The Board of General Superintendents announced on Thursday that Rick D. Power was elected Hawaii Pacific district superintendent. With General Superintendent David A. Busic presiding, Power was elected on the sixth ballot.

His new assignment is effective 30 days after the election. Power follows Robert C. Killen, who retired after 20 years as the district's superintendent.

Power is currently senior pastor of Olathe, Kansas, College Church of the Nazarene, where he has served since 2010. He previously pastored at Honolulu First Church of the Nazarene, as youth pastor from 1981 to 1982 and as senior pastor from 2008 to 2010. While in Hawaii, Power earned a doctorate in comparative philosophy from the University of Hawaii. 

"Hawaii is one of the places we call 'home,'" Power said. "I'm honored by this call to serve the people and churches of the Hawaii Pacific District. This assignment also enables us to maintain a close connection with mission activity on the Asia-Pacific Region. All the relationships, education, experiences, and passions of our lives have led us to this moment."

Power previously served the global church as Nazarene Youth International president from 1989 to 1993. Together with his wife, Vicki, he served as a missionary on the Asia-Pacific Region from 1992 to 2007. Prior to his missionary work, Rick was the founding pastor of the Georgetown, Texas, Church of the Nazarene.

"Dr. Power brings great experience and understanding of the diverse and unique cultures of the islands," Busic said. "He will serve with grace and wisdom. We are very thankful for the providential leadership of the Holy Spirit in bringing Rick and Vicki to Hawaii Pacific for such a time as this."

The Powers currently reside in Olathe and have two adult children, David and Rachel.