California
Hope Point Church of the Nazarene volunteers prepare barbeque for evacuees at the Oroville Shelter. (Oroville Church of the Nazarene Facebook photo)
California churches offer shelter, meals amid wildfiresMore than 230,000 acres of land have been burned over the past week in two California wildfires, the Camp Fire north of Sacramento and the Woolsey Fire north of Los Angeles. Nearly 70 people have died and more than 600 are still missing. At least 12,000 structures have been destroyed and more than 52,000 people have been evacuated.
Camp Fire is the deadliest wildfire in California history with 63 deaths, more than doubling the 1933 Griffith Park Fire, which killed 29 people in Los Angeles.
Paradise Church of the Nazarene Pastor Lloyd Tremain's home in Magalia — just north of Paradise — was included in the homes destroyed by Camp Fire. The Tremain family are currently staying with family members in Sacramento. Lloyd said it appears that the entire Paradise church congregation, apart from one family, lost their homes.
So far, the Paradise Church appears to still be standing, but the condition of the back side or interior of the main building is unknown at this time. It has been confirmed that the church’s second building, which houses the youth center and compassionate ministries, is destroyed.
Several organizations and churches have created evacuation centers to help those who have been displaced. The centers at the Chico East Ave. Church of the Nazarene and Oroville Church of the Nazarene are at capacity, housing approximately 700 evacuees in total.
The Oroville shelter is still offering meals and other services to those who are displaced even if they don’t have room to house them.
“You don’t have to stay here to get services,” American Red Cross Regional Communications Director Steve Walsh told the Chico Enterprise-Record.
The Chico East Ave. shelter has been made into a makeshift clinic since the hospital in Paradise — Adventist Health Feather River Hospital — was so badly damaged. The clinic started when four volunteers who worked at the hospital came together to serve the needs of their community.
“I’ve worked at Feather River Hospital for 11 years, and we know the patients, the types of people who have had to leave their homes,” Birgitte Randall, a doctor at the hospital, told The Sacramento Bee. “They have chronic medical needs, and they need help. We have several patients that are on psych meds, and if you go off psych meds there’s going to be a problem.”
Enough medical volunteers have gathered now to form an entire medical team.
As of Friday morning, Camp Fire is 40 percent contained and Woolsey Fire is 62 percent contained.
Prayer is requested for the Tremain family, the Paradise church congregation, those volunteering to bring relief, and the rest of the victims affected by the wildfires.
Read moreManila, Philippines
Philippines church recognized in fight to end online sexual exploitation of childrenNazarene Compassionate Ministries recently participated in the Freedom Forum, a national event in the Philippines to address human trafficking.
Online exploitation of children is a growing threat in the country.
“As the world becomes more connected over the web, there are those who use the internet as a medium to force children to do unspeakable acts in front of cameras,” said Ingrid Lustaña, a Philippines missionary who participated in the forum. “More than 70 percent of Filipino child exploitation victims are forced into this industry by family members or neighbors, robbing these children of their childhood and dignity.”
The Philippine Interfaith Movement, which hosted the 8 November forum, believes eliminating sexual exploitation and victim rehabilitation can only be accomplished through effective law enforcement, effective prosecution of criminals, and effective aftercare for victims.
The Church of the Nazarene received special recognition in the fight to end child online sexual exploitation by providing effective aftercare through the newly opened Shechem Children’s Home for victims.
“The battle is not easy, but we believe in a God who is greater than the battle,” said Stephen Gualberto Philippine-Micronesia Field Strategy Coordinator.
This year’s forum speakers included the national director of the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches, the chief of the Philippine National Police’s Women and Children Protection Center, and several exploitation survivors. Speaker after speaker, story after story, attendees were made aware of the challenges and the rewards that come with eliminating online sexual exploitation.
Delegates participated in workshops on how to be aware of, stop, and prevent online sexual exploitation. Several booths sold crafts, resources, and materials to raise money for local ministries that are currently combatting online exploitation.
The forum emphasized that this supporting environment is every person’s job — especially those within the church — and without proper support, the problem will only continue to grow.
“The Body of Christ can no longer turn a blind eye to these stories,” Lustaña said. “The Body of Christ is part of these stories, and it is time to end them.” (Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific)
Read moreFátima, Argentina
Cultivating community: Ministry in Argentina grows relationshipsFor the past five years, Fátima, the smallest town in Pilar, a district of Argentina, has been a place of steady growth — spiritually, socially, and horticulturally — through Encuentro Orgánico (which translates to “Organic Meeting”). Since its inception, the ministry has provided a restorative space for people to learn about and encounter God, each other, and creation.
The hub of the ministry is its food forest, which grows both aesthetic and functional organic permaculture. The garden itself boasts 30 fruit trees and more than 60 different edible plant species.
But what’s sown in the neighborhood goes deeper than vegetation. At the root of this ministry is community. It was created to serve and invest in the people of Fátima, which is demonstrated through the many other pieces of Encuentro Orgánico: adult and teen Bible studies, prayer meetings, shared meals, and other activities centered on the community.
Meeting needs
In fact, a garden wasn’t part of the original vision. After partnering with engineering students from Northwest Nazarene University to design a greenhouse, the group was granted centrally located property by the municipal government in May 2015.
“That pushed us into gardening,” said David McKeithen, who helped found Encuentro Orgánico.
David, a Point Loma Nazarene University alumnus, runs the group along with his wife, Keila. The ministry serves low-income residents who live in the marginalized area of Fátima. Dirt roads and lack of central sewage are the norms there, and many houses are built — or half-built — of hollow brick, pallet wood, or tin. Running water is rare. While parents work during the day, many of the children are left at home alone. There are two public schools nearby, but sometimes teachers don’t show up, or students struggle and drop out.
It is here that the residents of Fátima are building community and trust. The garden provides a place for people living without resources to learn about plants and a healthy diet, but it’s also a place where the whole family can participate.
Johanna Radi, who is part of the team at the core of Encuentro Orgánico, volunteers in the children’s activities.
“The children are involved and want to learn,” Radi said.
Saturday mornings feature VBS-inspired "Fiesta en Casa,” followed by a potluck-style lunch. A lot of the kids come from broken families, have experienced abuse, or have parents who work all day.
“This is a space where children can experience love and care,” David said.
The ministry continues to grow, with group members even serving outside the organization. They come together on their own to meet the needs of the neighborhood, like assisting the sick and bringing food to those in need.
“The attitude of the whole group is naturally selfless,” Keila said.
Seeing transformation
The ministry also helps foster healthy relationships and transforms families. In February of last year, the group built a pallet wood cabin. That project was led by Gerardo, a local who accepted Christ after attending a spiritual retreat organized by a church in Pilar. Before that, his wife, Katy, hosted a weekly Bible study at their home, and their youngest two daughters attended the VBS program. Now, most of the family members are baptized and involved in the ministry.
“God has restored Gerardo and Katy's marriage, and Gerardo has grown immensely on a personal level and is currently one of our leaders, (as is Katy),” David said.
Though the group is not an organized church, it works in complementary ways with the local Church of the Nazarene, where many group members attend on Sunday mornings. Encuentro Orgánico hosts a monthly Sunday night service, providing a space for adults and kids to gather in a circle and participate in worship music and conversational prayer and listen to a sermon.
During offering, the kids present what they harvested in the garden prior to the service. The service concludes with a meal.
“There’s something about the mentality of eating together — transmitting values and worldviews,” David said.
Encuentro Orgánico is supported by donations and run by volunteers and local residents, who help with the garden, build structures — recently a bathroom — and lead activities. The leaders meet on a bi-weekly cadence, where they check in, discuss progress and concerns, come up with new ideas, and commune together over dinner.
The shared neighborhood life is fundamental to Encuentro Orgánico, David says. The challenge is to take the church outside of the walls of a building.
“I’ve always thought of Fátima as ‘wild spaces’ — the church embodying God in these places on the margins,” David said. (Republished with permission from the Winter 2018 edition of NCM Magazine)
To read more stories of compassion, visit ncm.org to subscribe to NCM Magazine and receive future issues as they are released.
Read moreIndia
120 recommit their lives to Christ at India camp meetingDuring the early years of Nazarene mission work in India, camp meetings were a prominent feature of spiritual renewal and a major attraction for Nazarenes.
The Eastern Maharashtra District is home to 56 local Nazarene congregations and 24 pastors. District Superintendent D. J. Bhalerao felt a serious need to revive camp meetings on the district to bring greater spiritual renewal. Realizing there was not a budget available for a camp meeting, he and the District Advisory Board took a step of faith to plan a camp meeting and began raising funds. Many generous people donated to make the event possible.
They planned for about 60 people to attend, but 175 people participated, 120 of whom recommitted their lives to the Lord during the event.
“People are spiritually very hungry and it is our responsibility to spiritually feed them,” Bhalerao said
India Field Strategy Coordinator Sunil Dandge preached from 2 Chronicles 7:14, leading listeners to a deeper understanding of God and personal spiritual responsibility.
“In recent years, this is the first of its kind truth-seeker conference and camp meeting,” Dandge said. “It was well organized and did total justice with the purpose of meeting the spiritual hunger of truth seekers as well as believers.”
Workshop leaders included Vijay Rajulwala, S. T. Nandeshwar, P. L. Manothe, Vijay Bhalerao, and Vidyasagar Gaikwad who taught on personal responsibility for salvation, doctrine of salvation, sin as an inherited problem, an individual’s identity, vision and mission of Nazarene Youth International, and entire sanctification.
The district also organized an NYI and Nazarene Missions Internationaldistrict camp for youth. Scripture memorization and Bible quiz activities were conducted especially for NMI by Vandana Kinkar.
“When Nazarene leaders lead with vision and faith in God, the succeed anywhere on the back of the earth,” Rajulwala said. “This camp is an excellent example of the same, and I wish that every district on the India Field will revive the district camp tradition.” (Church of the Nazarene Eurasia)
Read moreArkansas
BGS appoints new North Arkansas District superintendentMark Lindstrom was appointed superintendent for the North Arkansas District. General Superintendent Carla Sunberg made the appointment with input from the District Advisory Council and Bob Broadbooks, director of the USA/Canada Region, and in consultation with the Board of General Superintendents.
He follows Randy Berkner, who is retiring after serving as district superintendent since 2009. Lindstrom will assume his new role 1 January 2019 and will be eligible for reelection at the July 2021 district assembly.
To determine who might be a suitable contender to lead the North Arkansas District, surveys were sent out across the district and focus groups were organized to create a profile document that would guide the district’s search for a new superintendent.
“We believe Dr. Lindstrom fulfills so many of the criteria that was outlined in the profile document,” said Mark Snodgrass, secretary of the North Arkansas District Advisory Council. “He is a pastor to pastors.”
Lindstrom responded to the call to preach at 18 years old and attended Trevecca Nazarene University, where he met his wife, Kelly Purnell. After graduating in 1996 with a degree in pastoral ministries, he attended Nazarene Theological Seminary, completing his Master of Divinity degree in 1999. While pastoring growing churches in Tennessee and Arkansas, he finished the Doctor of Ministry degree from Asbury Theological Seminary in 2006.
Mark and Kelly served as lead pastor at Bentonville Community Church of the Nazarene from 2003 to 2010. After that, Mark served as the lead pastor of Grace Church of the Nazarene in Columbia, Tennessee. Under his leadership, the congregation has seen numerical and spiritual growth, completed multiple building projects, planted a new church, and served as a resource for other churches on the MidSouth District.
The Lindstroms currently reside in Columbia, Tennessee. (Church of the Nazarene USA/Canada)
Read more
Asia-Pacific Cheonan, South Korea
Korean missionaries gather for second world missionary reportKorean missionaries serving in 20 world areas gathered 7-9 October at Korea Nazarene University in Cheonan to report on their local ministries. This was the second time Korean missionaries have gathered for such an event, with the first conference being held at Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary in 2013.
Attendees included General Superintendent Filimao Chambo, Global Missions Director Verne Ward, Korea District Superintendent Yoeng Soo Kim, the 35 missionaries who made reports, and several leaders of Korea District Nazarene Missions International, Asia-Pacific Region, and Korea Nazarene University.
Ward shared about the Nazarene mission policy, and missionary Timothy Kim spoke on the life of a global missionary. There were meetings with the field strategy coordinators, and the conference ended with a concert for the missionaries.
“As a young, new missionary, I personally had a good time with all the missionaries,” said Mireu Kim, a participating missionary. “The conference helped me to understand how the global church works together globally and locally.” (Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific)
Read more
MesoamericaPort-au-Prince, Haiti
Haiti Field encourages pastors to lead like ChristThe Church of the Nazarene in Haiti hosted a pastors’ conference 5-8 November. The event took place at the Nazarene Seminary campus with participation from nearly 150 pastors across the country. Field Strategy Coordinator Pierre Antoine Jacques and Haiti Nazarene Theological Seminary President Jean Robert Maitre organized the event.
Participating speakers included USA/Canada Multicultural Ministries Coordinator Roberto Hodgson, South Florida District Superintendent Brian Wilson, South Florida District Board of Ministry Chair Dan Cupp, and USA/Canada Haitian Ministries Coordinator Pascal Permis.
The event centered around the leadership model of Jesus and his principles. All the participants were encouraged to adopt this strategy in a way that allows them to reach new areas and people.
"The conference was a great blessing as the Lord's presence was evident in every worship service and during the preaching of holiness,” Wilson said. “The workshops that addressed the principles of leadership had excellent content and were very well received. Field Strategy Coordinator Jacques and the president of the seminary Maitre were very gracious hosts and created an excellent program and an atmosphere of optimism regarding the future of the Church of the Nazarene in Haiti. We are anticipating that the next few years will continue to see a great harvest of souls and a large number of new churches planted and many new leaders developed for the service of the kingdom of God.”
The pastors said the event was a blessing and that Nazarenes around the world are invited to continue praying for Haiti, especially for the areas and churches affected by natural disasters in recent years.
"I was grateful to see the pastors' enthusiasm and the way they worshiped the Lord and how they expressed gratitude for the content of the conference,” Permis said. “Many of them made great sacrifices to come, some traveled more than 12 hours to participate, and some crossed entire mountains on foot to get to the place where they could access the public transportation. For many, it was the first conference they attended in several years." (Church of the Nazarene Mesoamerica)
Read more
South America
The red stripe represents the blood of patriots who fought for Chile's independence. The white stripe symbolizes the snow of the Andes Mountains; while the blue stripe represents the sky. The star on the flag stresses the fact that Chile is a Unitarian republic, and not a federal republic. The Chilean flag was adopted on October 18, 1817, making it one of the oldest flags in the world. Chile gained independence from Spain on February 12, 1818. (worldflags101.com)
Camp Fire is the deadliest wildfire in California history with 63 deaths, more than doubling the 1933 Griffith Park Fire, which killed 29 people in Los Angeles.
Paradise Church of the Nazarene Pastor Lloyd Tremain's home in Magalia — just north of Paradise — was included in the homes destroyed by Camp Fire. The Tremain family are currently staying with family members in Sacramento. Lloyd said it appears that the entire Paradise church congregation, apart from one family, lost their homes.
So far, the Paradise Church appears to still be standing, but the condition of the back side or interior of the main building is unknown at this time. It has been confirmed that the church’s second building, which houses the youth center and compassionate ministries, is destroyed.
Several organizations and churches have created evacuation centers to help those who have been displaced. The centers at the Chico East Ave. Church of the Nazarene and Oroville Church of the Nazarene are at capacity, housing approximately 700 evacuees in total.
The Oroville shelter is still offering meals and other services to those who are displaced even if they don’t have room to house them.
“You don’t have to stay here to get services,” American Red Cross Regional Communications Director Steve Walsh told the Chico Enterprise-Record.
The Chico East Ave. shelter has been made into a makeshift clinic since the hospital in Paradise — Adventist Health Feather River Hospital — was so badly damaged. The clinic started when four volunteers who worked at the hospital came together to serve the needs of their community.
“I’ve worked at Feather River Hospital for 11 years, and we know the patients, the types of people who have had to leave their homes,” Birgitte Randall, a doctor at the hospital, told The Sacramento Bee. “They have chronic medical needs, and they need help. We have several patients that are on psych meds, and if you go off psych meds there’s going to be a problem.”
Enough medical volunteers have gathered now to form an entire medical team.
As of Friday morning, Camp Fire is 40 percent contained and Woolsey Fire is 62 percent contained.
Prayer is requested for the Tremain family, the Paradise church congregation, those volunteering to bring relief, and the rest of the victims affected by the wildfires.
Read moreManila, Philippines
Philippines church recognized in fight to end online sexual exploitation of childrenNazarene Compassionate Ministries recently participated in the Freedom Forum, a national event in the Philippines to address human trafficking.
Online exploitation of children is a growing threat in the country.
“As the world becomes more connected over the web, there are those who use the internet as a medium to force children to do unspeakable acts in front of cameras,” said Ingrid Lustaña, a Philippines missionary who participated in the forum. “More than 70 percent of Filipino child exploitation victims are forced into this industry by family members or neighbors, robbing these children of their childhood and dignity.”
The Philippine Interfaith Movement, which hosted the 8 November forum, believes eliminating sexual exploitation and victim rehabilitation can only be accomplished through effective law enforcement, effective prosecution of criminals, and effective aftercare for victims.
The Church of the Nazarene received special recognition in the fight to end child online sexual exploitation by providing effective aftercare through the newly opened Shechem Children’s Home for victims.
“The battle is not easy, but we believe in a God who is greater than the battle,” said Stephen Gualberto Philippine-Micronesia Field Strategy Coordinator.
This year’s forum speakers included the national director of the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches, the chief of the Philippine National Police’s Women and Children Protection Center, and several exploitation survivors. Speaker after speaker, story after story, attendees were made aware of the challenges and the rewards that come with eliminating online sexual exploitation.
Delegates participated in workshops on how to be aware of, stop, and prevent online sexual exploitation. Several booths sold crafts, resources, and materials to raise money for local ministries that are currently combatting online exploitation.
The forum emphasized that this supporting environment is every person’s job — especially those within the church — and without proper support, the problem will only continue to grow.
“The Body of Christ can no longer turn a blind eye to these stories,” Lustaña said. “The Body of Christ is part of these stories, and it is time to end them.” (Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific)
Read moreFátima, Argentina
Cultivating community: Ministry in Argentina grows relationshipsFor the past five years, Fátima, the smallest town in Pilar, a district of Argentina, has been a place of steady growth — spiritually, socially, and horticulturally — through Encuentro Orgánico (which translates to “Organic Meeting”). Since its inception, the ministry has provided a restorative space for people to learn about and encounter God, each other, and creation.
The hub of the ministry is its food forest, which grows both aesthetic and functional organic permaculture. The garden itself boasts 30 fruit trees and more than 60 different edible plant species.
But what’s sown in the neighborhood goes deeper than vegetation. At the root of this ministry is community. It was created to serve and invest in the people of Fátima, which is demonstrated through the many other pieces of Encuentro Orgánico: adult and teen Bible studies, prayer meetings, shared meals, and other activities centered on the community.
Meeting needs
In fact, a garden wasn’t part of the original vision. After partnering with engineering students from Northwest Nazarene University to design a greenhouse, the group was granted centrally located property by the municipal government in May 2015.
“That pushed us into gardening,” said David McKeithen, who helped found Encuentro Orgánico.
David, a Point Loma Nazarene University alumnus, runs the group along with his wife, Keila. The ministry serves low-income residents who live in the marginalized area of Fátima. Dirt roads and lack of central sewage are the norms there, and many houses are built — or half-built — of hollow brick, pallet wood, or tin. Running water is rare. While parents work during the day, many of the children are left at home alone. There are two public schools nearby, but sometimes teachers don’t show up, or students struggle and drop out.
It is here that the residents of Fátima are building community and trust. The garden provides a place for people living without resources to learn about plants and a healthy diet, but it’s also a place where the whole family can participate.
Johanna Radi, who is part of the team at the core of Encuentro Orgánico, volunteers in the children’s activities.
“The children are involved and want to learn,” Radi said.
Saturday mornings feature VBS-inspired "Fiesta en Casa,” followed by a potluck-style lunch. A lot of the kids come from broken families, have experienced abuse, or have parents who work all day.
“This is a space where children can experience love and care,” David said.
The ministry continues to grow, with group members even serving outside the organization. They come together on their own to meet the needs of the neighborhood, like assisting the sick and bringing food to those in need.
“The attitude of the whole group is naturally selfless,” Keila said.
Seeing transformation
The ministry also helps foster healthy relationships and transforms families. In February of last year, the group built a pallet wood cabin. That project was led by Gerardo, a local who accepted Christ after attending a spiritual retreat organized by a church in Pilar. Before that, his wife, Katy, hosted a weekly Bible study at their home, and their youngest two daughters attended the VBS program. Now, most of the family members are baptized and involved in the ministry.
“God has restored Gerardo and Katy's marriage, and Gerardo has grown immensely on a personal level and is currently one of our leaders, (as is Katy),” David said.
Though the group is not an organized church, it works in complementary ways with the local Church of the Nazarene, where many group members attend on Sunday mornings. Encuentro Orgánico hosts a monthly Sunday night service, providing a space for adults and kids to gather in a circle and participate in worship music and conversational prayer and listen to a sermon.
During offering, the kids present what they harvested in the garden prior to the service. The service concludes with a meal.
“There’s something about the mentality of eating together — transmitting values and worldviews,” David said.
Encuentro Orgánico is supported by donations and run by volunteers and local residents, who help with the garden, build structures — recently a bathroom — and lead activities. The leaders meet on a bi-weekly cadence, where they check in, discuss progress and concerns, come up with new ideas, and commune together over dinner.
The shared neighborhood life is fundamental to Encuentro Orgánico, David says. The challenge is to take the church outside of the walls of a building.
“I’ve always thought of Fátima as ‘wild spaces’ — the church embodying God in these places on the margins,” David said. (Republished with permission from the Winter 2018 edition of NCM Magazine)
To read more stories of compassion, visit ncm.org to subscribe to NCM Magazine and receive future issues as they are released.
Read moreIndia
120 recommit their lives to Christ at India camp meetingDuring the early years of Nazarene mission work in India, camp meetings were a prominent feature of spiritual renewal and a major attraction for Nazarenes.
The Eastern Maharashtra District is home to 56 local Nazarene congregations and 24 pastors. District Superintendent D. J. Bhalerao felt a serious need to revive camp meetings on the district to bring greater spiritual renewal. Realizing there was not a budget available for a camp meeting, he and the District Advisory Board took a step of faith to plan a camp meeting and began raising funds. Many generous people donated to make the event possible.
They planned for about 60 people to attend, but 175 people participated, 120 of whom recommitted their lives to the Lord during the event.
“People are spiritually very hungry and it is our responsibility to spiritually feed them,” Bhalerao said
India Field Strategy Coordinator Sunil Dandge preached from 2 Chronicles 7:14, leading listeners to a deeper understanding of God and personal spiritual responsibility.
“In recent years, this is the first of its kind truth-seeker conference and camp meeting,” Dandge said. “It was well organized and did total justice with the purpose of meeting the spiritual hunger of truth seekers as well as believers.”
Workshop leaders included Vijay Rajulwala, S. T. Nandeshwar, P. L. Manothe, Vijay Bhalerao, and Vidyasagar Gaikwad who taught on personal responsibility for salvation, doctrine of salvation, sin as an inherited problem, an individual’s identity, vision and mission of Nazarene Youth International, and entire sanctification.
The district also organized an NYI and Nazarene Missions Internationaldistrict camp for youth. Scripture memorization and Bible quiz activities were conducted especially for NMI by Vandana Kinkar.
“When Nazarene leaders lead with vision and faith in God, the succeed anywhere on the back of the earth,” Rajulwala said. “This camp is an excellent example of the same, and I wish that every district on the India Field will revive the district camp tradition.” (Church of the Nazarene Eurasia)
Read moreArkansas
BGS appoints new North Arkansas District superintendentMark Lindstrom was appointed superintendent for the North Arkansas District. General Superintendent Carla Sunberg made the appointment with input from the District Advisory Council and Bob Broadbooks, director of the USA/Canada Region, and in consultation with the Board of General Superintendents.
He follows Randy Berkner, who is retiring after serving as district superintendent since 2009. Lindstrom will assume his new role 1 January 2019 and will be eligible for reelection at the July 2021 district assembly.
To determine who might be a suitable contender to lead the North Arkansas District, surveys were sent out across the district and focus groups were organized to create a profile document that would guide the district’s search for a new superintendent.
“We believe Dr. Lindstrom fulfills so many of the criteria that was outlined in the profile document,” said Mark Snodgrass, secretary of the North Arkansas District Advisory Council. “He is a pastor to pastors.”
Lindstrom responded to the call to preach at 18 years old and attended Trevecca Nazarene University, where he met his wife, Kelly Purnell. After graduating in 1996 with a degree in pastoral ministries, he attended Nazarene Theological Seminary, completing his Master of Divinity degree in 1999. While pastoring growing churches in Tennessee and Arkansas, he finished the Doctor of Ministry degree from Asbury Theological Seminary in 2006.
Mark and Kelly served as lead pastor at Bentonville Community Church of the Nazarene from 2003 to 2010. After that, Mark served as the lead pastor of Grace Church of the Nazarene in Columbia, Tennessee. Under his leadership, the congregation has seen numerical and spiritual growth, completed multiple building projects, planted a new church, and served as a resource for other churches on the MidSouth District.
The Lindstroms currently reside in Columbia, Tennessee. (Church of the Nazarene USA/Canada)
Read more
ContactAsia-Pacific Cheonan, South Korea
Korean missionaries gather for second world missionary reportKorean missionaries serving in 20 world areas gathered 7-9 October at Korea Nazarene University in Cheonan to report on their local ministries. This was the second time Korean missionaries have gathered for such an event, with the first conference being held at Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary in 2013.
Attendees included General Superintendent Filimao Chambo, Global Missions Director Verne Ward, Korea District Superintendent Yoeng Soo Kim, the 35 missionaries who made reports, and several leaders of Korea District Nazarene Missions International, Asia-Pacific Region, and Korea Nazarene University.
Ward shared about the Nazarene mission policy, and missionary Timothy Kim spoke on the life of a global missionary. There were meetings with the field strategy coordinators, and the conference ended with a concert for the missionaries.
“As a young, new missionary, I personally had a good time with all the missionaries,” said Mireu Kim, a participating missionary. “The conference helped me to understand how the global church works together globally and locally.” (Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific)
Read more
MesoamericaPort-au-Prince, Haiti
Haiti Field encourages pastors to lead like ChristThe Church of the Nazarene in Haiti hosted a pastors’ conference 5-8 November. The event took place at the Nazarene Seminary campus with participation from nearly 150 pastors across the country. Field Strategy Coordinator Pierre Antoine Jacques and Haiti Nazarene Theological Seminary President Jean Robert Maitre organized the event.
Participating speakers included USA/Canada Multicultural Ministries Coordinator Roberto Hodgson, South Florida District Superintendent Brian Wilson, South Florida District Board of Ministry Chair Dan Cupp, and USA/Canada Haitian Ministries Coordinator Pascal Permis.
The event centered around the leadership model of Jesus and his principles. All the participants were encouraged to adopt this strategy in a way that allows them to reach new areas and people.
"The conference was a great blessing as the Lord's presence was evident in every worship service and during the preaching of holiness,” Wilson said. “The workshops that addressed the principles of leadership had excellent content and were very well received. Field Strategy Coordinator Jacques and the president of the seminary Maitre were very gracious hosts and created an excellent program and an atmosphere of optimism regarding the future of the Church of the Nazarene in Haiti. We are anticipating that the next few years will continue to see a great harvest of souls and a large number of new churches planted and many new leaders developed for the service of the kingdom of God.”
The pastors said the event was a blessing and that Nazarenes around the world are invited to continue praying for Haiti, especially for the areas and churches affected by natural disasters in recent years.
"I was grateful to see the pastors' enthusiasm and the way they worshiped the Lord and how they expressed gratitude for the content of the conference,” Permis said. “Many of them made great sacrifices to come, some traveled more than 12 hours to participate, and some crossed entire mountains on foot to get to the place where they could access the public transportation. For many, it was the first conference they attended in several years." (Church of the Nazarene Mesoamerica)
Read more
South America
The red stripe represents the blood of patriots who fought for Chile's independence. The white stripe symbolizes the snow of the Andes Mountains; while the blue stripe represents the sky. The star on the flag stresses the fact that Chile is a Unitarian republic, and not a federal republic. The Chilean flag was adopted on October 18, 1817, making it one of the oldest flags in the world. Chile gained independence from Spain on February 12, 1818. (worldflags101.com)
Flags of the Nations: ChileSince 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: Chile
The Church of the Nazarene officially entered Chile in 1962.
Chile had a population of 17,789,267 in 2017. That same year, Chile reported 64 Churches of the Nazarene, 56 of which have been officially organized. Chile has 3,433 total members.
Located on the South America Region, Chile has three Phase 2 districts and one Phase 1 district. For more information about the South America Region, visit samnaz.org.
* = The weekly highlighted flag is raised on the middle of three poles in compliance with U.S. government protocols. It flies to the left of the GMC host-nation United States flag, which flies above the host-state flag of Kansas. The Christian flag flies on the third pole.
The Global Ministry Center is the mission and service hub of the Church of the Nazarene.
Read more
USA/CanadaTemple City, California
Retired missionary Roma Gates passesRetired missionary Roma Gates passed away 10 November. She was 87 years old.
Roma and her husband, Charles, served as missionaries from 1962 to 1982 in Brazil before returning to the USA, where Charles served in California, Maine, and Kansas until their retirement in 2000.
She is survived by her husband, their son, Greg, three grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
A memorial service for Roma will be held at 1 p.m. 16 November at First Church of the Nazarene in Pasadena, California. Burial will be at 2:15 p.m. 21 November with a viewing from 10 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. at the Westminster Memorial Park Mortuary in Westminster, California
Read moreMount Crawford, Virginia
Samuel Pickenpaugh remembered
Samuel Paul Pickenpaugh, retired pastor and district superintendent, passed away 12 November. He was 84 years old.
He was born in Morgantown, West Virginia, the second son of Harry and Margaret Pickenpaugh. After graduation from Morgantown High School, Samuel enrolled in Trevecca Nazarene College (now University) in Nashville, Tennessee. On 2 December 1954, Samuel married Grace Guseman in their hometown. He was ordained in the Church of the Nazarene in July 1959.
Samuel pastored churches in Onego, Belington, and Buckhannon, West Virginia; Lynchburg and Richmond Southside, Virginia; Lawrence, Kansas; and Jacksonville and Pensacola, Florida. He was then appointed superintendent of the Western Australia District in 1987.
In 1989, his responsibilities were expanded to include the Northern Pacific District in Australia. Following his service in Australia, Samuel served as superintendent for the Minnesota District from 1992 to 2000. Sam also served on the Board of Trustees for Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, Tennessee, and for MidAmerica Nazarene University in Olathe, Kansas, where he earned a Doctor of Divinity in 1998.
He is survived by his wife, Grace, his daughter, Charlotte Holter, and two grandchildren.
The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m. on Thursday, 15 November at Harrisonburg First Church of the Nazarene in Virginia. The funeral will follow with Jim Harrison and Kerry Willis officiating.
Interment to be held at Eastlawn Memorial Gardens in Harrisonburg, Virginia, following the service. The service will also be live streamed on the Harrisonburg First Church of the Nazarene Facebook page.
Read more
USA/Canada
Five days remain to take survey to help preparation, support of Nazarene pastors
Pastors and associate pastors across the USA/Canada Region who have not completed the Flourishing in Ministry survey have just five days left to participate before the survey closes Wednesday, November 21.
The Flourishing in Ministry survey provides feedback to each participant on their own well-being, a key component to personal and family health, and effective, long-term ministry. Participants are also invited to use the Work Well – Wellbeing App (available for both Apple and Android devices) to track their success in making adjustments to improve the quality of their well-being.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for Nazarene clergy to take stock of how they are doing in properly caring for themselves,” said Stan Rodes, Global Clergy Development administrative director. “Congregations receive better leadership when pastors are intentional and strategic in caring for themselves, their marriages, and their families.”
Responses collected are kept strictly confidential by the Flourishing in Ministry team (which is not affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene), but the overall findings will assist the USA/Canada Region and Global Clergy Development in discerning ways to improve the training of those preparing for vocational ministry in the Church of the Nazarene as well as to better resource those already ordained.
The Church of the Nazarene views its participation in the Flourishing in Ministry Study, funded by the Lilly Endowment, as one of the most important clergy health initiatives of recent decades. Pastors and associate pastors have received information by email on how to participate. This information can also be obtained from the Global Clergy Development office by calling 800-306-7651 or by sending a request by email to gecd@nazarene.org. (Global Clergy Development)Read moreKansas City, Missouri
Walt Bennett and Sherry and Kevin Harney will lead the newly announced M19 pre-conference on organic outreach.
M19 pre-conference event to highlight organic outreach in local churches
USA/Canada Regional Director Bob Broadbooks and the M19 Conference leaders announced the addition of a pre-conference seminar to accompany the M19 Conference 11-13 February 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. The seminar, Organic Outreach for Churches: Infusing Evangelistic Passion into Your Local Congregation, will take place 11 February.
This pre-conference event is designed to provide direction to church and district leaders who want to graft evangelistic passion and practice onto the DNA of their churches. Those who attend can learn how to heal their church, find organic ways to connect with their communities, and share Jesus’ message.
The seminar will be led by church growth experts Kevin and Sherry Harney and Walt Bennett.
Kevin is a speaker and the lead pastor of Shoreline Community Church in Monterey, California. He is also visionary leader of Organic Outreach International and cofounder of the organization with his wife, Sherry. Sherry is the leadership development director at Shoreline Community Church and has authored books and study guides, as well as collaborating with Kevin.
They will be joined by Walt Bennett, the executive pastor for Organic Outreach International and pastor for Shoreline Community Church, who has also held significant training roles in the U.S. Navy, public schools, and the corporate world
The seminar will explore the true meaning of outreach.
“Outreach is not simply about sending money and prayers to the mission field on the other side of the planet, though this is a good practice,” said Randy Cloud, M19 producer. “We don’t reach our full evangelistic potential simply by having a committee that plans occasional events to help those in need, though this can be helpful. Organic outreach is what happens when evangelistic vision and action become the domain of every ministry in a church and the commitment of every member of the congregation."
This workshop will get those attending started on the path of transforming their church culture. When taken along with the Organic Outreach breakout sessions during the M19 Conference, participants will receive the equivalent of a fully immersive Organic Outreach Intensive Training. They will leave with an action plan to launch a journey of transformation in their church or district.
The cost for the pre-conference is $25 per person. For more information or to register, visit M19conference.org. If you have already registered for M19, click here and choose “Already Registered.” Use your M19 confirmation number to add a pre-conference to your registration. (Church of the Nazarene USA/Canada)Read more
Bourbonnais, Illinois
Olivet Nazarene University announces new data science degree
Data science is now a major and minor offered by Olivet Nazarene University. Enrollment is open for fall 2019 to students who want to enter this interdisciplinary field that is growing in popularity. Students who complete the data science program will receive a Bachelor of Science degree.
“Data science is now being called the hottest job in the United States,” said Dale Hathaway, chair of Olivet’s Department of Mathematics and program designer. “Employers are looking for analytic skills and abilities in their new hires. Students who have an interest and aptitude in quantitative areas, like data science, are in high demand and are receiving impressive salaries for their expertise.”
A relatively new field, data science has come into existence because of the massive amounts of data to manage and process in the information age. Qualified employees are in high demand with annual starting salaries of $80,000 and average annual salary estimates of $105,000.
Students who choose Olivet’s data science major will benefit from courses offered by both the Department of Mathematics and the Department of Computer Science in the Walker School of Engineering. They will learn to use computer techniques to access data and to use statistical techniques to analyze the data. Completing the degree requirements will prepare them for careers in the fields of big data, data analytics or business analytics.
A degree in data science is applicable to almost any field, from astronomy to business management. Olivet’s carefully designed curriculum includes required courses in mathematics, computer science and business plus a required minor or second major to represent an area of application.
“Olivet is always seeking new opportunities to prepare students for entering the global workforce,” said Carol Summers, Olivet’s vice president for academic affairs. “Olivet is committed to preparing trained professionals to fill what will only be an increasing demand in the data science field.”
Mathematics and computer science majors at Olivet develop innovative and problem-solving skills while preparing for their careers. They have opportunities to participate in competitions, present their research at conventions and meetings, and network with successful professionals. Quality learning and mentoring, combined with character development and leadership opportunities, consistently yield success for Olivet graduates. (Olivet Nazarene University)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 12-16 November 2018.
Roma Gates, 87, of Temple City, California, passed away 10 November. She was a retired missionary, serving in Brazil. She is survived by her husband, retired minister and missionary Charles Gates, who served in Ohio, Maine, Kansas, Missouri, California, and Brazil.
William Gunter, 88, of Olympia, Washington, passed away 11 November. He was a retired minister and evangelist, serving in Washington and Georgia. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Gunter, in 2008.
Raymond Hassinger, 84, of Massillon, Ohio, passed away 9 November. He was a retired minister, serving in Ohio and Pennsylvania. He is survived by his wife, Beatrice Hassinger.
Samuel Pickenpaugh, 84, of Mount Crawford, Virginia, passed away 12 November. He was a retired minister and district superintendent, serving in West Virginia, Virginia, Kansas, and Florida and leading the Western Australia District, Australian Northern Pacific, and Minnesota districts. He is survived by his wife, Grace Pickenpaugh.
Duane Yoesel, 79, of Palm Desert, California, passed away 11 November. He was a retired minister, serving in Illinois, Kansas, Colorado, Missouri, Idaho, and California. He is survived by his wife, Patricia Yoesel.
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
Human Resources
GMC employment opportunitiesPeople 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
Candidate Development Specialist (Full-time)
Global Missions Personnel
Description: This person will assist with missionary candidate development, coordinate and assist with events, work independently and with a team, and perform a wide variety of responsibilities with high confidentiality.
Customer Service Coordinator (Full-time)
Financial Services
Description: This person will provide customer service and support for local and district users of the fundingthemission.org website as well as individual donors. Additionally, duties will include the processing of funds donated to various ministries of the Church of the Nazarene, Inc. using the donor database and customer relationship management software.
Director (Full-time)
Stewardship Development
Description: Reporting to the Global Communications Director, this person will be responsible for daily oversight and administration of pastoral leadership development, resourcing and growing a giving church culture through educational materials and training. This individual will oversee all fundraising, denominational marketing, brand development, and advancement strategies for constituent development and donor care.
Helpdesk Technician (Full-time)
Information Technology
Description: This person will be responsible for providing training, support, and guidance to technology users.
Missionary Training Coordinator (Full-time)
Global Missions Personnel
Description: This person will develop and improve systems and training for Global Missions in order to equip Nazarene missionaries, identify training and development needs throughout the missionary life cycle, and improve training resources and systems to respond to those needs.
Office Assistant (Part-time, temporary – 15 to 20 hours/week for 6 to 9 months)
Stewardship Development
Description: This person will give administrative support to the assistant director of the COMPASS Initiative. Duties will include tracking and reporting expenditures and managing program participants’ applications, report, and requests.
Program Assistant (Part-time, 30 hours)
NYI – USA/Canada Regional Office
Description: This person will provide administrative assistance and support to the USA/Canada Youth Coordinator for NYC 2019 to be held July 10-14, 2019. Major responsibilities include housing management, food and beverage management, and field event/district huddle space assistance.
Sr. Accounting Technician – Accounts Payable (Full-time)
Financial Services
Description: This person will review and process disbursements for the Global Ministry Center. Other duties include, but are not limited to maintenance of vendor files, scanning of payables, training of new system users, and 1099 processing.
To obtain additional information for GMC positions, please call 913-577-0500 and ask for Human Resources.
JESUS Film Harvest Partners
To learn more about positions available at the JFHP, visit jfhp.org. All positions are located on-site in the Olathe, Kansas, office.
Nazarene Bible CollegeTo learn more about positions available at the NBC Administrative Offices, visit nbc.edu/jobs. All positions are located within the Global Ministry Center in Lenexa, Kansas.
Nazarene Theological Seminary
To learn more about current positions available at NTS, see the following employment opportunities. All positions are located on-site on the Kansas City, Missouri, campus.
Location of Global Ministry Center Positions
The GMC is the administrative hub for the Church of the Nazarene denominational ministries in 162 world areas. The GMC is conveniently located in Lenexa, Kansas, with easy access to I-35 and I-435 and within short driving distance to Kansas City International airport. All GMC positions report to this location.
Our Non-Discrimination Policy
The Church of the Nazarene Global Ministry Center offers equal employment opportunity to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, disability, race, creed, sex, or veteran status. The Global Ministry Center is an “at will” employer.
Our Faith-Based Organization
We are a faith-based organization. Acceptance of our Christian Code of Conduct is required and membership in the Church of the Nazarene is required for certain positions. The GMC and applicable remote work sites are smoke-, alcohol-, and drug-free Christian workplaces.
Application Processing
Our Human Resources Office receives and processes many employment applications annually for a limited number of positions. While we regret that we cannot respond to each applicant, we do contact those individuals possessing the skills, education/training, and experience that best match the requirements of the open position for which the application was submitted.
An application must be completed by all applicants and an application must be completed for each position for which one wishes to be considered. Applications are retained for one year. Resumés are not necessary for entry-level positions, but they are preferred for professional level positions.
Applying for Employment with the GMC
Application forms may be requested by calling 913-577-0500, emailing humanresourcesgroup@nazarene.org, or obtained in person from Human Resources at the Church of the Nazarene Global Ministry Center, 17001 Prairie Star Parkway, Lenexa, Kansas, 66220, Monday through Friday from 8:00 to 4:30 U.S. Central Time. Completed applications may be mailed or emailed to the attention of the Human Resources Office. Read more
This week: Chile
The Church of the Nazarene officially entered Chile in 1962.
Chile had a population of 17,789,267 in 2017. That same year, Chile reported 64 Churches of the Nazarene, 56 of which have been officially organized. Chile has 3,433 total members.
Located on the South America Region, Chile has three Phase 2 districts and one Phase 1 district. For more information about the South America Region, visit samnaz.org.
* = The weekly highlighted flag is raised on the middle of three poles in compliance with U.S. government protocols. It flies to the left of the GMC host-nation United States flag, which flies above the host-state flag of Kansas. The Christian flag flies on the third pole.
The Global Ministry Center is the mission and service hub of the Church of the Nazarene.
Read more
USA/CanadaTemple City, California
Retired missionary Roma Gates passesRetired missionary Roma Gates passed away 10 November. She was 87 years old.
Roma and her husband, Charles, served as missionaries from 1962 to 1982 in Brazil before returning to the USA, where Charles served in California, Maine, and Kansas until their retirement in 2000.
She is survived by her husband, their son, Greg, three grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
A memorial service for Roma will be held at 1 p.m. 16 November at First Church of the Nazarene in Pasadena, California. Burial will be at 2:15 p.m. 21 November with a viewing from 10 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. at the Westminster Memorial Park Mortuary in Westminster, California
Read moreMount Crawford, Virginia
Samuel Pickenpaugh remembered
Samuel Paul Pickenpaugh, retired pastor and district superintendent, passed away 12 November. He was 84 years old.
He was born in Morgantown, West Virginia, the second son of Harry and Margaret Pickenpaugh. After graduation from Morgantown High School, Samuel enrolled in Trevecca Nazarene College (now University) in Nashville, Tennessee. On 2 December 1954, Samuel married Grace Guseman in their hometown. He was ordained in the Church of the Nazarene in July 1959.
Samuel pastored churches in Onego, Belington, and Buckhannon, West Virginia; Lynchburg and Richmond Southside, Virginia; Lawrence, Kansas; and Jacksonville and Pensacola, Florida. He was then appointed superintendent of the Western Australia District in 1987.
In 1989, his responsibilities were expanded to include the Northern Pacific District in Australia. Following his service in Australia, Samuel served as superintendent for the Minnesota District from 1992 to 2000. Sam also served on the Board of Trustees for Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, Tennessee, and for MidAmerica Nazarene University in Olathe, Kansas, where he earned a Doctor of Divinity in 1998.
He is survived by his wife, Grace, his daughter, Charlotte Holter, and two grandchildren.
The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m. on Thursday, 15 November at Harrisonburg First Church of the Nazarene in Virginia. The funeral will follow with Jim Harrison and Kerry Willis officiating.
Interment to be held at Eastlawn Memorial Gardens in Harrisonburg, Virginia, following the service. The service will also be live streamed on the Harrisonburg First Church of the Nazarene Facebook page.
Read more
USA/Canada
Five days remain to take survey to help preparation, support of Nazarene pastors
Pastors and associate pastors across the USA/Canada Region who have not completed the Flourishing in Ministry survey have just five days left to participate before the survey closes Wednesday, November 21.
The Flourishing in Ministry survey provides feedback to each participant on their own well-being, a key component to personal and family health, and effective, long-term ministry. Participants are also invited to use the Work Well – Wellbeing App (available for both Apple and Android devices) to track their success in making adjustments to improve the quality of their well-being.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for Nazarene clergy to take stock of how they are doing in properly caring for themselves,” said Stan Rodes, Global Clergy Development administrative director. “Congregations receive better leadership when pastors are intentional and strategic in caring for themselves, their marriages, and their families.”
Responses collected are kept strictly confidential by the Flourishing in Ministry team (which is not affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene), but the overall findings will assist the USA/Canada Region and Global Clergy Development in discerning ways to improve the training of those preparing for vocational ministry in the Church of the Nazarene as well as to better resource those already ordained.
The Church of the Nazarene views its participation in the Flourishing in Ministry Study, funded by the Lilly Endowment, as one of the most important clergy health initiatives of recent decades. Pastors and associate pastors have received information by email on how to participate. This information can also be obtained from the Global Clergy Development office by calling 800-306-7651 or by sending a request by email to gecd@nazarene.org. (Global Clergy Development)Read moreKansas City, Missouri
Walt Bennett and Sherry and Kevin Harney will lead the newly announced M19 pre-conference on organic outreach.M19 pre-conference event to highlight organic outreach in local churches
USA/Canada Regional Director Bob Broadbooks and the M19 Conference leaders announced the addition of a pre-conference seminar to accompany the M19 Conference 11-13 February 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. The seminar, Organic Outreach for Churches: Infusing Evangelistic Passion into Your Local Congregation, will take place 11 February.
This pre-conference event is designed to provide direction to church and district leaders who want to graft evangelistic passion and practice onto the DNA of their churches. Those who attend can learn how to heal their church, find organic ways to connect with their communities, and share Jesus’ message.
The seminar will be led by church growth experts Kevin and Sherry Harney and Walt Bennett.
Kevin is a speaker and the lead pastor of Shoreline Community Church in Monterey, California. He is also visionary leader of Organic Outreach International and cofounder of the organization with his wife, Sherry. Sherry is the leadership development director at Shoreline Community Church and has authored books and study guides, as well as collaborating with Kevin.
They will be joined by Walt Bennett, the executive pastor for Organic Outreach International and pastor for Shoreline Community Church, who has also held significant training roles in the U.S. Navy, public schools, and the corporate world
The seminar will explore the true meaning of outreach.
“Outreach is not simply about sending money and prayers to the mission field on the other side of the planet, though this is a good practice,” said Randy Cloud, M19 producer. “We don’t reach our full evangelistic potential simply by having a committee that plans occasional events to help those in need, though this can be helpful. Organic outreach is what happens when evangelistic vision and action become the domain of every ministry in a church and the commitment of every member of the congregation."
This workshop will get those attending started on the path of transforming their church culture. When taken along with the Organic Outreach breakout sessions during the M19 Conference, participants will receive the equivalent of a fully immersive Organic Outreach Intensive Training. They will leave with an action plan to launch a journey of transformation in their church or district.
The cost for the pre-conference is $25 per person. For more information or to register, visit M19conference.org. If you have already registered for M19, click here and choose “Already Registered.” Use your M19 confirmation number to add a pre-conference to your registration. (Church of the Nazarene USA/Canada)Read more
Bourbonnais, IllinoisOlivet Nazarene University announces new data science degree
Data science is now a major and minor offered by Olivet Nazarene University. Enrollment is open for fall 2019 to students who want to enter this interdisciplinary field that is growing in popularity. Students who complete the data science program will receive a Bachelor of Science degree.
“Data science is now being called the hottest job in the United States,” said Dale Hathaway, chair of Olivet’s Department of Mathematics and program designer. “Employers are looking for analytic skills and abilities in their new hires. Students who have an interest and aptitude in quantitative areas, like data science, are in high demand and are receiving impressive salaries for their expertise.”
A relatively new field, data science has come into existence because of the massive amounts of data to manage and process in the information age. Qualified employees are in high demand with annual starting salaries of $80,000 and average annual salary estimates of $105,000.
Students who choose Olivet’s data science major will benefit from courses offered by both the Department of Mathematics and the Department of Computer Science in the Walker School of Engineering. They will learn to use computer techniques to access data and to use statistical techniques to analyze the data. Completing the degree requirements will prepare them for careers in the fields of big data, data analytics or business analytics.
A degree in data science is applicable to almost any field, from astronomy to business management. Olivet’s carefully designed curriculum includes required courses in mathematics, computer science and business plus a required minor or second major to represent an area of application.
“Olivet is always seeking new opportunities to prepare students for entering the global workforce,” said Carol Summers, Olivet’s vice president for academic affairs. “Olivet is committed to preparing trained professionals to fill what will only be an increasing demand in the data science field.”
Mathematics and computer science majors at Olivet develop innovative and problem-solving skills while preparing for their careers. They have opportunities to participate in competitions, present their research at conventions and meetings, and network with successful professionals. Quality learning and mentoring, combined with character development and leadership opportunities, consistently yield success for Olivet graduates. (Olivet Nazarene University)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 12-16 November 2018.
Roma Gates, 87, of Temple City, California, passed away 10 November. She was a retired missionary, serving in Brazil. She is survived by her husband, retired minister and missionary Charles Gates, who served in Ohio, Maine, Kansas, Missouri, California, and Brazil.
William Gunter, 88, of Olympia, Washington, passed away 11 November. He was a retired minister and evangelist, serving in Washington and Georgia. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Gunter, in 2008.
Raymond Hassinger, 84, of Massillon, Ohio, passed away 9 November. He was a retired minister, serving in Ohio and Pennsylvania. He is survived by his wife, Beatrice Hassinger.
Samuel Pickenpaugh, 84, of Mount Crawford, Virginia, passed away 12 November. He was a retired minister and district superintendent, serving in West Virginia, Virginia, Kansas, and Florida and leading the Western Australia District, Australian Northern Pacific, and Minnesota districts. He is survived by his wife, Grace Pickenpaugh.
Duane Yoesel, 79, of Palm Desert, California, passed away 11 November. He was a retired minister, serving in Illinois, Kansas, Colorado, Missouri, Idaho, and California. He is survived by his wife, Patricia Yoesel.
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
Human Resources
GMC employment opportunitiesPeople 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
Candidate Development Specialist (Full-time)
Global Missions Personnel
Description: This person will assist with missionary candidate development, coordinate and assist with events, work independently and with a team, and perform a wide variety of responsibilities with high confidentiality.
Customer Service Coordinator (Full-time)
Financial Services
Description: This person will provide customer service and support for local and district users of the fundingthemission.org website as well as individual donors. Additionally, duties will include the processing of funds donated to various ministries of the Church of the Nazarene, Inc. using the donor database and customer relationship management software.
Director (Full-time)
Stewardship Development
Description: Reporting to the Global Communications Director, this person will be responsible for daily oversight and administration of pastoral leadership development, resourcing and growing a giving church culture through educational materials and training. This individual will oversee all fundraising, denominational marketing, brand development, and advancement strategies for constituent development and donor care.
Helpdesk Technician (Full-time)
Information Technology
Description: This person will be responsible for providing training, support, and guidance to technology users.
Missionary Training Coordinator (Full-time)
Global Missions Personnel
Description: This person will develop and improve systems and training for Global Missions in order to equip Nazarene missionaries, identify training and development needs throughout the missionary life cycle, and improve training resources and systems to respond to those needs.
Office Assistant (Part-time, temporary – 15 to 20 hours/week for 6 to 9 months)
Stewardship Development
Description: This person will give administrative support to the assistant director of the COMPASS Initiative. Duties will include tracking and reporting expenditures and managing program participants’ applications, report, and requests.
Program Assistant (Part-time, 30 hours)
NYI – USA/Canada Regional Office
Description: This person will provide administrative assistance and support to the USA/Canada Youth Coordinator for NYC 2019 to be held July 10-14, 2019. Major responsibilities include housing management, food and beverage management, and field event/district huddle space assistance.
Sr. Accounting Technician – Accounts Payable (Full-time)
Financial Services
Description: This person will review and process disbursements for the Global Ministry Center. Other duties include, but are not limited to maintenance of vendor files, scanning of payables, training of new system users, and 1099 processing.
To obtain additional information for GMC positions, please call 913-577-0500 and ask for Human Resources.
JESUS Film Harvest Partners
To learn more about positions available at the JFHP, visit jfhp.org. All positions are located on-site in the Olathe, Kansas, office.
Nazarene Bible CollegeTo learn more about positions available at the NBC Administrative Offices, visit nbc.edu/jobs. All positions are located within the Global Ministry Center in Lenexa, Kansas.
Nazarene Theological Seminary
To learn more about current positions available at NTS, see the following employment opportunities. All positions are located on-site on the Kansas City, Missouri, campus.
Location of Global Ministry Center Positions
The GMC is the administrative hub for the Church of the Nazarene denominational ministries in 162 world areas. The GMC is conveniently located in Lenexa, Kansas, with easy access to I-35 and I-435 and within short driving distance to Kansas City International airport. All GMC positions report to this location.
Our Non-Discrimination Policy
The Church of the Nazarene Global Ministry Center offers equal employment opportunity to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, disability, race, creed, sex, or veteran status. The Global Ministry Center is an “at will” employer.
Our Faith-Based Organization
We are a faith-based organization. Acceptance of our Christian Code of Conduct is required and membership in the Church of the Nazarene is required for certain positions. The GMC and applicable remote work sites are smoke-, alcohol-, and drug-free Christian workplaces.
Application Processing
Our Human Resources Office receives and processes many employment applications annually for a limited number of positions. While we regret that we cannot respond to each applicant, we do contact those individuals possessing the skills, education/training, and experience that best match the requirements of the open position for which the application was submitted.
An application must be completed by all applicants and an application must be completed for each position for which one wishes to be considered. Applications are retained for one year. Resumés are not necessary for entry-level positions, but they are preferred for professional level positions.
Applying for Employment with the GMC
Application forms may be requested by calling 913-577-0500, emailing humanresourcesgroup@nazarene.org, or obtained in person from Human Resources at the Church of the Nazarene Global Ministry Center, 17001 Prairie Star Parkway, Lenexa, Kansas, 66220, Monday through Friday from 8:00 to 4:30 U.S. Central Time. Completed applications may be mailed or emailed to the attention of the Human Resources Office. Read more
Copyright © 2018 The Global Church of the Nazarene, Inc., All rights reserved.
Nazarene Communications Network
news@nazarene.org
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 30,000 local congregations in 162 world areas.
Address:
The Global Church of the Nazarene
Global Ministry Center
17001 Prairie Star Parkway
Lenexa, Kansas 66220, United States
Phone: (913)577-0500
Email: info@nazarene.org
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