4 June 2025

Africa, Asia-Pacific, Eurasia, Mesoamerica, South America, USA-Canada Regions

Global Nazarene Missions International

Nazarene Missions International will be celebrating its 110th Anniversary later this year. At the fourth General Assembly of the Church of the Nazarene in 1915, the Women’s Missionary Society was formed to “increase knowledge and interest in missions by prayer, by obtaining special speakers, and by keeping in touch with missionaries; and to cooperate with the local church board in raising their apportionments for missions.” In 1928, the name changed to Women’s Foreign Missionary Society, and in 1952, it became the Nazarene Foreign Missionary Society to reflect the introduction of men, youth, and children into the organization. In 1964, the name changed to Nazarene World Missionary Society, and in 1980, it changed to Nazarene World Mission Society to reflect the international aspect of the organization. Since 2001, we have been Nazarene Missions International (NMI). Throughout the many name changes, the purpose of NMI has remained consistent, with a focus on every local church and the mobilization of the church in mission. Over these 110 years, there have been seven executive secretaries and general directors, the latest being Lola Brickey, who served as global NMI director for 10 years. Today’s NMI Central introduces the new global NMI director, Cheryl Crouch, who took office on 1 June 2025.

The NMI Constitution now defines NMI membership as equal to local church membership. In 2024, there were more than 2.783 million NMI members organized into 27,862 churches around the world.

Kids Kaleidoscope

Click here to access Kids Kaleidoscope, a monthly addition to NMI Central to awaken and nurture a spirit of missions in everyone.

In December 2024, the Board of General Superintendents announced the election of Cheryl Crouch as the new global director of Nazarene Missions International (NMI), effective 1 June 2025.

When Cheryl said “Yes” to God at the early age of five, and “Yes” to His call to missions at the age of 17, she had no idea of all that would become her journey in His will for her life. A seasoned leader, Cheryl has served as a Nazarene missionary in Papua New Guinea with her husband, Jeff. Following their return from the mission field, she has continued to provide NMI leadership at the local and district levels on the West Texas District.

Cheryl has written over 35 books and many curriculum projects, published by Nazarene Missions International, Nazarene Discipleship International, and The Foundry. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English from Southern Nazarene University and was recently given an Honorary Doctorate from Southern Nazarene University at the 2025 Graduation.

Now, Cheryl and her husband, Jeff, have significant transitions to make in life: moving from their home in Denton, Texas, USA, to Kansas City, Missouri, USA, to assume this new role, and the many responsibilities associated with it. They leave behind family, friends of a lifetime, and move into new chapters of God’s calling. Saying “Yes” to God always leads to an incredible adventure that only He can imagine for us.

Cheryl says: “I have a life-long best friend, and every time I am given an award or elected to a new position, she says, ‘You were chosen to represent the normal people.’

“I am acutely aware of my ‘normalness’ today as I once again find myself surrounded by gifted, seasoned leaders. However, since the God who called me knows better than anyone just how ‘normal’ I am, I’m trusting Him to equip me.”

“Happily, as I look back over my life, I see that all along he has been equipping me for this moment – not because I am exceptional, but because He is exceptionally faithful.”

“I am humbled and honored that God would call me to be the Global Director of Nazarene Missions International. It is a joyous privilege to serve alongside faithful NMI volunteers as we nurture the vital connection between each local congregation and the work of God around the world.”

Could You Serve?

Is God calling you to become more involved in NMI in your local church or district? For more information, click here.

NMI Central is available in a curated PDF archive.
To read previous editions, click here.