Over the next few years we will be celebrating the centennial of the Church of the Nazarene. Four Nazarene universities/colleges have already had centennial celebrations: Southern Nazarene University (Oklahoma); Eastern Nazarene College (Massachusetts); Point Loma Nazarene University (California); and Trevecca Nazarene University (Tennessee).

Since the inception of the church, higher education has been one of the emphases of our founding fathers. As early as 1916, General Superintendent R. T. Williams stated, "The holiness schools have done much in raising up the church."

Today the challenge of Christian higher education remains invigorating as the denomination expands to every corner of the globe. Our educational institutions prepare pastors, missionaries, and laity to make an impact for Christ through evangelism, discipleship, and church planting. We are indeed Preparing Global Christians for Serving in ithe 21st Century.

Jerry D. Lambert
Education Commissioner
International Board of Education