Nazarene Discipleship International Convention Highlights

On 9 June, Nazarene Discipleship International (NDI) welcomed delegates and guests to the 30th General Assembly and Conventions and invited them to visit the NDI exhibit, which was built in collaboration with Nazarene Missions International (NMI) and Nazarene Youth International (NYI). The NDI exhibit focused on A Journey of Grace and included videos of six personal testimonies about prevenient, saving, and sanctifying grace viewable on screens. Other features included a free downloadable video game and daily discipleship challenges. 

Day One: Walking in Grace

The theme of the first plenary session was “Walking in Grace.” Marta Gonzalez, superintendent of the Puerto Rico West District, preached an anointed message from John 15. Delegates learned that “walking in grace” is about hospitality, mutual indwelling, and missional discipleship. At the end of this first plenary service, the front of the stage was full of people on their knees seeking a deeper relationship with Jesus.

General Superintendent David Graves receives NDI’s top award, the Second Mile Award, for his influence on the church in discipleship and leadership during first session of the NDI Convention.

Day Two: Walking through Grace

The second day of the NDI General Convention began with the second NDI plenary led by the NDI worship team by declaring Jesus is Lord. Special speaker Samantha Chambo shared from 1 Corinthians 11:17-34, revealing that the Lord's Supper is an important and powerful means of grace.

The rest of the day was full of intergenerational activities as hundreds of quizzers from five world areas demonstrated how they have hidden God’s Word in their hearts. After the session was over, 1,300 quizzers received awards: 542 red level and 788 blue level.  

Interspersed during the day were 18 NDI workshops, which covered an extensive number of ministry subjects related to discipleship.  

In addition to these actives, hundreds of early childhood and elementary-aged children were ministered to through GA Kids.

Day Three: Sunday Combined Worship and Activities

The third day of the NDI General Convention was again filled with the presence of Jesus. Numerous prayer groups continued to be stationed around the convention center, interceding for God’s will to be done throughout the day.

With an attendance of more than 11,000 worshipers, the Sunday morning intergenerational worship service included people of all ages, pastors and laypersons, and people from near and far who came together to worship Jesus as Lord. GA Kids provided bags for all children filled with curated activities that coordinated with the message.

After the morning service, the GA families picnic party opened for everyone to participate. Tables and chairs were available in a common area for families to picnic together. Families were also provided with activities to encourage social interaction and spiritual discussions.

On Sunday night, sponsored by GA Kids, several hundred preschool-aged and elementary children worshiped and celebrated Jesus as Lord.

Day Four: Walking with Grace

The final morning of the Nazarene Discipleship International (NDI) General Convention was complete with the final NDI plenary session. NDI’s global director, Scott Rainey, used the apostle Peter as an example of how delegates should be “walking with grace” in an often challenging and changing world. All sessions are available to watch by selecting each one on the NDI General Convention website.