Church of the Nazarene

In Memoriam: 17 January 2024

dlsperry94 — Fri, 17 Jan 2025 16:21:35 +0000

In Memoriam: 17 January 2024

dlsperry94 Fri, 01/17/2025 - 16:21

The following is a weekly listing of Nazarene ministers and leaders who recently went home to be with the Lord. Notices were received 13-17 January 2025.

Merle Fetter, 88, of Duarte, California, passed away 8 January 2025. He was a retired minister who served in New York, Massachusetts, and California. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Fetter.

Jo Ann Glenn, 95, of Nampa, Idaho, passed away 15 December 2024. She was the widow of Ray Glenn, a retired minister who served in Wyoming, Minnesota, Idaho, Utah, and Arizona. Ray passed away in 2012.

Diedra Hitchock, 62, of Bucksport, Maine, passed away 18 December 2024. She was a minster who served on staff at River of Hope Church of the Nazarene, in Maine.

Earl Roustio, 96, of Frankfort, Indiana, passed away 12 January 2025. He was a retired minister who served in Nebraska and Indiana. He was preceded in death by his wife, Beulah Roustio, who passed away in 2023.

Frank Watson, 82, of Canton, Georgia, passed away 7 January 2025. He was a retired minister who served in Pennsylvania, Colorado, Michigan, and Indiana. He was preceded in death by his wife, Linda, who passed away in 2007.

Patricia Williams, 89, of Nashville, Tennessee, passed away 10 January 2025. She was the wife of Toby Williams, a retired educator and minister who served in Florida, Kentucky, and Tennessee.

To view past editions of In Memoriam, click here.

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

General Secretary releases 2024 statistics

dlsperry94 — Fri, 17 Jan 2025 14:49:27 +0000

General Secretary releases 2024 statistics

dlsperry94 Fri, 01/17/2025 - 14:49

General Secretary Gary Hartke and Nazarene Research Services released the annual Church of the Nazarene statistical report for 2024. This detailed report documents the missional activities of the denomination on a global scale and showed growth for the Church of the Nazarene over the statistical year and continued growth over the past decade.

“These numbers represent the dedicated and faithful investment of thousands of ministers worldwide who serve daily to fulfill our mission of making Christlike disciples in the nations,” Hartke stated. “The report offers invaluable insights into the Church of the Nazarene’s global growth and development.”

Global reports show total current membership for the Church of the Nazarene at 2,783,731, a net increase of 2.2% from 2024 and a 21.19% increase in the last decade. There was a record number of conversions in 2024, a total of 231,084.

The denomination welcomed in 155,183 new Nazarenes this year and saw a total of 128,736 new professions of faith. Both numbers reflected increases of 19.88% and 22.23%, respectively.

The fastest-growing regions in membership were South America (10.27 percent) and Asia-Pacific (6.09 percent). The Africa Region reported the most new Nazarenes with 57,143.

The global average weekly in-person worship attendance was 1,295,634, and the average weekly online worship attendance was 320,837.

The Church of the Nazarene has 19,990 ordained elders, 895 ordained deacons, and 10,803 licensed ministers.

To view the 2024 report, click on the respective language:

English
Spanish
Portuguese
French

Remembering Jack Archer

dlsperry94 — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 23:15:30 +0000

Remembering Jack Archer

dlsperry94 Thu, 01/16/2025 - 23:15

Jack Archer, 92, of Mount Vernon, Ohio, passed away on 18 December 2024. He was a retired district superintendent who led the North Central Ohio District from 1987 to 2000. He also served as a minister in Ohio and West Virginia.

Jack was born 5 March 1932 in Brazil, Indiana. He was the second of three sons. At age 9, his family life transformed when his mother was ill and not expected to survive. A Nazarene pastor came to pray with their family. By her bedside, Jack's father made a promise that if God healed his wife, he would live for and serve God for the rest of his life.

His mother soon recovered, and his father kept his promise, becoming a devoted Christian and serving God through the Nazarene church for the rest of his life. Jack would often say his father was his hero.

After high school, Jack attended Trevecca Nazarene College (now University) in Nashville, Tennessee. He sang in the Evangelaires men's quartet, traveling across the southeastern United States. In that quartet was another young man who was to become a lifelong friend, Bill Bridges. Two other major events occurred at Trevecca: 1) Jack felt the call of God to become a pastor, kneeling by his dormitory cot one night to accept the call, and 2) he met the love of his life, Rachel Rushing, whom he married in December of 1952.

Shortly after marriage, Jack and Rachel moved to Parsons, West Virginia, to start a new Nazarene church. They lived in a hunting shack, and the church held services in a barn. A year later, their oldest daughter, Jacki, was born. In the ensuing years, Jack pastored in Elkins, West Virginia; Huntington, West Virginia (where their younger daughter Terri was born); Springfield, Ohio; and Mount Vernon, Ohio. He was honored to pastor Mount Vernon First Church of the Nazarene for 18 years.

He was then elected superintendent of the North Central Ohio District, where he served 13 years until retirement. During his ministry years, he also served as the youth ministry president for the West Virginia District and was a member of the North Central Ohio District Board, the General Board, and Mount Vernon Nazarene University Board of Trustees as vice president. Jack completed his bachelor's degree at Marshall University (WV) and later received an honorary doctorate from Mount Vernon Nazarene University. In his spare time, he loved to vacation, read, and play golf.

Archer was completely dedicated to his calling. He loved his parishioners, his churches, and the communities in which he served. He was on call 24/7 for any need that arose. The gospel he preached and the love he and Rachel showed to the respective communities resulted in a significant increase in size in every church he pastored.

The North Central Ohio District thrived under his leadership, where he viewed his role as "pastor to the pastors." Over the course of his years of service, he ministered to and touched the lives of thousands of people, striving to be "a man after God's own heart."

Jack was preceded in death by his wife, Rachel Archer, who passed away in 2022. He is survived by his daughters, Jacki Rutherford and Terry Tackett; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

A memorial Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, 1 February 2025, at 11 a.m. at Mt. Vernon First Church of the Nazarene, 807 Coshocton Avenue, Mt. Vernon, Ohio. All are welcome.

Fire devastates Southern California church, members

dlsperry94 — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 20:29:29 +0000

Fire devastates Southern California church, members

dlsperry94 Thu, 01/16/2025 - 20:29

Beginning 7 January, a series of devastating wildfires scorched communities in the Los Angeles, California, area, causing the deaths of at least 25 people and forcing the evacuation of close to 180,000 people from their homes.

Within the first 48 hours, thousands of structures burned. The impact of the fires was exacerbated by drought, dry vegetation, and intense "Santa Ana winds," challenging the first responders’ efforts to contain the blazes. The two largest fires have consumed more than 37,000 acres. First responders are preparing for possible increases in wind speeds again next week.

Nazarene churches in the Los Angeles area have been directly impacted by the wildfires. Altadena Fountain of Life Church of the Nazarene was destroyed by the Eaton fire, and several Nazarene church members across the region also lost their homes.

Despite the challenging circumstances, churches are responding with compassion. First Church of the Nazarene of Pasadena is partnering this week with World Vision to distribute donated goods. Montrose Church of the Nazarene has handed out food and water and supports 10 church member families who lost their homes.

Iglesia del Nazareno in Pasadena, part of the Western Latin American District of the Church of the Nazarene, has housed evacuees and distributes food, water, toiletries, and clothing. Nazarene leaders throughout the area are continuing to assess the needs of each congregation and community.

"What we are trying to do now is to project for long-term relief and recovery," said Mark Lehman, superintendent of the Los Angeles District Church of the Nazarene. "What we need are funds to help people transition and move forward out of this disaster into a time of relief and healing. We thank you for your compassion and care."

"The community needs us," says Pastor Jonathan Lewis of Fountain of Life Church. "People will be hurting, and we will be there to help. The church is more than four walls—it's the community. It's the people."

Lewis is grateful for the support his congregation has received over the last week and reiterated the church's commitment to continue to minister in the Altadena community.

"To actually see the building destroyed down to the ground [was] very heartbreaking,” he said. “We didn't know what we were going to do. Since then, we thank God for the outpouring of love and concern and the compassion that we've seen. This will be a testimony of how God shows up and shines brighter than the darkness ... We definitely will need help, but God has given us a sense that help is here—not on the way, but here."

How You Can Help

Pray

Pray for individuals, families, congregations—for all who are suffering due to these ongoing wildfires. Pray for those who have lost their homes or businesses and those who are mourning the loss of loved ones. Pray for first responders and all assisting with the monumental task of recovery. Pray for church leaders to have wisdom as they direct a compassionate response.

Give

Churches and individuals worldwide can provide support through the Los Angeles Wildfire Response Fund at ncm.org/lafires. Donations will be used for immediate needs, long-term recovery, and rebuilding efforts.

To send donations by mail:

In the United States -

Make checks payable to "General Treasurer" and send them to:

Global Treasury Services

Church of the Nazarene

17001 Prairie Star Pkwy

Lenexa, KS 66220

Be sure to put 140061 in the memo area of your check.

In Canada -

Make checks payable to "Church of the Nazarene Canada" and send them to:

Church of the Nazarene Canada

3657 Ponytail Drive, Mississauga, ON | L4X 1W5

Be sure to put 140061 in the memo area of your check.

For any other country, give through your local church or district, designating your gift to Los Angeles Wildfire Response Fund

Third Wave 2025 inspires, equips emerging leaders

dlsperry94 — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 20:19:16 +0000

Third Wave 2025 inspires, equips emerging leaders

dlsperry94 Thu, 01/16/2025 - 20:19

Over 240 participants and volunteers gathered at Third Wave 2025 in Orlando and Lake Placid, Florida from 7-13 January 2025.

Third Wave is a global Nazarene Youth International conference for emerging youth leaders aged 18-29. Each field nominates five individuals for the time of training, discipleship, fellowship, worship, and to help them begin to think globally.

“Understanding the vastness of our family, the Body of Christ, has given me so much perspective,” said Agnes, a participant from Australia. “I feel like little old me in our corner of the world has so much to learn from the broader Nazarene family.”

A total of 241 participants traveled from 51 different countries, speaking 23 different languages.

“Having the opportunity to speak with everyone from all around the world [taught me that] while we all come from different areas and may be in different walks of life at the moment, we all go through similar journeys,” said Grace, another participant from Australia. “It’s cool to hear their experiences and how they handle different [challenges].”

Upon arrival in Orlando, participants gathered for an opening service that explained the purpose of Third Wave and provided guidelines for the following days.

Day one began with a service project led by Clean the World, a nonprofit organization in Orlando that has both local and global operations. Participants also attended workshops from Nazarene Compassionate Ministries and packed Crisis Care Kits for distribution worldwide during emergencies.

The young adults gathered that evening with Nazarenes from the Florida District for worship at Center Pointe Community Church of the Nazarene, followed by a message from District Superintendent Dale Schaeffer, who encouraged the young leaders to not let anything get in the way of leading people to Jesus.

The next day, all the participants traveled by bus to Lake Placid Camp and Conference Center, owned and operated by the South Florida District. Upon arrival, they participated in “The Amazing gRace,” where participants went through various challenges and discussion points to learn more about God’s grace.

Participants spent the evening sampling traditional American food from local food trucks and shopping in the World Market, where each region brought snacks, clothing, candy, treats, and more for sale to raise money for Clean the World. The World Market raised a total of $2,248.

On Friday morning, Africa Regional Director Dany Gomis shared his testimony, focusing on the influence of others. At two panel discussions, leaders from different regions discussed the impact of mentorship and discipleship on their lives and advised the young leaders present.

Nazarene Discipleship International Director Sam Barber spoke in the evening service about saving grace, encouraging the young leaders to take a step of faith and throw themselves into the arms of Jesus.

Saturday began with small groups before participants learned about getting involved in various ministries, including Global Missions, Global Communications, World Mission Broadcast, Global Education and Clergy Development, and NDI.

That night, General Superintendent David Busic spoke on sanctifying grace, reminding the participants that God is continuing to make them into his masterpieces and challenging them to fully surrender their lives to the lordship of Jesus. After the altar call, the Third Wave tradition of foot washing was carried out to emphasize the value of servant leadership and Christlike humility.

Sunday began with the testimony of Central Europe Field Strategy Coordinator Cezarina Glendenning, who received her call to ministry at Third Wave in 2007. She encouraged participants to lean into God’s sustaining grace, allowing them to be the church even in challenging times. The service closed with a time of Communion.

Global NYI Chair Christiano Malta closed Third Wave on Sunday night by challenging participants to let go of anything that keeps them from following God’s will for their lives.

The lessons learned at Third Wave have already deeply impacted many. Multiple participants expressed God confirmed a call to missions and the pastorate.

“My calling is [to] pastor, and for many years, I avoided it,” said Jairo Luiz, a participant from Brazil. “But I felt God encouraging me to start pastoring young people. I will start classes in theology this year. I said yes.”

More than 80 baptized in South Sudan

dlsperry94 — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 23:08:57 +0000

More than 80 baptized in South Sudan

dlsperry94 Tue, 01/14/2025 - 23:08

On Monday, 13 January 2025, 80 new believers were baptized in the Nile River in South Sudan, the same Nile River where the baby Moses was drawn up out of the water and saved for a greater purpose.

“South Sudan is a new nation that got its independence in 2011. It has been making headlines for bad news, but now is time to spread the Good News,” states John Yual, Nazarene missionary to South Sudan.

These new believers from the New Life Church of the Nazarene in Juba South, South Sudan, were saved under the teaching and preaching of Pastor Paul Abaan. This church is only six months old, and it already has 89 new believers to the faith who have been baptized.

Despite hardships and unimaginable conditions, on 8 January 2025, an additional 25 new believers were baptized at a South Sudanese refugee camp in Uganda.

Yual thanked God for the hard work of local pastors and missionaries working in challenging situations.

“My vision and payer have been to have vibrant churches,” Yual said. “But unfortunately, the war broke out again in 2013. I trust God to make the Church of the Nazarene one of the largest denominations in South Sudan.”

The Africa Region asks for continued prayer for these new believers and the church in South Sudan.

--Church of the Nazarene Africa Region

Nazarene Discipleship International at M25 – Evangelization Conference in Kansas City

kensminger — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 20:04:01 +0000

Nazarene Discipleship International at M25 – Evangelization Conference in Kansas City

Save the dates February 10-12 to be in Kansas City! At M25, NDI will present equipping workshops for adult and children’s ministries. We will offer workshops on evangelizing women, evangelism and disability ministries, and NDI ministries.

You will also have an opportunity to meet our partners at the exhibit booth — Disability Ministries, Nazarene Motorcycle Fellowship, Women’s Ministries, and VBS/Quizzing — and receive the latest evangelization materials.

Join us at the event to learn and network together!

P.S.: There are also some pleasant surprises along the way!

kensminger Mon, 01/13/2025 - 20:04

Nazarene Discipleship International

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NDI at M25

Children’s Bible Quizzing 2025

kensminger — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 19:57:44 +0000

Children’s Bible Quizzing 2025

Here we are in January. A whole new year ahead of us.

Is being more intentional about the discipleship of children on your list of action steps to make your year of 2025 better? If so, let's walk on over and grab some children’s Bible quizzing curriculum.

If you and your family or you and a class of children would cover just one Dig Site a month, you would be well on your way to hiding more Scripture in your heart.

By May, you could know five verses, five life-giving biblical truths, and be more familiar with the book of Acts. Scriptures that are full of hope and promise. Hebrews 13:16 “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”

Biblical truths will guide and encourage such as, “God uses his people to meet the needs others” and “God helps us know him and understand his Word.”

Let’s dream big for 2025! And let’s come up with a plan as well to implement children’s quizzing curriculum!

kensminger Mon, 01/13/2025 - 19:57

Pastor Dorothy Whipp

USA/Canada World Quiz Coordinator

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Children's Quizzing

Kids Reaching Kids 2025 Missions Offering

kensminger — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 19:53:55 +0000

Kids Reaching Kids 2025 Missions Offering

In 2025, your Kids Reaching Kids (KRK) offering will support holistic ministry to children all over the world. The KRK offering provides crucial discipleship resourcing for children from around the globe. The money from this offering funds varied projects that impact children’s lives mentally, physically, spiritually, and socially.

You can help by giving to this year’s global KRK offering!

Please consider including this special offering as part of your 2025 VBS: Starlight Airlines! Each stop on the adventure will draw us closer to God and his grace. As we break the “time barrier” in Captain Gen’s special airplane, we will visit highlights from the book of Genesis.

Through your giving, KRK will provide needed resources to other children so that they can draw closer to God and his grace.

kensminger Mon, 01/13/2025 - 19:53

Nazarene Discipleship International

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KRK Missions

A Biblical Basis for Witness

kensminger — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 19:48:38 +0000

A Biblical Basis for Witness

Almost all soul winning involves witness, but a witness does not always result in immediate soul winning. The Christian’s hope is that the end result of a witness is a soul won to Christ.

In the New Testament, three terms are used to describe spreading the Christian message.

One is to “proclaim,” another is to “tell good news” (connected to our word “evangelize”), and

the third is to “bear witness.”

The word “witness” was used primarily as a legal term. A witness was one who personally experienced and accurately reported facts or events. Or a witness vouched for the truth of a thing. Sometimes people bear witness; sometimes God or the Spirit bears witness.

The Old Testament calls God’s people to witness for him against speechless idols.

Isaiah 43:12 states, “‘I have revealed and saved and proclaimed—I, and not some foreign god among you. You are my witnesses,’ declares the Lord, ‘that I am God.’” The resurrected Christ urged his disciples to witness in Luke 24:46–49: “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

The early New Testament use of the word “witness” was limited.

It referred to those who knew Jesus in his earthly ministry and resurrection. Michael Green, author of Evangelism in the Early Church, has pointed out that this limitation was eventually removed. A sense of personal encounter with the risen Jesus became the basis for genuine witness. That means people like you and me—who have met the living Christ—can be his witnesses.

John’s Gospel is filled with witness stories. Jesus gives witness to his own person. The Father, the miracles, and the Scriptures all bear witness to Jesus. In addition, there is an internal witness of the Spirit to those who accept the testimony. Indeed John’s whole purpose is to witness for Christ, bringing people to experience the life Christ gives. John exclaimed, “But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name” (John 20:31).

Witness as a term from the courtroom must not mislead us.

The Christian witness needs to be presented in a different spirit from the argument of the court. Let’s put it this way: The witness does not see himself or herself as a winner of arguments but as a winner of people to Christ. The witness is going to hungry and needy people with joyous, life-changing news. The prospect is not an enemy to be fought but a person to be loved and won.

In the context of spreading the good news of Jesus Christ, the term witness is not so much like arguing a case in a courtroom; it is wooing and winning.

Adapted from The Bible Speaks to Me about My Witness by Dr. Charles “Chic” Shaver on the Discipleship Place

kensminger Mon, 01/13/2025 - 19:48

Nazarene Discipleship International

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Biblical Basis for Witness