The Church of the Nazarene welcomed a number of new leaders at the global and regional levels in 2024. 

Jim Ritchie elected Global Missions director

On 26 February 2024, Jim Ritchie was elected by the General Board to serve as the Church of the Nazarene’s Global Missions director. 

Ritchie was serving as the regional director of Eurasia at the time. He replaced Verne Ward, who announced his retirement in 2023, having served as Global Missions director since 2012.

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Board of General Superintendents elects Mark Louw director of Eurasia Region

On 6 June 2024, the Board of General Superintendents (BGS) announced the election of Mark Louw to the position of Eurasia regional director. 

Louw, who was serving as the director of the Asia-Pacific Region at the time, replaced Ritchie. Louw had been the Asia-Pacific regional director since 2012. 

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Sam Barber elected director of Nazarene Discipleship International

On 10 June 2024, The BGS announced the election of Samuel Barber as global director of Nazarene Discipleship International (NDI), effective 1 August 2024.

Barber was serving as the superintendent of the South Central Ohio District at the time of his election. Barber replaced Scott Rainey, who served as global NDI director from 2018 to 2024.

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Board of General Superintendents elects Kafoa Muaror director of Asia-Pacific Region

On 31 July 2024, the BGS announced the election of Kafoa Muaror to the position of Asia-Pacific regional director, effective 1 September 2024. 

Muaror succeeded Mark Louw, who was elected Eurasia regional director. Muaror previously served as strategy coordinator for the Melanesia South Pacific Field since June 2019.

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Cheryl Crouch elected director of Nazarene Missions International

On 20 December 2024, the BGS announced the election of Cheryl Crouch as the next global director of Nazarene Missions International, effective 1 June 2025. 

Cheryl will follow Lola Brickey, who has served as global NMI director for the last 10 years.

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