The Resource Center for Pastoral Leadership at Southern Nazarene University recently hosted two equipping events for pastors. Taking place during Clergy Appreciation Month, the semiannual Pastor’s Forum was held on the SNU campus in Bethany, Oklahoma, and live-streamed to pastors in multiple states and from a variety of Wesleyan-Holiness denominations. The RCPL at SNU also hosted its annual Youth Ministry Summit on campus with dozens of youth pastors gathering for fellowship, training, and sharing of best practices.

The Pastor’s Forum featured Ron Benefiel, who spoke on John Wesley’s mission of evangelism and mercy. Benefiel is currently the lead consultant for mission resources and pastoral relations at Point Loma Nazarene University. He previously served as dean of the PLNU School of Theology and Christian Ministry and was president of Nazarene Theological Seminary. Teaching from his experience as a Wesley scholar as well as founder and former executive director of the P. F. Bresee Foundation in Los Angeles, California, Benefiel shared from his pastor’s heart about the ministry and mission of John Wesley.

Amanda Drury, a member of the School of Theology and Ministry faculty at Indiana Wesleyan University and a recognized author and authority on youth ministry, served as the speaker for this year’s Youth Ministry Summit. Drawing from her book, Saying is Believing, she shared about an understanding of testimony as an essential practice for Christian spiritual formation, especially among adolescents. Drury also served as a chapel speaker and shared with the student body about resting in the confidence of God’s plan and will for their lives.

“These types of learning opportunities for our Nazarene clergy across the South Central Region are essential to equipping for growth, and provide inspiration and encouragement for their calling and personal spiritual journey," said Stan Toler, executive director of SNU's Resource Center for Pastoral Leadership. “By providing these events and a variety of free resources to all those who minister in the Wesleyan-holiness tradition, the RCPL at SNU is seeking to serve evangelical pastors regardless of denominational affiliation.”

--Southern Nazarene University