September 2023

The Smell of Carpet

Dr. Paul G. Cunningham, former pastor of College Church of the Nazarene in Olathe, Kansas, and retired general superintendent, went to be with the Lord on July 18, 2020. It would be hard to estimate the positive influence Dr. Cunningham had on Christ’s church. Have you ever stopped to wonder what the secret was to his ministry?

 

Recently, I heard a story about his 30-year tenure as pastor of Olathe College Church of the Nazarene. Under his leadership, the church grew from 46 members to 2,258 members. Through the years, Dr. Cunningham developed a habit of going to his large sanctuary late on Saturday night. He would turn the lights on, walk in front of the pulpit, lay face down on the ground with arms spread wide, and cry out to God for his congregation. In his later years, one person asked him about this pattern of prayer. With a reminiscing grin, Dr. Cunningham said, “I can still remember the smell of that carpet.”

 

A defining mark of Jesus’ disciples, by definition, is that they spend time with Jesus. Luke, the author of the book of Acts, realized this fact as he told the story of Peter and John. Acts 4:13 records that “When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.” What makes men and women extraordinary leaders in Christ’s kingdom? Spending time with the King!

 

When 30 discipleship leaders from all six regions of the world gathered by Zoom in 2021, they looked for the answer to the question, “What are the principles, practices, and behaviors of a healthy Christian who makes disciples along ‘A Journey of Grace’?” Over the two months of meetings, they discovered five core principles of discipleship for the global church. The first core principle of discipleship is “Fervent Prayer,” because the starting place of discipleship is always alone time with Jesus.

 

This Journey newsletter for September is dedicated to the core principle of fervent prayer. Let me begin with this question for each of us, “Are we willing to enter that holy and quiet space, where God speaks to us?” We can’t hurry communication with God. We must wait on Him and learn to listen. If we, Christ’s church, have any desire to know intimacy with God and power for ministry, we will begin by meeting with Jesus. If the church wants to truly make disciples who make disciples, we must learn to be a people of fervent prayer, praying for and with the lost, teaching new believers to pray, and developing a praying congregation. Maybe it is time to get down on our face before God, like Dr. Cunningham, and get to know the smell of our carpet!

 

Rev. Susan Booth Elected as NDI General Board Representative

Rev. Susan Booth, one of six nominees, was elected by the NDI Global Council to serve as the NDI representative on the General Board of the Church of the Nazarene. Susan currently serves as the NDI coordinator on the Africa South Field, which includes 26 districts and 5 countries. Susan holds a degree in theology and was ordained in 2017.

Discipleship Requires Fervent Prayer

One of the five core principles in our new Nazarene Discipleship International (NDI) Bylaws is Fervent Prayer. Our Nazarene Essentials notes: “Prayer, the Word of God, and intentionally helping each other to be more like Jesus characterize dynamic discipleship in the church.”

 

NDI Receives Grant to Begin New Ministry Initiative for People with Disabilities

In January, NDI, in partnership with Wonderful Works Ministry, submitted a proposal to the Lilly Endowment to provide special resourcing to USA and Canada churches with the goal of equipping our churches to become more accessible to people with disabilities. We are pleased to announce that the proposal was approved, and NDI received a grant to support this five-year initiative.

GA Kids at General Assembly and Conventions

During the 30th General Assembly and Conventions, a new event took place: GA Kids! From June 9-11, there were numerous intentional age-specific services and resources created for early childhood and elementary children. This included speakers, special guests, games, and messages that coincided with the theme of the main worship services.

Looking for a New VBS Program?

Every year, Nazarene churches are bombarded by numerous VBS programs from other denominations and companies while not realizing that Nazarenes have a VBS curriculum created by Nazarenes. So before you purchase a VBS resource that doesn’t reflect the Wesleyan-Holiness theology, investigate one created especially for your children. And it is a free download! 

A Special Invitation to all Nazarene Educators

As you work in your area of education, you are committed to ministry to your students and their families, as well as to your colleagues. We are so thankful for all that you do to show Christ’s love to others every day. 

Renew your marriage with 31 days of online marriage devotionals

The Discipleship Place is offering a free resource to married couples. These devotionals, written by Dr. David and Lisa Frisbie, offer practical insights on how husbands and wives can strengthen their marriage while being rooted in Scripture. The daily emails also have a prayer focus to help spouses pray with one another. Click here to sign up today and begin receiving daily emails sent to your inbox.

Mark Your Calendar for NDI’s Leadership Conference (LC2024) - November 5-7, 2024!

LC2024 will be held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This strategic location in the central United States provides ease of travel from anywhere in the USA/Canada Region. The dates of the conference are Tuesday, November 5, through Thursday morning, November 7, 2024. 

Nebraska NDI district president passes away unexpectedly

Barry Kennard, 54, of Hastings, Nebraska, passed away 11 August 2023. Kennard served as co-lead pastor of Lakeside Community Church in Hastings, alongside his wife, Krystal Kennard. He also served as the NDI president for the Nebraska District.

 

 

 

 

Women’s Discipleship Ministries Gather at General Assembly

General Assembly 2023 was a wonderful way for Nazarene women to connect. The USA/Canada women's discipleship representatives enjoyed all the ways we gathered and greeted one another through our booth, worship gatherings, workshops, or spontaneous meetings in the halls as we celebrated our bond of love in God.

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