Church of the Nazarene

David Skidmore elected superintendent of Canada Atlantic District

dlsperry94 — Thu, 06 Jun 2024 21:27:23 +0000

David Skidmore elected superintendent of Canada Atlantic District

dlsperry94 Thu, 06/06/2024 - 21:27

David Skidmore was elected superintendent of the Canada Atlantic District on 31 May 2024. Skidmore currently serves as the chaplain of Calgary Remand Centre, a correctional facility in Alberta, Canada.

Skidmore replaces Mark Collins, who has served as superintendent of the Canada Atlantic District since 2018. Collins has assumed the role of national director for Canada.

Skidmore holds a bachelor’s degree in theology from Canadian Nazarene College (now Ambrose University) and a Doctor of Ministry from Nazarene Theological Seminary.

Skidmore served as a pastor across multiple districts in Canada.

He pastored Bay Roberts Church of the Nazarene in Newfoundland (1985-1988), Freetown Church of the Nazarene in Prince Edward Island (1989-1992), Amherst Community Mission in Nova Scotia (1992-1998), Markham Impact Church of the Nazarene in Ontario (1998-2003), Medicine Hat Cowboy Church of the Nazarene (2005-2008) and Medicine Hat Glenview Church of the Nazarene (2003-2013), both in Alberta. He most recently pastored Family Life Church of the Nazarene in Alberta from 2013-2022. He has served as a chaplain at Calgary Remand Centre since 2020.

David and his wife, Peggy, reside in Airdrie, Alberta, Canada.

Shawn Siegfreid elected superintendent of Southern California District

dlsperry94 — Thu, 06 Jun 2024 21:11:47 +0000

Shawn Siegfreid elected superintendent of Southern California District

dlsperry94 Thu, 06/06/2024 - 21:11

Shawn Siegfreid was elected superintendent of Southern California District 2 June 2024. Siegfried currently serves as the pastor of Kansas City First Church of the Nazarene.

Siegfried will replace Thomas Taylor, who has served as superintendent of the Southern California District since 2014. The assignment will be effective 2 July 2024.

Shawn earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from MidAmerica Nazarene College (now University) and a master’s degree from Point Loma Nazarene University.

Siegfried has served as a pastor at Hooker Church of the Nazarene in Oklahoma (1992-1994), Blythe Church of the Nazarene in California (1994-1997), Council Bluffs First Church of the Nazarene in Iowa (1997-2001), Visalia Church of the Nazarene in California (2001-2009), and Denver One Hope (2009-2018) in Colorado. In 2018, he returned to his hometown of Kansas City to pastor Kansas City First Church of the Nazarene.

Shawn and his wife, Sherri, reside in Spring Hill, Kansas.

Board of General Superintendents elects Mark Louw director of Eurasia Region

dlsperry94 — Thu, 06 Jun 2024 20:26:17 +0000

Board of General Superintendents elects Mark Louw director of Eurasia Region

dlsperry94 Thu, 06/06/2024 - 20:26

The Board of General Superintendents elected Mark Louw to the position of Eurasia regional director, effective 1 July 2024. He will continue in his current role as director of the Asia-Pacific Region until his successor is elected.

The Church of the Nazarene's General Board ratified the election with an email vote coordinated by General Secretary Gary Hartke. Carla Sunberg, jurisdictional general superintendent for Eurasia, and Jim Ritchie, Global Missions director, prayerfully led the nomination and election process.

"I am thrilled with the election of Dr. Mark Louw to the role of regional director in Eurasia,” Ritchie said. “Mark is a great leader with a passion for mission, an abundance of leadership experience, strategic insight, and strong pastoral gifting. He and his wife, Linda, will bring such love and joy to Eurasia as they work with the wonderful team there.”

Louw succeeds Ritchie, who was elected Global Missions director in February 2024.

"It has been the most incredible four years for me as RD of Eurasia and for Maggie and me to work with this team, so we are excited to be handing the baton on to trusted friends and colleagues," Ritchie added. "We also pray for the Asia-Pacific team as they lose a great leader and long-time friends, and we trust the Lord will provide who they need next in leadership for this new season."

Sunberg echoed Ritchie’s sentiments, noting the Louws’ vast missions experience.

"We are grateful that Dr. Mark Louw has answered the call to serve as the next regional director for Eurasia," Sunberg said. "He and his wife, Linda, bring nearly 30 years of missionary experience to the role, having served in very diverse settings. Their love for the Lord and missions is evident in all that they do."

Louw and his wife, Linda, have served as global missionaries since 1999, spending five years in Cote d'Ivoire, seven years in Senegal, and 10 months in South Africa before moving to Singapore when Mark was elected regional director for Asia-Pacific in 2012

While still in Africa, Mark served as regional education coordinator and Africa West field strategy coordinator, while Linda worked in key roles to support the ministries of Africa West field leadership. Prior to answering the call to missions, the Louws were youth pastors on the Sacramento, California, USA district.

Upon hearing of his election to the role of director for the Eurasia Region, Louw responded, "It is with excitement and a sense of deep humility that Linda and I accept this call to transition from the Asia-Pacific to the Eurasia Region.

"For 12 years, we have been honored and blessed to serve the people of the amazing Asia-Pacific Region, making friends with people who were strangers when we first arrived. We look forward to similarly meeting and interacting with the people of the Eurasia Region, learning and growing with each other in our love of God and each other. We are humbled by the invitation and confidence placed in us by the Church and come committed to serving the region in a manner that builds on the positive foundation laid by our predecessors. Our simple desire is to reflect Christ and be true to the persons that he created us to be. May he be glorified."

Mark, originally from South Africa, holds a bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences from Pennsylvania State University (USA) and a master's degree in theology from Manchester University (UK). Korea Nazarene University conferred upon Mark the Doctor of Divinity degree in recognition of his contribution to global church development and expansion.

Together, the Louws are proud parents to four adult daughters and even prouder grandparents to two young grandchildren.

Over 100 young people learn to share gospel through media

dlsperry94 — Thu, 06 Jun 2024 20:16:15 +0000

Over 100 young people learn to share gospel through media

dlsperry94 Thu, 06/06/2024 - 20:16

A training called Designed to Communicate brought together roughly 115 young people to learn how to share the gospel creatively through the media.

The event was held by the communications team from the Mesoamerica North Central Field on 13, 15, and 17 May in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras.

Brian Utter, global coordinator of World Mission Broadcast, trained attendees in podcasting, audio, and radio best practices. Oscar Benítez, a member of the communications team for the South America Region, trained the attendees in photography and video editing, and they received training in digital marketing from Lember Romero, the South America Region communications coordinator.

“I had an amazing time at the training,” said Axel Padilla, one of the participants. “It was a good learning experience that I would put into practice at my local church and community. It was helpful for my ministerial development because I understood that radio and podcasts are necessary tools to connect with young people. I know that God will continue to do great things in youth through the spaces given by the area.”

Hugo Lucero, from the North Central Field communications team, said that each participant was challenged to awaken their creativity, value current resources, and, above all, value the art that God put in their hands to bless and reach more people with the message of Christ through the media.

“The step that is being taken today will be the legacy for future generations,” said Carlos Cordero, North Central field strategy coordinator.

Additionally, Cordero spoke of the commitment to continue opening opportunities for service to young people in different fields and to go together in the mission of being and making disciples in the nations.

--Church of the Nazarene Mesoamerica Region

Malawi child development center projects impacting communities

dlsperry94 — Thu, 06 Jun 2024 19:38:12 +0000

Malawi child development center projects impacting communities

dlsperry94 Thu, 06/06/2024 - 19:38

Recently, representatives from the four districts of Malawi, including child development coordinators, some district superintendents, and other stakeholders closely involved with Nazarene Compassionate Ministries and child development, came together for a two-day training session in Lilongwe.

This gathering aimed to empower leaders by covering topics such as the holistic child development framework, child protection, Nazarene Compassionate Ministries’ Child Sponsorship, and mentoring. Additionally, the event included site visits to monitor various projects across Malawi that enable local churches to engage with hundreds of children weekly.

The leaders were invited to enhance their ministry involvement, focusing on children's spiritual, physical, intellectual, and social development. The Child Development Centres (CDCs) are vital in achieving this objective. For instance, the Goshen CDC initiated a chicken project to sustain their activities while the Kabudula CDC started farming to support the CDC.

Moreover, the Peniel and Nathenje CDCs cater to over 200 children each week, and the Mponela CDC launched a mealie meal grinding project that benefits the community and shares the gospel with over 150 children weekly.

Through the Child Development ministry, the church positively impacts children and families in various communities, fostering church growth and community outreach. With the global church's support, financial needs are met and resources are provided to address the children's requirements throughout Malawi.

--Church of the Nazarene Africa Region

Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary honors graduates

dlsperry94 — Thu, 06 Jun 2024 19:16:14 +0000

Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary honors graduates

dlsperry94 Thu, 06/06/2024 - 19:16

Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary held its 39th commencement exercises on 4 May 2024 with the theme Rising to Serve. Church friends, family, APNTS students, faculty, and staff gathered to honor the 31 graduates.

Among the graduates:

Twelve earned certificates in Christian Leadership
One earned a certificate of Christian Ministry
Two earned Bachelor of Arts in Theology degrees
One earned a graduate certificate in Intercultural Studies
One earned a Master of Ministry
One earned a Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies
One earned a Master of Arts in Religious Education
One earned a Master of Science in Theology
Five earned Master of Divinity degrees
Five earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Holistic Child Development
One earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Transformational Learning

The graduates come from various denominations, including the Church of the Nazarene, Pentecostal Holiness, Baptist, United Methodist Church, Church of Christ, Evangelical Free Church of the Philippines, ACTS New Zealand, Crossover Ministry California, and Evangelical Church. There were 14 male students and 17 female students.

Stephen Gualberto, the strategy coordinator of Sealands Field, spoke at the commencement ceremony. He challenged the graduates and fellow church leaders to reflect on their role in the ministry of reconciliation.

“Fellow ministers, faculty, and staff consider your role in God’s narrative of reconciliation,” Gualberto said. “Let us be continuously reconciled, redeemed, and renewed. I invite you, graduates, fellow leaders of the church and missionaries, faculty and staff of this wonderful seminary, fellow Nazarenes and fellow followers of Christ, and other guests who are here… to reflect on your role in this ministry of reconciliation. Where can you be an agent of God’s peace and grace?”

Moreover, the 2024 graduates wanted to acknowledge the efforts of their professors, the staff, the librarians, and the APNTS community for the love and support they received throughout their residence on campus.

--Asia-Pacific Region Church of the Nazarene

Flags of the Nations: Côte d'Ivoire

dlsperry94 — Mon, 03 Jun 2024 13:46:46 +0000

Flags of the Nations: Côte d'Ivoire

dlsperry94 Mon, 06/03/2024 - 13:46

Since September 1, 2009, the Church of the Nazarene's Global Ministry Center (GMC) proudly flies a flag each week of one of the many nations in which the denomination is present in ministry. Leaders were invited to send a national flag to be flown at the GMC alongside the flag of the United States*. The national flags rotate weekly, and photos of them raised are sent to the church leaders of that country.

This week: Côte d'Ivoire

The Church of the Nazarene officially entered Côte d'Ivoire in 1987.

Côte d'Ivoire had a population of 29,344,847 in 2023. That same year, Côte d'Ivoire reported 210 Churches of the Nazarene, 60 of which had been officially organized. Côte d'Ivoire has 21,323 total members. Côte d'Ivoire has one Phase 2 district and one Phase 1 district. It is a part of the Africa Region. For more information about the Africa Region, visit africanazarene.org.

* = The weekly highlighted flag is raised on the middle of three poles in compliance with U.S. government protocols. It flies to the left of the GMC host-nation United States flag, which flies above the host-state flag of Kansas. The Christian flag flies on the third pole.

The Global Ministry Center is the mission and service hub of the Church of the Nazarene.

Discipleship Place courses allow inmates to pursue ministry calling

dlsperry94 — Thu, 30 May 2024 21:10:03 +0000

Discipleship Place courses allow inmates to pursue ministry calling

dlsperry94 Thu, 05/30/2024 - 21:10

When Pastor Amy Schultz became involved in a local jail ministry in Council, Idaho, she met an inmate who was clearly called to ministry herself. Despite obstacles, Schultz utilized The Discipleship Place to help Jane* fulfill God’s calling on her life.

Schultz has pastored Council Church of the Nazarene in Idaho for nearly six years now. The small, rural town — roughly 120 miles north of Boise — has less than 1,000 people. Despite its modest size, Council is the county seat of Adams County, meaning it’s home to the county jail.

Through a local ministry organization, Schultz began visiting the jail to minister to and pray with inmates. After a few years, Schultz became close with Jane, who eventually admitted she felt God had placed a calling on her life.

“As I spoke with her about [the calling], I kind of pushed in a little bit,” Schultz said. “I felt like the Lord wanted me to push in because she was already ministering there. Even some of the guards were coming to her with questions.”

Through their conversations, Schultz and Jane talked about her calling, the reason she was incarcerated, and more. Schultz said she had never met someone who was so remorseful about what he or she had done.

Unfortunately, that offense prohibits Jane from ever holding a district license or becoming ordained in the Church of the Nazarene. That’s when Schultz looked to The Discipleship Place.

Through The Discipleship Place courses, Jane would be able to earn a certificate and some credibility that could allow her to fulfill her calling, either with incarcerated people or with another ministry after her release.

“For me, it was so very clear that God was calling her,” Schultz said. “I believed if he called, he was also providing a pathway for her to fulfill this calling. So I just kept looking and digging and asking questions until we found a pathway that would work for her.”

Schultz brings Jane the materials for the classes, whether in paper or digital form. Videos and podcasts from the courses have been transferred onto DVDs or an MP3 player, both mediums that the prison approved for Jane based on her good behavior.

Schultz credited The Discipleship Place staff for going the extra mile in making the courses accessible in these unique circumstances.

The jail ministry’s connection with Jane has also opened other doors for ministry in the Adams County Jail. In May, Schultz and her group of local ministers baptized seven men and even added an entire Bible commentary set to the jail library.

Schultz says the ministry has helped fulfill her calling “to the least of these.” That same calling led her to persevere on behalf of Jane until she found a solution.

“In my own life, in my own calling, when I met obstacles, I just had to find the way around them,” Schultz said. “It was up to me to discover the pathway that God had already prepared.”

*Name changed for privacy

Eurasia NYI brings Nexus training to Nepal

dlsperry94 — Thu, 30 May 2024 18:52:14 +0000

Eurasia NYI brings Nexus training to Nepal

dlsperry94 Thu, 05/30/2024 - 18:52

In pursuit of the Eurasia Region’s desire to make Christlike disciples through comprehensive and holistic education, Nazarene Youth International (NYI) continues to provide local leaders with opportunities for growth and development through the Nexus training program.

From 23-24 April 2024, 43 young people from across Nepal gathered to participate in the first round of Nexus (Nexus Core).

Nexus is a youth ministry training program on the Eurasia Region to resource and support young leaders in their local contexts. Developed in partnership with Nazarene Theological College–Manchester, NEXUS provides a safe space for dialogue and theological reflection.

Since 2016, there have been Nexus cohorts in 15 countries across two continents, training over 1,200 young leaders.

Across two training weekends, Nexus participants have the opportunity to reflect on their own personal journeys and to understand adolescent development and how to respond to the unique needs of the youth of their communities.

Participants are then connected to Nazarene educational institutions and their District Boards of Ministry for ongoing development of their callings.

The training was held in Bagdole Lalitpur and was facilitated by Amy Warner, Alyssa Weir, and Vijay Bhalerao. Local leaders Daniel Khatri, Biren Rai, and District Superintendent Ganga Mukhiya organized the event, facilitating various sections.

The participants were passionate about learning and growing in their calling to serve in their local areas.

The training was divided into sections with intervals for worship, devotionals, and shared meals. Participants could showcase their musical talents during worship breaks, enthusiastically raising their voices in praise to God. During the Nexus training sessions, participants remained engaged, asking questions and sharing insights. The leaders were impressed by the participants’ grasp of the material and eagerness to apply what they had learned in their local churches.

Following the training, the facilitators joined the local NYI group for worship and fellowship. The group worshipped, danced, played games, shared a meal, and enjoyed a beautiful day at a local botanical park.

After the training, local leaders helped develop plans for the participants to complete their portfolio assignments before meeting again for Nexus Explore.

The Eurasia Region is focused on making this training accessible in all parts of the region in order to create strong networks of young leaders in every church.

--Church of the Nazarene Eurasia Region

In Memoriam: 31 May 2024

dlsperry94 — Wed, 29 May 2024 21:19:42 +0000

In Memoriam: 31 May 2024

dlsperry94 Wed, 05/29/2024 - 21:19

The following is a weekly listing of Nazarene ministers and leaders who recently went home to be with the Lord. Notices were received 27-31 May 2024.

Gerald Brooks, 95, of Overland Park, Kansas, passed away 17 May 2024. He was a retired minister who served in California, Kentucky, Arkansas, Iowa, New Mexico, Kansas, and Missouri. He was preceded in death by his wife, June Brooks, who passed away in 2017.

Virginia Cowley, 92, of Nampa, Idaho, passed away 23 May 2024. She was the widow of Donald Cowley, a retired minister who served in Missouri, Illinois, California, and Idaho. Donald passed away in 2021.

Luther Doctorian, 57, of Sierra Madre, California, passed away 20 May 2024. He was a minister who served in California.

Frank and Norma Harrington, 101 and 99, respectively, of Greer, South Carolina, passed away on 25 May 2024. Frank served as a minister in New Mexico, California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, and South Carolina.

Karl Mason, 69, of Hickman, California, passed away 15 May 2024. He was the pastor of Cornerstone Community Church of the Nazarene in Modesto, California. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Mason, who passed away in 2012.

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