More than 200 Nazarenes gathered from six Mongolian churches for the annual Holiness Gathering, held 7–10 August 2025. Over the years, the purpose of the Holiness Gathering has ranged from evangelistic to discipleship.
This year, the 7th annual Holiness Gathering focused on building up leaders. Paul Bold, a Nazarene Mongolian pastor in Chicago, was able to preach in person rather than on Zoom. Bold led the participants into this year’s theme: “Walk in Step with the Spirit” based on Galatians 5:25.
Study sessions led by the missionary team focused on strengthening spiritual disciplines of prayer, Bible study, service, generosity, and closer walk with God and others.
Reflecting on the biblical teaching, one newcomer to the church declared, “This is the truth!”
While the adults were in meetings, the children separately worshiped, learned, and played together, led by young leaders of the Mongolia District who stepped up and created an experience specifically for discipling the future leaders of the church. Ninety children were guided through the life and ministry of Christ, exploring the theme, “Walk with Jesus.”
The Holiness Gathering concluded Sunday morning with Communion and a blessing for those returning home. But for some, the journey continued with a leadership camp soon after.
Pastors and ministry students attended the camp, where the focus turned to John 15—abiding in Christ. Leaders explored communication and teamwork through fun games and activities.
These experiential activities provided a lighthearted atmosphere to discuss how to lead through action and words, as well as how to navigate conversations when individuals have different values or ideas.
Through activities and the study of John 15, significant spiritual transformation occurred, culminating in a powerful time of prayer and reconciliation on the last morning. Individuals yielded to the work of the Holy Spirit—old wounds were healed and forgiveness was requested and received. The final activity was a foot washing service, where leaders eagerly rushed to minister to one another.
Although the Holiness Gathering and leadership camp had concluded, the journey did not end there. Two weeks after the events, the pastors and leaders met on Zoom, where they shared how implementing their knowledge gained from the Holiness Gathering resulted in changes. A few had already begun using some of the activities with their young people. Many participants expressed how the recent events helped them find freedom from fear, restored relationships, the ability to offer grace to others, and a newfound excitement for their ministries.