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Church Sponsorship

A common question asked about ethnic specific ministry is one concerning unity. Are we not all Christians and is this not the central commonality we should focus on? To this one responds with a resounding Yes. We are all disciples of Jesus and inextricably of the same body. This is indeed our common call. However, within the diversity of the body there is a unique call and place for ethnic specific ministry to minister, teach, train, heal, challenge and reach a generation of people in the context of their culture and experience.

Even if we would recoil at the idea of separate churches, the fact remains that if ethnic and Anglo Americans come from different worlds, it is only natural to expect them to have churches that are different, and to have adopted worship mores that are fundamentally worlds apart. Of course, there is only one true church and all Nazarenes are charged with being unified in Christ (Eph. 4:4), but the difference is one of degree rather than of kind. Where freedom is allowed there can be valid variations.

LOST PEOPLE LOSE
Starting strong ethnic churches create opportunities to reach people who would not ordinarily be reached by Anglo congregations.


Multicultural News

Leaders from six Multicultural Strategy Committees met in Kansas City to review the multicultural strategy for reaching the escalating presence of people groups in the US and Canada. Dr. Russell Begaye, consultant for multicultural and ethnic ministries with the Southern Baptist, served as the specialist for the occasion. Begaye stressed the need for attending to the immigrant complexities in a strange land and warned that we can become irrelevant without such emphasis.

The long-term strategy for Multicultural Ministries will be to help districts recruit the best leaders from among the people groups who are relational, connected to the people, and recognized as future catalytic leaders. In the very near future Mission Strategy would help implement the "Ethnic Coordinator Leadership Program," to help prepare individuals to serve as ethnic coordinators to district superintendents and districts. The program objectives:

• To gain knowledge and insight of the multiethnic needs that exists on districts
• To develop teamwork, leadership and advocacy skills, and cross-cultural communication
• To learn how to assist districts in the development of strategies for aggressive and intentional evangelism among people groups
• To develop the skills needed to sit on the boards and committees, and to be actively engaged in district priorities and strategies
• To build meaningful relationships and community connections
• To apprise coordinators of NewStart techniques by identifying prospective church planters as well as locating sponsoring congregations

The Hispanic Strategy Committee has embarked on a comprehensive training program to help pastors and leaders who seek to utilize this powerful tool of evangelism. More than 12 urban areas have been selected for the viewing of the film with strategies to disciple those who make decisions for Christ. This initiative is being accomplished through a generous grant for Harvest Partners.

The New Evangelists

Renowned evangelist Norman Moore recently conducted a seminar in Kansas City for multicultural leaders who aspire to be registered evangelists with particular ministry to their people group. Recognizing the increasing presence of immigrant congregations in the Church of the Nazarene and the attendant opportunities for specific focus ministries, the retreat was intended to inform the participants of the denomination's commitment to foster inclusion and diversity.

The attendees expressed gratitude for the prospect of professionally honing their skills and responding to their call to itinerant evangelism.

Compassionate Lifestyle

Nazarene churches across the USA & Canada have caught the vision of compassion and are beginning to be proactive in their development of compassionate ministries. This has created a wonderful dilemma. It has increased our capacity to serve those in need throughout the USA & Canada, but it has also increased our need for more structure for developing and strengthening our organizations.

NCM USA/Canada continues to work with FASTEN and other organizations to develop its capacity as an Intermediary organization. As an intermediary, NCM will work to develop the structure and funding necessary to enhance and strengthen our CMC's. NCM USA/Canada continues to network with private & public agencies, foundations and faith communities to benefit our network and create new funding streams for our organizations. Dan Soliday, coordinator for NCM US/Canada met recently with congressional leaders to inform them of the increasing capacity of our CMC's to deliver services to the under-privileged, as well as being the conduits for sustained transformation of the quality of life.

Nazarene Centennial Urban Renaissance

Plans are under way for the Nazarene Centennial Urban Renaissance - April 4 - 6, 2006. With the theme of "To the City with Love" Mission Strategy is sponsoring this national conference for those involved in urban ministry as well as those who seek to be trained and empowered for such endeavors.

Commenting on the increased opportunities for urban evangelism, Dr. Phil Fuller Virginia district superintendent mused, "… Even though the commonwealth of Virginia is not typically categorized as an 'urban' center, there is no question that an increasing majority of our state's population lives in approximately three major urban centers …There is no question that a majority of the unreached people in our commonwealth are located in these areas. I see no other option other than to increasingly find ways to reach them."

Work & Witness - Where in the world is Tim Van Hook?

Tim flew out east. He spent time with the Reeds in Montreal, then down into New York City to meet Brian Kido and to discuss Metro NY District, and then took the train up to Bridgeport, CT where he stayed in the home of Rolando and Rhonda Quiroz. This month he will spend one day on the Chicago Central District, another day with the Forrests at Our Family Center in Hammond, IN ~ complete his trip with Rev. Sokurt Suos with the Minneapolis Cambodian Church of the Nazarene.
-Work & Witness

Nazarene Secular Campus Ministry

Nazarene Secular Campus Missions and the NewStart office announce a NewChurch Leasers Assessment Center for those interested in establishing a NewStart ministry in a community with a secular campus.

"We are excited about working with Jim Dorsey and the NewStart office on this venture," David Kyncl, NSCM director, said. "We will have two campus ministers as part of the assessment team at this event."

The Assessment Center will be held in Kansas City May 17-20, 2005. The registration deadline is April 20, 2005. For more information contact the NewStart office at 800-306-8294 or http://www.nazarenenewchurches.org/assessment.html

Since NSCM was launched in 2003, there has been interest in establishing ministries on more than 60 secular campuses throughout the United States and Canada. These campuses represent a mission field of more than 1 million students from around the world.

Upcoming Events

Black Church Leadership Symposium would be held at Nazarene Bible College, Colorado Springs - September 26 - 30, 2005

Southeast Zone's 2005 Black Conference - "Anointed to Lead; Appointed to Serve"
Location: Atlanta, GA. Dates: July 21 - 24, 2005
Lodging - The Hilton Atlanta Airport Hotel
Cost of Lodging - $85.00 per night plus tax. Rooms are on a first come, first serve basis. The 1st night should be paid by April 1, 2005.
Early registration before May 31, 2005 - For adults ages 18 and over is $5.00 (not to exceed $20.00 per household)
Late registration after May 31, 2005 - $6.00 per adult age 18 and over
Send all registration forms to:
Mrs. Bessie Gillard, Logistics Committee
4935 Elvis Presley Boulevard,
Memphis, TN 38116
For more information please call Mrs. Bessie Gillard at (901) 322-8584.

National Black Conference 2006
Dallas, Texas
August 3-6, 2006
More information to follow
Contact: Dr. Elmer Gillett, Black Mission Director USA/Canada
718-857-2364 or Susan Grube, 800-738-7167

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