Church of the Nazarene

Todd Garrett named MNU vice president of University Advancement and Athletics

dlsperry94 — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 19:28:00 +0000

Todd Garrett named MNU vice president of University Advancement and Athletics

dlsperry94 Thu, 07/03/2025 - 19:28

MidAmerica Nazarene University President Jon North announced on 1 July 2025, the appointment of G. Todd Garrett as vice president for University Advancement and Athletics, effective immediately. Garrett has served as the director of athletics at MNU since 2017.

"This appointment brings together two critical areas of our university operations under a person with proven leadership, deep institutional knowledge, and exceptional performance," North said. "Todd has served MNU with distinction for nearly three decades, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to our Christian mission and remarkable success across multiple roles."

Garrett's history with MNU began as a student majoring in physical education and health education. He played catcher for the Pioneer baseball team and graduated in 1994. Embarking on a career as an educator at the Olathe School District in 1995, he taught physical education and health classes. He served as an assistant baseball coach at Olathe South High School. In 1998, Garrett returned to MNU as the head baseball coach, a position he held until 2006, when he joined the University Advancement team as director of athletic development.

Garrett's career advanced through fundraising roles—first as Pioneer Athletic Association director, then director of development & corporate partnerships—before becoming director of athletics in January 2017, overseeing both fundraising and athletic administration.

"Todd's experience uniquely positions him for this expanded role," North said. "He has played a significant role in the success of the Bright Futures Campaign, raising millions for both the Cunningham Center and Copeland Athletic Complex projects at MNU. He is an exceptionally gifted fundraiser who is highly regarded throughout the community."

"It is an extreme honor to accept this role under the leadership of Dr. North as he begins implementing an exciting vision for MNU's future," Garrett said. "It has been my privilege to serve with an amazing group of servant leaders, coaches, and directors over the past eight years in Pioneer Athletics as they have diligently invested in our young people through intercollegiate athletics. The commitment to excellence that I have witnessed from some of the most talented coaches and directors in the industry has been inspiring."

Garrett's leadership of MNU athletics programs has been highly successful and recognized in the athletic community. His multiple accolades include:

MNU Administrator of the Year, 2022
MNU Athletic Department Pioneer Pride Award, 2022
HEART Conference Commissioner's Cup Champions, 2023-24 (first-ever for MNU)
HEART Conference Athletic Director of the Year, 2023-24
HEART Conference Commissioner's Cup Champions, 2024-25

During Garrett’s tenure, MNU athletic department achieved national championships, developed numerous all-American athletes, earned scholar-athlete recognitions, and secured multiple conference titles.

Equally important to Garrett is the mission of shaping men and women of character in a Christ-centered environment.

President North reiterated the uniqueness of Garrett's expertise relative to the vice president position.

"With Todd's athletic leadership, our programs have reached unprecedented heights of success. He has led our student athlete enrollment growth, culminating in an 80 percent increase since 2017. His extensive experience in development and corporate partnerships, coupled with his proven ability to build relationships and generate philanthropic support, makes him ideally suited to lead both advancement and athletics."

Todd and his wife, Karen Garrett, have two adult children who are MNU alumni. The Garretts live in Gardner, Kansas, and attend Life Church of Overland Park, Kansas.

Moving Ministers: June 2025

dlsperry94 — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 18:57:21 +0000

Moving Ministers: June 2025

dlsperry94 Thu, 07/03/2025 - 18:57

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 June 2025.
To view the June report, click here.

For previous reports, see usacanadanazarene.org.

In Memoriam: 4 July 2025

dlsperry94 — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 18:49:48 +0000

In Memoriam: 4 July 2025

dlsperry94 Thu, 07/03/2025 - 18:49

The following is a weekly listing of Nazarene ministers and leaders who recently went home to be with the Lord. Notices were received from 30 June - 4 July 2025.

Barbara Brock, 78, of Mishawaka, Indiana, passed away 23 June 2025. She was the widow of Wayne Brock a retired minister who served in Indiana and Illinois. Wayne passed away in 2011.

Clifford Church, 88, of Newark, Ohio, passed away 24 June 2025. He was a retired minister who served in Ohio. He is survived by his wife, Ruby Church.

Howard Kelly, 88, of Richmond, Kentucky, passed away 30 June 2025. He was a retired minister who served in Kentucky. He was precded in death by his wife, Alma Kelly, who passed away in 2020.

Vera Rushford-Biddle, 101, of San Bernardino, California, passed away 15 June 2025. She was the widow of Gilbert Rushford, a retired minister who served in Texas and California. Gilbert passed away in 1993. Vera was preceded in death by her second husband, James Biddle, who passed away in 2019.

Dale Van Meter, 96, of Thayer, Kansas, passed away 27 June 2025. Dale was a retired minister who served in Missouri. He was preceded in death by his wife, Iris, who passed away in 2021.

Robert Williams, 94, of Duncanville, Texas, passed away 29 June 2025. He was a retired minister who served in Texas, Pennsylvania, and Washington D.C. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lenora Williams, who passed away in 2021.

To view past editions of In Memoriam, click here.

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

Flags of the Nations: Cuba

dlsperry94 — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 21:54:53 +0000

Flags of the Nations: Cuba

dlsperry94 Wed, 07/02/2025 - 21:54

Since 1 September 2009, the Church of the Nazarene's Global Ministry Center (GMC) proudly flies a flag each week of one of the many nations in which the denomination is present in ministry. Leaders were invited to send a national flag to be flown at the GMC alongside the flag of the United States*. The national flags rotate weekly, and photos of them raised are sent to the church leaders of that country.

This week: Cuba

The Church of the Nazarene officially entered Cuba in 1902.
Cuba had a population of 10,966,038 in 2024. That same year, Cuba reported 147 Churches of the Nazarene, 144 of which had been officially organized. Cuba has 9,507 total members.

Located on the Mesoamerica Region, Cuba has two Phase 3 district and one Phase 2 district. For more information about the Mesoamerica Region, visit mesoamericaregion.org.

* = The weekly highlighted flag is raised on the middle of three poles in compliance with U.S. government protocols. It flies to the left of the GMC host-nation United States flag, which flies above the host-state flag of Kansas. The Christian flag flies on the third pole.

The Global Ministry Center is the mission and service hub of the Church of the Nazarene.

Dance Mathebula appointed superintendent of RSA Drakensberg District

dlsperry94 — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 21:19:28 +0000

Dance Mathebula appointed superintendent of RSA Drakensberg District

dlsperry94 Wed, 07/02/2025 - 21:19

The Africa South Field has announced Dance Gamalami Mathebula’s appointment as the new district superintendent of the RSA Drakensberg District. This appointment, made by the General Superintendent in Jurisdiction Filimão Chambo, effective 1 July 2025, will continue throughout the current church term and conclude with the January 2028 district assembly.

Mathebula’s appointment follows the commendable tenure of Muriel Mambane, who led the RSA Drakensberg District effectively. Mathebula brings over two decades of dedicated service to the Church of the Nazarene. He holds a national diploma in Theology from NTC-SA and earned a Bachelor of Theology Honours in theological ethics, focusing on clinical pastoral counselling and environmental care, from University of South Africa (UNISA).

Mathebula’s serves as a member of the General Board representing the Africa Region. He is dedicated to discipling church members and nurturing emerging leaders through structured ministry training and spiritual formation. Besides being committed to enhancing his understanding of theology, his dedication to pastoral care has been pivotal in guiding his congregation and fostering spiritual growth within the community.

In addition, he is actively involved in community engagement and is committed to holistic ministry: integrating biblical teaching, community service, leadership development and personal discipleship.

Please join the Africa Region in welcoming Dance Mathebula as he assumes the role of superintendent of the RSA Drakensberg District.

Uruguay Northern District leadership conference equips ministers

dlsperry94 — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 21:05:49 +0000

Uruguay Northern District leadership conference equips ministers

dlsperry94 Wed, 07/02/2025 - 21:05

The training "The Being of a Leader" was held 18-19 June 2025, at the Northern District Center in Uruguay. The event began on Friday at 6 p.m. and continued on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This meeting was attended by Field Strategy Coordinator Eduardo Meza and his wife, Rocío Fonseca. The meeting brought together district leaders and pastors in a collaborative effort between Eduardo and District Superintendent Fredy Godoy.

The day featured workshops and Nazarene family fellowship times, providing opportunities for training, motivation, and ministry. The primary focus was to strengthen local ministerial growth, emphasizing holistic and spiritual care for pastoral families and leaders. Participants acknowledged the need for spiritual renewal, strength, and sustenance through prayer and communion with God.

It was a time of edification, equipping dedicated ministers with new tools to continue with passion and dedication the mission the Lord has called them to.

In addition, Oscar Benítez, the communications coordinator for South America, conducted an expository workshop on the importance of staying informed about developments within the denomination locally, nationally, and regionally. He emphasized the need to strategically strengthen and develop this ministry in Uruguay so that it can serve as a key support resource for the core ministries.

Oscar also encouraged active participation among team members who will assume responsibility for leading this work beginning in 2025. His presentation incorporated practical methods for taking photographs, highlighting the importance of visual representation as an effective communication tool within the church.

--Church of the Nazarene South America

Indonesia church begins construction on building following generous donations

dlsperry94 — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 19:39:11 +0000

Indonesia church begins construction on building following generous donations

dlsperry94 Wed, 07/02/2025 - 19:39

On 3 June 2025, the Imanuel Church of the Nazarene in Tanjung Selor, North Kalimantan, Indonesia, began a new chapter in its history by laying the first stone to start construction on a church building. Led by Kalimantan District Superintendent Mahendra*, the church is also beginning the process to become officially organized.

Imanuel Church of the Nazarene is one of the local Nazarene churches in the Kalimantan District, Indonesia, which has 12 family members. Imanuel also has an evangelistic post with 10 family members. Alfian*, who serves as pastor of the church, had a passion to serve in Tanjung Selor. He graduated from the Indonesian Nazarene Theological College in 2021.

While serving the church, Alfian was also active in pioneering several other areas, which would later become the evangelistic post of Imanuel church. His passion to serve God and an active outreach ministry has yielded results, including an expansion of congregations, community support, and backing from the local government.

In 2024, a man named Parel* donated a plot of land measuring 15x30 meters. Alfian transferred the land register to the church and registered it with the local government. Additionally, with God's help and through cooperation with the local government, the church received financial assistance of 50 million IDR (Rupiah), or approximately $3,000, which constituted the initial capital for the church construction.

"I hope that Imanuel Church of the Nazarene will be a new spirit for God's servants in the Church of the Nazarene, especially in Indonesia," Alfian said. "Please pray that God will provide for the ongoing construction, pray for the evangelistic posts that we are pioneering, and please pray for me, my family, and the congregation at Imanuel Church. Our longing is that Imanuel church will continue to grow and many preaching points will be opened."

--Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific
*Full names omitted for security

2025 USA/Canada commencement report

dlsperry94 — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 14:58:57 +0000

2025 USA/Canada commencement report

dlsperry94 Wed, 07/02/2025 - 14:58

Nazarene News compiled the following list of spring commencement reports from each of the Nazarene institutions of higher education on the USA/Canada Region:

Ambrose University
President: Bryce Ashlin-Mayo
Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Web: ambrose.edu
Date of Graduation Exercises: 12 May 2025
Commencement Speaker: Fili Chambo
Number of Graduates: 189
Fast Facts: Canadian universities follow the British historical model of academic dress, as well as the North American Intercollegiate Code for bachelor's, master's and doctoral attire...Full story

MidAmerica Nazarene University
President: David Spittal
Location: Olathe, Kansas
Web: mnu.edu
Date of Graduation Exercises: 3 May
Commencement Speaker: David Spittal
Number of Graduates: 375
Fast Facts: To honor the retirement of university President David Spittal, MidAmerica Nazarene University granted Spittal the honorary title of President Emeritus. In addition, Donna Spittal was bestowed an Honorary Doctor of Laws…Full story

Mount Vernon Nazarene University
President: Carson Castleman
Location: Mount Vernon, Ohio
Web: mvnu.edu
Date of Graduation Exercises: 3 May
Commencement Speaker: Ked Frank
Number of Graduates: 421
Fast Facts: Marissa Kunes, a Chemistry major with a pre-med concentration, and Evan Hodkinson, a Biology major with a pre-med concentration, were presented the Service Above Self awards during the 65th MVNU commencement ceremonies...Full story

Nazarene Bible College
President: Scott Sherwood
Location: Lenexa, Kansas
Web: nbc.edu
Date of Graduation Exercises: Various
Number of Graduates: 35
Fast Facts: Since the 2022-2023 academic year, Nazarene Bible College no longer hosts an in person commencement celebration...Full story

Northwest Nazarene University
President: Joel Pearsall
Location: Nampa, Idaho
Web: nnu.edu
Date of Graduation Exercises: 3 May
Commencement Speaker: Joel Pearsall
Number of Graduates: 390
Fast Facts: Joel Pearsall is retiring after serving as the university president since 2015. Pearsall was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters to recognize his years of service...Full story

Nazarene Theological Seminary
President: Jeren Rowell
Location: Kansas City, Missouri
Web: nts.edu
Date of Graduation Exercises: 3 May
Commencement Speaker: Victor Price
Number of Graduates: 42
Fast Facts: The 2025 Nazarene Theological Seminary commencement marked the graduation of the first cohort of students for the Doctorate of Ministry in Black Leadership and Ministry...Full story

Olivet Nazarene University
President: Gregg Chenoweth
Location: Bourbonnais, Illinois
Web: olivet.edu
Date of Graduation Exercises: 3 May
Commencement Speakers: Angel Colón, LaMorris Crawford
Number of Graduates: 813
Fast Facts: On Friday afternoon, Olivet Nazarene University’s School of Nursing held its annual Pinning Ceremony in Kresge Auditorium — a moment cherished by nursing graduates and their families alike...Full story

Point Loma Nazarene University
President: Kerry Fulcher
Location: San Diego, California
Web: pointloma.edu
Date of Graduation Exercises: 6-7 May
Commencement Speakers: Michael Corke, Lisa Raser
Number of Graduates: 860
Fast Facts: Point Loma held multiple ceremonies in its outdoor Greek amphitheater...Video

Southern Nazarene University
President: J. Keith Newman
Location: Bethany, Oklahoma
Web: snu.edu
Date of Graduation Exercises: 3 May
Commencement Speaker: Gustavo Crocker
Number of Graduates: 500
Fast Facts: SNU presented an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters to SNU alumna Cheryl Chamberlain Crouch. Crouch has dedicated her life to service in global missions and education and was recently appointed global director of Nazarene Missions International...Full story

Trevecca Nazarene University
President: Dan Boone
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Web: trevecca.edu
Date of Graduation Exercises: 3 May
Commencement Speaker: Yolanda Statom
Number of Graduates: 1,007
Fast Facts: After a large rainstorm drenched graduates and families during the undergraduate ceremony last year, Trevecca Nazarene Univeristy held all of its graduation ceremonies indoors due to inclement weather...Full story

In Memoriam: 27 June 2025

dlsperry94 — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 20:53:24 +0000

In Memoriam: 27 June 2025

dlsperry94 Thu, 06/26/2025 - 20:53

The following is a weekly listing of Nazarene ministers and leaders who recently went home to be with the Lord. Notices were received from 23-27 June 2025.

Kathy Ah Sing, 62, of Pahoa, Hawaii, passed away 11 June 2025. She was the wife of Charles K. Ah Sing, a minister who served in California and Hawaii.

Robert Brown, 74, of Bolingbrook, Illinois, passed away 21 June 2025. He was a minister who served in Illinois. He is survived by his wife, Susan Brown.

Richard Chaplin, 87, of Vandalia, Illinois, passed away 18 June 2025. He was the spouse of Lila Chaplin, a minister who served in Illinois.

Mark Deneen, 75, of Niles, Ohio, passed away 21 June 2025. He was a retired minister who served in Pennsylvania and Ohio. He is survived by his wife, Marlene Deneen.

Naomi Johnson, 89, of Longview, Texas, passed away 19 June 2025. She was the widow of Bernard Johnson, a retired minister who served in Minnesota, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Texas, and Arkansas. Bernard passed away in 2023.

Doloris Jones, 93, of Mason, Ohio, passed away 22 June 2025. She was the widow of Gary Jones, a retired minister who served in Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio.

Blaine Strauser, 98, of Himrod, New York, passed away 12 June 2025. He was a retired minister who served in Indiana, California, and Arizona. He was preceded in death by his wife, Janet Strauser.

Gracie Taylor, 95, of Westland, Michigan, passed away 22 June 2025. She was a minister who served in Michigan. She is survived by her husband, Thomas Taylor.

To view past editions of In Memoriam, click here.

--Compiled by Nazarene News

IT missions trip brings technological upgrades to Indonesia Nazarene Theological College

dlsperry94 — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 20:35:04 +0000

IT missions trip brings technological upgrades to Indonesia Nazarene Theological College

dlsperry94 Thu, 06/26/2025 - 20:35

A Nazarene Missions Team from Global Missions and the Asia-Pacific Region IT office visited the Indonesia Nazarene Theological College (INTC), as part of an IT project, from 14-28 May 2025, to enhance the internet system and install a smart classroom.

This collaborative project involving Indonesia Nazarene Theological College, the Sealands Field, Asia-Pacific Region IT, and the Nazarene Missions Team was initiated to address the needs of the campus in today’s era of global education. Institutions must be creative, innovative, and collaborative to deliver increasingly high-quality theological education to both the Nazarene community and external stakeholders. This effort also ensures greater effectiveness in reaching souls, aiming to prepare students from diverse backgrounds—reflecting the broader vision that drives the importance of this project.

The internet connection at INTC has significantly improved, leading students to appreciate the effectiveness and efficiency of their work with a strong internet connection. Lecturers and administrative staff value the advantages of a reliable internet connection.

During the course of the project, the campus took the opportunity to strengthen its engagement with the Church of the Nazarene’s vision. Several youth involved in media services, along with tech-savvy students, participated in both the installation and design of SmartClass. The time with the youth became an opportunity to mentor and share plans, aimed at broadening their perspective on the project’s future direction.

Through informal sessions — including shared meals, campus tours, visits to local churches, and daily conversations — participants gained a deeper understanding of the Indonesian culture. The project concluded with a cultural night, when students showcased their regional culture through dance, songs, and traditional costumes. This cultural night also featured the inauguration of the Smart Class, organized by three study programs: Theology, Christian Religious Education, and Master of Theology.

“To be honest, the campus doesn’t have a lot of resources to do this project," said Seri Damarwanti, INTC President. "But personally, as a leader on campus, I don’t want to be stuck on the same old problems, and with the strength that God has given me, I invite my colleagues on campus to take steps of faith. With careful planning and calculation, we finally agreed to move forward and complete what God has placed in our hearts. Hopefully, with improved IT capabilities, the vision of INTC and the Global Church of the Nazarene can be effectively realized. The Lord Jesus is increasingly glorified on our beloved campus."

--Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific Region