The Board of General Superintendents announced Tuesday that Gary Hartke was elected by the General Board to serve as the Church of the Nazarene’s next general secretary.
Hartke will follow David Wilson, who has served as general secretary since 2007. Wilson previously announced his intentions to retire at the conclusion of the 96th Session of the General Board in February 2019.
“It has been a great honor and privilege to serve the church in this assignment for the past 11 years,” Wilson said. “I am delighted with Dr. Hartke’s election. He brings experience on the general level, particularly in his work with general conventions, which has helped prepare him for the work of the general secretary.”
The director of Nazarene Youth International since 2000, Hartke has been responsible for coordinating and supervising youth ministry worldwide for the Church of the Nazarene. As of 2017, NYI reported a membership of 425,508.
"Dr. Hartke's election is a gift to the denomination,” said Gustavo A. Crocker, chair of the Board of General Superintendents. “Throughout his years in ministry, he has given careful attention to the local and global needs of the church. Whether organizing some of the finest conventions and conferences or mobilizing local and regional leaders, Gary's main goal has been to empower the local church from a global perspective. The Board of General Superintendents congratulates the church on this important election."
Hartke has significant experience leading denominational events such as Third Wave, the General NYI Convention, and Nazarene Youth Conference (USA/Canada). He has also served on the General Assembly Program Committee since 2001 and chaired the General Assembly Exhibit Committee in 2013 and 2017.
Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA, Hartke was ordained in 1993. He served as an associate pastor in three Churches of the Nazarene: Dayton-Beavercreek Church (Beavercreek, Ohio), South Portland First Church (South Portland, Maine), and Chicago First Church (Lemont, Illinois). Throughout those years, he also served as youth camp director, district NYI president, team NYI trainer, and district NYC coordinator. Additionally, Hartke served as the candidate coordinator in World Mission with the responsibility to discover, develop, and deploy missionaries for the Church of the Nazarene.
“It will be a great privilege to serve as the general secretary,” Hartke said. “There is an African proverb that states ‘if you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.’ I believe that captures the heart of the Church of the Nazarene as we unite globally to make Christlike disciples. I look forward to supporting our churches worldwide in the name of Jesus Christ. I want to be part of going far together.”
Hartke earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Mount Vernon Nazarene University, a master’s in church management from Olivet Nazarene University, and a Doctor of Education in ethical leadership from Olivet.
He and his wife, Joy, reside in the Kansas City area.
“Please join me in prayer," Crocker said, "for Dr. Hartke and the church as together we move forward in our mission to make Christlike disciples in the nations.”
Managua, Nicaragu
Students from nearby universities have been leading protests since April against the local government. According to various reports, dozens have died in the protests so far, including both students and government officials.
“We feel very sad because for more than a month we have been under great pressure from the disturbances in Nicaragua," Nicaragua Central District Superintendent Maria Ponce said. "We remain under the protection of the Most High and wise God. We do not wish to continue exposing our lives and so we have chosen to leave since we were facing the crossfire between the police and the students. There are many people injured and we do not wish to join the list of the deceased."
In the cities of Managua and Masaya, church services have been limited to Sunday mornings to keep churchgoers out of danger as much as possible. Despite this, a group of pastors and leaders have decided to gather with Ponce each night to pray for peace in their cities.
Nazarene Compassionate Ministries in the North Central Field has also set up an around-the-clock schedule for each of the 24 districts on the field to pray for Nicaragua, assigning one district to pray per hour.
“During this time, I sense the people of Nicaragua have shifted the way they pray,” Ponce said. “They no longer pray just for their needs or as a routine, but they have made prayer a lifestyle.”
Though Ponce and other Nazarene leaders are encouraged by the multitudes of Nazarenes praying for them, they still have many concerns. The district has canceled several Work & Witness trips scheduled for teams working on local church buildings, and a team from Costa Rica planning to work on the Nazarene seminary in Nicaragua had their trip canceled because security could not be guaranteed. All four Nicaragua districts have been working on the seminary in anticipation of its opening. Many projects have been left unfinished for the foreseeable future.
Nicaragua Central District leaders are monitoring the activity of the protests to determine the best time to reopen.
"This situation brings us great pain," Ponce said. "We ask that, as the Body of Christ, we would unite in prayer for peace in Nicaragua.”
London, England
London Nazarene church hosts televised performance of Royal Wedding choir
Karen Gibson entered the Church of the Nazarene’s Fresh Ground Coffee Shop in the Battersea neighborhood of London, England, looking for a cup of coffee. She found much more than that.
“From the first day I stepped into Fresh Ground, there was something that felt right about the place,” she says. “There seemed to be a freshness and cheeriness in the air (along with the smell of the delicious food there) that made me feel comfortable, which was further helped when the barista happily told me that I was on ‘sacred ground.' I had had no idea up until that point that I was, in fact, in church.”
As a follower of Jesus, Gibson was delighted to find the church, in part through its coffee shop, had positioned itself as a community center in Battersea. Fresh Ground provides several multi-use halls, as well as the café and office spaces, where people meet for exercise and ballet classes, personal wellness, music, and much more.
Gibson, who lives nearby, came to one of the Sunday worship services held in the large, open room behind the cafe. As she got to know Nike and Associate Pastor Michelle Sowerby, she shared her dream of directing a local community choir.
“[They] made it clear to me that they fully supported the vision that I had of a gospel choir,” Gibson said.
For the past 20 years, Gibson has directed The Kingdom Choir and other award-winning choirs, some of which have performed for dignitaries including Nelson Mandela, the Pope, and England’s Queen Elizabeth II. They have also shared their music at special occasions around the world, most recently singing “Stand by Me” at the May 19 Royal Wedding of England’s Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and his now wife, American actress Meghan Markle, in London.
The team at Fresh Ground loved the idea of supporting Gibson’s vision for a community choir. Gospel on the Rise now has 60 choir members who practice in the space every Wednesday night. They perform throughout 10- to 12-week periods.
“It's fair to say that nothing has been too much trouble for Jason or Michelle,” Gibson said. “Their heart for community is also really apparent, and this really shows in their work ethic. I love the venue. I love the design. I love the light and airiness of the place. I would also recommend it as a space for meetings, rehearsals, and recordings. It's wonderful.”
The design and quality of light perhaps added to why Fresh Ground was the preferred location for producers of Good Morning America, a daily U.S. morning news program, to broadcast a live interview with Gibson and a performance by the Kingdom Choir on Monday, 21 May. Clips from the broadcast are linked on Fresh Ground’s Facebook page. “[Gibson’s] relationship with Fresh Ground, in particular, has been really warm, collaborative and very spirit-driven and mission-orientated,” Nike said. “She’s regularly at Fresh Ground using the café and knows our core group, our staff, and others in the Fresh Ground community. Having the choir has opened many doors in our community. We thank God for all He is doing through Karen and the choir, and are really thrilled that they are partnering with us in ‘enriching our community through faith, friendship and compassion.’*”
.
So far, Watts has been on three Global Missions IT trips to various countries, providing his administrative and technical expertise where it is needed.
“In October of 2017, we installed over 60 security cameras on the main campus of Africa Nazarene University,” Watts said. “Then, in January of 2018, I had the privilege of joining the team upgrading the network of the seminary and [the Mesoamerica North Central Field] offices in Guatemala City. My [latest] trip was once again to Africa Nazarene University where we installed 60 cameras in the building housing their downtown campus.”
In August the team will travel to the Caribbean Nazarene College in Trinidad, but this time Watts intends to bring his grandson along with him, whom he hopes to share his calling with.
“My interest in mission work dates to my earliest days in college when I took a missions seminar that literally changed the direction of my life,” Watts said. “Though I’ve never given up on my desire to serve the Lord in other places, I’ve never felt called to the previous Work & Witness projects our church has offered.”
Finally, that calling was realized when he was encouraged to use the skills he spent so many years attaining.
“I had thought that Work & Witness teams were limited to building church buildings, digging wells, or running Vacation Bible Schools,” Watts said. “Given my age and skill set, I have never felt called to do that type of work, but when I was invited to join the Global Missions IT team, I felt excited about using both the administrative skills and IT skills I have developed over the past 45 years.”
Now Watts helps many people in several countries as the missionary that he never knew he could be.
“I have been privileged to join the work that will literally affect the lives of thousands of people who are relying on the equipment we have installed to either increase building security or enable video conferencing and teaching tools," Watts said. “I’ve truly found my calling.”
Joining the Global Missions IT team has opened up a whole new world of opportunity for Watts, and he has no plans to stop serving anytime soon.
“I intend to continue for as long as the Lord allows me to have the energy and health needed to continue serving Him in this way,” Watts said.
Watts joined the team through Joshua Williams, another Global MIssions IT member.
"Global Missions IT is a team of Nazarene missionaries and volunteers around the world who work to help meet the technology needs of the mission and educational arms of the Church of the Nazarene," Williams said. "This core group provides technological tools and support that help missionaries, staff, and educators around the world make Christlike disciples in the nations."
To learn more about Global Missions IT, visit globalnaz.org/get-involved or send an email to getinvolved@globalnaz.org.
NAE publishes statement on evangelical identity
The National Association of Evangelicals recently released an explanatory statement, “Evangelicals — Shared Faith in Broad Diversity,” as a tool to help others understand and explain who evangelicals are.
Evangelicals — Shared Faith in Broad Diversity
Evangelical Christians are people of faith. Our diversity ranges across geography, race, politics, education, and economics. In the words of the Bible, we are among “a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language” (Revelation 7:9).
We identify ourselves by our spiritual convictions in the authority of the Bible, salvation through Jesus Christ alone and living out our faith in everyday life, especially sharing the good news of Jesus with others. We share the historic Christian beliefs in God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We believe Jesus died on the cross and was resurrected to life.
Many Christ-followers claim the name evangelical because it is the Bible’s original word for good news. Others prefer to be called born again. Some choose Christian or avoid titles in favor of simple faith.
Because there are millions of us in the United States and far more of us in other countries around the world, there are subgroups identified by where we live, how we vote, the level of our education, or even our local cultural expressions. Each has distinctive beliefs and practices that may be unfamiliar or uncomfortable to one another. Sometimes these subgroups or their leaders are identified as typical of all evangelicals even though there is no consensus, connection or communication between them.
What all evangelicals share in common does not require organizational connection, denominational affiliations, or shared leadership. Our common bond is personal faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
Throughout history and ongoing today is the compassion and care that evangelical Christians have for others. This has led to sending missionaries, founding colleges, building hospitals, feeding the hungry, seeking justice for the poor, and serving as the agents of Jesus in a broken world. The variety of evangelicals and our many causes have led evangelicals to approaches that differ from one another and that even cause conflict — both with society at large and with other evangelicals. We have both succeeded and failed but we have not given up. We return to the teaching of the Bible and the leadership of Jesus in our quest to be faithful to our callings to love God, love our neighbors and share our faith.
Our identity is in our faith in the midst of our diversity. (National Association of Evangelicals)
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 28 May – 1 June 2018.Barbara Deboard, 85, of Victorville, California, passed away 29 May. She was preceded in death by her husband, retired minister Oren Deboard, who served in California and Alberta. Oren Deboard passed away in 2005.
Location of Global Ministry Center Positions
Hartke will follow David Wilson, who has served as general secretary since 2007. Wilson previously announced his intentions to retire at the conclusion of the 96th Session of the General Board in February 2019.
“It has been a great honor and privilege to serve the church in this assignment for the past 11 years,” Wilson said. “I am delighted with Dr. Hartke’s election. He brings experience on the general level, particularly in his work with general conventions, which has helped prepare him for the work of the general secretary.”
The director of Nazarene Youth International since 2000, Hartke has been responsible for coordinating and supervising youth ministry worldwide for the Church of the Nazarene. As of 2017, NYI reported a membership of 425,508.
"Dr. Hartke's election is a gift to the denomination,” said Gustavo A. Crocker, chair of the Board of General Superintendents. “Throughout his years in ministry, he has given careful attention to the local and global needs of the church. Whether organizing some of the finest conventions and conferences or mobilizing local and regional leaders, Gary's main goal has been to empower the local church from a global perspective. The Board of General Superintendents congratulates the church on this important election."
Hartke has significant experience leading denominational events such as Third Wave, the General NYI Convention, and Nazarene Youth Conference (USA/Canada). He has also served on the General Assembly Program Committee since 2001 and chaired the General Assembly Exhibit Committee in 2013 and 2017.
Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA, Hartke was ordained in 1993. He served as an associate pastor in three Churches of the Nazarene: Dayton-Beavercreek Church (Beavercreek, Ohio), South Portland First Church (South Portland, Maine), and Chicago First Church (Lemont, Illinois). Throughout those years, he also served as youth camp director, district NYI president, team NYI trainer, and district NYC coordinator. Additionally, Hartke served as the candidate coordinator in World Mission with the responsibility to discover, develop, and deploy missionaries for the Church of the Nazarene.
“It will be a great privilege to serve as the general secretary,” Hartke said. “There is an African proverb that states ‘if you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.’ I believe that captures the heart of the Church of the Nazarene as we unite globally to make Christlike disciples. I look forward to supporting our churches worldwide in the name of Jesus Christ. I want to be part of going far together.”
Hartke earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Mount Vernon Nazarene University, a master’s in church management from Olivet Nazarene University, and a Doctor of Education in ethical leadership from Olivet.
He and his wife, Joy, reside in the Kansas City area.
“Please join me in prayer," Crocker said, "for Dr. Hartke and the church as together we move forward in our mission to make Christlike disciples in the nations.”
Nicaragua district office closes amid nearby protests
Getty photo
The Nicaragua Central District Office closed 29 May due to increased violence in the city of Managua, the capital of Nicaragua. Students from nearby universities have been leading protests since April against the local government. According to various reports, dozens have died in the protests so far, including both students and government officials.
“We feel very sad because for more than a month we have been under great pressure from the disturbances in Nicaragua," Nicaragua Central District Superintendent Maria Ponce said. "We remain under the protection of the Most High and wise God. We do not wish to continue exposing our lives and so we have chosen to leave since we were facing the crossfire between the police and the students. There are many people injured and we do not wish to join the list of the deceased."
In the cities of Managua and Masaya, church services have been limited to Sunday mornings to keep churchgoers out of danger as much as possible. Despite this, a group of pastors and leaders have decided to gather with Ponce each night to pray for peace in their cities.
Nazarene Compassionate Ministries in the North Central Field has also set up an around-the-clock schedule for each of the 24 districts on the field to pray for Nicaragua, assigning one district to pray per hour.
“During this time, I sense the people of Nicaragua have shifted the way they pray,” Ponce said. “They no longer pray just for their needs or as a routine, but they have made prayer a lifestyle.”
Though Ponce and other Nazarene leaders are encouraged by the multitudes of Nazarenes praying for them, they still have many concerns. The district has canceled several Work & Witness trips scheduled for teams working on local church buildings, and a team from Costa Rica planning to work on the Nazarene seminary in Nicaragua had their trip canceled because security could not be guaranteed. All four Nicaragua districts have been working on the seminary in anticipation of its opening. Many projects have been left unfinished for the foreseeable future.
Nicaragua Central District leaders are monitoring the activity of the protests to determine the best time to reopen.
"This situation brings us great pain," Ponce said. "We ask that, as the Body of Christ, we would unite in prayer for peace in Nicaragua.”
London Nazarene church hosts televised performance of Royal Wedding choir
Karen Gibson entered the Church of the Nazarene’s Fresh Ground Coffee Shop in the Battersea neighborhood of London, England, looking for a cup of coffee. She found much more than that.
“From the first day I stepped into Fresh Ground, there was something that felt right about the place,” she says. “There seemed to be a freshness and cheeriness in the air (along with the smell of the delicious food there) that made me feel comfortable, which was further helped when the barista happily told me that I was on ‘sacred ground.' I had had no idea up until that point that I was, in fact, in church.”
As a follower of Jesus, Gibson was delighted to find the church, in part through its coffee shop, had positioned itself as a community center in Battersea. Fresh Ground provides several multi-use halls, as well as the café and office spaces, where people meet for exercise and ballet classes, personal wellness, music, and much more.
Gibson, who lives nearby, came to one of the Sunday worship services held in the large, open room behind the cafe. As she got to know Nike and Associate Pastor Michelle Sowerby, she shared her dream of directing a local community choir.
“[They] made it clear to me that they fully supported the vision that I had of a gospel choir,” Gibson said.
For the past 20 years, Gibson has directed The Kingdom Choir and other award-winning choirs, some of which have performed for dignitaries including Nelson Mandela, the Pope, and England’s Queen Elizabeth II. They have also shared their music at special occasions around the world, most recently singing “Stand by Me” at the May 19 Royal Wedding of England’s Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and his now wife, American actress Meghan Markle, in London.
The team at Fresh Ground loved the idea of supporting Gibson’s vision for a community choir. Gospel on the Rise now has 60 choir members who practice in the space every Wednesday night. They perform throughout 10- to 12-week periods.
“It's fair to say that nothing has been too much trouble for Jason or Michelle,” Gibson said. “Their heart for community is also really apparent, and this really shows in their work ethic. I love the venue. I love the design. I love the light and airiness of the place. I would also recommend it as a space for meetings, rehearsals, and recordings. It's wonderful.”
The coffee shop, as well as the rest of the building, was intentionally designed to create an accessible presence and a hub for developing a sense of community in Battersea, at the heart of which would be the church, according to Nike.
“Everyone using Fresh Ground – be it for Pilates or prayer, workouts or worship – is welcomed equally," she said. "To access all the spaces (three multi-use community halls, offices, on-site apartment, and therapy room) everyone has to enter through the café, where they are given the warmest of welcomes (great coffee, food, and service)."
For information on volunteering at or partnering with Fresh Ground, email freshgroundlondon@gmail.com.
*Fresh Ground Mission statement (Church of the Nazarene Eurasia)
“Everyone using Fresh Ground – be it for Pilates or prayer, workouts or worship – is welcomed equally," she said. "To access all the spaces (three multi-use community halls, offices, on-site apartment, and therapy room) everyone has to enter through the café, where they are given the warmest of welcomes (great coffee, food, and service)."
For information on volunteering at or partnering with Fresh Ground, email freshgroundlondon@gmail.com.
*Fresh Ground Mission statement (Church of the Nazarene Eurasia)
Read more
IT professional answers call to missions
Global Missions IT organizes and leads people who are interested in serving around the world through short-term technology service projects. The teams provide the technology tools that Nazarene offices, seminaries, and colleges around the world need to administrate, disciple, mentor, and train leaders
Global Missions IT members Merlyn Knight and Gabriella Allen
Today, missions work looks quite a bit different than it did in years passed. The age of technology has created a need for technical work in developing countries that only information technology specialists can provide. Barry Watts is one of the those IT specialists, and he is using his skills to serve communities around the world as part of the Global Missions IT team.Global Missions IT organizes and leads people who are interested in serving around the world through short-term technology service projects. The teams provide the technology tools that Nazarene offices, seminaries, and colleges around the world need to administrate, disciple, mentor, and train leaders
. “In October of 2017, we installed over 60 security cameras on the main campus of Africa Nazarene University,” Watts said. “Then, in January of 2018, I had the privilege of joining the team upgrading the network of the seminary and [the Mesoamerica North Central Field] offices in Guatemala City. My [latest] trip was once again to Africa Nazarene University where we installed 60 cameras in the building housing their downtown campus.”
In August the team will travel to the Caribbean Nazarene College in Trinidad, but this time Watts intends to bring his grandson along with him, whom he hopes to share his calling with.
“My interest in mission work dates to my earliest days in college when I took a missions seminar that literally changed the direction of my life,” Watts said. “Though I’ve never given up on my desire to serve the Lord in other places, I’ve never felt called to the previous Work & Witness projects our church has offered.”
Finally, that calling was realized when he was encouraged to use the skills he spent so many years attaining.
“I had thought that Work & Witness teams were limited to building church buildings, digging wells, or running Vacation Bible Schools,” Watts said. “Given my age and skill set, I have never felt called to do that type of work, but when I was invited to join the Global Missions IT team, I felt excited about using both the administrative skills and IT skills I have developed over the past 45 years.”
Now Watts helps many people in several countries as the missionary that he never knew he could be.
“I have been privileged to join the work that will literally affect the lives of thousands of people who are relying on the equipment we have installed to either increase building security or enable video conferencing and teaching tools," Watts said. “I’ve truly found my calling.”
Joining the Global Missions IT team has opened up a whole new world of opportunity for Watts, and he has no plans to stop serving anytime soon.
“I intend to continue for as long as the Lord allows me to have the energy and health needed to continue serving Him in this way,” Watts said.
Watts joined the team through Joshua Williams, another Global MIssions IT member.
"Global Missions IT is a team of Nazarene missionaries and volunteers around the world who work to help meet the technology needs of the mission and educational arms of the Church of the Nazarene," Williams said. "This core group provides technological tools and support that help missionaries, staff, and educators around the world make Christlike disciples in the nations."
To learn more about Global Missions IT, visit globalnaz.org/get-involved or send an email to getinvolved@globalnaz.org.
NAE publishes statement on evangelical identity
Evangelicals — Shared Faith in Broad Diversity
Evangelical Christians are people of faith. Our diversity ranges across geography, race, politics, education, and economics. In the words of the Bible, we are among “a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language” (Revelation 7:9).
We identify ourselves by our spiritual convictions in the authority of the Bible, salvation through Jesus Christ alone and living out our faith in everyday life, especially sharing the good news of Jesus with others. We share the historic Christian beliefs in God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We believe Jesus died on the cross and was resurrected to life.
Many Christ-followers claim the name evangelical because it is the Bible’s original word for good news. Others prefer to be called born again. Some choose Christian or avoid titles in favor of simple faith.
Because there are millions of us in the United States and far more of us in other countries around the world, there are subgroups identified by where we live, how we vote, the level of our education, or even our local cultural expressions. Each has distinctive beliefs and practices that may be unfamiliar or uncomfortable to one another. Sometimes these subgroups or their leaders are identified as typical of all evangelicals even though there is no consensus, connection or communication between them.
What all evangelicals share in common does not require organizational connection, denominational affiliations, or shared leadership. Our common bond is personal faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
Throughout history and ongoing today is the compassion and care that evangelical Christians have for others. This has led to sending missionaries, founding colleges, building hospitals, feeding the hungry, seeking justice for the poor, and serving as the agents of Jesus in a broken world. The variety of evangelicals and our many causes have led evangelicals to approaches that differ from one another and that even cause conflict — both with society at large and with other evangelicals. We have both succeeded and failed but we have not given up. We return to the teaching of the Bible and the leadership of Jesus in our quest to be faithful to our callings to love God, love our neighbors and share our faith.
Our identity is in our faith in the midst of our diversity. (National Association of Evangelicals)
Read more
Africa
Flags of the Nations: Sierra Leone
This week: Sierra Leone
The Church of the Nazarene officially entered Sierra Leone in 2004.
Sierra Leone had a population of 6,163,195 in 2017. That same year, Sierra Leone reported 68 Churches of the Nazarene, two of which had been officially organized. Sierra Leone has 1,851 total members.
Located on the Africa Region, Sierra Leone is a Phase 1 district. 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.
The Sierra Leone flag is a horizontal tricolour of green, white, and blue. The green is symbolic of the agricultural and natural resources of the country, while the white represents justice and the blue is symbolic of Freetown's harbor.
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: Sierra Leone
The Church of the Nazarene officially entered Sierra Leone in 2004.
Sierra Leone had a population of 6,163,195 in 2017. That same year, Sierra Leone reported 68 Churches of the Nazarene, two of which had been officially organized. Sierra Leone has 1,851 total members.
Located on the Africa Region, Sierra Leone is a Phase 1 district. 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.
Click here for this week's news in Spanish
USA/Canada
Moving Ministers: May 2018
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 May 2018.
To view the May report, click here.
USA/Canada
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 May 2018.
To view the May report, click here.
Moving Ministers
from Tuesday, 1 May 2018 to Thursday, 31 May 2018
Rev. Jeffrey C. Alexander from Pastor Hoopeston Community Hoopeston IL to Pastor on 6/4/2018 Burlington First Burlington IA
Rev. Timothy J. Brooks from Pastor South Portland South Portland ME to Pastor on 5/1/2018 Ellicott City Crossroads Ellicott City MD
Rev. Sandra L. Brown from Unassigned Southwestern Ohio West Chester OH to Pastoral Service on 6/3/2018 Hamilton Millville Avenue Hamilton OH
Rev. Timothy A. Cox from Georgetown Georgetown KY to Pastoral Service Pastoral Service on 6/1/2018 The Point Seymour IN
Rev. Jett B Davis from Pastoral Service Denver City Denver City TX to Pastoral Service on 5/20/2018 Barnesville First Barnesville GA
Rev. Nathan W. Dutton from Student Kansas City Overland Park KS to Pastoral Service on 5/20/2018 Payette Payette ID
Rev. Bill Foss from Pastor Birdsboro Birdsboro PA to Pastor on 5/15/2018 Selinsgrove Selinsgrove PA
Dr. Nathan D. Gilley from Pastoral Service Chattanooga Valley Flintstone GA to Pastoral Service on 5/8/2018 Real Life Community Murfreesboro TN
Rev. C. Lyle Hamilton from Pastor Flemingsburg Flemingsburg KY to Pastor on 6/10/2018 Worthington Worthington KY
Rev. Jerry J. Liversage from Hawthorne Hawthorne CA to Pastor Pastor on 5/1/2018 Banning Banning CA
Rev. Staci Rhodabarger from Pastor Columbus Columbus KS to Pastoral Service on 7/9/2018 Webb City Webb City MO
Rev. Christian Sapp from Pastoral Service BridgeWay Community Pekin IL Pastor on 6/18/2018 ArrowPekin IL
Rev. Christopher L. Shallenberger from Pastor Godfrey Godfrey IL to Pastor on 5/1/2018 Greensboro New Horizon Greensboro NC
Rev. Shawn A. Siegfreid from Pastor Denver First Englewood CO to Pastor on 5/13/2018 Kansas City First Kansas City MO
Rev. Deanna Taylor from Unassigned Southwestern Ohio West Chester OH to Pastoral Service on 5/15/2018 Dayton Parkview Dayton OH
Rev. Rodney D. Walley from Unassigned Kentucky Louisville KY to
Pastor on 5/27/2018 Wilmington Wilmington OH
Rev. James H. Webster from Pastor Catlettsburg Southside Catlettsburg KY to Pastor on 6/3/2018 Ashland Grace Ashland KY
For previous reports, see usacanadanazarene.org.
The following is a weekly listing of Nazarene ministers and leaders who recently went home to be with the Lord. Notices were received 28 May – 1 June 2018.Barbara Deboard, 85, of Victorville, California, passed away 29 May. She was preceded in death by her husband, retired minister Oren Deboard, who served in California and Alberta. Oren Deboard passed away in 2005.
Thomas Evans, 66, of Aurora, Illinois, passed away 29 May. He was the visitation and spiritual guidance pastor at Trinity Church of the Nazarene in Naperville, Illinois. He is survived by his wife, Bennie Evans.
Shirley (Hill) Hartsock, 85, of Peoria, Illinois, passed away 26 May. She was preceded in death by her husband, retired minister Lawrence Hartsock, who served in Illinois. Lawrence Hartsock passed away in 2004.
Edward Husband, 77, of Jonesboro, Georgia, passed away 30 May. He was a retired minister, serving in Louisiana and Georgia. He was preceded in death by his wife, retired minister and chaplain Mary Husband, who served in Georgia. Mary Husband passed away in 2014.
Allen Jones, 71, of Leupp, Arizona, passed away 26 May. He was a retired minister, serving in Arizona. He is survived by his wife, Mazie Jones.Hal Meadows, 94, of Kailua, Hawaii, passed away 27 April. He was a retired minister, serving in Wisconsin, Virginia, Hawaii, and Colorado. He is survived by his wife, Mary Meadows.
Shirley (Hill) Hartsock, 85, of Peoria, Illinois, passed away 26 May. She was preceded in death by her husband, retired minister Lawrence Hartsock, who served in Illinois. Lawrence Hartsock passed away in 2004.
Edward Husband, 77, of Jonesboro, Georgia, passed away 30 May. He was a retired minister, serving in Louisiana and Georgia. He was preceded in death by his wife, retired minister and chaplain Mary Husband, who served in Georgia. Mary Husband passed away in 2014.
Allen Jones, 71, of Leupp, Arizona, passed away 26 May. He was a retired minister, serving in Arizona. He is survived by his wife, Mazie Jones.Hal Meadows, 94, of Kailua, Hawaii, passed away 27 April. He was a retired minister, serving in Wisconsin, Virginia, Hawaii, and Colorado. He is survived by his wife, Mary Meadows.
Nancy (Nichols) Minner, 65, of Moon Township, Pennsylvania, passed away 16 May. She was preceded in death by her first husband, retired minister Paul Willette, who served in Pennsylvania, New York, and New England. Paul Willette passed away in 2010. Nancy Minner is survived by her second husband, Jack Minner Jr.
Charles Self, 67, of Peyton, Colorado, passed away 24 May. He was a retired minister and educator, serving in California, Arkansas, Texas, and Colorado. He is survived by his wife, Kathleen Self.
For previous editions of In Memoriam, see the "Passings" section by clicking here.
Note: Please join us in prayer for the families who have lost loved ones. Click on names for full stories, funeral information, local online obituaries, and/or guest books (if available). To submit an entry of a minister or church leader, send to news@nazarene.org. (Compiled by NCN News)
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Charles Self, 67, of Peyton, Colorado, passed away 24 May. He was a retired minister and educator, serving in California, Arkansas, Texas, and Colorado. He is survived by his wife, Kathleen Self.
For previous editions of In Memoriam, see the "Passings" section by clicking here.
Note: Please join us in prayer for the families who have lost loved ones. Click on names for full stories, funeral information, local online obituaries, and/or guest books (if available). To submit an entry of a minister or church leader, send to news@nazarene.org. (Compiled by NCN News)
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Human Resources
GMC employment opportunities
People are our most valued resource. Our committed employees are involved in "Making Christlike Disciples in the Nations" in 162 world areas.
The Global Ministry Center Human Resources Office professionals strive to deliver the highest possible service to our employees, and are responsible for the recruitment, placement and retention of qualified individuals to staff the ministry and administrative positions of the GMC. The many employee services include compensation and benefit administration, payroll, employment, employee relations, training, counseling, organizational communication and events, and workplace programs.
*Volunteer opportunities for GMC ministries are occasionally available. Email jveigl@nazarene.org for details.
Employment Opportunities
Administrative Director (Full-time)
Stewardship Development
Description: Reporting to the Global Communications Director, this person will be responsible for daily oversight and administration of pastoral leadership development resourcing and growing a giving church culture through educational materials and trainings. This individual will oversee all fundraising, denominational marketing, brand development, and advancement strategies for constituent development and donor care.
Constituent Care Specialist (Temporary – 9 to 12 months)
Stewardship Development
Description: The person in this position will advance the customer service and communication excellence of the Stewardship Development department for the Funding the Mission website by assisting in expanding outstanding customer care support. This position works with all members of the Stewardship Development team to assist pastors and treasurers through helpful customer service and careful management of resources offered to them.
Data Entry Clerk (Full-time, summer temporary)
Research Services
Description: This person will be responsible for updating and entering ministerial records on computer database.
NYC Program Assistant (30-hours/week)
USA/Canada Regional Office - NYI
Description: This person will provide a wide variety of administrative assistance and support to the USA/Canada Youth Coordinator on a number of projects, duties, and meetings, including NYC 2019 to be held in July of 2019.
Office Assistant/Tour & Hospitality Coordinator (Full-time)
Business Center
Description: This person is the first point of contact for those coming into the Business Center as well as the primary contact for Hospitality (catering) requests and Tours. In addition to these responsibilities, other duties include print, mail, correspondence, scheduling, inventory, and GMC kitchen oversight.
Sr. Administrative Assistant (Full-time)
USA/Canada Regional Office – Evangelism & New Church Development
Description: This person will provide assistance to the Evangelism and New Church Development (E&NCD) director with project management, event planning, event speaking, travel arrangements, finance reconciliation, correspondence, office supervision, and other tasks as needed.
Sr. Program Assistant (Full-time)
Global Missions Mobilization
Description: This person will assist with various tasks related to Work & Witness administration and partnerships, and assist the Mobilization Office in a variety of tasks as assigned. Should be able to work independently and with a team in performing responsibilities with a high level of confidentiality.
To obtain additional information for GMC positions, please call 913-577-0500 and ask for Human Resources.
People are our most valued resource. Our committed employees are involved in "Making Christlike Disciples in the Nations" in 162 world areas.
The Global Ministry Center Human Resources Office professionals strive to deliver the highest possible service to our employees, and are responsible for the recruitment, placement and retention of qualified individuals to staff the ministry and administrative positions of the GMC. The many employee services include compensation and benefit administration, payroll, employment, employee relations, training, counseling, organizational communication and events, and workplace programs.
*Volunteer opportunities for GMC ministries are occasionally available. Email jveigl@nazarene.org for details.
Employment Opportunities
Administrative Director (Full-time)
Stewardship Development
Description: Reporting to the Global Communications Director, this person will be responsible for daily oversight and administration of pastoral leadership development resourcing and growing a giving church culture through educational materials and trainings. This individual will oversee all fundraising, denominational marketing, brand development, and advancement strategies for constituent development and donor care.
Constituent Care Specialist (Temporary – 9 to 12 months)
Stewardship Development
Description: The person in this position will advance the customer service and communication excellence of the Stewardship Development department for the Funding the Mission website by assisting in expanding outstanding customer care support. This position works with all members of the Stewardship Development team to assist pastors and treasurers through helpful customer service and careful management of resources offered to them.
Data Entry Clerk (Full-time, summer temporary)
Research Services
Description: This person will be responsible for updating and entering ministerial records on computer database.
NYC Program Assistant (30-hours/week)
USA/Canada Regional Office - NYI
Description: This person will provide a wide variety of administrative assistance and support to the USA/Canada Youth Coordinator on a number of projects, duties, and meetings, including NYC 2019 to be held in July of 2019.
Office Assistant/Tour & Hospitality Coordinator (Full-time)
Business Center
Description: This person is the first point of contact for those coming into the Business Center as well as the primary contact for Hospitality (catering) requests and Tours. In addition to these responsibilities, other duties include print, mail, correspondence, scheduling, inventory, and GMC kitchen oversight.
Sr. Administrative Assistant (Full-time)
USA/Canada Regional Office – Evangelism & New Church Development
Description: This person will provide assistance to the Evangelism and New Church Development (E&NCD) director with project management, event planning, event speaking, travel arrangements, finance reconciliation, correspondence, office supervision, and other tasks as needed.
Sr. Program Assistant (Full-time)
Global Missions Mobilization
Description: This person will assist with various tasks related to Work & Witness administration and partnerships, and assist the Mobilization Office in a variety of tasks as assigned. Should be able to work independently and with a team in performing responsibilities with a high level of confidentiality.
To obtain additional information for GMC positions, please call 913-577-0500 and ask for Human Resources.
Nazarene Bible College
To learn more about positions available at the NBC Administrative Offices, visit nbc.edu/jobs. All positions are located within the Global Ministry Center in Lenexa, Kansas.
Nazarene Theological Seminary
To learn more about current positions available at NTS, see the following employment opportunities. All NTS positions are located on-site on the Kansas City, Missouri, campus. Location of Global Ministry Center Positions
The GMC is the administrative hub for the Church of the Nazarene denominational ministries in 162 world areas. The GMC is conveniently located in Lenexa, Kansas, with easy access to I-35 and I-435 and within short driving distance to Kansas City International airport. All GMC positions report to this location.
Our Non-Discrimination Policy
The Church of the Nazarene Global Ministry Center offers equal employment opportunity to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, disability, race, creed, sex, or veteran status. The Global Ministry Center is an “at will” employer.
Our Faith-Based Organization
We are a faith-based organization. Acceptance of our Christian Code of Conduct is required and membership in the Church of the Nazarene is required for certain positions. The GMC and applicable remote work sites are smoke-, alcohol-, and drug-free Christian workplaces.
Application Processing
Our Human Resources Office receives and processes many employment applications annually for a limited number of positions. While we regret that we cannot respond to each applicant, we do contact those individuals possessing the skills, education/training, and experience that best match the requirements of the open position for which the application was submitted.
An application must be completed by all applicants and an application must be completed for each position for which one wishes to be considered. Applications are retained for one year. Resumés are not necessary for entry-level positions, but they are preferred for professional level positions.
Applying for Employment with the GMC
Application forms may be requested by calling 913-577-0500, emailing humanresourcesgroup@nazarene.org, or obtained in person from Human Resources at the Church of the Nazarene Global Ministry Center, 17001 Prairie Star Parkway, Lenexa, Kansas, 66220, Monday through Friday from 8:00 to 4:30 U.S. Central Time. Completed applications may be mailed or emailed to the attention of the Human Resources Office.
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Our Non-Discrimination Policy
The Church of the Nazarene Global Ministry Center offers equal employment opportunity to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, disability, race, creed, sex, or veteran status. The Global Ministry Center is an “at will” employer.
Our Faith-Based Organization
We are a faith-based organization. Acceptance of our Christian Code of Conduct is required and membership in the Church of the Nazarene is required for certain positions. The GMC and applicable remote work sites are smoke-, alcohol-, and drug-free Christian workplaces.
Application Processing
Our Human Resources Office receives and processes many employment applications annually for a limited number of positions. While we regret that we cannot respond to each applicant, we do contact those individuals possessing the skills, education/training, and experience that best match the requirements of the open position for which the application was submitted.
An application must be completed by all applicants and an application must be completed for each position for which one wishes to be considered. Applications are retained for one year. Resumés are not necessary for entry-level positions, but they are preferred for professional level positions.
Applying for Employment with the GMC
Application forms may be requested by calling 913-577-0500, emailing humanresourcesgroup@nazarene.org, or obtained in person from Human Resources at the Church of the Nazarene Global Ministry Center, 17001 Prairie Star Parkway, Lenexa, Kansas, 66220, Monday through Friday from 8:00 to 4:30 U.S. Central Time. Completed applications may be mailed or emailed to the attention of the Human Resources Office.
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Stories Volume 2 - 2018 now available
The Church of the Nazarene’s Stories series shares how lives are being transformed through ministry efforts around the globe. These stories are made possible thanks to the prayers, involvement, and support of Nazarenes worldwide through the World Evangelism Fund.
The Church of the Nazarene’s Stories series shares how lives are being transformed through ministry efforts around the globe. These stories are made possible thanks to the prayers, involvement, and support of Nazarenes worldwide through the World Evangelism Fund.
Stories Videos
The Church of the Nazarene’s Storiesseries shares how lives are being transformed through ministry efforts around the globe.
These stories are made possible thanks to the prayers, involvement, and support of Nazarenes worldwide through the World Evangelism Fund.
Volume 2 - 2018
A New Heart
In the face of death and destruction, the powerful love of Christ breaks the hardened heart of High Chief Tuimalu Tai. Years later, Pastor Tai has now dedicated his life to the Lord by ministering to those who suffer from the addictions he once faced.
Changed By Love
Ron Smith's life was forever changed when he visited a food pantry for the first time at JaxNaz Church in Jackson, Michigan, USA.Ron Smith's life was forever changed when he visited a food pantry for the first time at JaxNaz Church in Jackson, Michigan, USA.
Discovering a Personable Christ
At first, they wanted nothing to do with the Nazarenes when they came to town. But now, faith in Jesus gives these youth soccer players a reason to pursue their dreams as their pastors facilitate discipleship in the community.
Haiti Water Project
Orangers, Haiti — once riddled with waterborne illnesses — is now experiencing transformation as Nazarenes reach out to the community in service and education through the Haiti Water Project.
Steadfast
After her parents’ divorce, Nargiza tried to commit suicide twice. It wasn’t until a friend invited her to church that she finally felt loved. After accepting Christ, the next challenge was witnessing to her family.
The Stories resource is delivered three times a year through an e-newsletter. The videos are a collaborative effort between regional communications offices and Global Ministry Center communications personnel.
Past Volumes
If an e-newsletter and downloading are not possible, DVDs are available free of charge.
Email stories@nazarene.org to request a DVD.
Questions? Please call (913) 577-2927 and leave a message or email us at stories@nazarene.org.
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Copyright © 2018 The Global Church of the Nazarene, Inc., All rights reserved.
Nazarene Communications Network
Material created and owned by NCN News may be used for church newsletters and bulletins.
ABOUT US
The Global Church of the Nazarene is a Protestant Christian church in the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition. Organized in 1908, the denomination is now home to about 2.5 million members worshipping in more than 29,000 local congregations in 162 world areas.
Address:
The Global Church of the Nazarene
Global Ministry Center
17001 Prairie Star Parkway
Lenexa, Kansas 66220, United States
Phone: (913)577-0500
Email: info@nazarene.org
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