Church of the Nazarene

Receiving Certificate of Lay Ministry for First Quarter of 2024

kensminger — Fri, 10 May 2024 16:06:06 +0000

Receiving Certificate of Lay Ministry for First Quarter of 2024

Alaska District

Charlie Foster of Palmer Family Church of the Nazarene.

Australian Southern District

John Baxter of Croydon Community Church of the Nazarene.

Bostwana District

Dorcas Nonofo Moyo of Francistown Church of the Nazarene.

Canada Pacific District

Vic Holmquist of Legacy Church of the Nazarene.

Shirley Moore of Victoria First Church of the Nazarene.

Central California District

Curtis Brenton of Connecting Point Church of the Nazarene.

Central Gulf Coast District

Nicholas Young of Valley First Church of the Nazarene.

Illinois District

Charles H. Wiegand of Glenview Church of the Nazarene.

Joplin District

Rob Hunt of Hope Church of the Nazarene.

Kansas City District

Dora Castrejon of New Hope Church of the Nazarene.

Kentucky District

Tracy Frauenkecht of Calvary Church of the Nazarene.

Maine District

Kelly R. Hasselbrack of Bangor First Church of the Nazarene.

Nambia Central District

Mwambu John Intja of Church of the Nazarene.

New Mexico District

Molly Kathleen Miller of 26:16 Church of the Nazarene.

Pam Prall of 26:16 Church of the Nazarene.

Southwest Indiana District

Kendra Dee Castleberry of Saint Bernice First Church of the Nazarene.

Virginia District

Michael Walker of Compassion Church of the Nazarene.

We would also like to congratulate those who have completed the following courses.*

Canada Central District

BerylAnne Hodgins of Family Life Church of the Nazarene completed The Bible Speaks to Me About My Witness.

East Tennessee District

Jerry McAtee of Elizabethton First Church of the Nazarene completed Practicing Welseyan-Holiness Spiritual Formation and Telling the Old Testament Story of God.

Ruth McAtee of Elizabethton First Church of the Nazarene completed Practicing Welseyan-Holiness Spiritual Formation and Telling the Old Testament Story of God.

Georgia District

Ron Gulliford of Griffin First Church of the Nazarene completed Practicing Wesleyan-Holiness Spiritual Formation.

Intermountain District

Joseph Garner of Nyssa Church of the Nazarene completed Exploring Nazarene History and Polity.

Maine District

Kelly Hasselbrack of Bangor First Community Church of the Nazarene completed Spark: Being and Making Christlike Disciple Makers and Telling the Old Testament Story of God.

Metro New York District

Anthony Glen of Griffin First Community Church of the Nazarene completed Communicating the Gospel in a Pluralistic World, Exploring Nazarene History and Polity, Exploring John Wesley’s Theology, How to Study the Bible, Practicing Wesleyan-Holiness Spiritual Formation, Telling the New Testament Story of God, and Telling the Old Testament Story of God.

RSA Southeastern District

Nancy Julie Mhlanga of Vukuzakhe Church of the Nazarene How to Study the Bible, Telling the New Testament Story of God, and Telling the Old Testament Story of God.

Khulekani Nkabinde of Vukuzakhe Church of the Nazarene completed Telling the New Testament Story of God and Telling the Old Testament Story of God.

Southern Florida District

Julie Himmelsbach of North Miami Beach Church of the Nazarene completed I Corinthians, Galatians, and Romans.

South Texas District

Eddie Guerra of Crossroads Community Church of the Nazarene completed Practicing Wesleyan-Holiness Spiritual Formation.

Upstate New York District

Robert Keister, Jr of Grace Church of the Nazarene completed Spark: Being and Making Disciples in Small Groups.

*Please note the above individuals are being recognized because they contacted us to request a certificate of completion. Many individuals complete courses but do not contact us to let us know, so we are unable to recognize them.

Alaska District

Charlie Foster of Palmer Family Church of the Nazarene.

Australian Southern District

John Baxter of Croydon Community Church of the Nazarene.

Bostwana District

Dorcas Nonofo Moyo of Francistown Church of the Nazarene.

Canada Pacific District

Vic Holmquist of Legacy Church of the Nazarene.

Shirley Moore of Victoria First Church of the Nazarene.

Central California District

Curtis Brenton of Connecting Point Church of the Nazarene.

Central Gulf Coast District

Nicholas Young of Valley First Church of the Nazarene.

Illinois District

Charles H. Wiegand of Glenview Church of the Nazarene.

Joplin District

Rob Hunt of Hope Church of the Nazarene.

Kansas City District

Dora Castrejon of New Hope Church of the Nazarene.

Kentucky District

Tracy Frauenkecht of Calvary Church of the Nazarene.

Maine District

Kelly R. Hasselbrack of Bangor First Church of the Nazarene.

Nambia Central District

Mwambu John Intja of Church of the Nazarene.

New Mexico District

Molly Kathleen Miller of 26:16 Church of the Nazarene.

Pam Prall of 26:16 Church of the Nazarene.

Southwest Indiana District

Kendra Dee Castleberry of Saint Bernice First Church of the Nazarene.

Virginia District

Michael Walker of Compassion Church of the Nazarene.

We would also like to congratulate those who have completed the following courses.*

Canada Central District

BerylAnne Hodgins of Family Life Church of the Nazarene completed The Bible Speaks to Me About My Witness.

East Tennessee District

Jerry McAtee of Elizabethton First Church of the Nazarene completed Practicing Welseyan-Holiness Spiritual Formation and Telling the Old Testament Story of God.

Ruth McAtee of Elizabethton First Church of the Nazarene completed Practicing Welseyan-Holiness Spiritual Formation and Telling the Old Testament Story of God.

Georgia District

Ron Gulliford of Griffin First Church of the Nazarene completed Practicing Wesleyan-Holiness Spiritual Formation.

Intermountain District

Joseph Garner of Nyssa Church of the Nazarene completed Exploring Nazarene History and Polity.

Maine District

Kelly Hasselbrack of Bangor First Community Church of the Nazarene completed Spark: Being and Making Christlike Disciple Makers and Telling the Old Testament Story of God.

Metro New York District

RSA Southeastern District

Nancy Julie Mhlanga of Vukuzakhe Church of the Nazarene How to Study the Bible, Telling the New Testament Story of God, and Telling the Old Testament Story of God.

Khulekani Nkabinde of Vukuzakhe Church of the Nazarene completed Telling the New Testament Story of God and Telling the Old Testament Story of God.

Southern Florida District

Julie Himmelsbach of North Miami Beach Church of the Nazarene completed I Corinthians, Galatians, and Romans.

South Texas District

Eddie Guerra of Crossroads Community Church of the Nazarene completed Practicing Wesleyan-Holiness Spiritual Formation.

Upstate New York District

Robert Keister, Jr of Grace Church of the Nazarene completed Spark: Being and Making Disciples in Small Groups.

kensminger Fri, 05/10/2024 - 16:06

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Certificate Lay Ministry First Quarter 2024

Search for new Global NDI Director

kensminger — Fri, 10 May 2024 15:54:50 +0000

Search for new Global NDI Director

The NDI team will miss Dr. Scott Rainey’s leadership as NDI director. We continue to pray that God will bless him as he pastors the Huntington First Church of the Nazarene in Indiana. His contributions to NDI and the Church of the Nazarene will continue to guide us for years to come.

Now, we are looking for a new global leader for NDI. In fact, as you are reading this, it is likely that our new global NDI director has already been selected! Since February, the Global NDI Council, under the leadership of Dr. David Busic (the jurisdictional general superintendent), has been engaged in a process for finding a new global director as spelled out in the bylaws. In March, a profile was developed, based upon input from leaders across the global church. Utilizing that profile, potential candidates were received and reviewed by the Board of General Superintendents. In late April, the Global Council met with Dr. Busic to recommend three to five of the best candidates to be interviewed by the Board of General Superintendents. A ballot was then prepared by the Global Council and Dr. Busic, which was ratified by the Local Church Ministries Committee of the General Board. From this ballot, the Board of General Superintendents will elect the next NDI director.

Keep an eye out for the announcement of our new director. If you have not already received it, it will be coming soon!

kensminger Fri, 05/10/2024 - 15:54

Nazarene Discipleship International

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New Global NDI Director

The Discipleship Place Recently Released the Thessalonians Bible Study

kensminger — Fri, 10 May 2024 15:39:16 +0000

The Discipleship Place Recently Released the Thessalonians Bible Study

You can now find the Thessalonians Bible study at DiscipleshipPlace.org. This resource is an in-depth study with rich insights that will give anyone a deeper understanding of Scripture. The original editors were Norman R. Oke and Ralph Earle. Thanks to the work of Dr. Daryll Stanton and Natasha Skyba, the Bible study has been revised. You can get started now! From the home page, click on Study > Biblical Studies and then look for the Bible Studies section. See the screenshots below for a visual on how to navigate.

kensminger Fri, 05/10/2024 - 15:39

Nazarene Discipleship International

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Discipleship Place Thessalonians Bible Study

Reflections about Discipleship after Attending the Exponential Conference

kensminger — Fri, 10 May 2024 15:18:38 +0000

Reflections about Discipleship after Attending the Exponential Conference

A large gathering at a large church campus with large production value has the potential to leave some attendees with feelings of inadequacy. The temptation to begin the comparison game is real. Thoughts such as, "My worth is less than the pastors on staff at the large church," can clutter our minds. Yet, here is the good news. The theological paradigm that informs our discipleship practice begins at ground zero as we acknowledge imago Dei – our value is imprinted deep in our being because of the character and nature of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Acknowledging each person's value flows directly from our understanding of God.

This year’s Exponential Conference, held March 4-7, 2024, emphasized the importance of discipleship, undergirded by the affirmation of imago Dei. Although the phrase imago Dei was not explicitly repeated, it was implicitly present. The plenary speakers were authentic and vulnerable. For example, Will Chung spoke about the season of pain he went through with mental health and how he moved through that season. He said, "Pretending works for a season until it doesn't because pretending may feed our egos, but eventually, it will deplete our souls." He then said, "We need to create intimate spaces where we don't have to pretend."

My takeaway from the conference was the importance of understanding that we will not create vulnerable and safe spaces where people do not need to pretend until we have acknowledged the worth of each person. If we model Jesus, we show up with people where they are, as they are, without a requirement to present a false self that is bent toward performing to prove our worth to others.

A possible misconception may emerge that creating a vulnerable and safe space where pretending is unnecessary means condoning sinful behavior; quite the contrary! However, if that misconception takes root and becomes the fear that motivates us, we will find it nearly impossible to create those spaces. Performance-based spirituality will "leak out" as we work hard not to be vulnerable, further availing sinful behavior.

Starting with an uncompromising commitment to all wrapped up in imago Dei means no sinful behavior can undermine the other person's worth. Nor can any high-performing spiritual behavior add to our worth as persons created in the image of God.

Discipleship has a trajectory and purpose—to become image bearers who are Christlike. The movement from prevenient grace to saving grace to sanctifying grace is never lost upon us as we disciple others. We walk with people where they are on the journey knowing well that God is always actively present in their lives.

Do you have an open and vulnerable space where you do not need to pretend? In discipleship ministries, are you practicing openness and accountability? If not, ask God to show you who that person can be for you. Share some of your thoughts with me at jcomstock@nazarene.org

kensminger Fri, 05/10/2024 - 15:18

Rev. John Comstock

CLT Coordinator

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Discipleship Exponential Conference

Donna’s Story

kensminger — Fri, 10 May 2024 15:01:08 +0000

Donna’s Story

Donna has been visually impaired for most of her life. She was able to drive in her early days as a Bethany Nazarene College student, but she was unable to drive when she graduated. Donna found that she was no longer able to read books as she loved to do, but instead she had to get used to audio books. A pair of magnifying glasses had become her new way of seeing, and she used special glasses to help her see things that seemed ever so distant to her although they were near to those without a visual impairment.

Despite the challenges Donna faced, she still found ways to serve the Lord. Donna has been a Sunday school teacher for more than 50 years. She has served as a local Nazarene Missions International president for more than 40 years. Donna is a board member at her local church; she also serves on a district committee. She has been a youth leader as well as a ladies ministry leader and speaker. She has even served as pulpit supply on special occasions. Donna just recently retired from custodian duties at her local church after more than 50 years of service. This is just a small sample of the many ways Donna has been engaged in the church and in serving the Lord.

In 2015, Donna testified that the Lord healed her vision at a prayer conference. She told her children that she felt the Lord touch her. She believes that God is faithful in what he says. Her vision did not improve; in fact, it has grown worse, but Donna maintains her faith and hope in what the Lord has said. Many people will struggle to understand how someone can testify to be healed and yet have some sort of affliction. While’s Donna’s sight may still be impaired, her faith is strong. When Paul tells of the thorn in his flesh, he says, “Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. This is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:8-10). Donna’s testimony is much like Paul’s. Her sight may not be restored, but God is restoring and empowering her.

Donna has been married to her husband, Marty, for 46 years. They have three adult children and six grandchildren. Donna is currently serving in her local church as the adult Sunday school teacher and NMI president. While reading is exceptionally hard for her, Donna still wakes up each day and reads God’s Word with the help of her reading device. Disabilities come in all kinds of forms, but God is still good. There are many times when we struggle to see God’s goodness. It is easier for us to see the hardships or the reasons why we can’t do what God is calling us to do. I thank God that, “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak” (Isaiah 40:29).

We may never comprehend the why, but we can definitely find hope in Jesus. For Donna, it has not been an easy journey. She has had to work hard to be the teacher and leader God has called her to be; she has had to overcome the battles of not being able to see, or drive, or work traditional jobs; she has had to wake up each day and make the decision to follow Christ despite all of the hardships. But Donna will tell you the journey with Jesus is worth it!

Donna’s eldest daughter, Crystal, had this to say about witnessing her mom overcome hardship to serve the Lord: “I am in awe of how most people around her will not even know she has a visual impairment unless she tells them. She maneuvers through life as if she can see. She can remember how to get almost anywhere if she has been there once. She never lets her disability stop her from any endeavor. Her vision does not stop her from her calling. She doesn't just live life; she experiences it to its fullest.”

Donna’s second daughter, Shannon, shared this about Donna, “It is impossible to put into words all the things I admire about mom. She is an absolutely amazing human being. She has never let her disability define her. Her compassion for others is unmatched. Despite her low vision, she goes above and beyond to help others. She is more giving of her time, abilities, and means than most without a disability. She is the epitome of Christlikeness. She continues to have an adventurous spirit and sense of humor. She is willing to try anything. Despite many obstacles, she will find a way. She can laugh at her mistakes and mishaps. She can handle being the brunt of many jokes and dish it right back out. She is an amazing mom and an even better grandma. Her love is unconditional. She is the leader of the family and the go-to for spiritual and life advice. She is full of wisdom and emotional strength. She asks little from anyone but will give the shirt off her back to anyone in need.”

Donna’s youngest has had the incredible privilege to write an article about his mom. “As a child, I remember my mom not wanting to go to the grocery store because it was so hard for her to read the labels and price tags. She didn’t like that it took so long to find what she wanted and that people would often get exasperated with her because she would take too long looking at something they wanted. As I remember those challenges, I find myself even more thankful for her drive and desire to live for Jesus. For someone who can’t see the price tag at a grocery store, you have been an incredible example of Jesus to so many people, and you stand as a beacon of hope for those who feel like they can’t overcome the obstacles. Thanks for being an incredible mom and follower of Jesus! I love you mom. Happy Mother’s Day!”

You can connect with me, Rev. Ryan Nelson, NDI disability ministry coordinator for the Church of the Nazarene, at rnelson@nazarene.org

kensminger Fri, 05/10/2024 - 15:01

Nazarene Discipleship International

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Donna's Story

Nazarene Camping

kensminger — Fri, 10 May 2024 14:38:47 +0000

Nazarene Camping

Camps for Nazarene children and youth are great places for our young people to become Christlike disciples! I committed my life to Christ in a boys and girls camp in eastern Michigan at the age of 10 and then was further discipled as a teen in camps, so Nazarene camps have a special place in my life and ministry. The Nazarene Camping Association provides prayer support and networking among camp, retreat, and conference centers within the Church of the Nazarene. Check out this map of camps if you are looking for a camp for your church. You can also download further information.

Share your camping story with us at dstanton@nazarene.org

kensminger Fri, 05/10/2024 - 14:38

Nazarene Discipleship International

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Nazarene Camping

PALCON 2024 – One Heart!

kensminger — Fri, 10 May 2024 14:21:55 +0000

PALCON 2024 – One Heart!

Are you planning to attend PALCON 2024?

Mount Vernon Nazarene University will host PALCON June 25-27, 2024.

Eastern Nazarene College will host PALCON July 17-19, 2024.

Point Loma Nazarene University will host PALCON July 22-24, 2024.

Hope to see you there! Get acquainted with our new global NDI team members and find some NDI resources at each venue. Plan to check out our NDI workshops and exhibits. Rev. John Comstock will be presenting workshops on some dynamics of discipleship, and Rev. Ryan Nelson will be presenting workshops on our new disability ministry.

kensminger Fri, 05/10/2024 - 14:21

Nazarene Discipleship International

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PALCON 2024

NDI USA/Canada Leadership Conference (LC2024) November 5-7, 2024

kensminger — Fri, 10 May 2024 13:59:07 +0000

NDI USA/Canada Leadership Conference (LC2024) November 5-7, 2024

Nazarene Discipleship International will hold LC2024 at the Hyatt Regency hotel downtown in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This strategic location in the central United States provides ease of travel from anywhere in the USA/Canada Region. The LC2024 conference begins on Tuesday evening, November 5, and continues through Thursday morning, November 7, 2024.

Among the inspirational speakers are Dr. David Busic, general superintendent in the Church of the Nazarene, and Dr. Stan Reeder, USA/Canada regional director.

Dr. Busic served as senior pastor in several churches and was president of Nazarene Theological Seminary from 2011 to 2013 before being elected general superintendent. He is well-known for his articles and books, including Perfectly Imperfect: Character Sketches from the Old Testament; Perfectly Imperfect, Character Sketches from the New Testament; The City: Urban Churches in the Wesleyan Tradition; Way, Truth, Life: Discipleship as a Journey of Grace; and his most recent volume, The Praying Pastor: Learning to Lead from your Knees.

His preaching and tireless work on compassion and theology projects are widely respected throughout the church. We are looking forward to hearing Dr. Busic this coming November!

Dr. Reeder, a citizen of both Canada and the United States, has pastored in both countries for more than 20 years. He served as superintendent of the Oregon Pacific District, a position he held for 11 years. In 2021, he assumed the position of USA/Canada regional director. Throughout his ministry, Dr. Reeder has prioritized equipping believers to become missionally effective, faith-filled, and fully engaged in making Christlike disciples. He has a passion and commitment to share the message of the gospel with those who are yet to hear it.

This November, Dr. Reeder will share both his experience and equipping tools for the advancement of your discipleship ministry.

You can benefit from special negotiated rates by registering early by clicking here! Additional details about LC2024 will be made available by visiting this webpage or contacting the NDI Global Office as well as your NDI field and district presidents. Stay tuned for more information on additional speakers in the coming months!

kensminger Fri, 05/10/2024 - 13:59

Nazarene Discipleship International

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NDI LC 2024

Kids Reaching Kids Enables Vacation Bible School in Armenia

kensminger — Fri, 10 May 2024 13:48:30 +0000

Kids Reaching Kids Enables Vacation Bible School in Armenia

Vacation Bible School (VBS) is a key ministry in Armenia. It is an evangelistic tool to attract and invite new children. It is also a perfect way for disciplining them. Last year’s VBS theme was “Follow Jesus here, there, and everywhere.” Armenian children enjoy the VBS to the maximum, and it is one of the most expected activities of the year.

In 2023, four local churches in the Armenia District were supported with funds provided by Kids Reaching Kids (KRK) to support their local VBS and related activities. However, Armenian children also raised an offering for KRK to support and be a small part of the great KRK outreach.

VBS is held in our Yerevan, Akhuryan, Maralik, and Gyumri churches during July and August. The sessions last four to five hours each day and include many different activities, such as:

• Worship

• Bible stories

• Discipleship

• Bible verse activities

• Crafts

• Games

• Cooking lessons

• Music and worship time

• Community activities

The greatest testimony is that the children continue attending our kids clubs, learning more about Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. One notable outcome is that today in the Armenia District, VBS and the kids camps are planned, organized, and implemented by the teenagers and youth who themselves were once VBS participants—a blessed harvest that the Lord gave us after so many years of hard work.

We are very grateful for the support in reaching children and their families for the Lord. Thank you for being part of our ministries.

– Armenia District Church of the Nazarene

kensminger Fri, 05/10/2024 - 13:48

Nazarene Discipleship International

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VBS Armenia

Are You Ready for Your 2024 VBS?

kensminger — Thu, 09 May 2024 21:23:31 +0000

Are You Ready for Your 2024 VBS?

River Rafting Adventure

This year’s VBS is titled River Rafting Adventure! Are you ready to lead your children on an exciting adventure? River Rafting Adventure is available for free download in both English and Spanish.

Each stop on this exciting River Rafting Adventure will draw your children closer to God and his love. They will learn that God fills us with his love, God transforms us with his love, God saves us with his love, and God wants us to share his love with those around us.

During this rafting trip, we travel down the river with Bobby (our scientist) and Sammy (our river guide). Along the way, Bobby and Sammy share how God’s love is for them and for everyone they meet on their journey. We will see the communities they visit transformed by God’s love, and we will have opportunities for our own lives to be transformed.

An optional fifth day provides an opportunity for you to take the love of God to the community through a special missions project. A closing celebration is also included to give the children a chance to share what they have learned with their families as well as an opportunity to invite parents and other guests to begin a relationship with God.

Added Benefit

An added benefit of our VBS programs is that they promote the scriptures our children will be studying in the upcoming children's Bible quizzing program. For more information about VBS and the KRK missions offering, click here!

kensminger Thu, 05/09/2024 - 21:23

Nazarene Discipleship International

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VBS 2024