: • Don’t put the key to your happiness in someone else’s pocket.
That’s really good advice . . . makes me check my pockets every now and then.
This is a total of $69.4 million!
On behalf of those whose lives have been transformed by the gospel, the Board of General Superintendents expresses appreciation to all who give—many sacrificially—making it possible to share the gospel and spread scriptural holiness throughout the nations. It is troubling, however, that approximately 75% of churches worldwide report only “some” or “no” WEF giving—leaving one-quarter of churches with 5.5% or more giving to WEF.
If the church is to “go where it is not yet,” our local churches around the world must be committed to the financial support of that mission. Every people group that has been blessed by the gospel is called by God to make certain that all other people groups will hear the gospel as well.
We call upon our local pastors to enlist the lay leaders in their respective congregations to lead those congregations to become generous, not only in prayer and participation, but also in the grace of giving to God’s mission as expressed in the Church of the Nazarene. 2 Corinthians 8:7:
But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness, and in your love for us—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.
Use of Mission Gifts In fulfilling the mission, it is not just raising funds, but accounting for where they go and how they are used. In 2016, 85.5% of mission gifts went to five categories of “field ministries” and 14.5% were allocated over two categories of “support and delivery.” The distributions are shown on the screen and will be included in the General Board Report when it is posted online.
Nazarene Foundation The Church of the Nazarene Foundation, established in 2004, had its best year ever in 2016. Funds under management grew by an astounding 75%.
At the end of the year, the Foundation facilitated what is believed to be the largest single gift in the church’s history—$43 million. In the month of December alone, the Foundation experienced a total increase in funds under management of nearly $50 million. The church's global ministries will benefit from this God-inspired generosity in the days ahead.
Thanks to those Nazarenes who have a long-term vision of their stewardship, and to Foundation President Ken Roney and his outstanding staff.
2017 GENERAL ASSEMBLY INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA, USA
In 119 days, David A. Busic, as chair of the Board of General Superintendents, will officially open the 29th General Assembly for the Church of the Nazarene in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. The date is Sunday, 25 June 2017 and the place is the Indiana Convention Center. General Conventions and other programs begin 21 June.
Permit me to brief you on some important agenda items:
Delegate Orientation A delegate orientation will be held Saturday, 24 June. This one-hour session is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. in Halls A-B-C. A separate commissioning of delegates will take place on Monday, 26 June.
This mid-morning timeframe allows delegates to attend college/university breakfasts and luncheons that day. A program schedule will be posted on all Nazarene media outlets 1 March.
Future of the General Superintendency At the 2013 General Assembly, the BGS committed to further examining the office of the general superintendency. Much time and effort has gone into this extended study during the past four years. The BGS will present findings and recommendations in the delegate orientation for further consideration.
Mission Funding Time was blocked on Monday morning of General Board in 2015 and 2016 to discuss Funding the Mission and to hear from representatives across the church. Feedback from the breakout groups provided insights in understanding the context and complexities surrounding the church’s current funding model.
The caution from the study is not to look for a final solution when it comes to funding the mission. In fact, the World Evangelism Fund has evolved over more than 10 decades and will likely continue doing so. As giving patterns and trends continue to change, the church must be willing to adapt to these realities and, perhaps, to give consideration to cultural adaptations around the world.
The BGS will present a Mission Funding Report to General Board on Monday on what was learned and where we go next. Delegates to General Assembly will also be informed of the next steps.
Clergy Restoration (JUD-818) For many years, the BGS and others have been concerned about our processes regarding clergy restoration. To that end Stan Rodes, administrative director of Clergy Development, has worked to reframe our response to the needs of clergy who find themselves under discipline, to the needs of their families, and to the needs of the congregations impacted.
There are several legislative proposals that will be presented to the General Assembly. Our thanks to Stan for his heart of compassion for Nazarene clergy and the outstanding, comprehensive work on this monumental project.
The Covenant of Christian Conduct—Human Sexuality and Marriage (CA-703) The call of God in Romans 12:2 is that we would no longer be conformed to the pattern of the world culture, but to be transformed by the renewing of the mind by the Holy Spirit. We find ourselves living with new cultural realities that challenge our thinking and our behavior regarding human sexuality.
As a result, a Covenant of Christian Conduct Study Group was appointed by the BGS.
The study group’s report was received with a final version unanimously approved by the BGS.
It is an outstanding work by a global committee with representatives from every region. We are indebted to them for this report that embodies the very best of who we are in light of the Word of God. It is clear, concise, and comprehensive.
I am of the opinion that the report will take its place alongside the “Pastoral Perspective on Homosexuality,” which the BGS commissioned in 2011, in its usefulness to our local churches and other institutions. It is important that we be clear about where God’s Word calls us to stand on these issues. There can be no ambiguity as to who we are. This document will enable us to clearly delineate our position according to the Word of God as we lovingly and redemptively engage the cultures in which we live.
This document will be presented to General Assembly delegates as follows: The 2017 General Assembly Reference Committee met to work on all regular resolutions on 31 January. The General Secretary’s Office is now reorganizing the documents (as per the committee’s actions) with the intent to release those resolution documents electronically—in all five of our official languages—by the end of April.
Workshops will be offered at General Assembly on the topic of human sexuality from a biblical perspective.
The topic will also be addressed at the delegate orientation on Saturday, 24 June to prepare delegates in advance of the voting.
A position paper, developed by a specially assigned global committee and unanimously approved by the current BGS, will be read prior to the presentation of the legislation on the General Assembly floor.
In the judgment of the Board of General Superintendents, it would be best if the General Assembly agrees to an up or down vote on this work. To edit the document in its first reading does not do justice to the careful work of this committee. If, after four years, the General Assembly should desire further editing, that would always be the prerogative of such a gathering.
It is the opinion of the Board of General Superintendents that the Articles of Faith Committee and Covenant of Christian Conduct Study Group have fulfilled the requirements of Manual paragraph 27.
SUMMARY
We give thanks to God for His blessings over the past four years. They have not been without their challenges, but He has faithfully led us through the difficult times. The church has celebrated many wonderful moments of spiritual victory by being His “witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8 NIV).
HOLINESS FOREVERMORE I began this report with a word from Leviticus . . .
“‘Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy.’”
This verse and a host of others in Scripture make it clear that God has called us to be a holy people. That suggests there is a message of holiness that must be preached and a life of holiness that must be lived.
Phineas Bresee pled for “a holiness worthy of our religion.” That plea burns in my heart today.
Signs of Life
I like signs. I look for signs everywhere. A few of my favorites:
• When was the last time you did something for the first time?
That one inspired me to buy a pair of roller blades. I have had them on a few times (first time), stood up in them (first time), and even spun the wheels with my hand (first time) . . . but have not yet taken my first skate! Patty insists on additional life insurance before I take that first skate!
Here is another: • Don’t put the key to your happiness in someone else’s pocket.
That’s really good advice . . . makes me check my pockets every now and then.
Recently I found one that continues to speak to me:
• When you feel like giving up, think about why you started!
• When you feel like giving up, think about why you started!
It is the last few words that stay with me:
“. . . think about why you started.”
In this 94th General Board of the Church of the Nazarene, I suggest that we “think about why we started.”
Remembering and reflecting is an important part of the spiritual journey. It is only as we understand the passion and purpose of those who have gone before us that we can go forward with that same passion and purpose.
Remembering and reflecting is a biblical practice.
In Leviticus 23, God called His people to set aside and celebrate certain feasts, or sacred assemblies, in which they would celebrate the “why they started” of their existence:
In the Manual, we say of ourselves:
“The Church of the Nazarene, from its beginnings, has confessed itself to be a branch of the ‘one, holy, universal, and apostolic’ church and has sought to be faithful to it. It confesses as its own the history of the people of God recorded in the Old and New Testaments, and that same history as it has extended from the days of the apostles to our own.
“This Christian faith has been mediated to Nazarenes through historical religious currents and particularly through the Wesleyan revival of the 18th century.
“In the 19th century a renewed emphasis on Christian holiness began in the Eastern United States and spread throughout the nation . . . The central figure of the movement was Phoebe Palmer of New York City, leader of the Tuesday Meeting for the Promotion of Holiness, at which Methodist bishops, educators, and other clergy joined the original group of women in seeking holiness.
“In the 1890s a new wave of independent holiness entities came into being. These included independent churches, urban missions, rescue homes, and missionary and evangelistic associations. Some of the people involved in these organizations yearned for union into a national holiness church. Out of that impulse the present-day Church of the Nazarene was born.”
Dr. Bresee wrote:
“On the third Sabbath of October, 1895, the work of organization was begun. At the morning service eighty-six men and women stood together and plighted to God and each other their fidelity in the organization and carrying on of the work of the Church of the Nazarene, with the declared purpose of preaching holiness, and carrying the gospel to the poor.
“. . . there is a very great need everywhere of this church—not narrow, nor partisan, nor sectarian, but in a spirit of love as broad as the gospel—to preach holiness, and organize the results of our ministry for aggressive and continuous work.
“No mission work at this time is so essential for the redemption of this world from sin, as the preaching and establishing of holiness in America. Every holiness center established, is the springing forth from the skies of rivers of life to men.”
Think about why we started. . . . the declared purpose of preaching holiness, and carrying the gospel to the poor.
. . . to preach holiness, and organize the results of our ministry for aggressive and continuous work.
. . . No mission work at this time is so essential for the redemption of this world from sin, as the preaching and establishing of holiness . . .
For several quadrennia, the foreword to our Manual has stated:
“The primary objective of the Church of the Nazarene is to advance God’s kingdom by the
preservation and propagation of Christian holiness as set forth in the Scriptures.”
The Church of the Nazarene was birthed as a holiness movement. God’s message of holiness and God’s mission to make Christlike disciples is embraced by more than 30,000 churches in 159 world areas.
We are, to quote Tom Nees, former director of the USA/Canada Mission Office, a uniquely message-driven church—the message of scriptural holiness. Our mandate to make Christlike disciples flows naturally from the fullness of the indwelling Holy Spirit. We are a holiness church with the message of life transformation entrusted to us.
Our second core value is “We are holiness.”
At the recent district assembly in Botswana, our good people were joyfully singing:
1. There’s a blessed and triumphant song; Holiness forevermore!
It is sung by the mighty, blood-washed throng: Holiness forevermore!
2. From this standard we will not depart: Holiness forevermore!
‘Tis the song of the purified in heart: Holiness forevermore!
3. Holiness forevermore! Holiness forevermore! We will sing it, shout it, preach it, and live it: Holiness forevermore!”
Oh, how they sang! Exuberantly! Joyfully!
As I wiped tears from my eyes, I found myself praying that we would continue to be a people who celebrate this call to scriptural holiness.
To that end, we plead, that with renewed passion, we will
• Sing it! May our music be that of victory and conquest. May our songs testify of such victory in Jesus Christ. Let ours be the songs of the blood-washed; those delivered from the power of sin and death!
• Shout it! Let our churches once again ring out with the amens of the redeemed and transformed . . . the joyful shouts of those whose hearts have been cleansed from all sin! (1 John 1:7) • Preach it! With conviction, with clarity, with the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Let the word go forth from our pulpits that there is a cleansing of the heart from all sin that empowers one to love God with all one’s heart, mind, soul, and spirit, and to love one’s neighbor as we love ourselves! It is not simply a theological tradition that we embrace and preach—it is the message of Scripture. • Live it! While in the Netherlands for a global theology conference a few years ago, I was in a small group that included Dr. Paul Bassett, retired professor at Nazarene Theological Seminary.
In our conversations, he lamented that today we often speak about the doctrine of entire sanctification, while in our early years as a movement we spoke of the doctrine and experience of entire sanctification. My prayer is that we will have a revival of holiness preaching that will result in many entering into the experience of holiness and bearing witness to this experience by the way they live and order their lives. • Holiness is not just a work of grace; it is the indwelling presence of the Living God through His Holy Spirit. It is His presence that constitutes our holiness. It is, as Scripture says it in Colossians 1:27, “. . . Christ in you, the hope of glory.” • Holiness is the result of both crisis and process.
John Oswalt declares that “we are made holy just as we are converted: by grace through faith. But in order for that grace to become operative, there must come a moment when we surrender to God in faith for the crucifixion of our self-centered will.
“John Wesley labeled the result of this moment ‘entire sanctification’ in order to distinguish it from the progressive sanctification which continues both before and after this moment.” [5 ]
Think about why we started.
Dr. Bresee responded to criticism of the early Nazarenes:
“It is an accusation that with us every meeting is a holiness meeting. We do not deny it.” Think about why we started. In 1 Thessalonians 4:3, 7; 5:23-24, we learn that holiness . . .
“. . . think about why you started.”
In this 94th General Board of the Church of the Nazarene, I suggest that we “think about why we started.”
Remembering and reflecting is an important part of the spiritual journey. It is only as we understand the passion and purpose of those who have gone before us that we can go forward with that same passion and purpose.
Remembering and reflecting is a biblical practice.
In Leviticus 23, God called His people to set aside and celebrate certain feasts, or sacred assemblies, in which they would celebrate the “why they started” of their existence:
- The Passover
- The Feast of Unleavened Bread
- The Feast of First Fruits
- The Feast of Weeks (Pentecost)
- The Feast of Trumpets
- The Day of Atonement
- The Feast of Tabernacles
In the Manual, we say of ourselves:
“The Church of the Nazarene, from its beginnings, has confessed itself to be a branch of the ‘one, holy, universal, and apostolic’ church and has sought to be faithful to it. It confesses as its own the history of the people of God recorded in the Old and New Testaments, and that same history as it has extended from the days of the apostles to our own.
“This Christian faith has been mediated to Nazarenes through historical religious currents and particularly through the Wesleyan revival of the 18th century.
“In the 19th century a renewed emphasis on Christian holiness began in the Eastern United States and spread throughout the nation . . . The central figure of the movement was Phoebe Palmer of New York City, leader of the Tuesday Meeting for the Promotion of Holiness, at which Methodist bishops, educators, and other clergy joined the original group of women in seeking holiness.
“In the 1890s a new wave of independent holiness entities came into being. These included independent churches, urban missions, rescue homes, and missionary and evangelistic associations. Some of the people involved in these organizations yearned for union into a national holiness church. Out of that impulse the present-day Church of the Nazarene was born.”
Dr. Bresee wrote:
“On the third Sabbath of October, 1895, the work of organization was begun. At the morning service eighty-six men and women stood together and plighted to God and each other their fidelity in the organization and carrying on of the work of the Church of the Nazarene, with the declared purpose of preaching holiness, and carrying the gospel to the poor.
“. . . there is a very great need everywhere of this church—not narrow, nor partisan, nor sectarian, but in a spirit of love as broad as the gospel—to preach holiness, and organize the results of our ministry for aggressive and continuous work.
“No mission work at this time is so essential for the redemption of this world from sin, as the preaching and establishing of holiness in America. Every holiness center established, is the springing forth from the skies of rivers of life to men.”
Think about why we started. . . . the declared purpose of preaching holiness, and carrying the gospel to the poor.
. . . to preach holiness, and organize the results of our ministry for aggressive and continuous work.
. . . No mission work at this time is so essential for the redemption of this world from sin, as the preaching and establishing of holiness . . .
For several quadrennia, the foreword to our Manual has stated:
“The primary objective of the Church of the Nazarene is to advance God’s kingdom by the
preservation and propagation of Christian holiness as set forth in the Scriptures.”
The Church of the Nazarene was birthed as a holiness movement. God’s message of holiness and God’s mission to make Christlike disciples is embraced by more than 30,000 churches in 159 world areas.
We are, to quote Tom Nees, former director of the USA/Canada Mission Office, a uniquely message-driven church—the message of scriptural holiness. Our mandate to make Christlike disciples flows naturally from the fullness of the indwelling Holy Spirit. We are a holiness church with the message of life transformation entrusted to us.
Our second core value is “We are holiness.”
At the recent district assembly in Botswana, our good people were joyfully singing:
1. There’s a blessed and triumphant song; Holiness forevermore!
It is sung by the mighty, blood-washed throng: Holiness forevermore!
2. From this standard we will not depart: Holiness forevermore!
‘Tis the song of the purified in heart: Holiness forevermore!
3. Holiness forevermore! Holiness forevermore! We will sing it, shout it, preach it, and live it: Holiness forevermore!”
Oh, how they sang! Exuberantly! Joyfully!
As I wiped tears from my eyes, I found myself praying that we would continue to be a people who celebrate this call to scriptural holiness.
To that end, we plead, that with renewed passion, we will
• Sing it! May our music be that of victory and conquest. May our songs testify of such victory in Jesus Christ. Let ours be the songs of the blood-washed; those delivered from the power of sin and death!
• Shout it! Let our churches once again ring out with the amens of the redeemed and transformed . . . the joyful shouts of those whose hearts have been cleansed from all sin! (1 John 1:7) • Preach it! With conviction, with clarity, with the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Let the word go forth from our pulpits that there is a cleansing of the heart from all sin that empowers one to love God with all one’s heart, mind, soul, and spirit, and to love one’s neighbor as we love ourselves! It is not simply a theological tradition that we embrace and preach—it is the message of Scripture. • Live it! While in the Netherlands for a global theology conference a few years ago, I was in a small group that included Dr. Paul Bassett, retired professor at Nazarene Theological Seminary.
In our conversations, he lamented that today we often speak about the doctrine of entire sanctification, while in our early years as a movement we spoke of the doctrine and experience of entire sanctification. My prayer is that we will have a revival of holiness preaching that will result in many entering into the experience of holiness and bearing witness to this experience by the way they live and order their lives. • Holiness is not just a work of grace; it is the indwelling presence of the Living God through His Holy Spirit. It is His presence that constitutes our holiness. It is, as Scripture says it in Colossians 1:27, “. . . Christ in you, the hope of glory.” • Holiness is the result of both crisis and process.
John Oswalt declares that “we are made holy just as we are converted: by grace through faith. But in order for that grace to become operative, there must come a moment when we surrender to God in faith for the crucifixion of our self-centered will.
“John Wesley labeled the result of this moment ‘entire sanctification’ in order to distinguish it from the progressive sanctification which continues both before and after this moment.” [5 ]
Think about why we started.
Dr. Bresee responded to criticism of the early Nazarenes:
“It is an accusation that with us every meeting is a holiness meeting. We do not deny it.” Think about why we started. In 1 Thessalonians 4:3, 7; 5:23-24, we learn that holiness . . .
• is the will of God.
“It is God’s will that you should be sanctified . . .”
“It is God’s will that you should be sanctified . . .”
• is the call of God.
“For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life.”
“For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life.”
• is the provision of God.
“May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.”
Think about why we started.
It is a generally accepted principle that every organization faces the challenge of organizational and missional drift.
Alister McGrath observed: “The price of expansion is an increasing diffuseness, and potentially a loss of identity and vision.” [6] However, the cost of standing still is slow death.
Our challenge is ever to make the main thing the main thing—that the message of life transformation—holiness and Christlikeness—remains the message!
This is not a plea for “the good old days,” but it is a plea that we will inspire and equip a new generation to take up the mantle to live and preach the message of heart holiness and life transformation!
We plead for the Church of the Nazarene to lift up Jesus Christ and make the message of scriptural holiness—life transformation—our watchword and song for this and future generations!
The world is changed by Spirit-filled men and women; their legacies never die.
More than 100 years ago there was a young man fully surrendered to God and filled with the Holy Spirit. He enrolled in a holiness college in Peniel, Texas, USA. He often found refuge in a small study room—really a closet—where he studied and prayed by the light of a small oil lamp.
He studied. He learned. He sought wisdom from godly people and from God himself. One night he “prayed through”—found peace in his mind and spirit before the Lord—about God’s call in his life.
He would leave school. He would leave home—the familiar, the safe, the known, the predictable. Led by the Holy Spirit, he would go to a faraway place to labor for the lost and broken. With no promise of support from any organized religious group, he raised a little money from his fellow students and set sail for that faraway place.
He labored among a people he did not know and who did not know him. They were strange to him; he was equally strange to them! Years passed by. Infant children were born, three of whom died and were buried in that faraway place. It seemed no progress was being made as the years continued to slip away. Finally, friendships were established and doors of ministry opened to that young man and his supportive wife.
The people in his homeland learned of his work and prayed for him. He rallied their hearts for other faraway places as he faithfully followed the call of God in his life. Many others would be inspired by the life of this young couple.
On 26 May 1926, he wrote a letter to General Superintendent H. F. Reynolds.
Piggs Peak, Swaziland
Rev. H. F. Reynolds 2923 Troost Ave
Kansas City, MO U. S. A.
Greetings in Jesus’ dear name from Africa.
Via Barberton, South Africa May 26, 1926
Just a note to let you know that we have had a King to visit our humble African home. He arrived Sunday morning May the 23rd. We readily recognized that He was not a King of an earthly Kingdom, in that He came through the unopened window and closed door. He came to take a precious little flower that bloomed in our midst; we bowed our heads in submission when Jesus stepped in and took to himself our darling little Charles Kent at ten minutes to two o’clock A.M. We prayed that he would be taken without a struggle and our prayer was answered as he had a very peaceful passing away. He was born September 19th, 1924 and died May 23rd, 1926. After daybreak we made a little box of sealing boards and Miss Robbinson took white cloth and beautified it. Miss Lovelace, Carpentar and Rixsie arrived from the boys school about eleven o’clock just in time for the Sabbath morning service and after this service the remains of our little darling was laid to rest under the Peniel trees to await the resurrection morn. We all dropped a few flowers in the grave and sang the Hymn “Just inside the Eastern gate”. We do not say that this is a part of the price we pay for Africa, for death visits every home; however, just after the passing of our precious baby we knelt not far from his little form and there rededicated ourselves for His service and for the healing of the world known as Africa.
Little Charles had never been very strong and suffered very much since about the 5th of January when we was smitten with Pneumonia; it was the Influenza that finally caused his death.
Will close for this time, we know you are praying for us and we thank you for these prayers continually.
Yours in His glad service,
“May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.”
Think about why we started.
It is a generally accepted principle that every organization faces the challenge of organizational and missional drift.
Alister McGrath observed: “The price of expansion is an increasing diffuseness, and potentially a loss of identity and vision.” [6] However, the cost of standing still is slow death.
Our challenge is ever to make the main thing the main thing—that the message of life transformation—holiness and Christlikeness—remains the message!
This is not a plea for “the good old days,” but it is a plea that we will inspire and equip a new generation to take up the mantle to live and preach the message of heart holiness and life transformation!
We plead for the Church of the Nazarene to lift up Jesus Christ and make the message of scriptural holiness—life transformation—our watchword and song for this and future generations!
The world is changed by Spirit-filled men and women; their legacies never die.
More than 100 years ago there was a young man fully surrendered to God and filled with the Holy Spirit. He enrolled in a holiness college in Peniel, Texas, USA. He often found refuge in a small study room—really a closet—where he studied and prayed by the light of a small oil lamp.
He studied. He learned. He sought wisdom from godly people and from God himself. One night he “prayed through”—found peace in his mind and spirit before the Lord—about God’s call in his life.
He would leave school. He would leave home—the familiar, the safe, the known, the predictable. Led by the Holy Spirit, he would go to a faraway place to labor for the lost and broken. With no promise of support from any organized religious group, he raised a little money from his fellow students and set sail for that faraway place.
He labored among a people he did not know and who did not know him. They were strange to him; he was equally strange to them! Years passed by. Infant children were born, three of whom died and were buried in that faraway place. It seemed no progress was being made as the years continued to slip away. Finally, friendships were established and doors of ministry opened to that young man and his supportive wife.
The people in his homeland learned of his work and prayed for him. He rallied their hearts for other faraway places as he faithfully followed the call of God in his life. Many others would be inspired by the life of this young couple.
On 26 May 1926, he wrote a letter to General Superintendent H. F. Reynolds.
Piggs Peak, Swaziland
Rev. H. F. Reynolds 2923 Troost Ave
Kansas City, MO U. S. A.
Greetings in Jesus’ dear name from Africa.
Via Barberton, South Africa May 26, 1926
Just a note to let you know that we have had a King to visit our humble African home. He arrived Sunday morning May the 23rd. We readily recognized that He was not a King of an earthly Kingdom, in that He came through the unopened window and closed door. He came to take a precious little flower that bloomed in our midst; we bowed our heads in submission when Jesus stepped in and took to himself our darling little Charles Kent at ten minutes to two o’clock A.M. We prayed that he would be taken without a struggle and our prayer was answered as he had a very peaceful passing away. He was born September 19th, 1924 and died May 23rd, 1926. After daybreak we made a little box of sealing boards and Miss Robbinson took white cloth and beautified it. Miss Lovelace, Carpentar and Rixsie arrived from the boys school about eleven o’clock just in time for the Sabbath morning service and after this service the remains of our little darling was laid to rest under the Peniel trees to await the resurrection morn. We all dropped a few flowers in the grave and sang the Hymn “Just inside the Eastern gate”. We do not say that this is a part of the price we pay for Africa, for death visits every home; however, just after the passing of our precious baby we knelt not far from his little form and there rededicated ourselves for His service and for the healing of the world known as Africa.
Little Charles had never been very strong and suffered very much since about the 5th of January when we was smitten with Pneumonia; it was the Influenza that finally caused his death.
Will close for this time, we know you are praying for us and we thank you for these prayers continually.
Yours in His glad service,
H. F. Schmelzenbach
It is the letter of a man entirely surrendered to the will of God. A holiness man. A sanctified man who, along with his wife, gave his life for the King of Kings.
So why did we start?• Why did Harmon and Lula Schmelzenbach give their lives for Africa? • Why do pastors, evangelists, missionaries, and dedicated laypersons still answer the call to go, to serve? • Why do Nazarenes pray and give generously and sacrificially?
It is because Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith is still raising up a people to proclaim the message of Scriptural holiness – Christlikeness – life-transformation!
It is the letter of a man entirely surrendered to the will of God. A holiness man. A sanctified man who, along with his wife, gave his life for the King of Kings.
So why did we start?• Why did Harmon and Lula Schmelzenbach give their lives for Africa? • Why do pastors, evangelists, missionaries, and dedicated laypersons still answer the call to go, to serve? • Why do Nazarenes pray and give generously and sacrificially?
It is because Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith is still raising up a people to proclaim the message of Scriptural holiness – Christlikeness – life-transformation!
Let us sing it!
Let us shout it!
Let us preach it!
Let us live it! Holiness forevermore.
Prayerfully and respectfully submitted, Board of General Superintendents • David A. Busic
• Gustavo A. Crocker
• Eugénio R. Duarte
• David W. Graves
• Jerry D. Porter• J. K. Warrick
Prepared and read by J. K. Warrick
bgs@nazarene.org
Footnotes
Prepared and read by J. K. Warrick
bgs@nazarene.org
Footnotes
- Walterrean Salley
- Annual Pastor’s Report, Office of the General Secretary
- General Treasurer’s Office cash receipts and APR use different methods of data collection.
- Manual “Historical Statement”
- “The Dangers of Holiness”—John Oswalt, Francis Asbury Society
- Evangelicalism & the Future of Christianity, Alister McGrath (IVP)
The report will be available soon in the following languages:
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Français
한국어
Português
David and Jennifer Allen have served together as intern missionaries since April 2014 on the Africa Region. David serves as the regional finance coordinator. Jennifer serves in Donor Relations. David and Jennifer have two children, Bethany and Max. Their home church is on the USA Northwest District. The Allens are being commissioned as missionaries on global assignment to serve the Africa Region.
Erika Contreras has served as a missionary on specialized assignment since September 2013 on the South America Region. Erika serves as the finance assistant and jurisdictional secretary. Her home church is on the Mexico Central District. Erika is being commissioned as a missionary on global assignment to serve on the South America Region.
David and Tabita González have served together as intern missionaries since July 2014 on the South America Region. David serves as the regional ministries coordinator. Tabita serves as the regional Nazarene Compassionate Ministries coordinator. David and Tabita have two children, Lucas and Jermias. David’s home church is on the Mexico Gulf District. Tabita’s home church is on the USA Kansas City District. Dave and Tabita are being commissioned as missionaries to serve the South America Region.
Napoleón and Elena Guerrero have served together as missionaries on specialized assignment since January 2014 on the South America Region. Napoleón serves as the national ministries coordinator and the regional Evangelism and Church Planting coordinator. Elena serves as the Sprout Program coordinator. Napoleón and Elena have three children, Napoleón, Nelson, and Luz Elena. Their home church is on the Peru North Pacific District. The Guerreros are being commissioned as missionaries on global assignment to Bolivia.
Joseph and Beth Heath have served together as missionaries on specialized assignment since April 2014 on the Africa Region. Joseph and Beth serve as coordinators for Work & Witness and Mobilization. Joseph also serves as the field treasurer and Beth serves as the field secretary. Joseph and Beth have one child, Peter. Their home church is on the USA Kansas City District. Joseph and Beth are being commissioned as missionaries on global assignment to South Africa.
Carlos and Isabel Juárez have served together as intern missionaries since September 2014 on the South America Region. Carlos serves in the Ministry of Communications. Isabel serves as the assistant to the regional SDMI coordinator. Carlos and Isabel have two children, Katherine and Nathalie. Their home church is on the Guatemala Central District. Carlos and Isabel are being commissioned as missionaries on global assignment to Ecuador.
Matthew and Sara Marshall have served together as missionaries on specialized assignment since October 2013 on the Africa Region. Matthew serves as chaplain and lecturer. Sara serves as the homeschool teacher for their children. Matthew and Sarah have three children, Chloe, Elizabeth, and William. Their home church is on the USA MidSouth District. The Marshalls are being commissioned as missionaries on global assignment to Swaziland.
Alessandro and Cristiane Polonio have served as intern missionaries since February 2013 on the South America Region. Alessandro serves as the coordinator for Church Development in Chile and regional Nazarene Missions International coordinator. Cristiane serves as the national Child Sponsorship coordinator. Alessandro and Cristiane have two children, Raquel and Sarah. Their home church is on the Brazil Southeast Paulista District. Alessandro and Cristiane are being commissioned as missionaries on global assignment to Chile.
Kent and Kathleen Pelton
Years of service: 22
Locations: Papua New Guinea, Thailand
Life verses: “To God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27) and “She did what she could” (Mark 14:8).
Kent’s years were spent primarily in pastoral education, but he also served as district advisor, chancellor of Southeast Asia Nazarene Bible College, chairman of the Golden Path Nazarene Foundation, and district superintendent of the Northern Thai District. Kathleen also served at the college in finance.
Kent and Kathleen are grateful for all the prayer, partnership, and ongoing encouragement they have received throughout the years. While they were thousands of miles away from home, they had the constant realization that God was with them and their tremendous church family was praying for them. They ask for continuing prayers for the people of Thailand and for those whom God is calling to become the next servants in that great nation.
George and Nancy Miller
Years of service: 27
Locations: Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Philippines
Life verses: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11) and “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33).
George and Nancy were children's pastors when they left for the mission field and finished their career as children's ministers. In between, they served as educators at local high schools, South Pacific Nazarene Theological College, Philippines Nazarene College, and a school at a Church of the Nazarene.They are grateful for the church's health insurance, for God’s provision, and for Nancy’s relatively good health so they could be able to serve for 27 years. They are also thankful that their four children and 12 grandchildren are all in church serving the Lord. All of them except the youngest three grandchildren have visited their grandparents on the field.
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Africa
Patricia Smith remembered
Retired missionary Patricia "Pat" Smith passed away 26 February. She was 77.
She was one of five children born to Edna (Mann) and Daniel Stafford, a pastor. She attended Bethany Nazarene College (now Southern Nazarene University), where she met her husband, Jim.
After graduation, the couple moved from Oklahoma to Indiana for two years while Jim pastored a church before moving to South Africa, where they served for 38 years. Pat worked in women's ministry, Vacation Bible School, Sunday school, and served as a receptionist at Nazarene Theological College–South Africa.
A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. March 4 at Western Oaks Church of the Nazarene in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Pat is survived by her husband, their three children, grandchildren, and extended family members.
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Overland Park, Kansas
2017 Nazarene Missionary CandidatesThe Church of the Nazarene's Global Mission office recommended 15 missionaries for appointment during the Church of the Nazarene's 94th Session of the General Board Monday, 27 February in Overland Park, Kansas, USA.
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Overland Park, Kansas
2017 Nazarene Missionary CandidatesThe Church of the Nazarene's Global Mission office recommended 15 missionaries for appointment during the Church of the Nazarene's 94th Session of the General Board Monday, 27 February in Overland Park, Kansas, USA.
David and Jennifer Allen have served together as intern missionaries since April 2014 on the Africa Region. David serves as the regional finance coordinator. Jennifer serves in Donor Relations. David and Jennifer have two children, Bethany and Max. Their home church is on the USA Northwest District. The Allens are being commissioned as missionaries on global assignment to serve the Africa Region.
Erika Contreras has served as a missionary on specialized assignment since September 2013 on the South America Region. Erika serves as the finance assistant and jurisdictional secretary. Her home church is on the Mexico Central District. Erika is being commissioned as a missionary on global assignment to serve on the South America Region.
David and Tabita González have served together as intern missionaries since July 2014 on the South America Region. David serves as the regional ministries coordinator. Tabita serves as the regional Nazarene Compassionate Ministries coordinator. David and Tabita have two children, Lucas and Jermias. David’s home church is on the Mexico Gulf District. Tabita’s home church is on the USA Kansas City District. Dave and Tabita are being commissioned as missionaries to serve the South America Region.
Napoleón and Elena Guerrero have served together as missionaries on specialized assignment since January 2014 on the South America Region. Napoleón serves as the national ministries coordinator and the regional Evangelism and Church Planting coordinator. Elena serves as the Sprout Program coordinator. Napoleón and Elena have three children, Napoleón, Nelson, and Luz Elena. Their home church is on the Peru North Pacific District. The Guerreros are being commissioned as missionaries on global assignment to Bolivia.
Joseph and Beth Heath have served together as missionaries on specialized assignment since April 2014 on the Africa Region. Joseph and Beth serve as coordinators for Work & Witness and Mobilization. Joseph also serves as the field treasurer and Beth serves as the field secretary. Joseph and Beth have one child, Peter. Their home church is on the USA Kansas City District. Joseph and Beth are being commissioned as missionaries on global assignment to South Africa.
Carlos and Isabel Juárez have served together as intern missionaries since September 2014 on the South America Region. Carlos serves in the Ministry of Communications. Isabel serves as the assistant to the regional SDMI coordinator. Carlos and Isabel have two children, Katherine and Nathalie. Their home church is on the Guatemala Central District. Carlos and Isabel are being commissioned as missionaries on global assignment to Ecuador.
Matthew and Sara Marshall have served together as missionaries on specialized assignment since October 2013 on the Africa Region. Matthew serves as chaplain and lecturer. Sara serves as the homeschool teacher for their children. Matthew and Sarah have three children, Chloe, Elizabeth, and William. Their home church is on the USA MidSouth District. The Marshalls are being commissioned as missionaries on global assignment to Swaziland.
Alessandro and Cristiane Polonio have served as intern missionaries since February 2013 on the South America Region. Alessandro serves as the coordinator for Church Development in Chile and regional Nazarene Missions International coordinator. Cristiane serves as the national Child Sponsorship coordinator. Alessandro and Cristiane have two children, Raquel and Sarah. Their home church is on the Brazil Southeast Paulista District. Alessandro and Cristiane are being commissioned as missionaries on global assignment to Chile.
Read more
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Overland Park, Kansas
Retiring missionaries recognized at 94th General BoardThe Church of the Nazarene's Global Mission office was pleased to announce the following retiring missionaries during the final meeting of the 94th Session of the General Board in Overland Park, Kansas.
The missionaries were presented with a sculpture as a token of thanks. Global Mission, under the direction of Verne Ward III, would like to express its deep love and appreciation to all four individuals for their many years of selfless dedication to God, the church, and all of those whose lives have been impacted by their ministry. Together, they have given more than 98 faithful years of service to God through the Church of the Nazarene.
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Overland Park, Kansas
Retiring missionaries recognized at 94th General BoardThe Church of the Nazarene's Global Mission office was pleased to announce the following retiring missionaries during the final meeting of the 94th Session of the General Board in Overland Park, Kansas.
The missionaries were presented with a sculpture as a token of thanks. Global Mission, under the direction of Verne Ward III, would like to express its deep love and appreciation to all four individuals for their many years of selfless dedication to God, the church, and all of those whose lives have been impacted by their ministry. Together, they have given more than 98 faithful years of service to God through the Church of the Nazarene.
Kent and Kathleen PeltonYears of service: 22
Locations: Papua New Guinea, Thailand
Life verses: “To God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27) and “She did what she could” (Mark 14:8).
Kent’s years were spent primarily in pastoral education, but he also served as district advisor, chancellor of Southeast Asia Nazarene Bible College, chairman of the Golden Path Nazarene Foundation, and district superintendent of the Northern Thai District. Kathleen also served at the college in finance.
Kent and Kathleen are grateful for all the prayer, partnership, and ongoing encouragement they have received throughout the years. While they were thousands of miles away from home, they had the constant realization that God was with them and their tremendous church family was praying for them. They ask for continuing prayers for the people of Thailand and for those whom God is calling to become the next servants in that great nation.
George and Nancy MillerYears of service: 27
Locations: Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Philippines
Life verses: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11) and “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33).
George and Nancy were children's pastors when they left for the mission field and finished their career as children's ministers. In between, they served as educators at local high schools, South Pacific Nazarene Theological College, Philippines Nazarene College, and a school at a Church of the Nazarene.They are grateful for the church's health insurance, for God’s provision, and for Nancy’s relatively good health so they could be able to serve for 27 years. They are also thankful that their four children and 12 grandchildren are all in church serving the Lord. All of them except the youngest three grandchildren have visited their grandparents on the field.
Read more
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Gerphas Oure passes away
Gerphas Oure, superintendent of the Kenya Central District, passed away 21 February after a long battle with cancer.
Greg Crofford, a missionary to Kenya, shared a recent memory of Oure.
"At the district assembly a few weeks ago, I was honored to pray for our D.S. and many gathered around to lay hands on him," Crofford wrote on his blog. "We prayed in faith for his healing. God had other plans. But we don’t mourn as those who have no hope! I know we’ll see Gerphas again some day when he’ll have a new body but the same old gentle smile."
Oure is survived by his wife, Evelyn, and children Kedrine, Johnston, Hilary, Cecily, and Shalton.Prayer is requested for Oure's family and friends.
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Gerphas Oure passes away
Gerphas Oure, superintendent of the Kenya Central District, passed away 21 February after a long battle with cancer.
Greg Crofford, a missionary to Kenya, shared a recent memory of Oure.
"At the district assembly a few weeks ago, I was honored to pray for our D.S. and many gathered around to lay hands on him," Crofford wrote on his blog. "We prayed in faith for his healing. God had other plans. But we don’t mourn as those who have no hope! I know we’ll see Gerphas again some day when he’ll have a new body but the same old gentle smile."
Oure is survived by his wife, Evelyn, and children Kedrine, Johnston, Hilary, Cecily, and Shalton.Prayer is requested for Oure's family and friends.
InstagramContactAfrica
Patricia Smith remembered
Retired missionary Patricia "Pat" Smith passed away 26 February. She was 77.
She was one of five children born to Edna (Mann) and Daniel Stafford, a pastor. She attended Bethany Nazarene College (now Southern Nazarene University), where she met her husband, Jim.
After graduation, the couple moved from Oklahoma to Indiana for two years while Jim pastored a church before moving to South Africa, where they served for 38 years. Pat worked in women's ministry, Vacation Bible School, Sunday school, and served as a receptionist at Nazarene Theological College–South Africa.
A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. March 4 at Western Oaks Church of the Nazarene in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Pat is survived by her husband, their three children, grandchildren, and extended family members.
Read more
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Flags of the Nations: LiberiaThe 11 stripes symbolize the 11 signatories of the Liberian declaration of independence. The red and white colors symbolize courage and moral excellence. The white star represents the freedom the ex-slaves were given and the blue square represents the African mainland.
Since September 1, 2009, the Church of the Nazarene's Global Ministry Center (GMC) proudly flies a flag each week of one of the many nations in which the denomination is present in ministry. Leaders were invited to send a national flag to be flown at the GMC alongside the flag of the United States*. The national flags rotate weekly, and photos of them raised are sent to the church leaders of that country.
This week: Liberia
The Church of the Nazarene officially entered Liberia in 1990.
Liberia had a population of 4,299,944 in 2016. That same year, Liberia reported 119 Churches of the Nazarene, 78 of which had been officially organized. Liberia has 7,824 total members.
Located on the Africa Region, Liberia has three Phase 2 districts. For more information about the Africa Region, visit africanazarene.org.
* = The weekly highlighted flag is raised on the middle of three poles in compliance with U.S. government protocols. It flies to the left of the GMC host-nation United States flag, which flies above the host-state flag of Kansas. The Christian flag flies on the third pole.
The Global Ministry Center is the mission and service hub of the Church of the Nazarene.
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Flags of the Nations: LiberiaThe 11 stripes symbolize the 11 signatories of the Liberian declaration of independence. The red and white colors symbolize courage and moral excellence. The white star represents the freedom the ex-slaves were given and the blue square represents the African mainland.
Since September 1, 2009, the Church of the Nazarene's Global Ministry Center (GMC) proudly flies a flag each week of one of the many nations in which the denomination is present in ministry. Leaders were invited to send a national flag to be flown at the GMC alongside the flag of the United States*. The national flags rotate weekly, and photos of them raised are sent to the church leaders of that country.
This week: Liberia
The Church of the Nazarene officially entered Liberia in 1990.
Liberia had a population of 4,299,944 in 2016. That same year, Liberia reported 119 Churches of the Nazarene, 78 of which had been officially organized. Liberia has 7,824 total members.
Located on the Africa Region, Liberia has three Phase 2 districts. For more information about the Africa Region, visit africanazarene.org.
* = The weekly highlighted flag is raised on the middle of three poles in compliance with U.S. government protocols. It flies to the left of the GMC host-nation United States flag, which flies above the host-state flag of Kansas. The Christian flag flies on the third pole.
The Global Ministry Center is the mission and service hub of the Church of the Nazarene.
Read more
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Eurasia
Sevan, Armenia
VBS ministry teaches Armenia children about God's love, career options
Nearly 50 Nazarene volunteers spread out over five towns in Armenia last summer and fall to hold Vacation Bible Schools and camps for children and teens, serving more than 350 children and reaching many parents.
In Sevan, a poor city with many economic and social difficulties, there are few services or positive activities for residents to engage in. The only entertainment place is a sport club, but most parents are not able to afford the monthly fee. People see the only way forward for their families is to leave, so there is a high level of migration.
Five Nazarene volunteers took the initiative to minister to the youth of Sevan in cooperation with the local parents and youth. Seventy-five children participated in a three-day VBS. The children were excited about this unusual opportunity. One of the children said that he has never colored pictures before, and he learned how to do it for the first time during VBS.
The VBS focused on talents and serving God. Leaders invited local professionals to share with the children about their vocations and give the children advice on choosing their future careers.
Afterward, the leaders gave each guest professional a Bible, and the children told them interesting facts they had learned from the Bible during the VBS.
One guest, who is a doctor, was amazed when a child told her that Luke, the Gospel writer, was also a doctor.
“[The doctor] said that not only does she have something to give to the kids, but also there are a lot of things she needs to learn from them," VBS leaders reported. "After the VBS, she shared that she has started reading the Bible."
After making the initial contacts and relationships through the VBS, Nazarenes continue to minister in Sevan, visiting the children once a month. They also held a meeting with parents to explain how the Nazarenes fit within the broader Protestant movement and the overall Body of Christ, and that they just want to share the love of God with the people of Sevan.
The local Nazarenes’ dream for next year is to hold a five-day VBS in Sevan to continue sharing the hope of God with children and teenagers.
In another town, Nazarenes held a special VBS for Syrian-Armenian children who have fled with their parents from Syria because of the civil war there.
The VBS program generally includes games and activities, an English class, craft sessions, Bible reading, and prayer and worship time. Volunteers also involve the parents in planning and carrying out the VBS. This gives an opportunity for the volunteers to spend time with the parents, as well, who are mostly unfamiliar with biblical beliefs. While working together, the volunteers share their values, faith, and God’s love.
A number of teenagers also assisted, most of whom formerly attended VBS as children. One of these is Valerie*, 13, who now attends the Nazarene teen club. Through these ministries to children and youth, Valerie has given her life to Jesus and is eagerly growing in her relationship with Him, as well as helping in the children’s ministry. Nora* also has given her life to God and has helped with VBS and camps throughout the summer.[Church of the Nazarene Eurasia]
*Names changed for privacy.
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Eurasia
Sevan, Armenia
VBS ministry teaches Armenia children about God's love, career options
Nearly 50 Nazarene volunteers spread out over five towns in Armenia last summer and fall to hold Vacation Bible Schools and camps for children and teens, serving more than 350 children and reaching many parents.
In Sevan, a poor city with many economic and social difficulties, there are few services or positive activities for residents to engage in. The only entertainment place is a sport club, but most parents are not able to afford the monthly fee. People see the only way forward for their families is to leave, so there is a high level of migration.
Five Nazarene volunteers took the initiative to minister to the youth of Sevan in cooperation with the local parents and youth. Seventy-five children participated in a three-day VBS. The children were excited about this unusual opportunity. One of the children said that he has never colored pictures before, and he learned how to do it for the first time during VBS.
The VBS focused on talents and serving God. Leaders invited local professionals to share with the children about their vocations and give the children advice on choosing their future careers.
Afterward, the leaders gave each guest professional a Bible, and the children told them interesting facts they had learned from the Bible during the VBS.
One guest, who is a doctor, was amazed when a child told her that Luke, the Gospel writer, was also a doctor.
“[The doctor] said that not only does she have something to give to the kids, but also there are a lot of things she needs to learn from them," VBS leaders reported. "After the VBS, she shared that she has started reading the Bible."
After making the initial contacts and relationships through the VBS, Nazarenes continue to minister in Sevan, visiting the children once a month. They also held a meeting with parents to explain how the Nazarenes fit within the broader Protestant movement and the overall Body of Christ, and that they just want to share the love of God with the people of Sevan.
The local Nazarenes’ dream for next year is to hold a five-day VBS in Sevan to continue sharing the hope of God with children and teenagers.
In another town, Nazarenes held a special VBS for Syrian-Armenian children who have fled with their parents from Syria because of the civil war there.
The VBS program generally includes games and activities, an English class, craft sessions, Bible reading, and prayer and worship time. Volunteers also involve the parents in planning and carrying out the VBS. This gives an opportunity for the volunteers to spend time with the parents, as well, who are mostly unfamiliar with biblical beliefs. While working together, the volunteers share their values, faith, and God’s love.
A number of teenagers also assisted, most of whom formerly attended VBS as children. One of these is Valerie*, 13, who now attends the Nazarene teen club. Through these ministries to children and youth, Valerie has given her life to Jesus and is eagerly growing in her relationship with Him, as well as helping in the children’s ministry. Nora* also has given her life to God and has helped with VBS and camps throughout the summer.[Church of the Nazarene Eurasia]
*Names changed for privacy.
Read more
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USA/Canada
Staples, Minnesota
Minnesota church mourns loss of pastor
Todd Orr, pastor of the Friendship Church of the Nazarene in Mora, Minnesota, passed away 23 February. He was 53.
Orr was born in La Mesa, California, to Harold and Betty (Loescher) Orr. The family moved to Minnesota, where Todd grew up and attended high school. After graduation, he served in the U.S. Coast Guard for four years. In 1986, he married Julie Montgomery.
Todd served as an associate pastor at Hewitt Church of the Nazarene for three years until his ordination in 2016. He became pastor of the Friendship Church in October.
In January, Todd was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. He is survived by his wife Julie, mother, three siblings, and many nieces and nephews.
A funeral service was held 1 March. Prayer is requested for the Orr and Friendship church families.Read more
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Moving Ministers: February 2017
Compiled by the General Secretary's Office from district reports, Moving Ministers is a monthly listing of Nazarene ministers in new assignments on the USA/Canada Region.
Roles included in the latest report are pastor and pastoral service. Entries were received in February 2017.
To view the February report, click here.
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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 27 February – 3 March 2017.
Robert Hempel, 92, of Meridian, Idaho, passed away 2 March. He was a retired minister, serving in Oregon, Idaho, and Kansas. He is survived by his wife, Mary Hempel.
Ella Ketchum, 100, of Georgetown, Ohio, passed away 23 February. She was the widow of retired minister Roy Ketchum, who served in Kentucky. Roy Ketchum passed away in 1996.
Todd Orr, 53, of Staples, Minnesota, passed away 23 February. He was a minister, serving at Friendship Church of the Nazarene in Mora, Minnesota. He is survived by his wife, Julie Orr.
Gerphas Oure of Kenya passed away 21 February. He was superintendent of the Kenya Central District. He is survived by his wife, Evelyn. (story)
Ralph Ross, 79, of Mount Sterling, Ohio, passed away 28 February. He was the husband of minister Dortha Ross, who serves at Mount Sterling Church of the Nazarene in Ohio.
Patricia (Stafford) Smith, 77, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, passed away 26 February. She was a retired missionary, serving in South Africa. She is survived by her husband, retired minister and missionary Jim Smith, who served in Indiana, Oklahoma, and South Africa. (story)
Paul Sutherland, 85, of Nampa, Idaho, passed away 27 February. He was a missionary, previously serving in Swaziland. He is survived by his wife, Leonie Sutherland.
Céline Toumoudagou of Benin passed away 25 February. She was the wife of Bene Pendjari District Superintendent Norbert Toumoudagou.
For previous editions of In Memoriam, see the "Passings" section by clicking here.
Note: Please join us in prayer for the families who have lost loved ones. Click on names for full stories, funeral information, local online obituaries, and/or guest books (if available). To submit an entry of a minister or church leader, send to news@nazarene.org.[Compiled by NCN News]Read more
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Human Resources
GMC employment opportunities
General Assembly 2017 — Download Video
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USA/Canada
Staples, Minnesota
Minnesota church mourns loss of pastor
Todd Orr, pastor of the Friendship Church of the Nazarene in Mora, Minnesota, passed away 23 February. He was 53.
Orr was born in La Mesa, California, to Harold and Betty (Loescher) Orr. The family moved to Minnesota, where Todd grew up and attended high school. After graduation, he served in the U.S. Coast Guard for four years. In 1986, he married Julie Montgomery.
Todd served as an associate pastor at Hewitt Church of the Nazarene for three years until his ordination in 2016. He became pastor of the Friendship Church in October.
In January, Todd was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. He is survived by his wife Julie, mother, three siblings, and many nieces and nephews.
A funeral service was held 1 March. Prayer is requested for the Orr and Friendship church families.Read more
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Moving Ministers: February 2017
Compiled by the General Secretary's Office from district reports, Moving Ministers is a monthly listing of Nazarene ministers in new assignments on the USA/Canada Region.
Roles included in the latest report are pastor and pastoral service. Entries were received in February 2017.
To view the February report, click here.
As of: Thursday, 2 March 2017
Moving Ministers
from Thursday, 1 February 2017 to Wednesday, 28 February 2017
Rev. Brian E. Bowers From Pastoral Service Parkersburg Broadway Parkersburg WV to
Pastor Franklin Journey Franklin OH
Rev. Paul L. Dazet from Pastor Lantana Community Fellowship Bartonville TX to
Pastor Bowling Green First Bowling Green KY
Rev. Mark A. Elam from Unassigned
South Central Ohio Grove City OH to
Pastoral Service
Marion First Marion OH
Rev. Randy L. Gant from Pastoral Service
Yakima West Valley Yakima WA to
Pastoral Service
Fishers Point Community Fishers IN
Rev. Bruce C. Gutridge from Pastoral Service
Decatur First Decatur IL to
Pastoral Service on 1/22/2017 Oskaloosa Gateway Oskaloosa IA
Rev. Matthew L. Hancock from Pastor on 2/12/2017 Muncie South Side Muncie IN to
Pastor on 2/28/2017 Choctaw
Choctaw OK
Rev. James R. Lounsberry from Pastor on 2/1/2017 Tampa First Tampa FL to
Pastoral Service on 1/10/2017 Dresden
Dresden OH
Rev. Jared M. Mathison from Pastor on 1/15/2017 Cornerstone Wheelersburg OH to
Pastoral Service on 1/8/2017 Midland Community
Midland MI
Rev. Dustin L. Runcie from Pastor on 1/8/2017 DeMotte
DeMotte IN to
Pastoral Service on 1/15/2017 Connecting Pointe
Lincoln NE
For previous reports, see usacanadanazarene.org.Read more-------
In Memoriam
The following is a weekly listing of Nazarene ministers and leaders who recently went home to be with the Lord. Notices were received 27 February – 3 March 2017.
Robert Hempel, 92, of Meridian, Idaho, passed away 2 March. He was a retired minister, serving in Oregon, Idaho, and Kansas. He is survived by his wife, Mary Hempel.
Ella Ketchum, 100, of Georgetown, Ohio, passed away 23 February. She was the widow of retired minister Roy Ketchum, who served in Kentucky. Roy Ketchum passed away in 1996.
Todd Orr, 53, of Staples, Minnesota, passed away 23 February. He was a minister, serving at Friendship Church of the Nazarene in Mora, Minnesota. He is survived by his wife, Julie Orr.
Gerphas Oure of Kenya passed away 21 February. He was superintendent of the Kenya Central District. He is survived by his wife, Evelyn. (story)
Ralph Ross, 79, of Mount Sterling, Ohio, passed away 28 February. He was the husband of minister Dortha Ross, who serves at Mount Sterling Church of the Nazarene in Ohio.
Patricia (Stafford) Smith, 77, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, passed away 26 February. She was a retired missionary, serving in South Africa. She is survived by her husband, retired minister and missionary Jim Smith, who served in Indiana, Oklahoma, and South Africa. (story)
Paul Sutherland, 85, of Nampa, Idaho, passed away 27 February. He was a missionary, previously serving in Swaziland. He is survived by his wife, Leonie Sutherland.
Céline Toumoudagou of Benin passed away 25 February. She was the wife of Bene Pendjari District Superintendent Norbert Toumoudagou.
For previous editions of In Memoriam, see the "Passings" section by clicking here.
Note: Please join us in prayer for the families who have lost loved ones. Click on names for full stories, funeral information, local online obituaries, and/or guest books (if available). To submit an entry of a minister or church leader, send to news@nazarene.org.[Compiled by NCN News]Read more
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Human Resources
GMC employment opportunities
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 jveigl@nazarene.org for details.
Employment Opportunities
Administrative Assistant (Full time)
Pensions & Benefits USA
Description: This person will lead/manage special and cyclical projects, provide administrative assistance to the administrative director, coordinate education/training of internal staff and plan participants, ensure that appropriate resources and support are provided to complete projects, process customer services inquiries, and assist with monitoring and posting items to P&B USA social media outlets (Facebook/Twitter).
Benefits Technician (Full time)
Pensions & Benefits USA
Description: This position carries out various customer service tasks, including benefit application processing, benefit verifications, benefit distributions, and processing miscellaneous service requests. Additional duties include assisting in coordinating/completing cyclical and annual focus projects. Requires familiarity with employee benefits and an awareness of how insurance and pension plans work.
Software Developer (Full time)
Information Technology
Description: Members of the software development team are primarily responsible for facilitating the ministry of the Global Ministry Center through the analysis, design, implementation, and support of software solutions.
Spanish Translation Specialist (Full time)
Nazarene Communications/Global Nazarene Publications
Description: This position is will serve as the in-house Spanish translator for Web pages and digital content for a growing global digital audience. Additionally, this person will provide editorial assistance for Global Nazarene Publications, including both print and digital content, along with other duties as assigned.
Technology Specialist (Full time)
Pensions & Benefits USA
Description: This position will assist the Technology Supervisor in developing and maintaining the technology resources available to the Pensions and Benefits USA office and its constituents. This will include Web content management, development of systems for document storage and retrieval, assistance with upkeep of other business databases, resolution of basic desktop issues and assistance with technology related communication and training.
Tour/Hospitality Coordinator (Full time)
Business Center
Description: This position will be the primary contact and coordinator for Tours and Caterings. Correspondence, scheduling, GMC kitchen oversight, mail center, and front desk receptionist back-up will also be responsibilities of this position. Other duties include tasks in the Business Center as assigned.
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 humanresourcesgroup@nazarene.org, or obtained in person from Human Resources at the Church of the Nazarene Global Ministry Center, 17001 Prairie Star Parkway, Lenexa, Kansas, 66220, Monday through Friday from 8:00 to 4:30 U.S. Central Time. Completed applications may be mailed or emailed to the attention of the Human Resources Office.Read more
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Indianapolis, Indiana
General Assembly promotional resources now available
Less than four months remain until the 2017 General Assembly and Conventions in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.
For churches and individuals wishing to promote the event, materials are available at nazarene.org/ga.
The free, downloadable resources include posters, bulletin inserts, social media posts, banners, videos, and more.
Every four years, more than 20,000 Church of the Nazarene members from around the world gather for a global family reunion that features times of worship, service, fellowship, training, and making important decisions that will affect future generations of Nazarenes.
Click here to visit the GA Facebook event page and let friends know you’ll be attending.
The Global Ministry Center Human Resources Office professionals strive to deliver the highest possible service to our employees, and are responsible for the recruitment, placement and retention of qualified individuals to staff the ministry and administrative positions of the GMC. The many employee services include compensation and benefit administration, payroll, employment, employee relations, training, counseling, organizational communication and events, and workplace programs.
*Volunteer opportunities for GMC ministries are available now. Email jveigl@nazarene.org for details.
Employment Opportunities
Administrative Assistant (Full time)
Pensions & Benefits USA
Description: This person will lead/manage special and cyclical projects, provide administrative assistance to the administrative director, coordinate education/training of internal staff and plan participants, ensure that appropriate resources and support are provided to complete projects, process customer services inquiries, and assist with monitoring and posting items to P&B USA social media outlets (Facebook/Twitter).
Benefits Technician (Full time)
Pensions & Benefits USA
Description: This position carries out various customer service tasks, including benefit application processing, benefit verifications, benefit distributions, and processing miscellaneous service requests. Additional duties include assisting in coordinating/completing cyclical and annual focus projects. Requires familiarity with employee benefits and an awareness of how insurance and pension plans work.
Software Developer (Full time)
Information Technology
Description: Members of the software development team are primarily responsible for facilitating the ministry of the Global Ministry Center through the analysis, design, implementation, and support of software solutions.
Spanish Translation Specialist (Full time)
Nazarene Communications/Global Nazarene Publications
Description: This position is will serve as the in-house Spanish translator for Web pages and digital content for a growing global digital audience. Additionally, this person will provide editorial assistance for Global Nazarene Publications, including both print and digital content, along with other duties as assigned.
Technology Specialist (Full time)
Pensions & Benefits USA
Description: This position will assist the Technology Supervisor in developing and maintaining the technology resources available to the Pensions and Benefits USA office and its constituents. This will include Web content management, development of systems for document storage and retrieval, assistance with upkeep of other business databases, resolution of basic desktop issues and assistance with technology related communication and training.
Tour/Hospitality Coordinator (Full time)
Business Center
Description: This position will be the primary contact and coordinator for Tours and Caterings. Correspondence, scheduling, GMC kitchen oversight, mail center, and front desk receptionist back-up will also be responsibilities of this position. Other duties include tasks in the Business Center as assigned.
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 humanresourcesgroup@nazarene.org, or obtained in person from Human Resources at the Church of the Nazarene Global Ministry Center, 17001 Prairie Star Parkway, Lenexa, Kansas, 66220, Monday through Friday from 8:00 to 4:30 U.S. Central Time. Completed applications may be mailed or emailed to the attention of the Human Resources Office.Read more
-------
Indianapolis, Indiana
General Assembly promotional resources now available
Less than four months remain until the 2017 General Assembly and Conventions in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.
For churches and individuals wishing to promote the event, materials are available at nazarene.org/ga.
The free, downloadable resources include posters, bulletin inserts, social media posts, banners, videos, and more.
Every four years, more than 20,000 Church of the Nazarene members from around the world gather for a global family reunion that features times of worship, service, fellowship, training, and making important decisions that will affect future generations of Nazarenes.
Click here to visit the GA Facebook event page and let friends know you’ll be attending.
Read more
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Copyright © 2017 NCN News, All rights reserved.
The Global Nazarene Communications Network
nazarene.org/news
news@nazarene.org
Material created and owned by NCN News may be used for church newsletters and bulletins.
The Global Church of the Nazarene is a Protestant Christian church in the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition. Organized in 1908, the denomination is now home to about 2.3 million members worshipping in more than 29,000 local congregations in 159 world areas.
Address:
The Global Church of the Nazarene
Global Ministry Center
17001 Prairie Star Parkway
Lenexa, KS, USA 66220
Phone: 913-577-0500
Email: info@nazarene.org
Department directory
Terms of Use — ECFA Member
-------
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ForwardShareTweetShare+1Copyright © 2017 NCN News, All rights reserved.
The Global Nazarene Communications Network
nazarene.org/news
news@nazarene.org
Material created and owned by NCN News may be used for church newsletters and bulletins.
The Global Church of the Nazarene is a Protestant Christian church in the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition. Organized in 1908, the denomination is now home to about 2.3 million members worshipping in more than 29,000 local congregations in 159 world areas.
Address:
The Global Church of the Nazarene
Global Ministry Center
17001 Prairie Star Parkway
Lenexa, KS, USA 66220
Phone: 913-577-0500
Email: info@nazarene.org
Department directory
Terms of Use — ECFA Member
-------
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