The Church of the Nazarene Foundation Board of Directors unanimously elected Mark E. Lail as its next president. Lail will take office on 2 March 2022. He succeeds interim president Kenneth Roney.

The election comes after a national search by the Nazarene Foundation Board, which began in April of last year.

Search Committee Chair Judge Charles A. Davis Jr. noted that Lail has extensive knowledge of complex legacy gifts and connects well with a variety of donors.

“He brings to the Foundation’s presidency 22 years as a lead pastor; service as a district treasurer; 10 years as Stewardship Ministries director; and nine years in his current position as the Foundation’s executive vice president. Our new president has also demonstrated a commitment to the mission and values of the Church of the Nazarene.”

Lail shared some of his plans for the ministry’s future.

“I am honored the Church of the Nazarene has expressed confidence in me to lead the Foundation,” Lail said. “In its short 18-year history, the Nazarene Foundation has distributed over $100 million to ministries. I hope to build on the success of my predecessors by making donor relationships a top priority. The Foundation’s future includes greater collaboration with local churches, districts, and ministries at the Global Ministry Center.”

Lail holds a Bachelor of Arts from Mount Vernon Nazarene University, a Master of Divinity from Nazarene Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry from Fuller Theological Seminary.

“The Board of General Superintendents affirms the selection of Dr. Mark Lail as the new Nazarene Foundation president,” said Carla Sunberg, chair of the Board of General Superintendents. “Dr. Lail is a great churchman and has a record of faithful service through financial ministry in and through the church. The church’s global ministries continue to benefit from the work of the Foundation and its support in making Christlike disciples in the nations.”

The Church of the Nazarene Foundation, headquartered at the Global Ministry Center in Lenexa, Kansas, exists to connect the passion of God’s disciples with the vision of Nazarene churches, districts, and ministries. Anyone can leave a legacy of generosity. Learn more about the Foundation at nazarenefoundation.org, email info@nazarenefoundation.org, or call 913-577-2983.

--Church of the Nazarene Foundation