Church of the Nazarene

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

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

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?”

Venezuela church opens children's playground

dlsperry94 — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 20:53:18 +0000

Venezuela church opens children's playground

dlsperry94 Thu, 06/20/2024 - 20:53

Iglesia del Nazareno Familia de Dios, located in Barquisimeto, Venezuela, celebrated the opening of its new playground on 7 June 2024. The space was created with love and dedication for the enjoyment of the congregation's youngest members.

The celebration began inside the church sanctuary, where pastors, leaders, representatives of the Northern Andean Field (Juan Carlos Soto, Roberto Quinatoa, and Danny Castro), children, guests, and other attendees gathered. The Nazarechicos, the church's children's ministry, created a joyous atmosphere that delighted those present with choreography, prayers, and words of gratitude.

Attendees went to the playground, where the children officially opened the long-awaited space. Between laughter and games, the little ones enjoyed the swings, slides, and other attractions while the adults shared moments of fellowship. Attendees were offered various snacks, drinks, and other delicacies.

The construction of the playground has been possible thanks to the joint work of the community and the church.

"The construction of this park is a dream come true for us," said Any De La Colmenzarez, leader of Nazarechichos. "Knowing that it will be a blessing for the children of the church and the community fills us with great joy, and for that, we are grateful."

The church expresses its deepest gratitude to God for his infinite goodness and allowing them to carry out this project. They also thank the efforts of Nazarene Missions Teams for their support and all those who have contributed to the construction of the playground.

This new space will be a fun place where children can learn, grow, and strengthen their faith in God. The Iglesia del Nazareno Familia de Dios is proud to have made this dream come true and hopes that the playground will be a blessing for all the children of the congregation and the Andrés Bello community in Cuji, Venezuela.

--Church of the Nazarene South America

Meet Vanuatu's first native district superintendent

dlsperry94 — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 20:18:26 +0000

Meet Vanuatu's first native district superintendent

dlsperry94 Thu, 06/20/2024 - 20:18

The Church of the Nazarene in Vanuatu reached a significant milestone when Gideon Iawaki was appointed the first native Vanuatu district superintendent.

The church began in 2003 with pioneer missionaries from the United States of America, David and Sylvia Potter. In 2006, Peter and Jenny Isaac from Papua New Guinea heard the call for missions to come to Vanuatu. The Potters and the Isaacs worked together with the people of Vanuatu to help grow the church. In 2007, the first district assembly was held with General Superintendent Jesse C. Middendorf appointing Peter Isaac as missionary district superintendent. Peter served as DS until 9 November 2023.

During the district assembly this past year, Peter joyfully passed the mantle of leadership to his local counterpart, Gideon Iawaki. Iawaki shared his journey and how God had been at work in his life:

[The name] Iawaki is given to the paramount chiefs in my village, and I was named after the paramount chief. My principal responsibility was to prepare Kava (a ceremonial drink drank during every ceremony) for the elders in the Nakamel (a place for men to gather).

The chief I was named after said, “My namesake, you will not go to school and continue. You will only go to school to learn to write your name; when you know that, that is enough for you.”

I went to school and reached class three, and after that, my chief told me that was enough. So I finished my education, and for the rest of my life, I stayed at home.

However, I realized that life needs education and work when I grew up. I looked for a job in town, but most employers asked for a resumé and my education level. I was feeling hopeless and useless. I thought I was not suitable for any job. But I thank God because he has a plan for me. One time, my dad gave me a Bible and a notebook. He wanted me to read the Bible and, at the same time, take note of anything I read that applies to my life. My father gave me a Bible verse, Jeremiah 1:5. “God told Jeremiah, I knew you before you were formed in the womb. Before you were born, I set you apart. I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

Reading that passage, I knew God had a plan for me. I heard the call of God to do God’s work in 2005, but my life was not strong.

In 2007, my father was invited to attend the Black Sand Church of the Nazarene in Port Vila. My father also invited all my siblings and me to attend. Soon, we were taken as members of the church. In early 2008, I was enrolled in South Pacific Nazarene Theological College (SPNTC). I was also appointed Nazarene Missions International president of the local church. In 2009, I received my local preaching license.

I just want to thank my spiritual mentors. I regard them as my spiritual mom and dad, and they are the missionaries the Potters and Isaacs. They have done well in mentoring and nurturing me with the Word of God so that I can become more mature in my relationship with God. Thank you, my global Church of the Nazarene family, for your prayers and support for the people or church in Vanuatu. I have faced many challenges, but I thank God for everything he has done because you have been praying for me and my people.

--Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific Region

Ukraine ministers experience renewal

dlsperry94 — Tue, 18 Jun 2024 20:27:12 +0000

Ukraine ministers experience renewal

dlsperry94 Tue, 06/18/2024 - 20:27

This is a firsthand account from missionary Crystal Gibbons about a week of prayer, teaching, and encouragement for ministers from the Ukraine District.

Returning to Ukraine after two long years away was a bittersweet journey. The city of Lviv, rich with history and resilience, felt like a mix of joy and sorrow. As our train pulled away from the station in Przemysl, Poland, and headed to the border, my heart swelled with anticipation and trepidation.

My husband, Chad, and me — missionaries for the Eurasia North Field — had called Kyiv our home before the war, and we were anxious to return. Our friends, Svitlana Kleschar (Ukraine district superintendent) and her daughter, Zee Gimon, were among the first to greet us, picking up right where we left off, as close friends and colleagues usually do. Soon after, pastors and leaders from all over Ukraine started to arrive, and there were hugs and tears all around!

The gathering in Lviv was a significant one. Reverend Chuck Sunberg, along with other Eurasia North Field leaders, had organized a week of prayer, teaching, and encouragement for the pastors of the Ukraine District. It was more than a meeting; it was a lifeline for those of us who had been scattered and scarred by conflict.

Throughout the week, we had morning devotionals led by Sunberg. His teachings challenged us to follow in the footsteps of the first disciples of Jesus and to "suffer well" for the Kingdom. This will be the testimony of God's faithfulness to the world.

During the day, we walked the cobblestone streets of Lviv, a bustling city that makes it easy to feel like all is back to normal. Normal, until a single trumpet player brings the city to a halt, some to their knees, in complete silence. Trucks bring the bodies of those who died in the war through the streets. It's a reminder that under the surface of this beautiful city lies the pain and trauma of a country at war.

Evenings were filled with lively conversations and planning for the future. We prayed fervently for the district, the church, the country, and each other. Leaders shared their journey, and their words are a testament to the enduring spirit of the church in Ukraine.

As the week came to a close, we gathered one last time. There was a palpable sense of renewal, a commitment to rebuild and support one another and the district and its leaders. We anointed each pastor with oil, taking time to pray and lay hands on each one individually.

Boarding the train on Friday to cross back into Poland, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. These pastors are not just survivors of war but bearers of a hope that comes only from the Holy Spirit. They are the light in the darkness of their communities, and they are testaments of Christ's followers, determined to suffer well for the glory of God!

--Church of the Nazarene Eurasia Region

In Memoriam: 14 June 2024

dlsperry94 — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 22:20:15 +0000

In Memoriam: 14 June 2024

dlsperry94 Thu, 06/13/2024 - 22:20

The following is a weekly listing of Nazarene ministers and leaders who recently went home to be with the Lord. Notices were received 10-14 June 2024.

Daniel Donaldson, 78, of Livingston, Texas, passed away 28 May 2024. He was a retired minister who served in Kansas. He is survived by his wife, Chearie Donaldson.

Ronald Frye, 78, of Racine, Wisconsin, passed away 26 May 2024. He was a retired minister who served in Wisconsin, Missouri, and Illinois. He is survived by his wife, Donna Frye.

Laverne Gates, 92, of Palm Bay, Florida, passed away 28 May 2024. He was a retired minister who served in Washington and Colorado. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jennette Gates, who passed away in 2019.
Sharon Hill, 82, of Benton, Arkansas, passed away 5 June 2024. She was the widow of James Hill, a retired minister who served in Arkansas. James passed away in 2023.

Nancy Jackson, 90, of Mount Juliet, Tennessee, passed away 5 June 2024. She was the wife of William Jackson, a retired minister who served in Alabama and Tennessee.

Jan McNaught, 81, of Nampa, Idaho, passed away 3 June 2024. She was the wife of Ernest McNaught, a retired minister who served in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, New York, Oregon, Hawaii, and Washington.

Lummy Newberry, 85, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, passed away 11 June 2024. He was a retired minister who served in Oklahoma. He was preceded in death by his wife, Carol, who passed away in 2016.

Shelby Salyer, 83, of West Van Lear, Kentucky, passed away 24 May 2024. She was the widow of John Salyer, a retired minister who served in Kentucky and Indiana. John passed away in 2016.

Carolyn Savell, 67, of Juliaetta, Idaho, passed away 9 June 2024. She was the pastor of Juliaetta Church of the Nazarene, serving there since 2016. She served previously in Montana and Mississippi. She is survived by her husband, George Savell.

--Compiled by Nazarene News

Remembering John Denney

dlsperry94 — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 19:59:18 +0000

Remembering John Denney

dlsperry94 Thu, 06/13/2024 - 19:59

John Denney, 76, of Springville, California, passed away 5 June 2024. He was a retired district superintendent who led the Southern California District from 2001 to 2014. He served as a minister in California, Idaho, and Oregon.

John Lee Denney was born on 13 June 1948 in Nampa, Idaho, to Roland “Eugene” Denney and Marion (Penn) Denney. In 1969, John met the love of his life, Sheree Miller, and the two were married in 1970. John and Sheree were married for 53 years and had two children, Tiffany and Justin.

John graduated from Northwest Nazarene College (now University) in 1970 with a bachelor’s degree in pre-seminary studies. He went on to study at the Nazarene Theological Seminary, where he served as student body president and earned a master’s degree in divinity in 1974.

John accepted his first pastorate in Middleton, Idaho, at the Middleton Church of the Nazarene in 1975. He pastored in Middleton from 1975 to 1978, where he also served as district Nazarene Youth International (NYI) president and representative to the general NYI council for the Northwest region.

From 1978 to 1983 John served on the staff of the global NYI office as senior high director, senior high Sunday school curriculum editor, and department editorial director. During this time, he designed and produced the new Word/Action Sunday School curriculum for the Nazarene Publishing House (now The Foundry Publishing).

After a stint at the Nazarene Headquarters, John was called to pastor Rose City Church of the Nazarene in Portland, Oregon, in 1983. During this time, he also served on the Board of Trustees for Northwest Nazarene College.

In 1988, the Denneys moved to Porterville, California, where John pastored Porterville Church of the Nazarene until December 2000. While pastoring at “Port Naz,” John served on the District Advisory Board for the Central California District and as chaplain for the Porterville Police Department.

In January 2001, John was elected superintendent of the Southern California District. During this time, John spent 12 years on the Board of Trustees for Point Loma Nazarene University, four years as a member of the Nazarene Theological Seminary Board of Trustees, and eight years serving as the Southwest Zone facilitator over 11 districts and representing this area on the USA/Canada Mission Strategy Committees.

John retired from the superintendency in 2014 and moved back to the Porterville area. He continued to serve in the local Nazarene community as an interim pastor, including Bakersfield Olive Knolls, Bakersfield Ridgeview, and Tulare Wayside Nazarene churches, respectively.

John loved to play golf, ski, spend time with his grandkids, work out at his local gym, play his trumpet in church, and take scenic drives. He was the ultimate “people person” and never missed an opportunity to interact with the people that crossed his path. John loved sharing the gospel with the people he came into contact with and desired that everyone within his reach know Jesus loves them.

He is survived by his wife, Sheree (Miller) Denney; daughter, Tiffany Lightfoot; son, Justin Denney; five grandchildren; brothers, Dan, Dave, and Daryle Denney; and his sister, Sue White.

A celebration of life service will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, 15 June, at Porterville Church of the Nazarene, 2005 W Olive Ave, Porterville, CA, 93257.