Church of the Nazarene

Vacation Bible School

kensminger — Wed, 26 Jun 2024 21:19:35 +0000

Vacation Bible School

Grab your friends and your life jackets and let’s go on a “River Rafting Adventure.” This year’s Vacation Bible School is sure to appeal to all ages of students as they follow Sammy and Bobby down the river. Following the book of Acts and emphasizing prevenient grace, saving grace, and sanctifying grace, this VBS curriculum will point your students toward Jesus. Crafts, snacks, stories and games all help equip students and volunteers alike to plant seeds of the good news wherever we go!

Why VBS?

VBS is one of the greatest children’s evangelistic tools.

VBS is an outreach tool.

VBS reaches into what otherwise might be unreachable homes.

VBS reaches out into our communities.

VBS nurtures our children.

VBS tends to unify our churches.

VBS extends other church ministries.

VBS can be a tool to train more children’s disciplers.

VBS makes a BIG difference in our churches.

How Can VBS Work?

Vacation Bible School can be approached in many different ways:

On-site VBS: Held in the church building, culminating in a weekend church service.
Community-site VBS: Held in a central location in a target ministry area. This can be in a community center, a playground or park, or a building you rent for the week close to the neighborhood your church is strategically targeting. The activity can culminate in a weekend church service.
Backyard Bible Clubs: Held at the homes of church members, culminating in a weekend church service or event.
Midweek Discipleship Programs: Held in church or wherever your small groups meet. This curriculum can easily be divided up to cover several weeks or even months of discipleship ministry.

Are you thinking it is too late for VBS this year?

If so, watch for more details for the next VBS, themed “Starlight Airlines.” Join us as we journey to the past in order to change our futures! Kids will have a blast as a nervous but enthusiastic flight attendant welcomes them onboard Starlight Airlines, where mad scientist and inventor Captain Gen pilots his time-traveling airplane for adventure after adventure.

For more information visit nazarene.org/vbs or email dstanton@nazarene.org

kensminger Wed, 06/26/2024 - 21:19

Nazarene Discipleship International

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Vacation Bible School

Children’s Bible Quizzing

kensminger — Wed, 26 Jun 2024 21:02:28 +0000

Children’s Bible Quizzing

When is the best time to begin children’s quizzing?

There is never a wrong time! Children’s Bible quizzing follows a six-year cycle. The quiz years run with most American school calendars (September through August).

We have just finished the Gospel of Matthew and the next book of the Bible we plan to study is Acts. What an exciting adventure! Students will read and learn new things about God, the church, and themselves as they focus on the 28 chapters of an exciting book of the Bible.

If you have questions or need more information, please contact Dorothy Whipp, dwhipp@nazarene.org.

kensminger Wed, 06/26/2024 - 21:02

Nazarene Discipleship International

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Children's Quizzing

Listening and Learning: The Joys of Teaching

kensminger — Wed, 26 Jun 2024 20:53:53 +0000

Listening and Learning: The Joys of Teaching

It was a beautiful fall day in Houston, Texas… one of those rare days that is just the right temperature — a day with little humidity, a light breeze, and cloudless. As part of a Department of Education grant, I was excited to spend my entire day with six classes of first graders and their teachers, modeling and sharing mathematics activities. As I opened the front door of Martin Elementary School, I was greeted by two first graders who ran down the hallway shouting, “The great BIG teacher is here. She’s got lots of stuff!”

While I appreciated their enthusiastic advertisement, I was wondering why I was classified as the “great big teacher.” Did I need to lose weight? Yes. Was I just taller than them? Yes. Do I need to review what BIG meant? Yes. In fact, we had just spent time with a unit on measurement that involved specific terms for BIG, e.g., length, width, weight, capacity, and I thought I had taught the more specific math meaning of big.

So… I decided to ask them, “Why did you call me the ‘great big’ teacher?”

“Cause we forgot your name and you are ‘great big’ and you’re more numbers than our teacher and you are the boss!” After further investigation, I discovered that they meant I was older than their teacher (true) and that I was there to help them learn math in a “more fun” way (true).

The Lesson I Learned

By nature, I am a talkative person. And as a beginning teacher, I spent most of my time telling, explaining, directing, responding, controlling, preaching, correcting, talking, and talking and talking. I thought my main job was to teach, to tell my students what they needed to know. As the years have progressed, I have learned that listening helps me learn what my students know, their perceptions and beliefs, their current environment for learning, and how they learn best. In other words, I have learned about teaching from listening to my students and focusing on them as I teach. Yes, I have been teaching, but my students have taught me as well.

James 3 begins with the words, “Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check” (vv. 1-2). Then, after a sermon on “taming the tongue,” James ends with the meaning of wisdom and understanding. “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom” (v. 13).

This scripture portion addresses the importance of listening and learning. I am not advocating that as teachers we never talk or explain or prompt discussions. Of course not, but I am suggesting that we 1) spend more time listening to students, 2) model actions that match our words with an understanding heart, and 3) focus on our students and what they have learned and not on our own imperfections and shortcomings.

Examples of What I Learned

Let me give just a few more examples that illustrate how listening to students has helped me learn and understand them.

I encouraged discussions by asking math questions to my seventh-grade algebra students and often did not respond to their answers to difficult problems. When I was quiet after asking a question (without allowing my face to show right/wrong answers), their peers often gave their suggestions or expressed frustration/relief as they listened to the ideas of others. Many times, no one said anything for a long 30 seconds and when others responded, their reasoning was often amazing. More importantly, when I listened, I learned about their understanding and how I could teach or provide better learning experiences.

Amanda was a junior in the College of Education at the University of Houston. As the chair of the department, I served as the final judge for those students who had cheated or broken the student code in some way. Amanda was sent to talk to me. Although I had all the documentation necessary that would result in her exit from the program, I asked her to tell me her story. I listened with no interruptions. There were long silences, especially when she ran out of excuses for her behavior, but I just listened. At the end of the conference, I understood her situation (a recent death, a relationship loss, and a dangerous environment), and yet I still exited her from the program. However, Amanda took responsibility for her behavior and selected an option that made it possible for her to return as a student during the next semester. Most importantly, she asked me to pray for her and I did!

I was privileged to teach four children from one family in junior church and Sunday school for the past three years. Each of the children has specific needs, with a variety of diagnoses that cause them often to be argumentative and negative to each other. It seemed I spent most of my time correcting their behavior, and I often wondered if my teaching had any effect on their daily life. At Christmas this past year, I invited the entire family to my home for dinner and a time of Christmas sharing. The youngest child, aged 5, opened every door in my home and was amazed that my “car was IN the house” (garage) and that I had “THREE toilets and you are only one person! Wow!” As I listened to him, I was reminded how truly blessed I am. I was able to tell each of them how special they were. They all hugged me as they left that night and later, one of them asked if I could be their grandma. What joy I experienced! My actions and their responses demonstrated the love of Christ as we modeled care for each other.

I agree with James when he stated, “Not many of you should become teachers.” I am just glad that God called me to teach, listen and learn from my students, and experience the joy of teaching! Thank you, Lord!

Juanita Copley lives in Muskegon, Michigan. She has been teaching for more than 50 years. She has taught at every level—pre-kindergarten through university. She has taught in eight different countries and 40 states. Her area of expertise is math. You may contact Juanita at copvar65@gmail.com.

kensminger Wed, 06/26/2024 - 20:53

Dr. Juanita Copley

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Teaching

Listening

Learning

Making Summer Camps Important

kensminger — Wed, 26 Jun 2024 20:12:26 +0000

Making Summer Camps Important

Why should our churches prioritize summer camps?

I know from personal experience that summer camps are transformative. At the age of 10, God met with me at a boys and girls camp in eastern Michigan. One Wednesday evening, I opened my life to God’s direction as I responded to the invitation to receive Christ as my personal Savior. At that same camp, I also said “Yes” to his invitation to serve as a minister in his church.

How can we make summer camps a priority?

Publish camp dates and prices early. Summer schedules can fill quickly with many activities for our children and youth. They have to compete with family vacations, sports, and extracurricular school activities. Most districts plan well ahead and can provide details to local churches. Many children and youth need financial assistance, so fundraising and scholarships are needed.

Make camps a vital aspect of your programming. Local church schedules can also fill up during the summer. So it’s important to put camp dates on the church calendar to avoid conflicts.

Share camp experiences. Give opportunities to those who have already enjoyed camp to share their experiences. Involve the whole church in providing camp scholarships.

Accompany the children and youth. Not only are camp workers and counselors needed, our local children’s and youth workers have a wonderful opportunity for further relationship building. The spiritual growth taking place during camp is vital, and it is important for our adult disciple makers to experience it with our children and youth.

Use strategic follow up after camps. Success requires planning, follow through, and follow up. If you were with your children and youth in camp, you will know what they experienced, and you will be able to firm up and build on those experiences. Once the camp emotions subside, they need to be firmly established in your discipleship groups where they can grow together.

Please share your camp experiences. Send them to dstanton@nazarene.org

kensminger Wed, 06/26/2024 - 20:12

Nazarene Discipleship International

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Summer Camps

Engaging in Men’s Ministries

kensminger — Wed, 26 Jun 2024 19:15:42 +0000

Engaging in Men’s Ministries

For many years, my home church has engaged in men’s ministries. A core group of 10 to 20 men meet early on Fridays for food, fellowship, and fervent prayer. Many more are engaged in comprehensive biblical learning on Sundays. About 40 are engaged on Wednesday evenings for intentional mentoring and equipping. Authentic relationships are developed.

Out of these groups, some go into the inner city and other areas of need for compassionate outreach. Others are engaged in sports and fitness outreach activities. Many more men are recruited to engage in special church functions and work days.

How is your church engaged in men’s ministry? Some of the responsibilities of the local men’s ministries coordinator include:

Praying for the men of your church.
Serving on and be responsible to the Adult Discipleship Ministries Council.
Identifying all the men in your congregation.
Assessing the needs of the men in your local church and community and determine an effective ministry response to those needs.
Examining new ways to evangelize and disciple men in the community.
Creating and promoting ministry activities under the oversight of the Adult Discipleship Ministries Council to meet the spiritual growth and development needs of men in various stages of life.
Helping develop skills, talents, and abilities of men and promoting opportunities for them to assist in places of ministry within the local congregation and/or the community.
Giving guidance to the various committee chairpersons of the Men’s Ministries Council and leaders who may be asked to serve.
Studying and promoting any denominational materials for ministry to men.
Exploring available community activities for men.
Seeking approval from the pastor and the Nazarene Discipleship International board for all local speakers and events in order to ensure harmony with the mission of the church.
Promoting and publicize men’s ministries activities and service opportunities in cooperation with the church calendar.
Representing the need and importance of men’s ministries to the Adult Discipleship Ministries Council or another board you are responsible to.
Making periodic reports, proposals, and funding requests to the Adult Discipleship Ministries Council.
Establishing resources that provide insight and support for Christian living for men.
Encouraging men to sign up or explore any publications from the general or district church that may be available to them.

Share with us some of the ways your church and district are engaged in men’s ministries. Email dstanton@nazarene.org

kensminger Wed, 06/26/2024 - 19:15

Nazarene Discipleship International

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Men's ministry

God Is Really Moving in the Realm of Disability Ministry!

kensminger — Wed, 26 Jun 2024 17:29:42 +0000

God Is Really Moving in the Realm of Disability Ministry!

It has been a blessing to see the doors that have opened and the people who have come together to help make this ministry a reality. I thought it would be helpful to provide some updates about the ministry and ways that you can be involved. At this stage, I have a direct contact for Disability Ministry with just over half of our districts on the USA/Canada Region. Praise God for a great response from district leadership! I look forward to hearing from more of our districts as we move forward.

Please watch for our launch of the Adapted Library in August of 2024. The Adapted Library will include adapted Bible story videos with associated resources, classroom tools/resources, Now Then boards, social stories, training videos, and more. Upon the initial launch, it is important to know the library will not be complete or full. We have an ongoing process of resource and video creation. The library will grow as we continue to create and add resources into the library. We are in the first year of a five-year plan, so more resources will be created and added into the library as we continue to work and grow. The Adapted Library will launch in website form, and it is important to note that all the resources and access to the website are completely free!

With July around the corner, we have hit PALCON season. Disability Ministry is present at the three events this year (MVNU, ENC, PLNU). In order to keep all of USA/Canada on the same page with the ministry, I will be sending a link that includes the basic presentation from the PALCON events this year. My hope is that all of our districts will receive the same information regarding Disability Ministry. The plan is for this video link to be sent out in August after the PALCON events have concluded.

A survey about Disability Ministry within the local church has been sent out from the global NDI office. I hope that pastors have taken a few minutes to complete this survey. The feedback we receive from this survey will be extremely valuable to our team as we create resources and as we structure the ministry to better support local churches. Feedback from the local church matters to us because we recognize this is where the ministry is happening.

You may have seen some information about LC2024 in this newsletter. Disability Ministry will also be present at this event. Disability Ministry will have a workshop and an exhibit booth at LC2024. If you have not registered for LC2024, please do so! The presentation at LC2024 will be different than the PALCON presentations. Things are moving quickly with this ministry, and we will have new updates to share. By the time LC2024 rolls around, the Adapted Library should be live, we will be in the early stages of launching a pilot online small group and more! Come connect with us at LC2024.

What can you do?

Pray for the ministry!
Join the Wonderful Works Facebook Group. This group is a great place to find resources and training videos. It is also a great place to keep up with the work of Wonderful Works Ministry.
Connect with us. Use this link https://forms.gle/unUvQx2LQnkmVKAWA to:

1. Let us know you are interested in Disability Ministry with the Church of the Nazarene.

2. Let us know you would like to schedule a free consultation with Leah Whicker from Wonderful Works Ministry leah@wonderfulworks.net.

3. Let us know you would like for Rev. Ryan Nelson to contact you rnelson@nazarene.org.

Some Important Information:

As the Disability Ministry coordinator, I can come to your district to promote disability ministry AT NO COST TO YOUR DISTRICT. This can include SPARK events, district assemblies, district trainings, etc. My travel expenses, lodging, meals, and more will be covered. If you would like to schedule me to come, please email me and we will try to get something scheduled. It is helpful to me if you include what district you are on when you email me.
Wonderful Works Ministry offers FREE consultations. These consultations can be done for an individual church, a group of churches, or a district.

Thank you for your support of this ministry! Keep praying for the ministry and keep connecting with us! Contact Rev. Ryan Nelson, Disability Ministry coordinator for Nazarene Discipleship International at rnelson@nazarene.org

kensminger Wed, 06/26/2024 - 17:29

Nazarene Discipleship International

Tags

Disability Ministry

ENC develops plan for closure

dlsperry94 — Tue, 25 Jun 2024 20:35:25 +0000

ENC develops plan for closure

dlsperry94 Tue, 06/25/2024 - 20:35

The Board of Trustees of Eastern Nazarene College today announced it has voted unanimously to begin the process of closing ENC and transitioning it into a new educational enterprise that will carry on ENC’s legacy of providing a transformational education that equips diverse students to lead and serve the world as agent of Christ’s love and truth.

Like all small, private, liberal arts colleges, Eastern Nazarene has faced significant financial headwinds in recent years. During that time, the board and multiple presidents have pursued numerous alternatives to closure. While these efforts produced fruit that enabled ENC to continue operating until now, the underlying challenges have intensified. It has become clear that transitioning to a new educational enterprise is the only viable path for continuing ENC’s mission of providing transformational education.

“As we enter this season of transition, the board and President Derr are focused on three priorities: caring for the present, honoring the past, and ensuring a vibrant future,” said David Bowser, chair of the Board of Trustees of ENC. “Our top priority in the coming weeks is caring for those most directly affected by this decision: our students, faculty and staff.”

The Board of the General Superintendents of the Church of the Nazarene expressed gratitude for the more than 120 years of educational excellence that ENC has provided in a statement.
“During its 124 years, ENC has held a vital position in the development of the Church of the Nazarene, providing exceptional academic preparedness in an environment that nurtures ever-deepening Christian faith,” the Board of General Superintendents said. “ENC graduates have long been known for their lives of service as pastors, educators, doctors, social workers, and many other qualified and committed professionals. Many have served on the mission field, both at home and across the globe. Eastern Nazarene College changed the lives of its students, who went on to change their corners of the world. This honorable legacy of service will continue forward in the coming generations.”

To read the full statement from the Board of General Superintendents, click here.

ENC’s goal, pending the commitment of a critical mass of students and faculty, is to continue serving undergraduate and graduate students who are on track to graduate by the end of the year. Administrators have arranged teach-out agreements with three institutions – Gordon College, Mount Vernon Nazarene University, and Trevecca Nazarene University – to provide streamlined transfer options for all other students. ENC will also provide job placement support and access to counseling resources for faculty and staff affected by the closure.

“We know many in our community will have questions about immediate next steps and long-term term plans for ENC’s programs and assets,” said ENC President Colleen Derr. “While the outcome of this process is known, the process to get there remains fluid. We are committed to communicating with our stakeholders in a timely and transparent way to ensure those most affected by this transition have the information and support they need. We are also committed to close collaboration with state and federal officials, our accreditor, and our partners in the Church of the Nazarene to ensure we are serving our community and our neighbors well during this process.”

ENC has communicated directly with students, faculty, staff, and other stakeholders to make them aware of this decision, and ENC staff will also be reaching out to these stakeholders to provide direct support based on their unique situations. More information for students, families, faculty, staff, alumni, partners and the community will be made available on ENC’s website (www.enc.edu/closure) in the coming days.

“We know this news will come as a shock and disappointment to many, especially those whose lives have been transformed by their affiliation with Eastern Nazarene College through its rich history,” Bowser said. “We look forward to creating opportunities to celebrate this rich history and preserve ENC’s legacy moving forward. Taking this step now will ensure the continuation of ENC’s mission to provide a transformational education through annual scholarships that empower students living in our region to attend other Nazarene schools.”

Engaging in Authentic Relationships

kensminger — Mon, 24 Jun 2024 21:37:20 +0000

Engaging in Authentic Relationships

Our core principles in the new NDI Bylaws remind us that, as Jesus’ disciples, we are called to journey together as members of the Body of Christ in the same way that Jesus gathered travelling companions around himself. We are called to engage others in Authentic Relationships. Paul had a deep relationship with the Galatian church and insisted that he felt he was “in the pains of childbirth” until Christ was formed in them (4:19). In our maturity as Jesus’ disciples, we realize there is more to our relationship with him than the introductory moment of conversion. Christ is being formed in us. However, in our spiritual formation, we need the encouragement and assistance of those who walk with us. As the community of the faithful, we consider how we can help one another grow in grace (see Upward Call leader’s guide). These must be true, reliable, dependable, faithful, trustworthy relationships.

Relationships that honor God and edify the Body of Christ

The core of our faith and life is to love God and love others. When an expert in the Law questioned Jesus regarding the greatest commandment (Matthew 22:35-40), Jesus’ reply is two-fold: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: love your neighbor as yourself.” Jesus further affirmed: “All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” However, our love for God and neighbor is an unconditional love and is made possible only through the working of the Holy Spirit.

Everyone committed to the Great Commission should be engaged in relationships that honor God and edify the Body of Christ. Sin has sabotaged God’s desire for personal relationship with us, but Jesus Christ came to reconcile us to God as well as to restore full relationship with God and others. One aspect of discipleship requires us to nurture and sustain our personal walk with Jesus. Another aspect is reaching out to others in Jesus’ name. Both require careful and frequent checkups.

As is affirmed in our Nazarene Article of Faith XI, The Church, “God calls the Church to express its life in the unity and fellowship of the Spirit” (2017-2021 Manual, par. 11). When we know we are unconditionally loved by God and other believers, unity in the Body of Christ results. This unconditional love knows no cultural, generational, or structural bounds. Nevertheless, “The Church is a historical reality that organizes itself in culturally conditioned forms, exists both as local congregations and as a universal body, and also sets apart persons called of God for specific ministries.”

Encouraging Spiritual Growth

When we deeply care for one another, we discover our rich identity is in Christ, which results in spiritual growth. Christian marriages and strong Christian families are robust crucibles for engaging in authentic Christlike relationships. Also as our Nazarene Essentials affirms, we encourage spiritual growth of Christlike disciples in a variety of other ways, such as: “Bible quizzing programs, Caravan children’s ministry, Vacation Bible Schools, Christmas and Easter outreach programs, and compassionate ministry efforts.” Furthermore, “Ministries for men, women, senior adults, singles, special needs, sports teams, and a variety of other affinity groups are encouraged to help people make the connection to Christ and His church.”

Such loving relationships help us walk the path of holiness because we are receiving both encouragement and loving correction. We take a personal interest in one another and encourage each other to grow in God’s grace. Our churches develop small group Bible studies that encourage accountability. Our small group Bible studies provide both group and one-on-one accountability for new believers and those more mature in the faith. “In small groups, healthy relationships are developed that move beyond regular meetings to connecting with friends as a way of life. These study groups offer a mixture of Bible study and social interaction that is essential for growth in grace. Small discipleship groups develop into support systems for life together beyond Sunday” (Nazarene Essentials).

These Spirit-enabled relationships are necessary as we support one another in living a fully surrendered and a Spirit-filled life. It is our hope that you are already finding ways to engage in authentic relationships as you mature in your personal spiritual life as well as when you contribute to the discipleship of others. Please share with us some ways your journey with Jesus is enhanced through authentic relationships. You can contact me at dstanton@nazarene.org

kensminger Mon, 06/24/2024 - 21:37

Nazarene Discipleship International

Tags

Engage Authentic Relationships

In Memoriam: 21 June 2024

dlsperry94 — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 22:24:49 +0000

In Memoriam: 21 June 2024

dlsperry94 Thu, 06/20/2024 - 22:24

The following is a weekly listing of Nazarene ministers and leaders who recently went home to be with the Lord. Notices were received 17-21 June 2024.

Donald Johnson, 61, of Fairmount, Illinois, passed away 18 June 2024. He was a minister who served at Ogden Church of the Nazarene in Illinois. He is survived by his wife, Sharon Johnson.

Arlie Kyzer, 87, of Atlanta, Texas, passed away 16 June 2024. He was a retired minister who served in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas. He is survived by his wife, Ora Kyzer.

Patricia Hutchens, 88, of Mount Vernon, Ohio, passed away 18 June 2024. She was the widow of Michael Hutchens, a retired minister who served in Ohio. Michael passed away in 1991.

Note: Please join us in prayer for the families who have lost loved ones. Click on names for full stories, funeral information, local online obituaries, and/or guest books (if available). To submit an entry of a minister or church leader, send to news@nazarene.org.

--Compiled by Nazarene News

Fitness classes open door for evangelism, discipleship at Missouri church

dlsperry94 — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 21:01:22 +0000

Fitness classes open door for evangelism, discipleship at Missouri church

dlsperry94 Thu, 06/20/2024 - 21:01

A Missouri Church of the Nazarene is opening its doors for evangelism and discipleship through a free fitness class offered to women in the community.

Pastor Denise Anderson started Holy Barre classes at Ferguson Church of the Nazarene last year due to her passion for holistic ministry. She initially wanted to get women from the church involved, but an open invitation for community members to participate free of cost has brought in women who are not involved with the church.

Denise pastors at the Ferguson church alongside her husband, Phil. After arriving as pastor in November, Denise learned about barre classes, which combine Pilates, yoga, and ballet, from a parishioner.

Denise went online to learn more and found Holy Barre, which brings Scripture, worship music, and prayer into the class. She asked the parishioner if she’d be willing to help start a program at the church.

“I asked her if she wanted to get certified and if she wanted to teach classes and offer them free to the community,” Denise said. “She loved the idea, so we got trained.”

The church currently offers two weekly classes, one in the morning and one at night. Due to the demand for the evening class, Denise's team plans to offer back-to-back evening classes.

The class begins with Scripture reading and then transitions into 45 minutes of exercise. Denise exclusively plays Christian music and encourages class members to use it as a time of worship. They close with a time of discussion and prayer.

One of Holy Barre’s selling points is its price point—free. Some Barre studio memberships cost upwards of $180 a month.

Thanks to a grant from the USA/Canada Region’s Blessing our Community initiative, Ferguson Church of the Nazarene can offer the Holy Barre classes at no cost, making them easily accessible for a community with a 24 percent poverty rate—one and a half times the national average.

“When I saw the grant opportunity, I thought, ‘Well, I would love to have all the mats and equipment so that there are no barriers for people to come,’” Denise said.

Many women from the congregation have become regular attendees, and the class has created a place for discipleship and fellowship. Denise noted that many community members have also started attending regularly.

A woman who lives across the street from the church called herself a “heathen” when talking with Denise at her first class. As the woman continued to attend Holy Barre, she became more comfortable during closing prayer and discussion. Eventually, she shared that her husband had cancer.

“She asked if I could pray for him, and she was tearful while I was praying,” Denise said.

That interaction exemplifies what Denise and Ferguson Church of the Nazarene hope to do: connect with community members who are searching for Jesus and a place to belong. Using exercise to accomplish that goal was a no-brainer for Denise.

“I’m exercising every day anyway,” Denise said. “Why not do it with people and have it be an opportunity for them to come into the church?”