Church of the Nazarene

Moving Ministers: September 2024

dlsperry94 — Fri, 04 Oct 2024 14:41:26 +0000

Moving Ministers: September 2024

dlsperry94 Fri, 10/04/2024 - 14:41

Compiled by the General Secretary's Office from district reports, Moving Ministers is a monthly listing of Nazarene ministers in new assignments on the USA/Canada Region.

Roles included in the latest report are pastor, student, and pastoral service. Entries were received in September 2024.

To view the September report, click here.

For previous reports, see usacanadanazarene.org.

A prayer for Lebanon

dlsperry94 — Thu, 03 Oct 2024 22:39:27 +0000

A prayer for Lebanon

dlsperry94 Thu, 10/03/2024 - 22:39

Hearts ache around the world for those experiencing the impacts of the war that has expanded into Lebanon. Like all schools in Lebanon, the Nazarene school in Beirut has closed temporarily. However, the church and school’s care for the community continues as they distribute food, blankets, and mattresses to those in need.

The Nazarene school in Lebanon has existed since the 1960s and has endured many wars, explosions, and economic hardships. Thanks to the courage of the staff, the faithfulness of parents, and the love and support from Nazarenes around the world, the school continues to serve those in need.

Prayer is requested for the children, staff, and all those suffering during this war.

Lord of peace and mercy, we ask that your presence be felt in the midst of this conflict that is disrupting the lives of those in Lebanon. We pray for a quick end to the violence. We pray for protection and safety for the children and most vulnerable people impacted by this devastation. God, let your peace reign and work through your people to bring healing, hope, and comfort to everyone around them. Give your church wisdom and guidance in the days ahead as your people continue to respond to the needs around them. Lord, hear our prayers.

How You Can Help

To support the church-led response in Lebanon, give to the Middle East Crisis Response fund. 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 123595 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 Ponytrail Drive, Mississauga, ON | L4X 1W5

Be sure to put 123595 in the memo area of your check.

For any other country, give through your local church or district, designating your gift to Middle East Crisis Response.

In Memoriam: 4 October 2024

dlsperry94 — Thu, 03 Oct 2024 21:54:57 +0000

In Memoriam: 4 October 2024

dlsperry94 Thu, 10/03/2024 - 21:54

The following is a weekly listing of Nazarene ministers and leaders who recently went home to be with the Lord. Notices were received 30 September - 4 October 2024.

David Cook, 83, of Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away 30 September 2024. He was a retired minister who served in Indiana. He is survived by his wife, Eva Cook.

Glen Neal, 75, of Reynoldsburg, Ohio, passed away 29 September 2024. He was a retired minister who served in Texas and Michigan. He is survived by his wife, Karen Neal

James Tharp, 94, of Bozeman, Montana, passed away 29 September 2024. He was a retired minister who served in Montana, Washington, New Mexico, California, and Indiana. He is survived by his wife, Shirley Tharp.

James Tucker, 97, of Sevierville, Tennessee, passed away 17 September 2024. He was a retired minister who served in Indiana and Florida. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred Tucker, who passed away in 2023.

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

Hurricane Helene causes devastating destruction in multiple states

dlsperry94 — Thu, 03 Oct 2024 19:28:50 +0000

Hurricane Helene causes devastating destruction in multiple states

dlsperry94 Thu, 10/03/2024 - 19:28

Hurricane Helene made landfall in the Big Bend area of Florida late on 26 September as a Category 4 storm before carving a destructive path through much of the Southeastern United States.

As of 4 October, more than 200 people have died across six states, and hundreds remain missing. Helene brought record-breaking storm surges to many Gulf Coast towns in Florida, flooding homes and businesses.

The storm then unleashed torrential rains from Georgia to West Virginia, with up to 30 inches of rainfall inundating mountain communities. In eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina, powerful floods destroyed roads, bridges, and entire communities, severely damaging critical infrastructure such as water, electricity, and phone service.

Nearly a week after the storm, more than 1.1 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia are still without power.

“This is going to be a relief effort that goes on for a long, long time,” said Brad Kochis, Superintendent of the North Carolina District. “There’s a lot of devastation.”

One Nazarene church in Nashville, Georgia, and the Georgia District’s Adrian Camp and Conference Center sustained heavy damage. While churches in North Carolina were not damaged, many Nazarene pastors and church members remain without power and need assistance.

Nazarene Disaster Response (NDR) teams—groups of skilled volunteers positioned across the country to mobilize supplies and personnel after disasters—are responding in the aftermath of Helene to provide relief and recovery. Several U.S. Nazarene Districts have begun collecting supplies for affected areas, and thousands of Crisis Care Kits have already been distributed through Convoy of Hope, a ministry partner of Nazarene Compassionate Ministries.

The North Carolina District is preparing at least three churches to host NDR work teams and distribute supplies. Leaders are also coordinating deliveries of water and other essentials to Asheville, where the local Nazarene church is hosting FEMA search-and-rescue teams.

On the East Tennessee District, two churches have committed to host teams and distribute relief supplies, and a shipment of cots and a shower trailer from the Kentucky District is expected to arrive this week. More cots will be delivered to North Carolina. The South Carolina NDR team, along with other volunteers, is serving in the area surrounding Augusta, Georgia. The Georgia District NDR team is at Adrian Camp, cleaning the premises and distributing Crisis Care Kits and essential supplies to the community. In Florida, two churches are preparing to host NDR teams.

“I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to our pastors and church leaders who have been working tirelessly, both in preparation for the storm and now in its aftermath, putting the needs of their communities first,” shared Dale Schaeffer, Superintendent of the Florida District. “Please join me in continuing to pray.”

How You Can Help

Pray

Pray for all who have experienced the devastation of this storm, especially those mourning the loss of family members and friends. For those who lost homes or sources of income, pray they will find the shelter and resources they need. Pray for the quick and efficient distribution of aid and for the long journey of rebuilding that lies ahead. Remember the vulnerable who suffer more after tragedies, especially the elderly, those with chronic illness or disabilities, and those already struggling with poverty. Pray for strength and wisdom for church leaders and communities as they offer support and care. To send a prayer or note of encouragement, visit ncm.org/pray.

Give

Churches and individuals around the world can provide support through the 2024 Storm Response Fund. Donations will be used for immediate needs like water and food, as well as 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 140055 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 Ponytrail Drive, Mississauga, ON | L4X 1W5

Be sure to put 140055 in the memo area of your check.

For any other country, give through your local church or district, designating your gift to the 2024 Storm Response Fund.

Southern Africa Nazarene University awarded full accreditation certificates

dlsperry94 — Thu, 03 Oct 2024 18:54:19 +0000

Southern Africa Nazarene University awarded full accreditation certificates

dlsperry94 Thu, 10/03/2024 - 18:54

Southern Africa Nazarene University was awarded full registration and accreditation certificates by the Eswatini Higher Education Council (ESHEC), marking a significant milestone for the university's commitment to academic excellence and student success. A ceremony was held to celebrate the milestone 20 September 2024.

The accreditation process commenced in July 2023 and involved a rigorous assessment of the university's academic programs, faculty qualifications, and institutional resources. The duration of accreditation is five years, after which the institution will have to undergo a similar exercise to maintain the status.

"The full registration of SANU and accreditation of our programs by ESHEC reflects our commitment to providing a good educational experience for our students," said Faith Busisiwe Mlotsa-Mngomezulu, the university's vice-chancellor. "We are happy about this milestone, which will allow us to strengthen our quality assurance systems further and better serve our students and community."

The development will also help the university strengthen its engagements with accredited institutions and organizations. As SANU moves forward, the focus will remain on fostering program development, research and innovation, stakeholder engagement, inclusivity, and academic integrity, ensuring that students are equipped to thrive in an ever-changing world.

"Accreditation is not just a regulatory requirement but a critical assurance of the quality of education offered to students,” said Loretta Mkhonta, chief executive officer for ESHEC, while presenting the certificates. “SANU has demonstrated its commitment to continuous improvement and providing programs aligning with national and international benchmarks."

She also indicated that ESHEC is committed to working closely with institutions like SANU to promote a vibrant, forward-thinking, sustainable education system. She ended her speech by encouraging SANU to continue to grow and excel and nurture future leaders who will contribute to the nation's development and beyond.

"This is a proud moment for all of us—the church, our partners, staff, and students," said Jabulani Gamedze, who was standing in for the Eswantini National Board chair for the Church of the Nazarene. "It's an affirmation of unity, hard work, and our vibrant community here."

Also in attendance at the ceremony were the university's members of executive management, ESHEC officers, deans of faculties, Heads of Departments, lecturers, students, and other members of the university staff.

New Church of the Nazarene organized in North Sumatra

dlsperry94 — Thu, 03 Oct 2024 18:44:13 +0000

New Church of the Nazarene organized in North Sumatra

dlsperry94 Thu, 10/03/2024 - 18:44

On 8 September 2024, the Church of the Nazarene celebrated a significant milestone in Indonesia by organizing the Ekklesia Church of the Nazarene in Pekanbaru, North Sumatra. It is the first Church of the Nazarene in Pekanbaru.

Sumatra Pioneer Area Coordinator Stephanus Halawa and Pastor Yehezkiel Siswanto, who were instrumental in establishing the mission work in this city, led the church’s organization and pastor installation ceremony. They preached about the importance of focusing on the mission to spread the gospel and building a strong foundation for the local congregation.

“We should be grateful to our Lord Jesus Christ that he is the owner of our lives and that the holy one continues to work in us, [as we] preach the good news that is increasingly spreading throughout the world and Indonesia, especially the Sumatra Pioneer area,” Halawa said. “I am grateful to the Lord Jesus for several of God’s people in Duri, who have decided to join as Nazarenes and accept the teachings of holiness after hearing and being taught about the identity of the Church of the Nazarene.”

This church was born because Siswanto prayed and discipled Rudi Yohanes. Several years ago, Yohanes was a member of the Nazarene church in Weleri, Central Java. He desired to one day support and establish a Nazarene church in Sumatra. When he moved to Sumatra nine years ago, with God’s help, his prayers were answered.

The Ekklesia Church of the Nazarene is located in Duri City, Pekanbaru, North Sumatra. Donal Siahaan and Erison Simbolon will pastor the congregation. A worship was held to celebrate the church’s organization.

The Manual of the Church of the Nazarene was provided to the local church pastors as a symbol that the church is under the auspices and follows the teachings of holiness and government of the Church of the Nazarene.

On another occasion, Halawa and Siswanto also taught the pastors and church leaders about the Nazarene identity. They expect continuous training with church leaders to disciple and equip them as they continue working in their community.

“We hope our church will continue to be a blessing in the Duri area and its surroundings, as well as in other areas in Sumatra,” Halawa said. “Please continue to pray that the news of holiness can spread further in other places in Sumatra.”

--Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific Region

Nazarene schools ranked among best in nation for 2025

dlsperry94 — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 21:22:54 +0000

Nazarene schools ranked among best in nation for 2025

dlsperry94 Wed, 10/02/2024 - 21:22

Once again, U.S. News & World Report named several Nazarene institutions of higher education among "America's Best Colleges." The publication recently released its rankings for 2025.

Rankings are broken down into specific categories. The first 75 percent of schools in each category are given individual rankings.

National Universities
Schools in the National Universities category, such as Harvard University and Princeton University, offer a full range of undergraduate majors, master's programs, and doctoral degrees. These colleges are also committed to producing ground-breaking research.

One Nazarene school was placed in the National Universities category (click on the school's name for U.S. News profile):

Trevecca Nazarene University (Rank No. 359; Nashville, Tennessee; Dan Boone, president)

Regional Universities
Regional Universities offer a full range of undergraduate programs and some master's programs but few doctoral programs. Regional Universities include Villanova University, The Citadel, Butler University, and Gonzaga University.

These rankings are split into four regions: North, South, Midwest, and West.

Six Nazarene universities were placed in this category (click school for U.S. News profile):

MidAmerica Nazarene University (Midwest No. 103; Olathe, Kansas; David J. Spittal, president)

Mount Vernon Nazarene University (Midwest No. 73; Mount Vernon, Ohio; Carson Castleman, president)

Northwest Nazarene University (West No. 63; Nampa, Idaho; Joel Pearsall, president)

Olivet Nazarene University (Midwest No. 41; Bourbonnais, Illinois; Gregg Chenoweth president)

Point Loma Nazarene University (West No. 15; San Diego, California; Kerry Fulcher, president)

Southern Nazarene University (West No. 64; Bethany, Oklahoma; Keith Newman, president)

For more information, see usnews.com.

For the publication's methodology in creating its 2023 rankings, click here.

For more information on Church of the Nazarene schools in the U.S. and around the world, visit the denomination's International Board of Education website: nazarene.org/iboe.

Celebrate clergy appreciation month

dlsperry94 — Tue, 01 Oct 2024 20:32:28 +0000

Celebrate clergy appreciation month

dlsperry94 Tue, 10/01/2024 - 20:32

October is clergy appreciation month! Churches worldwide are encouraged to show their appreciation for clergy and pastoral staff members through a gift, a note of encouragement, or other methods.

Here are some ideas to show your pastors and clergy members your appreciation:

Encourage your pastors by letting them know how God is specifically using them to bless, help, and teach you to follow God.
Throw them a “gift card” shower.
Give clergy families a night out to a local restaurant or gift certificate for an overnight getaway.
Allow members of the congregation to volunteer time serving pastoral leaders by babysitting or helping with yard projects and other home maintenance.

The National Association of Evangelicals has also compiled a list of creative ways to bless your Pastor.

Clergy Appreciation Resources have also been added to the Resources Center. To view those, click on the respective language below.

English
Spanish
Portuguese
French

On behalf of the Church of the Nazarene’s Global Ministry Center, thank you to pastors and all clergy for their labor and leadership in helping to make Christlike disciples in the nations!

In Memoriam: 27 September 2024

dlsperry94 — Fri, 27 Sep 2024 16:09:13 +0000

In Memoriam: 27 September 2024

dlsperry94 Fri, 09/27/2024 - 16:09

The following is a weekly listing of Nazarene ministers and leaders who recently went home to be with the Lord. Notices were received 23-27 September 2024.

Bonnie Ginter, 91, of Bellville, Ohio, passed away 23 September 2024. She was the wife of Charles Ginter, a retired minister who served in Ohio.

Dorothy Morton, 86, of Fort Pierce, Florida, passed away 23 September 2024. She was the widow of Charles Morton, a retired minister who served in West Virginia and Florida. Charles passed away in 2013.

Benjamin Turner, 65, of Boise, Idaho, passed away 22 September 2024. He was a minister who served in Kansas and Idaho. He is survived by his wife, Melodie Turner.

--Compiled by Nazarene News

ROAM Volunteers impact nazarene camps, compassionate ministries projects

dlsperry94 — Fri, 27 Sep 2024 15:29:46 +0000

ROAM Volunteers impact nazarene camps, compassionate ministries projects

dlsperry94 Fri, 09/27/2024 - 15:29

For over 20 years, Nazarene lay people have volunteered their time with RVs on a Mission (ROAM), serving across the United States at Nazarene campgrounds, churches, and compassionate ministries projects.

ROAM was organized in 2003 by a group of Nazarenes who had served with non-denominational organizations and felt led to start an organization to do similar work for the Church of the Nazarene. According to Ruth Kile, a volunteer with ROAM, there are 43 active projects across 24 states.

Projects can range from serving at a Nazarene campground to pitching in on disaster relief efforts in the aftermath of hurricane and tornado devastation. Kile says tasks include helping with construction, renovation, and grounds maintenance at camp, as well as food service and working in thrift shops. If volunteers have physical limitations, ROAM will happily accommodate and find appropriate tasks.

“The volunteers enjoy devotions and worship services together, potlucks, game nights, and sightseeing,” Kile said. “We quickly become family.”

Projects provide full hook-ups for the RVs of ROAM volunteers. Some campgrounds offer onsite lodging in apartments or cabins for those who do not have an RV.

Camp ministry and meetings have long been an important part of the Church of the Nazarene. There are currently more than 40 operating campgrounds owned by the Church of the Nazarene in the United States, some of which utilize ROAM for volunteer work and service on site.

One of those campground projects is the Salyer Lake Conference & Retreat Center in Minco, Oklahoma.

Salyer Lake is one of the newer Nazarene campgrounds, starting in 1996. Camp Director Ken Hembree has been at Salyer Lake since 2007 and says he’s had three to four groups of volunteers with ROAM yearly.

“They bring their expertise, and their willingness to work has helped us in everything,” Hembree said. “Some of them have expertise in [construction] trades, and that’s a great blessing. I’ve got one couple; they’re both retired chemists and are just willing to do whatever‘s asked, from planting flowers to washing dishes, organizing the maintenance barn...”

Kile says volunteers work in shifts, four days a week, for six hours at a time, with some variation depending on whether they are traveling with family or friends.

Hembree says that now that Salyer Lake’s traditional camp season is over, camp groups attend on the weekends, and ROAM volunteers will help out then, too, instead of during the week.

“It’s wonderful having people that desire to do ministry, probably different than they’ve ever done it, but in their later years in life,” Hembree said.

Salyer Lake’s size and newness mean the staff don’t have as much support as some of the larger Nazarene camps. Hembree said the support from ROAM volunteers means they can run self-supported, which is a benefit to the sustainability of Salyer Lake.

A sustainable financial future means that places like Salyer Lake can continue to be a place where students and adults alike may find salvation and grow closer to God through camps and retreats.

“For a start-up like ourselves, we struggle with staff because we don’t have the financial backing and the facilities to host multiple groups at a time,” Hembree said. “Having people willing to pitch in and do anything has been an incredible advantage.”