Dr. Gunter receives award

General Superintendent Nina G. Gunter recently received the first Nina Griggs Gunter Servant-Leader Award at Trevecca Nazarene University (TNU).

Gunter is one of six general superintendents in the Church of the Nazarene, the highest elected official in the denomination. She was presented with the award on Thursday, February 26, at The Community Church of the Nazarene located on the TNU campus.

The award was established to recognize a prominent Christian woman who uses positional authority to serve others; demonstrates a spirit of compassion; initiates innovation to address human need; influences others in developing their capacities; advances the good of the community; is a good steward of talents and resources; and encourages collaboration, trust, foresight, listening, and the ethical use of power and empowerment.

Dr. Gunter conducts a leadership forum with students

As a general superintendent, Gunter provides global leadership for the International Church of the Nazarene and its worldwide membership of 1.8 million.

"Because of the significant impact Gunter has made on the Church of the Nazarene and this university, it was only appropriate to present her with this inaugural award that was established in her honor," said Dan Boone, president of TNU. "There are so many influential women in Christian organizations throughout our country, and I am proud Trevecca has created an award that recognizes their incredible accomplishments."

Dr. Gunter delivers chapel address

Prior to her position as general superintendent, Gunter served as general director of Nazarene Missions International. During her tenure, denominational giving to missions increased from $30 million to $62 million annually (US $). She has written two books, The Traveler's Psalm, Our Defining Moment, Christian Perfection, and The Cross-Seize It! Share it! Holy Leadership in a Hectic World, her newest book, will be released in March.

Following the presentation and her address at Trevecca’s chapel service, Dr. Gunter was honored at a luncheon, conducted a leadership forum with about 100 students, and toured the future Trevecca Center for Leadership, Calling, and Service, currently under renovation/construction (formerly the Bud Robinson building).

Dr. Gunter tours future Leadership Center

The annual presentation of the Nina Griggs Gunter Servant-Leader Award is supported by an endowed fund established last year in Gunter's honor, The Nina Griggs Gunter Leadership Fund. Starting in 2010, the fund will also support an annual scholarship awarded to a female TNU student who has demonstrated servant-leadership qualities.