Global Mission announces new NCM director
Global Mission has announced Nell Becker Sweeden as the new director of Nazarene Compassionate Ministries (NCM).
Becker Sweeden has served in various roles within NCM during the past 12 years, most recently as education coordinator. Her areas of expertise include international development, educational initiatives, and theology. While serving as education coordinator, Becker Sweeden was also assistant professor of theology and Richard B. Parker co-chair of Wesleyan Theology at George Fox Evangelical Seminary. Her recent accomplishments include authoring the book Church on the Way: Hospitality and Migration.
Becker Sweeden has a strong call and passionate heart for compassionate ministry.
“I am fascinated by how Jesus’ compassion is described in the Scriptures as an urge in his gut, or a compulsion, to respond with love to people who are suffering,” Becker Sweeden said. “A key piece of this for me is continually placing myself in the margins of our world to live out Christlikeness within communities and through relationships.”
Through NCM, Becker Sweeden seeks to be a part of God’s people — the church — who are faithful and active in living out God’s love in the world.
Becker Sweeden studied Spanish and theology at Point Loma Nazarene University and holds a Master of Divinity from Nazarene Theological Seminary. Additionally, she completed her Doctor of Philosophy at Boston University in practical theology with specializations in Wesleyan theology and church and society. Becker Sweeden is an ordained elder in the Church of the Nazarene.
“I am deeply appreciative of the gift that Nell has been to our church,” said Verne Ward, Global Mission director. “She has the unique ability to bring clarity around the connection of what we believe theologically and how we lovingly serve the world. This practical engagement demonstrates not only Nell’s training, but also her genuine heart for the church and relentless pursuit of the heart of Christ.”
Becker Sweeden recognizes that compassionate response in the face of suffering and injustice is at the heart of our Nazarene identity.
“I look forward to working alongside churches to help facilitate transformational ministry in their communities,” Becker Sweeden said. “NCM does not exist outside the church, but through local congregations who are seeking to live out their faith within specific communities. My prayer is that together we will continue to weave our faithful response to God’s love for the sake of the world.”
Becker Sweeden will relocate with her family to the Kansas City area this September.
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