Questions from an Old Guy Going to His First NYC (Nazarene Youth Conference not New York City)

On By Rob Prince3 Comments

At age 62, I am attending my first Nazarene Youth Conference. Lo those many years ago, when I was a teenager, this event was called the World Youth Conference. Only a select number of students attended. Entire youth groups didn’t go. To be selected, prospective attendees memorized scripture and then recited the Bible passages at an interview. The moment the words “memorizing scripture” and “recite at an interview” were uttered, was the day my 14-year-old self said, “I’d rather spend my summer playing baseball than traveling with a bunch of strangers to Estes Park, Colorado.”  

Both of my boys attended NYC (no scripture memorization required). Alex to St. Louis and Ben went to Louisville (twice). Now it’s my turn. I’m heading to Salt Lake City. I’ll be representing Nazarene Bible College, as well as the new Pastoral Center I’m helping create. I hope to rub shoulders with some fellow old-timers as I begin laying the groundwork for the Center.

Still, I have questions.

What does an old guy wear to a youth conference? It’s going to be hot. Mid-90s hot. Can an old guy wear shorts? I’m not trying to look cool; I’m trying to be cool (as in not hot).

I’ve also been told that I can’t recruit among the youth pastors and young adults attending the event. Recruit them to what? The Center doesn’t have a name or logo. I’m not handing out swag or candy or brochures. I don’t have an event to promote. No recruiting? No worries.

As one of the oldest guys at a youth event, am I obligated to yell, “Hey, you rotten kids, get off the lawn!”? None of the lawns belong to me. Why would I care who walks on them?

Since we’re going to Salt Lake City, will I be impressed by Great Salt Lake? I’m from Michigan. We have Great Lakes. Plural. None of them are salty. Impressed?  Probably not.

Another question: Do I have to eat green Jell-O while I’m in Utah? Fun fact: Utah consumes more Jell-O than anywhere else in America. Green Jell-O has practically achieved state-symbol status. Nevertheless, I will probably pass.

Here’s my real question. Will we hear from God?

That’s the only thing that matters. More than the concerts, speakers, crowds or activities. Will we hear from the Lord? 

So let me ask a few more questions:
Will you join me in praying for that end?
Will you pray that thousands of students encounter God in a powerful way?
Will you ask the Lord to pour out His Holy Spirit on this gathering?
Will you pray that young men and women hear and answer God’s call to ministry?
Will you pray that NYC 2027 becomes more than an event—that it becomes a spiritual movement that impacts not only our young people but our entire church?

And while you’re at it, pray that this old guy doesn’t do anything worthy of receiving an “Old Geezer Award.” I’d like to come home without that dubious distinction.

Is It Time to Re-Think WEF (the World Evangelism Fund)?

On By Rob PrinceLeave a comment

Economics affects all of us, and the church is no exception.

The Church of the Nazarene’s World Evangelism Fund (WEF) provides essential support for ministries around the globe. It funds missionaries, educational institutions, compassionate ministries, leadership training, and countless other efforts to make Christ-like disciples. Simply put, WEF is a vital to the church’s work around the world.

Good news: WEF giving increased by 3.5% last year. Praise the Lord!
Bad news: WEF didn’t increase nearly enough.

In 2016, WEF receipts totaled $38,227,899. According to the latest data available on the Nazarene website, WEF receipts in 2024 were $38,548,334—an increase of just $320,435 over eight years.

Anyone who has paid household bills during that period knows that today’s dollars do not stretch as far as they did in 2016. The cumulative inflation rate over those years has been approximately 38.75%. To maintain the same purchasing power that WEF had in 2016, annual giving today would need to be over $53 million. In other words, when adjusted for inflation, WEF is operating about $14.5 million below where it stood a decade ago. That is a staggering difference.

Perhaps the unsung heroes of the Church of the Nazarene are the accountants and financial leaders who have found ways to stretch every World Evangelism dollar farther than possible.

No one in the Church of the Nazarene is getting rich. There are no secret slush funds. In fact, it is remarkable how much Kingdom work is accomplished with the resources available. For that reason, the next time you hear someone complain about “sending money to Kansas City” or dismiss WEF as a “corporate tax” or “franchise fee,” consider the extraordinary ministry being accomplished through those increasingly stretched dollars. Church leaders at every level work diligently to maximize every contribution in building the Kingdom of God.

Originally established as the “General Budget” in 1923, WEF has served the Church of the Nazarene well. Yet as giving patterns change, the church may need to explore new approaches alongside this historic model. Today, approximately 94–95% of WEF funding comes from the USA/Canada Region. As the figures above demonstrate, giving has not kept pace with inflation. If these trends continue, the long-term sustainability of the current funding model becomes a legitimate concern.

The difficult questions are obvious: What could supplement or strengthen WEF? How might new funding models be developed and implemented? What opportunities exist that we have not yet imagined?

These questions should not inspire fear but faithful creativity. The mission of making Christlike disciples in the nations is too important for us to simply rejoice over meager gains or hope that current trends reverse themselves. Church leaders, pastors, and laypeople alike will need the courage to think creatively, explore new possibilities, and embrace innovative approaches to supporting global ministry.

In the meantime, World Evangelism Fund must be supported—and perhaps more generously than ever. The mission remains urgent, and the Kingdom depends upon faithful stewardship.

Please Note: While my office is located in the Global Ministry Center as I work to develop a center through Nazarene Bible College that supports and encourages pastors, no WEF dollars fund my position, no one asked or encouraged me to write this article. I write because I love the Church of the Nazarene and its mission of making Christlike disciples in the nations. Economic realities make that mission more challenging today, and the difficulty will only grow if we fail to address it thoughtfully and proactively.

Why are 65% of Nazarene Pastors NOT Taking Free Money?

On By Rob Prince1 Comment

The latest quarterly edition of the Nazarene Benefits USA has been released, and director Kevin Gilmore reported an increase of participants in the annual pension supplement system. Participation in the program has gone from 33.8% in 2024 to 35% in 2025. Participants are inching upwards. That’s good, but why are the number of participants still so low?

As a reminder, the simple version of the system is that if a pastor (and/or local church and pastor) contribute $5,000, the denomination will give a 50% match or $2,500. This is a far better deal than the old system when every pastor received $200, then was matched up to and additional $250. I’m not a math whiz but $2500 in free money is better than the maximum amount of $450 in free money in the old plan (churches need to participate in the pension apportionment system through the denomination to qualify). 

The big question should be: Of the 5,500 eligible ministers in USA, why are only 35% are taking advantage of this free money? What are the other 65% of pastors thinking who aren’t participating? What part of “free money” don’t they understand?

Why are 65% of Nazarene pastors are not taking advantage of the free money?  Maybe these are the reasons:

  1. Some pastors don’t feel that they have even a dime to spare. Living paycheck to paycheck they have zero extra dollars to put away for the future. 
  2. Maybe church boards don’t understand the importance of assisting their pastor’s planning for the future. 
  3. Maybe for whatever reason, the pastor doesn’t think she/he is eligible. If the minister is a full-time pastor (full time workload regardless of pay). He/she is eligible.
  4. It could be that the pastor already has a 403b account through their spouse or another job. Umm.. it’s still free money.
  5. It could be that the minister simply hasn’t taken the time to set up their Nazarene Fidelity account through the Nazarene Benefits office. Whatcha waiting on?
  6. Or maybe the minister hasn’t heard about it (It’s been repeatedly communicated).

My guess is that the reason that 65% of Nazarene pastors aren’t taking the free money is a combination of all the above. Whatever the reason, all full-time pastors should beg, borrow or (please do not) steal the $5,000 to get the free $2500. When it’s time to retire, the pastor will be glad he/she did. Even if pastor can’t come up with the full $5,000, something is better than nothing. 

If pastors are 59 ½ years old, they could put in $5,000 and withdraw $7500. It’s free money.  And if it is a young pastor, it’s even more essential that he/she put the full amount into the program. If a 25-year-old pastor’s fidelity account has $7500 placed in it every year at an annual rate of 6% (a very conservative number) at age 65 that person will have $1.16 million in their account. If the annual return was 8%, the 403b account would have nearly 2 million dollars. This is far better than the old, old plan where a Nazarene pastor received a pension of less than $400 a month after 40 years of service to the church. 

USA Nazarene pastors take the free money! Find $5,000 somewhere (or as much as you can) and receive a 50% match from the denomination. With questions mounting regarding the social security system (reports that it will default without action from congress in 2032), pastors and churches need to do all they can to provide for themselves in retirement. The Nazarene Benefit structure greatly helps to ensure that Nazarene pastors can have the resources to retire. C’mon pastors, think ahead and plan accordingly! 

Equal Pay for Nazarene Pastors in USA/Canada?

On By Rob Prince3 Comments

What if all Nazarene pastors in USA/Canada—regardless of the size or location of their church—earned the same salary? Large church. Small church. Urban church. Rural church. It wouldn’t matter. Compensation would be standardized. There could still be a sliding scale based on years of service, education, or experience, but pastors with similar credentials would receive the same pay.

(Funny-only-to-me alert: Last week, I was called a “capitalist” because of something I wrote on this blog. I assume cries of “socialist” or “communist” are forthcoming.)

Think about it: every pastor receiving the same compensation package, the same healthcare coverage, and the same benefits. Maybe everyone would be bi-vocational. Maybe no one would be. Either way, all pastors would be in the same boat. While we’re at it, what about a pay scale for district superintendents, too? (Uh-oh. Now I’ve struck a nerve.)

The idea isn’t completely unprecedented. Nazarene missionaries are compensated according to a standardized system and receive the same healthcare benefits. It seems I read somewhere that the early church shared all things in common? (See Acts 4:32). Wasn’t Paul a tentmaker who supported himself through additional work? Yes, he was.

Let me be clear: no Nazarene pastor is getting rich from serving a local church. In some denominations or independent churches, perhaps, but you won’t find Nazarene pastors living in mansions or driving a Bugatti. What you will find too often are pastors who are struggling financially, trying to support their families on salaries that barely cover basic expenses. For many, it’s a difficult reality.

One argument against equal compensation is that it could encourage laziness. Some pastors might do very little while earning the same salary as those who work tirelessly. Yup, that’s a possibility. I know this—when I was pastoring, I never felt that I was working for a paycheck. I was working for the Lord. Giving my best to Christ was never about my bank account. I suspect most pastors would say the same. Not all, of course. Let’s be honest—there would be some lazy pastors under this model.

There are also practical challenges. A proposal like this would likely require a significant increase in district apportionments or the creation of a new compensation fund. Some churches would undoubtedly try to avoid the system. Large churches might have to reduce staff to contribute. Some pastors would take a pay cut. I’m not suggesting implementation would be easy. Any serious proposal would need careful consideration by people far smarter than me.

The system would also need to account for regional differences in the cost of living. A pastor serving in a high-cost city faces different financial realities than one serving in a rural community. But that’s not an impossible challenge. The denomination already addresses similar issues with missionaries. A missionary serving in the Philippines does not require the same level of support as one living in Paris because the cost of living is dramatically different.

Reality Alert: All the above is a pipe dream. Too many obstacles. Too much money. Too many paychecks would be impacted. To those who say, “it shouldn’t be about the money.” It’s always about the money. Who’s a capitalist now?  

Even if we can’t make pastors pay equal across the board, can’t we at least think more intentionally about clergy compensation? Pastoring is difficult, regardless of church size. The pressures, responsibilities, and stresses are real. What if we found ways to reduce at least some of the financial burden? Can we discuss ways to help pastors at the lower end of the pay scale? Can we ensure that no pastor is living below the poverty line and that all have access to adequate healthcare for their families?

The United Methodist Church has established compensation minimums for clergy. Perhaps the Church of the Nazarene should consider something similar. Here’s the question of the week: Can the Church of the Nazarene in USA/Canada care for its pastors in a more equitable way?

Crunching Numbers on Nazarenes in the USA/Canada Region

On By Rob Prince7 Comments

Here are USA/Canada basic stats for the Church of the Nazarene: There are 78 Districts, 4,316 churches,11,103 elders, 2,134 district licensed ministers, 515 deacons and 364,029 worshipping the Lord every week. That means the total of elders, deacons and district licensed ministers is 13,752 clergy. When crunching those numbers that means, there is: 

  • One clergyperson for every 27 people who are showing up on a Sunday morning. 
  • There were 21987 baptisms last year or one clergyperson for a little over one and a half baptisms. 
  • 19466 people were received into membership by profession of faith (not a sheep changing pastures but a new believer) or one clergyperson for a little under one and a half of those new believers. 

Permission to write freely: These are not great numbers. I know the attendance numbers have increased the last two years. That’s good.  First time in 50 years (or something like that) that USA/Canada has had two consecutive years of growth. Good. Good. Double good! But crunching the numbers a little more shows some things that aren’t totally great. 

What are the 13,752 pastors doing?  Seriously? What. Are. We. Doing. (I’ve put myself in this discussion because I am one of those 13,752 clergypersons). 

I’m not sure how many of the 13,752 clergy are unable to serve in any meaningful way. Maybe they are in a nursing home or too sick to lead a person to Jesus. Sometimes, where a person is serving is difficult. It’s not fertile ground. Didn’t Elmer F. Schmelzenbach go years and years before his first convert in Africa?  So maybe some of my clergy brothers and sisters might be in tough circumstances. I get it. It’s not always easy.

But come on… Not even two baptisms per pastor?  Less than that of those who led a person to start following Jesus. If I didn’t know better, I’d say there is an evangelism problem amongst me and my fellow pastors. Could I say it this way, the numbers show a lack of evangelistic fervor amongst the clergy in the USA/Canada region. Again, there are spots where true evangelism is happening. A few churches here and there are doing great things for the Kingdom. At a recent district assembly, it was reported that nearly half of that district’s baptisms were from one church. Hooray for that that one church, but to the rest of us, I want to say, “C’mon!  Get Going!” 

Obviously, it’s not all on the pastors to do all the evangelizing in a church. We are protestants after all. We still believe in the priesthood of all believers. But if there are 13,000+ clergy, wouldn’t you think that there would be a higher percentage of converts? We still believe that people are hurting, lonely, and lost. We still believe that Jesus is the answer. We still believe that without Him people are eternally doomed. Where’s the urgency?

I’m praying that in my new role with the Nazarene Bible College and in creating a Center to help pastors, that I will be available to make a difference. I hope to help lead in evangelism, holiness, integrity, connectivity, generosity, and stewardship. Good News for pastors: Help is on the way (in other words).

In the meantime, my fellow pastors, can we make it a goal, a personal goal, to win and baptize two, just two people in the coming year. Imagine if we set the example and folks in our churches started following suit, and they started to pray and then evangelize a person or two who doesn’t know Jesus. Do you know what will happen? Revival just might break out. Set the example pastors!  Let’s reach people for Jesus! Let’s pray for revival!

Who is Attending Church “Whenever the Doors are Open”?  Apparently not too many.

On By Rob PrinceLeave a comment

Ryan Burge released a survey recently about people who attend religious services multiple times a week (see graph).  In other words, who attends church “whenever the doors are opened.”  According to Burge, the number of white evangelicals who attend “whenever the doors are open” is only 18% (non-white evangelical was slightly higher at 21%).  This is a telling factor in church life today.

Not only is Sunday morning attendance down in many churches, but less people are attending as frequently as members once did.  I’ve told the old joke that “I had a “drug problem” when I was a kid.  My parents’ “drug” me church Sunday morning, Sunday night and Wednesday night too.” It’s not happening as much these days. In part, many churches no longer have Sunday night services. While many churches still offer Wednesday activities and separate youth group gatherings, participation is still down (apparently). 

No doubt, there are several factors have led to lessening of participation in religious activities. Competing elements for one’s time (both for the adults and minors); homes where both parents are working or single parent homes that leave less time for religious or extracurricular activities; and as stated the cessation of services offered by churches. 

The obvious effect of these numbers (no matter how legitimate the reason) is a lessening of discipleship. Less face time in religious services and around fellow believers leads to less discipleship, less engagement and less connectivity to the church and the things of God. 

Much like the old argument, “which came first—the chicken or the egg?” one can debate the question– has a lack of discipleship led to less participation in religious services or has a lack of religious services led to a discipleship lapse? The answer most likely is “Yes.” It’s both. We have a discipleship problem that has led to many not feeling the necessity to be present as frequently within the church community. People see little value in attendance in the other gatherings. Additionally, less frequent participation has created a less discipled membership. The greatest service in the world can happen, but if one isn’t there, an individual can’t learn, grow, or be blessed.

If the goal is to make “Christ-like disciples in the nations,” does 18% participation in multiple services indicate that we are failing in that endeavor?  Can a person become Christ-like if only attending one service a week? The answer might be in what constitutes or qualifies as a “religions service”?  Does Burge’s survey include a small group that meets during the week? What if one meets regularly with a religious mentor or is independently motivated to biblical and devotional reading and prayer? 

Obviously, one can grow in the Lord through those means and become a devout follower of Jesus without attending multiple services in a week. It’s possible. But is that happening on a regular basis? It seems not likely. Generally, for most people, community is what fosters growth. People thrive on peer-to-peer learning. Intentional discipleship is needed. There are soul-strengthening benefits of coming together on multiple occasions throughout the week. Conclusion: Maybe more than 18% of believers are actively being discipled, but whatever the number, it is not nearly enough. Former Point Loma professor Rueban Welch said it best years ago, “We really do need each other.”

Is Your Church Dead? Revitalization Won’t help

On By Rob Prince1 Comment

Is your church dead? The answers to the following questions might be a clue.

Are lost people coming to know Jesus? 
Have there been any baptisms of people who are not children of existing members? (not that children’s baptisms are unimportant, but the point is asking if the church is reaching people beyond its walls?)
Has someone other than the pastor led a teenager or adult to the Lord?
Is someone other than the pastor doing the work of an evangelist?
Does the church have a regularly scheduled, extended, intentional, time of prayer?
Has anyone in the church answered the call to full time ministry?
Has the church issued a local minister’s license in the last three years?
When was the last time the church abandoned the normal flow of a worship service to allow the Spirit of God to move? 

If the answer is “no” or “never” to the majority of these questions, the church is dead. No matter how many people are filling the pews; no matter how nice the people are; no matter how knowledgeable the pastor is– the church is dead.

News Flash: Dead is not fixed by revitalization.

Revitalization is a buzz word in church circles these days. But can we be honest about what many churches need? (Hint: it’s not revitalization). It’s a resurrection. Revitalize implies that the church is somewhat alive and needs a kick start. Maybe it’s a new program; a new pastor; or a fresh coat of paint. It needs to be spruced up a bit and it will be fine. Revitalization is good for those churches with a pulse (there are many in this category), but for cold, dead churches (there are many in this category too) revitalization is like putting lipstick on a pig (or better stated “putting lipstick on a corpse”).

Resurrection recognizes the cold hard truth. The church is dead. Life hasn’t been evident for years. A few people may still show up on Sundays. Their tithe is keeping the lights on and the pastor underpaid, but the church is dead. New paint or a new sound system isn’t going to fix dead. The pastor alone can’t fix dead either. Death is only undone, by the work of God. Only God brings about resurrections. 

The disciples were “revitalized” after the resurrection of Jesus. Of course, they were. Jesus, who was dead, is now alive. Yahoo!! But in spite of that earth shattering news, the Bible records no new followers between Easter Sunday and Pentecost. Not one. Only 120 people managed to gather in the upper room. You’d expect more, wouldn’t you? 

But that small band of believers began to pray. They prayed and prayed and prayed. Then they prayed some more. Church resurrection begins with prayer (that’s our part). The Holy Spirit then answered the prayers of the remnant in a profound way. The church was born. It was resurrected (that’s God’s part). 120 people, newly filled with the Holy Spirit (resurrected, hope-filled people) poured into the Jerusalem streets proclaiming the Good News of Jesus. Resurrected people are missional. They’re evangelistic. Evangelism is the tangible result of a resurrected church. Evangelism leads to change lives and changes lives changes the course of churches. The church became alive. 

What resuscitates dead churches? Kindled in prayer, renewed and rejuvenated by the power of God– dead churches are resurrected through evangelistic victories. A Holy Spirit empowered evangelistic effort leads to new life. Resurrection is what the dead churches of America need today. Good News: God specializes in resurrections!

What’s not Missional (and what is). It might surprise you.

On By Rob PrinceLeave a comment

New carpet in the sanctuary is not missional.
Giving money to the poor is not missional (what?)
Having a great choir or worship band is not missional.
Giving money to missions is not missional either (yikes, really?  Really).
A new coat of paint in the fellowship hall is not missional.
Having nice people in the church is not missional.
Singing is not missional.
Tithing is not missional. 
Paying off building debt is not missional.
Putting together Crisis Care kits is not missional (that seems missional. It’s not).
Attending a Bible study is not missional.
Showing up Sunday after Sunday is not missional.
Smiling church greeters is not missional.
Having a knowledgeable pastor is not missional.
Teaching Middle School boys’ Sunday school class is not missional (award worthy, but not missional).
Being able to quote scripture is not missional.
Taking a dish-to-pass to the church pot luck is not missional.
Being holy is not missional (Wait a minute…).
Endowing a scholarship at a Christian college is not missional.
Praying for a senior citizen’s gout is not missional.
Simply loving your neighbor is not missional (C’mon, you’re going too far. Am I?)
Washing the church van is not missional.
Setting up the communion trays is not missional.
Going on a mission trip is not missional (you’re talking crazy now. No, I’m not).

All of the above are well and good. Not bad at all. Do them all. Please. Do. Them. All. 

Here’s what’s missional:
Drum roll please…

Missional is helping lost people to find Jesus. Period. 

John Wesley said it: “You have nothing to do but to save souls. Therefore spend and be spent in this work.” (Have. Nothing. To. Do. But…)

Jesus said it: The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.

If the top-of-the-page, aforementioned statements help lead lost people to Jesus, then they are certainly helpful to the mission. They can be missional. But in and of themselves, if they do not lead to people finding Jesus, they are good deeds. We are called to do them. But let’s not confuse it with being missional. The clear mission and mandate of the church is leading lost people to Jesus. Making disciples. Baptizing them. Teaching them to go be disciple-makers too. That’s missional. If your church is not doing it. It’s not missional. 

Is AI the Answer to the Prayers of the Church (in unexpected ways)? 

On By Rob PrinceLeave a comment

Like it or not, AI is coming. It will affect the church. This is not about pastors using ChatGPT to write sermons or AI producing a better church software.  It will be much more impactful. Here’s the kicker: Is it possible that AI is the answer to the church’s prayers (in unexpected ways)?

The Bad News: If one Googles “job losses caused by AI” there are numerous reports from a variety of news sources citing the coming labor crash (one example is HERE).  The consensus: people will lose jobs. It’s already happening. Of course, that is not good. The social impact of AI will be startling. Here’s more bad news: when church people lose jobs, church income is also reduced. Programs are lost. Ministries are cut. How can this be good for the church? 

Look at these facts:

Fact 1: AI induced job losses are coming (See above).
Fact 2: Pastors are getting older. More pastors are over 60 than under 60 in the USA.
Fact 3: There are not enough pastors-in-training in the current pipeline (in colleges or course of study) to fill the upcoming (and already here) pastor shortage.

The result: Individuals, who have college degrees but have lost their jobs because of AI, start looking and praying for a new career. Suddenly, but not surprisingly, they hear from the Lord. Could those unemployed college graduates, in their unanticipated job search, discover that God is calling them to something better? Could God use the AI created job market black hole to call men and women into full time ministry?  It makes sense. Why not? The fields are still “white unto harvest” and AI can’t replace pastors.

Moreover, in times of social upheaval and uncertainty (also coming, thanks to AI), people are more apt to turn to God. When people are at a loss, when times are challenging, people turn to Jesus. Could AI induce a revival? Again, why not? 

More pastors and a coming revival—aren’t those the very things for which we’ve been praying?

Please understand, I’m not advocating problematic social upheaval. I don’t want it, any more than anyone else. I’m simply noticing the winds of change. We are on the cusp of a new AI world. Moreover, the church needs to be prepared. (Shameless plug alert) Places like Nazarene Bible College are needed more than ever. We need pastors. Lots of pastors. They need to be trained. That need is going to grow, not lessen, because of AI. We’ve been praying for revival. It may be the unanticipated result of the coming AI revolution. So, heed the words of Jesus:

The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.  –Jesus (Luke 10:2)

Acronyms and the Nazarene Ecosystem

On By Rob PrinceLeave a comment

Nearly 13 years ago, I left Mecca (Nazarene Version… aka Lenexa, Kansas) to pastor a church in Michigan. One thing I learned during my stint in the heart of Nazarene-dom (other than rubbing shoulders with the good people who love Jesus and the Church of the Nazarene) is that these people love acronyms too. Maybe a glossary should be distributed in membership class for the various abbreviations in the Nazarene world—it’s more than WEF, NMI, NDI, and NYI. Much, much more. Now, I’m back in Mecca. I’m going to have to re-learn the Nazarene abbreviated speak. 

Here’s my effort to fit back in:

ICYMI the BGS gave approval for me to lead the CPE* for NBC (not ONU, MNU or any other schools under the IBOE watch). The FAQ is what will the CPE* do? FYI, it’s about helping pastors. NGL, I’m not a VIP, certainly not the GOAT and it’s not DIY project. I’ll need help from GSs, RDs, DSs (especially those in USA/Canada). BTW, you might see me at PALCON, NYC, a DA and for sure at GA27. RN, I’m learning. LMK if you can help me. 

AFAIK I will be working at the GMC. ASAP. FWIW IMO my ETA at the GMC is in about 2 weeks. TBH IDK and IDC what the delay is, but I’m OMW! My office space is TBD. Put my desk next to NDI, NMI, NYI even by NCM, and I’m good. W/E. ATTS, I’m OOO, but NFL.

TIA. G2G TTYL. LOL

P.S. My BFFs at SD say don’t forget WEF

Translation (acronym used in bold) for the non-Nazarenes in the crowd:  

In case you missed it, the Board of General Superintendents gave approval for me to lead the Center for Pastoral Excellence* for the Nazarene Bible College (not Olivet Nazarene University, MidAmerica Nazarene University or any other schools under the International Board of Education watch). The frequently asked question is what will the Center for Pastoral Excellence* do? For your information, it’s about helping pastors. Not gonna lie, I’m not a very important person, certainly not the greatest of all time, and it’s not a do-it-yourself project. I’ll need help from General Superintendents, Regional Directors, District Superintendents (especially those in the United States of America and Canada). By the way, you might see me at Pastors and leaders conference, Nazarene youth conference, a District Assembly and for sure at General Assembly in 2027.  Right now, I’m learning. Let me know if you can help me. 

As far as I know I will be working at the Global Ministry Center. As soon as possible. For what it’s worth, in my opinion my estimated time of arrival at the Global Ministry Center is in about 2 weeks. To be honest, I don’t know and I don’t care what the delay is, but I’m on my way. My office space is to be determined. Put my desk next to Nazarene Discipleship International, Nazarene Missions International, Nazarene Youth international or even by Nazarene Compassionate Ministries, and I’m good. Whatever. All this to say, I’m out of office, but not for long. 

Thanks in advance. Got to go, talk to you later! Laugh out loud.

Post Script: my best friends forever at Stewardship Development say don’t forget the World Evangelism Fund.

You know, I think I’ll fit in very nicely!**

*There’s not an official name for the Center for Pastoral Excellence. 

**53 abbreviations used. Yup, I’m a Nazarene in good standing!

Thoughts from the Nazarene Theological Seminary Graduation 

On By Rob PrinceLeave a comment

The Nazarene Theological Seminary graduation on Saturday included all the familiar elements of such an occasion. “Pomp and Circumstance” played as the graduates processed. Academic regalia filled the room. There were moments of gravity and moments of levity. The commencement address was excellent—Dr. David Busic preached a thoughtful and engaging sermon, drawing creatively from the not-exactly-biblical text of “Humpty Dumpty.” Diplomas were awarded, families beamed with pride, and cheers rose with each name called. In many ways, it was exactly what one would expect from a graduation ceremony.

And yet, a few things stood out to me.

First, the seminary is no doubt the most diverse institution in the Church of the Nazarene. Racially it’s diverse. There were as many—if not more—graduates of color as there were caucasian graduates. Gender-wise, it’s diverse. There were as many female graduates as male. Maybe more. Denominationally, it’s diverse. It appeared that a significant number of those graduating were not Nazarenes. All of these facts are vastly different from the NTS that I attended in the late 80s. Back then, there were a handful of female and non-Nazarenes students and even less black students.

Second, there were roughly as many doctoral graduates as master of Divinity graduates. This raises an important question about our priorities in graduate theological education within the Church of the Nazarene. Neither group had over 20 graduates. A broader restructuring of graduate ministerial education is underway, and perhaps these numbers will shift in the years ahead. Also notably, there are more graduate theological education options (even within the Church of the Nazarene) than when I was a student. Maybe looking at the number of NTS graduates does not tell the whole story of Nazarene graduate theological education. Still, it seems that the number is woefully low. 

Third, I found myself wondering how many of those graduating either are, or intend to become, Nazarene pastors. Again, if less than half of the students are Nazarene, and if less than half of those students (that’s a guess) are planning on being pastors—those numbers should give us pause. There may be a variety of reasons for this, including, in some circles, a diminished confidence in the seminary or even in higher education more broadly. Regardless, the need remains clear: in these challenging times, it is essential for the church to have a well-educated clergy—men and women who can think deeply, communicate clearly, faithfully articulate our theology and mission and serve wholeheartedly in their communities. 

My new role of creating a Center for pastoral excellence through the Nazarene Bible College is not focused on graduate-level education. Instead, it centers on those at either end of the journey—those who may have completed their education (in some cases years ago) and those just beginning to explore a call to ministry. My work is about encouraging and equipping individuals wherever they may be along the ministerial pathway. Still, I cannot ignore a growing concern: are we adequately preparing our clergy for the realities they will face? Are we cultivating the depth of thought, theological grounding, and resilience that ministry today demands? In an unholy world, don’t we need more holiness pastors/preachers not less? If the “fields still white unto harvest” and if God is still calling men and women into pastoral ministry, where are these individuals? Are they not listening? Has something happened (or not happened) in between sensing a call and preparing and then fulfilling that call?

These are questions worth asking—and answering—together. In other words, we’ve got our work cut out for ourselves.

Hey, Pastors, Help Me so I can Help You!

On By Rob Prince2 Comments

As you may have seen, I have taken on a new role in connection with the Nazarene Bible College to create a center for pastoral excellence. (Here’s the link to the new job). I technically started last Friday (I write “technically” because prior to May 1, I had already been in meetings with the Bible college and with others connected to this start-up venture). Today is “technically” day four into a whole new world for me.

The big question I’ve been asked since leaving Flint Central Church is: “What in the Center going to do?”  It’s a good question. The simple answer is that Nazarene Bible College wants to help pastors. We want to care for them and their families. We want pastors to thrive when too often many feel isolated and alone. We want to regain a sense of holy, evangelistic urgency in a world that has lost its way. We recognize that District Superintendents need help too. They want to help and encourage pastors but too much of their time is putting out fires and dealing with legal wranglings. Additionally, we want to locate and assist those who are exploring a call into ministry. We hope to assist in training and empowering future pastors to be on-fire, evangelistic, holiness preachers. In other words, we want to restore (or start) a burning, holy fire deep inside the hearts of those called by God and in so doing flip the trajectory of many churches. 

Quite frankly, it’s a big job. Impossible maybe. It’s certainly bigger than me.  Someone once said, “Nothing is impossible with God.” I believe that is still true!

The Center doesn’t have a name. I don’t have a mailing address (I think I will be moving into the Global Ministry Center in Lenexa). I don’t have a phone extension or a work phone number. I don’t have a desk, stapler or official letterhead. I don’t have an assistant. I don’t have really anything other than a desire to help pastors and district superintendents in these challenging times. 

I do have an email address!  Please answer a few of the following questions (don’t answer all 19, you have better things you should be doing). Email me at rsprince@nbc.edu

  1. What do you see as the biggest obstacles that pastors face today?
  • Do you know a pastor who feels lonely or isolated? Without giving names, how do you know this to be true?
  • Would a pastor take advantage of a free (or close to free) retreat space?  If so, where should a retreat center be located? Should there be some spiritual direction in such a space or just let the pastors figure it out on their own?
  • Do you think pastors would take advantage of a low cost or no cost tele-help anonymous counselling service? In your opinion is such a service needed?
  • Do you consider it as unreasonable to expect bi-vocational pastors to work a 40 hour a week job, pastor a church, raise a family and complete the required course for ordination? Explain why or why not.
  • Do you think evangelism is a priority in most churches today?
  • How could pastors (and leaders) be trained into more/better in evangelism?
  • How often should a preacher preach on holiness? 
  • Do you think there are enough holiness resources available for today’s preachers? If not, what would you suggest could be improved? 
  1. Who would you like to hear speak at a conference?
  1. What do you see as the biggest obstacle that district superintendents face?
  1. I’ve heard of pastoral burnout, but not district superintendent burnout. Is that a thing?
  1. Do you think that men and women are being called with the same frequency as in years past?  If so, where are they? 
  1. How would you suggest District Superintendents fill empty pulpits in churches where the faithful members are dwindling and they can no longer afford a full-time pastor in an area with little employment opportunities for a bi-vocational pastor?
  1. With more pastors over 60 years old than under 60, and fewer men and women in the “ministerial pipeline,” what do you think will happen in ten years when the current faithful shepherds retire or get promoted to Glory?
  1. What do you think would be more appealing to those churches where pastoral placement is difficult—a “circuit riding” pastor that covers two or even three churches; a video type sermon offered by a leading regional pastor and leaders trained to cover the other pastoral duties; a trained “lay” pastor from a current member or the waving the white flag of surrender? 
  1. If money were no object, what would you do for pastors? For District Superintendents? 
  1. How do you view the future for denominations like the Church of the Nazarene?
  1. What else do you think I should know?

Thanks for your help. I’ll looking for help as we strive to come up with the answers our pastors and district superintendents desperately need.

The Next Chapter

On By Rob Prince1 Comment

Twelve and a half years ago, people kept asking me, “Why would you leave a great church like Central Church in Lenexa, Kansas to go to Flint, Michigan?”

Lenexa is a beautiful city with every amenity you could want. The church is practically in the back yard of the Global Ministry Center of the Church of the Nazarene. The pastor who preceded me is a General Superintendent. It was (and still is) a fantastic church. So why leave? Especially to a city that, at the time, carried the unwanted moniker of “murder capital of the United States” — complete with notoriously bumpy Michigan roads. 

Now, twelve and a half years later — after a water crisis, a global pandemic, and everything else the Enemy could throw at us (yes, the roads are still bumpy) — I’m hearing the same question again: “Why would you leave a great church like Flint Central? God has done such powerful things here — why leave now?”  

The answer is the same both times: We believe God is calling us to a new adventure. (Honesty alert: Having our grandkids living close by in Kansas didn’t hurt in the decision making process. The Lord is good.)

This next chapter involves working through the Nazarene Bible College to launch a new pastoral training center — one still waiting for the right name. Its purpose is clear: to come alongside struggling, isolated, and lonely pastors with a simple message — “We are here for you.”  The vision is to encourage, equip, shape, and form a new generation of evangelistic holiness preachers — then mobilize them into a world that desperately needs the hope of Jesus. We want to help District Superintendents identify and release dynamic, fire-in-their-bones pastors ready to step into fields that are still “white unto harvest.”

I’m deeply honored to be on the ground floor of this effort. It’s incredibly exciting. The time for action is now. Simply put, we need courageous, on fire for Jesus pastors— more than ever. We aren’t looking for warm bodies to fill troubled pulpits. We need a God-empowered, Jesus-like, Spirit-filled army of men and women who are ready to answer the call. Whether it’s busy metropolises, small rural towns or the far corners of the earth (my first church was in Bad Axe, Michigan — qualifying as both a small rural town and a “far corner of the earth”), we believe God is not finished with any place or any people.

It’s a new day. Revival is on the horizon. Do you sense it? God is raising up men and women for ministry right now. The master of roadblocks and procrastination — our Enemy — is whispering lies: “God might be calling you… but not yet. Wait for a better time.” Don’t listen. There is no better time. Your wires aren’t crossed. God is calling — and help is on the way. This new Center will walk with people as they step fully into God’s call in fresh, dynamic, and life-changing ways. People living in darkness are about to encounter the light of Christ through pastors loving and living into the calling God has placed upon their lives.

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”
— Isaiah 43:19

This Pastor (Curmudgeonly?) Reminisces the “Good Old Days”

On By Rob Prince4 Comments

More and more I find myself reminiscing the “good old days.” How life was better. Simpler. Does that make me a curmudgeon? “Hey, you rotten kids, get off my lawn.” Maybe it does.

In the good old days, people sat in waiting rooms looking at outdated magazines or (believe it or not) actually talked to one another. Now we just look at our phones as if we were wearing a sign reading, “Don’t bother me.” Can’t we have polite conversations with our fellow humans anymore? 

In the good old days, people gossiped. One chattery phone call at a time. Now, on social media we see all the dirty laundry and gossip– every wretched morsel. Must we post every minutia true or false?

In the good old days, leaders could fall. Of course, they could. People are human. But when leaders fell, unless it was a larger than life figure (Can you say, “Jimmy Swaggart”?), we didn’t hear about it. Maybe it happened at the same rate in the good old days, but we didn’t hear about it. Now, every time a church or Christian failure makes the headlines, I get a little more discouraged. Does anyone live a holy life anymore?

In the good old days, we trusted that people had mostly good intentions. Now everyone from politicians to preachers to police officers to school board officials to well, everyone… is looked upon suspiciously. We don’t trust others anymore. 

In the good old days, church folks could vote different from me, and I still thought of them as brothers and sisters in Christ. Now, if I don’t vote like my fellow church members I am either a fascist, a socialist or just plain dumb or some combination of the three; and I certainly can’t be a Christian (unless I’m just plain dumb. Jesus loves dumb people too). Can’t we disagree charitably anymore? 

In the good old days, people got mad and angry. They still do. It just seems that folks get angrier faster theses days. People are more vulgar too. Common decency isn’t so common. Can’t we learn to turn down the temperature instead of throwing gasoline on every single thing?

In the good old days, evangelical was a Christian term. It meant Christians believed they were to share the good news of Jesus Christ to our non-Christian neighbors. Now evangelical is a political term and it brings with it all kinds of baggage much of which does not look like Jesus at all. Whatever happen to the “What would Jesus do bracelets?  Maybe we need to get them out of our junk drawers and start wearing them again (and actually doing what Jesus would do). 

The good old days weren’t always good. I don’t want to overlook the many sins of the past. People needed Jesus then. People still do. It just seems that we need Jesus now more than ever. 

Are Revival Services like the Penny— have they lost their value?

On By Rob Prince5 Comments

The last penny came off the press yesterday. Pennies started being made in 1793. Back then a penny bought a biscuit, a candle, or some candy. Today, it costs about four cents to make a penny. I wasn’t a math major but it seems that if it costs four times the amount to make a penny than what it is worth, it quite literally is not a money making venture. The penny had to die. It didn’t make financial sense to make cents. 

I wonder if there are things that have lost their value in the church? Do we do things that no longer make sense, but cost cents (sometimes a lot more than cents)? Every church that I have been a part of has had a few sacred cows hanging around that probably could have been let out to pasture years ago. Sometimes we do things that don’t necessarily cost cents, but still have no value and should be buried.

The opposite is also true, there might be things that have immense value that we have let go by the wayside because the bottom line. For example, I wonder if spiritual renewal weeks (revival services) fall into this category. A yearly (even semi-annually) revival meetings were common place fifty years ago. Today, most churches no longer have them. The unsaved have other things to do. School activities take out many students and parents from evening services. Other busyness invades our time. The seasoned saints felt they no longer needed such gatherings. Attendance dropped. It grew costly. There are better ways to spend money. I’ve heard all the arguments. Churches don’t see the value in the special services. It’s like the penny. They cost more than they are worth.

But is that true? Revival/spiritual renewal services still can have immense value. In fact, it makes no spiritual sense to call them off. No matter the cost. 

Our spiritual renewal services are preceded by a 24/7 prayer week. We are convinced spiritual renewal should be bathed in prayer. There are three people in the building (two hosts and one pray-er) for every hour from Sunday to Sunday. Next, from Sunday to Wednesday, we have special services. We provide a free meal before the weekday meetings. We start early (5:30 meal; 6:30 service) so young families can still attend. We provide children’s services (it’s not babysitting. It’s age appropriate children’s worship). We do our best to allow our “regular” worship leaders and pastors to have the services off—so that they can receive the blessing of spiritual renewal (maybe those leading need spiritual renewal the most. We don’t want our leaders to have the well run dry). We bring in excellent speakers. It’s an important rhythm of our church. We ask folks to prioritize the gatherings. We remind them that we all need it. Pastors included. Hitting pause on our busy schedules and settling to hear what the Lord has for us has immense value. It’s not like the penny.

What’s the value in one person saved? One marriage renewed? One teenager called in to the ministry? One person healed? One discouraged saint reinvigorated? The penny might not be worth the time and effort to make them anymore. The same cannot be said for times of spiritual renewal.

We lost them

On By Rob PrinceLeave a comment

Several years ago, the Church of the Nazarene made a decadal emphasis on reaching the next generation. A powerful video was made announcing the effort (see it here).  “You’re losing us” multiple minors warned. The video closed with various children telling their ages in ten years. Several years later, I’m curious where those kids are now?  Did we, in fact, lose them? My guess is, in many cases, we did.

In the decade that followed the video, budget cuts eliminated positions in the global children’s ministry leadership team. If memory serves, we announced the children and youth emphasis, then did nothing about it. No real follow up was offered. So now, a several later, most Nazarene churches have fewer children than they did ten years ago. Our decadal emphasis did nothing. Many churches have less than five children who regularly attend. Some have zero kids and no prospects of reaching any. Those churches are dead. They just don’t know it.

A quote attributed to C.S. Lewis is true (no matter who said it first): “Children are not a distraction for a more important work, they are the most important work.” It’s time to move Manual paragraph 922 regarding the Value of Children and Youth out of the appendix and onto the front page. Every church (Every. Single. Church.) should prioritize reaching boys and girls for Jesus. Turn the worship services into a training centers. Turn potlucks into prayer sessions. Understandably, not every church can afford a “children’s pastor,” but no church can afford to forget about the children in their communities. Every pastor must become a “children’s pastor” no matter his/her role in the church.

We don’t need another Bible study for people who already know the Bible. We need mentors and tutors in elementary schools. Allow the boy or girl scouts or children advocacy groups to meet in the building. Host trunk or treat events. Offer free babysitting to single moms or invite support meetings for foster parents. Make an all-out, anything goes, no holds bar effort to reach boys and girls for Jesus. We need a true emphasis on reaching boys and girls, not just a well-produced video. 

The future of the denomination hangs in the balance. Reach children or die. 

Note: Thankfully some positive signs are afoot. The addition of Global children’s discipleship advocates, Trey and Candice Brooks, is a great start. They are terrific. I just hope it’s not too little too late.

When Revival Comes to America

On By Rob PrinceLeave a comment

Did you see the social media post recently listing Bible sales and music downloads as an indicator of a religious revival in America? In response, church researcher, Ryan Burge, stated that for even a 3% church attendance increase (over the general population in USA), it would mean (on average) every church in America (about 300,000 houses of worship) would increase attendance by 35 people in the last 90 days. The average church in America has 75 people. Has every church grown to 110? “On the ground reporting doesn’t match that reality,” he said. According to Burge, while there are examples of a church here or there showing remarkable growth, increased attendance is not happening. Most churches are in decline. But are Bible sales, music downloads or even church attendance indicators of revival? I’m not so sure.

When revival comes to America, we will know it. Everyone will know it—Christian and non-Christian alike will know it. It won’t be a church here or a church there experiencing the power of the Holy Spirit. It will be a fresh wind sweeping across our land. It will result in changed hearts and changed churches, but also changed workplaces and schools. Justice will roll like a mighty stream. Relationships will be restored. Wrongs will be righted. Forgiveness offered and received. God’s kingdom coming to earth as it is in heaven, in other words.

When revival comes to America, there probably will be more Bibles sold, more Christian songs downloaded and more “butts in the pews,” but it will be much more than that. The hungry will be fed. Prisoners will be visited. Strangers welcomed. Sinners and non-sinners alike would be blessed by a mighty revival. The name of Jesus will be lifted high across the land. 

When revival to comes to America, there will be a burning, ever-present longing for Jesus. I want that. I really do. I am praying for that end. it will mean commitment. I’m not talking about the sacrifice from strangers in the great unknown corners of the country, I’m talking about me. I’m praying revival starts in me. It will mean letting go of my desires and seeking Jesus with all I have. I’m praying for the courage to be willing to do everything needed to see revival happen in the church, in our land and in me.

When revival comes to America, I will be changed.

Money led vs Spirit led churches

On By Rob PrinceLeave a comment

Money led churches worry.
Spirit led churches trust.

Money led churches don’t want to offend big donors.
Spirit led churches don’t want to offend the Holy Spirit.

Money led churches think of their pastors as employees.
Spirit led churches think of their pastors as men and women called by God.

Money led churches look at the bottom line.
Spirit led churches keep an eye on the finish line.

Money led churches play it safe.
Spirit led churches take risks.

Money led churches love their neighbor… if they can afford it.
Spirit led churches love their neighbor… period. 

Money led church view success in terms of profit.
Spirit led churches view success in following the Old Testament prophets.

Money led churches continually ask for more money.
Spirit led churches continually seek more of the Spirit.

Money led churches think of what they can get out of people.
Spirit led churches think of what they can give to people.

Money led churches say “no” when it doesn’t make financial sense.
Spirit led churches say ‘Yes” in spite of dollar and cents.

Money led churches count the cost of every program.
Spirit led churches count the cost of every person.

Money led churches are greedy.
Spirit led churches are generous.

Money led churches in the end have no money.
Spirit led churches in the end have the Spirit of God.

Money led churches close.
Spirit led churches thrive.

Let’s be a Spirit led church!

Here’s the First Step in Saving Dying Churches

On By Rob PrinceLeave a comment

Did the Macedonian church have the “secret sauce” to keep churches open and pulpits filled that is missing today? Last week, Axios stated that 15,000 churches could close this year (Read it here). I wrote the need to fill pulpits  (read it here ). Paul wrote: In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. 1 Corinthians 8:2-3

What you just read is impossible. Absolutely impossible. The Macedonians in “severe trial” still were experiencing “overflowing joy” and “rich generosity.” That’s not the impossible part (Jesus brings joy in the most difficult circumstances), what Paul wrote next is impossible: they gave “even beyond their ability.” How can one do that? You can only give what you can give. How can you give “beyond your ability”? That level of giving only happens as one is obedient to the enabling and providing whisper of the Holy Spirit. If we are going to fill all of the soon-to-be-empty pulpits and stop church closings, we need churches full of “beyond-their-ability” givers. 

The church closing and empty pulpit crisis is as much an economic issue as it is a spiritual one. There is not enough money in the offering plates. Pastors can’t feed their families on what the church can afford to pay. Maybe there are a faithful few who’ve been giving “beyond their ability” but not enough parishioners are doing so (Edited to read: some churches have closed even as the faithful have given “beyond their ability.” Church closures are not always economic, in other words). 

Historically, many churches had people giving beyond their ability. In more than one of the churches I’ve pastored there are stories of faithful people mortgaging their homes because the church experienced a financial crisis. One church would pass the plates; the ushers would count the money; and, if there wasn’t enough, they’d pass them again. Such sacrifice is unheard of these days. What pastor would have the gall (courage?) to make such an appeal?

The greatest transfer of wealth is happening in the next 10-15 years. Not coincidently, the greatest need for pastors is happening in the next 10-15 years. What would happen if faithful followers tithed in their wills? I’m not suggesting writing family out of their will or trust, but simply tithing as they are “promoted to glory.” Folks have been faithful in life, could they be faithful in death too. This bequest could be to a local church or (dream with me for a minute) a special endowment* set up by a denomination to supplement the pastor’s salary in churches with an annual income below a certain amount. 

A compelling case could be made to wealthy donors that in order to save churches, we need a several million dollar endowment to invest in the lives of pastors. This is pastor appreciation month, what better way to appreciate pastors than to make it so these servants of the Lord are not living below the poverty line (like I did when pastoring in Bad Axe, Michigan years ago). Lifting the financial burden is one way to fill pulpits and stop the closing of churches. 

Maybe the church’s longevity could be extended as people (rich and no-so-rich) give beyond their ability in life and death. I pray that like the Macedonian churches, in the midst of severe trial, there will well up in us “overwhelming joy” and “rich generosity.” Such faithful giving just might save the church for years to come!

*The math for a pastoral salary supplement endowment is daunting. To truly work on a large nationwide scale, several million dollars (estimated: in excess of $250 million) would need to be invested to payout enough to actually help pastors. Depending on how many pastors would be eligible, the numbers could make establishing such an endowment difficult but not impossible. Not if there is “overwhelming joy and rich generosity.” 

Help Wanted: Pastors in Small towns, Rural areas and inner cities (actually everywhere)

On By Rob PrinceLeave a comment

Why is pastoring an existing church in rural America or in an inner city so undesirable that few are willing to go? Is it that hard? That unaffordable? That unfruitful? Seemingly, many think so. Has the Spirit quit calling people?  I hardly think so. Unfortunately, many churches will close if would-be-ministers don’t heed or don’t hear the Spirit’s call.  

Pastoring anywhere these days is hard. Make no mistake, it’s tougher today than when I started pastoring at the Bad Axe Church of the Nazarene in beautiful Bad Axe, Michigan (yes, that’s a real town). Pastors face loneliness, political angst, anxiety, little compensation, complaints, social media monsters, complaints, distractions, addictions, complaints, stuck-in-the-past parishioners, carnal members (“carnal” isn’t a modern word, but it’s still a modern ailment) and far more difficulties than past generations. The hardships are different from the ones that Paul faced, but life’s challenges are still ever present. 

According to Acts 20:22-24, the Spirit “compelled” Paul to go to Jerusalem. He didn’t know what was awaiting him. He had a pretty good idea it wasn’t going to be easy. In every other city, he had faced prison and hardships. Jerusalem would probably be no different. In response to the Spirit, Paul proclaimed that his life meant nothing compared to the task of testifying to the grace of God which he was called to complete. 

We need similar Pauline willingness and courage. The fields are still “white unto harvest” to use Jesus’ analogy. In the next 10-15 years as the current pastors retire or are “promoted to glory,” unless people obey the Spirit’s compelling call, many churches will close. There are just not enough willing-to-go pastors to fill all of the soon-to-be empty pulpits. Who will go to the small rural places? Who will go into tough inner cities? Who will pastor the handful of faithful followers of Jesus in difficult places with little money and less recognition? Take note: It’s hard. It’s sacrificial. There is little glory.  But so needed!

Shh… listen… is the Spirit is calling you? Is the Spirit calling me? 

Young people, men, women, teenagers, second career individuals, and recently retired are you listening? Is there anyone with a fire in your belly for the lost? The Spirit is still calling. There are plenty of places in need of faithful pastors (not just rural and inner cities). Will anyone heed His compelling invitation? Such individuals are out there! Courageous ministers, like Paul, are still out there. Churches in rural areas, small towns, in our cities and everywhere in between need these Kingdom builders! Keep listening. Keep obeying. Willing  workers, the Kingdom needs us!  The Spirit is calling. He/she who has ears let them hear.

Jesus Wept

On By Rob Prince1 Comment

When Paul wrote how believers are to “mourn with those that mourn”(Romans 12:15), he didn’t include in that directive to  check passports or voting records or social media posts first. He meant as you put yourself in the shoes of others, mourn as if it were your child, your spouse or your parent.  

This week’s 24th anniversary of 9-11 and the violence in our country (murders of the Ukrainian woman, a political activist in Utah, and the school shooting in Colorado –the 47th of 2025) shook the nation. There were those who chose to respond to these occurrences with outright glee or turning the blind eye of indifference. Clearly neither are acceptable responses for the American tragedies. Nor should the same extremes be evident in the deaths in Gaza or Ukraine or anywhere else in the world where evil and murder seem to reign. Death (in any form) is the enemy on display at Golgotha. It’s the bitter foe defeated in Christ’s empty tomb. 

Put yourself in the other’s shoes. Lace up the tennis shoes of the children who will be in school knowing  their classmates are dead or marred for life. Step into the sandals of a mother in Gaza who’s child was killed because of a bomb. Put on the heels of Erika Kirk as she navigates life with two children and no husband. Slip into the loafers of Iryna Zarutska’s mother who is dealing with the horror that her daughter survived a war but not a bus ride in America. For that matter, put on the boots of the father, who turned in his son for the assignation of Charlie Kirk. It’s not about politics. It is about Christian concern and empathy. 

It is just as troubling to have people happily lashing out about Kirk’s death and those who ignore school shootings or deaths in war. Jesus called us to love our neighbors and love our enemies. To love is to come alongside in grief. To offer hope amongst a hopeless situation. To point people to Jesus when they are walking the most difficult road of their lives. 

Followers of Jesus respond to death, crime, and war as Jesus would. Not ignoring. Not rejoicing. John 11:35: Jesus wept.

What are the Assemblies of God churches doing that the Nazarenes aren’t doing?

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According to the research of Ryan Burge, Professor of Practice at the Danforth Center for Religion and Politics at Washington University, there is only one denomination (of all the denominations in the USA) that is significantly larger than it was 30 years ago: The Assemblies of God (see the graph). Of course, the big question is: why them and not us?

The Assemblies of God is a global Pentecostal church which began in 1914 in Hot Springs, Arkansas. The Church of the Nazarene began in 1908 in Pilot Point Texas. In fact, the original name of the Church of the Nazarene was the “Pentecostal Church of the Nazarene.” (The word “Pentecostal” was dropped in 1919 so as to not be confused with churches like the Assemblies of God that emphasized speaking in tongues and other manifestations of the Holy Spirit). While we differ on “the tongues issue,” we certainly would consider the Assemblies of God church a “sister” church. So why are they doing so well, when the until this year, the Church of the Nazarene in USA/Canada has been in a massive decadal decline?

One might pick an obvious answer and say, it is because of their emphasis on speaking in tongues. But is that it or is there something else going on? I’m sure there are several factors that have contributed to the denominational growth. I will suggest one. 

By virtue of their emphasis on the workings of the Holy Spirit, the Assemblies of God preach a gospel that is near. By that I mean experiential. They are in tune to the fact that Jesus is with us when we gather (with “two or more,” remember His words). In a world that is increasingly disconnected from one another, they preach a gospel of connectedness. This isn’t a tongues issue. It’s what our society is seeking. In an ever increasing lonely world, it’s a message that says, “God wants to connect with you.” 

It can be our message too. Again, I don’t think it is about unknown tongues. It is about meeting with Jesus. Seeking Jesus. Expecting Jesus to show up at our gatherings. It’s the presence of Jesus that makes for a compelling worship service. Not music, lights or preaching. It’s Jesus. 

The Assemblies of God figured that out long ago, and people are drawn to their story. That can be us. Jesus wants to meet with us. Do we plan, pray and prepare our hearts for an up close and personal encounter with Jesus. Maybe if we saw that happening more and more in our churches (starting with our pastors and church leaders), our growth trajectory would look more like the Assemblies of God rather than the stock graph line of Radio Shack (It’s not that bad my fellow Nazarenes). 

Our world needs Jesus. The Assemblies of God doesn’t have a corner on the market of Jesus. It’s a message we can and do preach. The more our people get in touch with Jesus, the greater our impact on culture and society will be. Our task is simple: Connect people to Jesus. 

The name on the front of my jersey reads “Church of the Nazarene“

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With the National Nazarene Softball Tournament approaching (sponsored by the Springdale Church in Cincinnati, Ohio on Labor Day weekend. Central church is sending a team), I started thinking about the jerseys worn. Maybe you’ve seen in a sports themed movie when a coach tells an overly selfish player, “The (team) name on the front of the jersey is more important than the (player’s) name on the back of the jersey.” It’s a lesson on the importance of the team.

The team I’ve chosen to be a part of is the “Church of the Nazarene.” Its name is on the front of my jersey.

There are other teams (churches). Good teams. Still I’m a Nazarene. In my cranky critical moments, I think being on another team could be better. For example, non-denominational churches don’t have apportionments.They can give as much or as little to world missions, local missions, retired ministers and Christian colleges as they’d like. No World Evangelism Fund for them. Bad Pun Alert: There’s not a whiff of WEF. They can have as little or as many rules as they like too. Easily change anything they want with a quick vote of their leadership, congregation or on the whim of the pastor (if that’s how their bylaws guide them). Not us. In the Church of the Nazarene, we have a Manual. It can be changed only upon the vote of the General Assembly. Some sections (the Articles of Faith) take at least two General Assemblies before the wording can be changed, and then it has to be ratified by all the districts. 

Sometimes I think it would be easier to be in a non-denominational church with its name on the front of my jersey. Less restrictive. More freedom. Sounds good.

But is it?  Non-denoms also have less accountability. While I don’t want “Big Brother” constantly looking over my shoulder, I am comforted that there are guidelines and procedures for many (not all) circumstances that might come a church’s way. I’m glad that there is a collective wisdom in place. I’m thankful for the checks and balances within the Nazarene system. The Church of the Nazarene is not like a fly-by-night dog-and-pony show. It’s been around for 117 years and still going strong. Located in over 160 countries, it’s a stable, global, team. A non-denom team can’t say that. 

It’s easy to complain (Yes, I’m looking in the mirror as I write those words). But today I am thankful. I trust that Church of the Nazarene leadership is not corrupt. I believe our church leaders when they say they are praying for the churches and its members. In any organization there is a bad apple or two, but that does not negate the thousands and thousands of hard-working, Jesus-loving, faithful  Nazarenes throughout the world. Within any organization, decisions will be made and monies spent that I wish had not been made or spent, but I still trust that the conclusions made (even where I would have landed someplace else) have not been made without prayer and consideration. Moreover, I love my local team. I tell visitors all the time, “I’m biased, but ours is a great church.”  

Is the church perfect? No. Are some actions frustrating? Yes. Are there problematic people? Of course. Can someone point to an inaccurate application of justice? Probably. Still, I am glad the team name on the front of my jersey reads, “Church of the Nazarene.“ They are my people, and I am sticking with them.

Saved and Sanctified

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Back when “testimonies” were a regular part of a Sunday night church services (do you remember those?*), one of the cliché’s frequently heard in Nazarene circles was the claim, “I’m save and sanctified.” Too often, the phrase sounded like an accomplishment achieved. “Saved and sanctified” seemed more a badge of pride instead of an acute awareness of how far one has yet to go in their journey toward Christ-likeness. 

There is no boasting in the truly “saved and sanctified.” There is a humility that is averse to using such “arrival-like terminology.” To be “saved and sanctified” is not like taking an airplane to Atlanta and stepping off the jetway saying, “I’m here. I made it.” Instead “saved and sanctified” is more like a long arduous hike. There are cracks and crevasses along the way. Plenty of places, where it would be easy to fall, and sometimes one does. It can be exhausting. It’s not always fun. The life traveler learns from the rough places. In times of distress, as they call upon the Lord, and God picks the journeyer up, dusts them off, and they more carefully traverse the road ahead. In self-reflective moments, the “saved and sanctified” look back at the trail they’ve travelled and think, “Wow, the Lord has brought me a long way.” Still they realize that there is plenty of trail ahead. They are not alone, but they aren’t done either. They haven’t arrived. They continue walking upward.

An unchurched neighbor might not use “saved and sanctified” terminology, especially if not versed in “Christian-ese.” Instead they might use words to describe their truly “saved and sanctified” friend as: Honest, kind, loving, joy-filled, patient, good, merciful, gracious, faithful, gentle, and display immense self-control (unknowingly, the unchurched just described the fruit of the spirit). To the point, being “saved and sanctified” is not a claim that one makes lightly about themselves, but it’s better merited as non-churched watchers unintentionally acknowledge the identifiers of holiness and humility displayed in the person’s life.

Pray that our non-church, pre-Christian neighbors and friends will see the attributes of holiness in us more and more, as we carry the kingdom of God with us into the world.

*Please note: in spite of the random goofiness of some Sunday night testimonies, I miss them. They were good for the unsaved and young believers to hear the victories of the saints. It was good for the seasoned believers, to hear the joy and excitement of newbie Christians. I miss other elements of the Sunday night service too. We lost a bit of community that once existed in the old-time Sunday night services.

I am a Nazarene

On By Rob Prince1 Comment

Not all Christians agree with everything that the Church of the Nazarene believes. For crying out loud, not all Nazarenes agree with everything in the Manual. If we did the Manual would never change, but it does change every four years. As such, through it all, we strive to have unity in the essentials; liberty in the non-essentials and charity in all things. (Key word: “Strive” we aren’t always united and/or charitable, but we sure should “strive” to be.). 

There are some things that the Church of the Nazarene is pretty rock solid on even as others disagree. For example, we Nazarenes have always practiced both baby dedication and infant baptism. Not everybody does. Karla and I baptized Alex and dedicated Ben (I don’t know why). I tell folks the jury is still out on which one is better. Infant baptism has been around since the earliest Christians. The anabaptists stopped practicing infant baptism a few hundred years ago, and offered baby dedications instead. So we do both. We Nazarenes have such a strong view of the prevenient grace of God, and it is wonderfully demonstrated in infant baptism. God loves that baby, while it’s still being formed and His love never stops. In baby dedication, the emphasis is on the parents commitment to raise the child in the a Christian home. Speaking of baptism, in believer baptism, we will drip, douse or dunk. It’s not the amount of H2O applied that matters, baptism proclaims the amount of grace applied in the individual’s life. 

We have always ordained women. In fact, percentage wise, we had more female pastors in our early years than we do today. People who don’t agree site Paul’s words to Timothy about women being silent in church (ignoring the context of the trouble making women in the local church at Ephesus at the time). They forget about Peter quoting Joel saying, women will be prophesying in the end times. They also look over the obvious citation of Priscilla and Aquilla leading a church in Romans 16. Or Lydia being a church leader in Philippi. Or the resurrected Jesus, giving Mary Magdalene the first glimpse of His glory, and commissioning her to tell the others about it. If women are good enough proclaimers for the resurrected Jesus, they are good enough for us!

We have always believed that God can make people holy today. We are a holiness people. Always have been. In both Old and New Testaments God says, “Be Holy.” Would God Almighty really tell us to do something that is impossible to do—or something that only a few select people could be?  I don’t think so. Holy living is possible and encouraged for every faithful follower of Jesus. The evidence of such holy living is the fruit of the Spirit demonstrated in the believer’s life.

We have always upheld a traditional view of marriage between a man and a woman. Many congregations are debating the biblical record these days. A few years back, when the question of human sexuality arose in the General Assembly, 97% of the delegates voted to uphold the traditional standard that we have always affirmed. That doesn’t mean we exclude people or are unwelcoming. We encourage all. Welcome all. Love all. Show grace and mercy to all.

Some things change. When I was a kid, Nazarene’s didn’t go to movies. We didn’t dance either. I got out of 5th grade square dancing because my mom sent a note saying “dancing was against our religion.” If I held a membership class that day, every boy in the fifth grade at Marquette Elementary School would have signed up to be a Nazarene. We’ve changed non-essential elements of life as culture has changed. We aren’t Amish after all.

Some things are still up for interpretation and we don’t fight about it— if folks choose to land some other place than where other members have landed– It’s OK. As such, Nazarenes don’t have a preferred Bible translation (although the Foundry uses the New International Version in its Sunday School materials). We don’t have a set view on Christ’s return (other than Jesus is coming again). We don’t have a set view on creation (other than God did it). We don’t tell people who to vote for in elections. Not sure Jesus would be an elephant or a donkey. We tell folks to read their Bible; pray about it; and decide. We leave room for folks who disagree or doubt or are seeking. 

Some things change. Some things don’t. Some things we leave up to the individual to figure out. That’s Nazarene-dom in a nut shell—and I’m glad to be a part of it.

The Nazarene Pastor Shortage and What One Church is Doing About It

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On Flint Central Church’s recent mission trip to Panama, a high school student preached the Sunday morning message (with a translator) in the Panamanian church. By all accounts, she did great. Two students came home from the mission trip announcing that they were sensing a call into ministry. There are at least two other high schoolers who also have expressed an interest in becoming a pastor. If you are counting at home that is 5 students expressing an interest in ministry.*

Why does Central church have so many young men and women called into the ministry? 

There are probably a variety of reasons. I’ll list a few possible answers: 

1) There is a healthy church culture. The board and pastoral staff are aligned. Students view ministry positively because of the church culture that has developed. 

2) The church emphasizes “Growing Together.” Students have seen in their parents, grandparents or many other adults a faithful witness. There is a mutual love between the older, seasoned Christians and students.

3) The church has had great youth pastors who have inspired our students on what they could become and have modeled faithfulness before them.

4) Opportunities have been given for students to hear from the Lord: Mission trips, NYC, D-Now, retreats and camps. God speaks when students getaway and can listen to God. 

5) God calling people into ministry is mentioned from the pulpit and in youth group from time to time. The students have seen their peers called into ministry and have been open to God speaking to themselves too. Sometimes it’s a snowball effect, one student is called into ministry then another and another and another… it just keeps growing.

6) There have been opportunities for ministers-in-training to serve at Central as volunteers and interns. For example, yesterday’s summer combined adult and student Sunday School class was taught by a recent high school graduate.

7) The church puts its money where its mouth is. This year Central Church gave out over $26,000 to in scholarships to 18 Olivet Nazarene University students. There has been an emphasis on education and the church has helped provide for it.

And most importantly, 

8) Central church is a praying church. They’ve followed Jesus’ instructions: “pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest” (Luke 10:2). The church has prayed and God has answered!

Corporately, the Church of the Nazarene needs to pray too. The Church of the Nazarene is in desperate need for young men and women to be called into the ministry. The current clergy are aging (writer included. Deep Sigh!) and we need more pastors. On our district there are 8 churches in need of a pastor. From what I can tell (I may be wrong) none of those churches have any prospects. No interviews are lined up. No one is knocking on the church doors to become the next pastor. The Eastern Michigan district is not alone. There is a pastor shortage and it’s going to get worse as we old timers die off.  After all these years, Jesus words are still true. The fields are still ready. We need to pray for (and develop) workers more than ever.

*This is not a new phenomenon at Central Church. Here are the 20-somethings from Central Church in ministry (or training): Bryce Potts is a student at Taylor University studying to be a worship pastor. He is interning at Central Church this summer. Two students are in Olivet’s summer PR groups (Tyler Chapin and Grace Bedell). Sarah Hurd is a youth pastor in Illinois. Tyler and Hannah VanSteenburg are pastoring in Madison Heights, Michigan. Of course, Haley (VanSteenburg) Baker is the wife of Central Church’s Mid-High Youth pastor, Tyler. While Justin Hilliard doesn’t have a ministry degree or pastor’s license, trust me, Central Church’s tech director (who grew up at Central church) is in ministry. Even though the Close sisters, Lydia and Sophie, expressed a call to ministry before coming to Central Church, I will include them too. Lydia and husband, Caleb, are pastoring the Refinery Nazarene Church in Brandon, Michigan. Sophie and husband, Ethan, are on staff at Devoted City Church in Raleigh, North Carolina. Another 20-something, Allie Degner, starts next week working at the Global Ministry Center of the Church of the Nazarene in the communications department, These are just the pastors and leaders in their 20’s—Flint Central has many other pastors age 30 and above who list Central church as their “home” church (including our own 30 somethings Pastors Sauer—Tyler and sister, Emily). If you are counting at home that’s 13 people from Central church in their 20’s in ministry.

Are American Christians Blind?

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In John 9, a man, blind from birth, was healed by Jesus on the Sabbath. This got the pharisees in a huff (per usual). His parents, no doubt labelled “sinners” for bringing into the world a blind son, wanted no piece of the dispute. They had learned to keep their mouths shut around the pharisees (this is no surprise). But what strikes me odd about this brouhaha is the man’s neighbors (HIS NEIGHBORS!!) did not even know if this was the man who had been begging for years. 

John records it this way:

His neighbors and those who had formerly seen him begging asked, “Isn’t this the same man who used to sit and beg?” Some claimed that he was.
Others said, “No, he only looks like him.”
But he himself insisted, “I am the man.” John 9:8-9

How could one walk by a neighbor day in and day out and not see him? How could they not recognize him? Who was truly blind in the story– the man blind from birth or the people who refused to see?

Are Christians in America turning a blind eye on their neighbors too?  Do we see the suffering in our world? Do we see that injustices being done?  Do we see that law abiding immigrants are being rounded up and imprisoned without due process? Do we notice as they are being dragged out of churches? Are we singing “Turn your eyes upon Jesus” but not turning our eyes toward our brothers and sisters in Christ who are suffering? Do we sing a little bit louder as to drown out the cries for help?  Do we not see it? Or do we choose not to see it?  (see the Christianity today article about some detained Christians here).

What part of “Love your neighbor” have we missed? Will we be in with the other goats as the Judge tells us, “whatever you did not do to the least of these you did not do for me” (See Matthew 25)? 

No one wants criminals in the country. Everyone agrees they should not be allowed to stay. But what about the church-attending, law-abiding, asylum seeking neighbors?* Do we see them? What about those believers who have left their country of origin because of religious persecution or wanton violence? Do we care? Do we simply choose to listen to the narrative that what is being done is for “law and order”? 

“Law breaking is bad!” someone will shout. “They broke the law.” 

Tell that to Joseph in an Egyptian prison. 
Tell that to Shiphrah and Puah as they defied Pharaoh’s orders.
Tell that to Moses as he defied Pharaoh’s orders too.
Tell that to David as he was on the run from King Saul.
Tell that to Elijah as he was on the run from Queen Jezebel. 
Tell that to Jeremiah as he stood in the stocks. 
Tell that to John the Baptist as he was executed by Herod. 
Tell that to Peter and John when they boldly told the leaders that be, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? (Acts 4:19)
Tell that to Stephen as the rocks were flying. 
Tell that to Paul as he sat in a Roman prison.
Tell that to Jesus as he hung on a Roman cross. 

It seems God fearing people have a long history of refusing to turn a blind eye to unjust laws or oppressed people.

Do we not see our neighbors? 

Are we blind?

*Honestly, “church-attending” isn’t even the issue. This is America. No one is forced to believe. 

Making Holiness Great Again

On By Rob Prince1 Comment

Making holiness great again is a worthy effort. What godly person doesn’t want holiness to be great?  The pharisees in the first century attempted to “make holiness great again.” Sadly, their version of “holiness”* was a strict adherence to the law, especially the sabbath laws. This approach weaponized holiness and put them in conflict with Jesus on multiple occasions. Theirs was a haughty brand of “holiness” that in the end looked nothing like the humble holiness that Jesus exuded. When holiness disintegrates into a prideful, battle weapon it is no longer holiness. It’s a self-congratulatory enterprise that looks more like the smirking pharisees on Good Friday, than the forgiving, dying Savior on the cross. It’s no longer great.

Religious bullying in the name of God Almighty is what Jesus abhorred. Could it be that Jesus is still disgusted by anyone touting a far less than great brand of holiness. A “holiness” more intent on keeping rules and keeping out rule breakers, than it is on a welcoming, Philippians 2:5-11, selfless-love brand of holiness?

Holiness is great when smugness is swapped with the unpretentious fruit of the Spirit.
Holiness is great when pride is replaced with humility. 
Holiness is great when it’s characterized by true righteousness not self-righteousness.
Holiness is great when perfect love chases out all fear.
Holiness is great when it looks like the open-armed father and not the angry, rule keeping older brother when his prodigal sibling returned.
Holiness is great when there are less pitch forks and torches and more flames of the Spirit. 
Holiness is great when the miniscule search for specks in the eyes of offenders gives way to 
lumberjack-ian task of log removeable from one’s own optic nerves. 
Holiness is great when it looks like Jesus.

One of the core values of the Church of the Nazarene is “holiness.” It would have been one of the pharisees’ core values too. Do we look more like the pharisees or Jesus? The pharisaical brand of “holiness” is one where there are multiple boxes which need to be checked. Accordingly, if not all of the boxes are checked, then it’s not “holiness.” The Jesus brand of holiness has only one box: holy forgiving selfless love.** If it’s checked, it’s holiness. Let’s strive to check that box. Let’s make that brand of holiness great again.

*The pharisees’ “holiness” is in quotation marks, because it’s something, but whatever it is– it’s not holiness. 

**Please Note: Jesus made demands on his followers (most notably “pick up your cross and follow me”). But those demands flow from a heart of love, not out a code of ethical boundaries. Those demands reflect–  Holy. Forgiving. Selfless. Love. 

Is it time for the Silent Majority in the Church of the Nazarene to speak?

On By Rob Prince1 Comment

Most people in the Church of the Nazarene (CotN) are silent when it comes to the happenings of the church. I’m not talking about those members on the fringe that barely know they attend a Nazarene church. No, these silent folks are “in the know.” They know all about the CotN. They observe social media happenings concerning the CotN. They pay attention to the issues in the church and in the world. They hear the chatter from the conservative groups, progressive groups, charismatic influenced groups, our college happenings or things on the mission field (both good and bad). They have opinions regarding these things. They simply keep their thoughts to themselves.

This is especially true for those in leadership positions. There must be a class when one enters the Global Ministry Center (GMC) on the how to avoid making comments on social media. Don’t “like” any opinion. Don’t address any problem. Don’t offend one side or the other. Be quiet.

I can’t blame them. I’ve seen people take a position (it’s happened to me) and one side or the other goes ballistic. Their name and opinion gets dragged through the mud. Their outlook was lambasted. People assumed this or that about the person. Usually it’s not good. People they thought were their friends (not just “Facebook friends,” but real ones) write hurtful things. Any response would come across as “defensive.” They’ve learned their lesson. “Stay quiet.”

(I’m pretty sure I have the inglorious distinction of one who has offended just about everyone at one time or another with these little 500-700 word blogs. Yet here I am, blabbering on. Apparently, I have not learned my lesson). 

There is a reason why the cliché, “The squeaky wheel gets the grease,” is true. We’ve seen it happen over and over in the church. The ones who yell the loudest– get the attention. No matter if their opinions are contrary to the stated doctrines of the Church. No matter if the loudest and angriest display very un-Christlike attributes. No matter that their bullying tactics intimidate people into silence. No matter that their message of aggression and callousness is what non-believers also see. “Truth,” they say, is what they are defending. But if “truth” is conveyed in an untruthful or un-Christlike manner is it still the “Truth”? “If you can’t stand the heat get out of the kitchen,” the theological bullies tell us. That’s another truth-filled cliché which is leading the silent exodus of sound-minded people. 

I’ve heard some opinions say, “80% of Nazarenes are nice and wonderful followers of Jesus and there are 10% of Nazarenes are on either end of the bully stick.” 10% ultra-conservative bullies and 10% ultra-progressive bullies. I tend to think the percentages are not nearly that strong. My estimation is that it’s only 1% on either end. Maybe less. At least, 98% of Nazarenes are following after Jesus and striving to live a holy life. The squeaky wheels are 2% (maybe less), but those squeaky wheels get a lot of the greasy attention on social media and elsewhere.

Solomon was right. “There is a time to be silent and a time to speak” (Ecclesiastes 3:7). It should go without saying (but I’m writing about it so maybe it’s not so obvious): We can’t always be silent. There is a time to speak. Former “CBS Evening News” anchor Scott Pelley said, “The most important thing is to have the courage to speak, to not let fear permeate the country so that everyone suddenly becomes silent. If you have the courage to speak, we are saved. If you fall silent, the country is doomed.”  Substitute the words “Church of the Nazarene” for the word “Country” and there’s a lesson for my fellow Silent Majority Nazarene members (yes, I count myself in that group). There are times when we can’t be silent. We must speak. It may  upset 1% on either end of the Nazarene spectrum, but we cannot fear. Take courage. Speak. 

Do Nazarenes Truly Believe Article of Faith XI?

On By Rob Prince1 Comment

In the world of denominationalism, the Church of the Nazarene (cotn) is small. Yes, it is inching close to 3 million members worldwide. Yes, there was slight growth in USA/Canada last year. Yes, in the world of “holiness” churches, the cotn is a bigger group than most in that very small subset. Still, in the Church universal, the cotn is a small tribe. 

Being small has some benefits. Like the sitcom Cheers bar, it seems everyone knows your name. Often it’s more like family than a denomination. There is a comfortable familiarity, going into a Nazarene church on the other side of the world and seeing posters for the World Evangelism Fund or an alabaster offering. It’s easy to think, “Yes, these are my people.” 

But being small, also means when a family member leaves or is asked to leave, you know it. It hurts just a little bit. Sometimes it hurts a lot. 

People leave for a variety of reasons, I’ve had people move to a community without a cotn and have joined another church. For some, sinful choices lead them to no longer fellowship in the cotn. Others got miffed at someone (Read: often the pastor) and have joined another church. Occasionally, an elder or licensed minister has gotten sideways with a doctrine or belief and have felt, he/she needs to exit. In rare cases (very rare) an elder is asked to leave. Ordered to do so by a church trial, if necessary. Those rare instances, usually make headlines on social media. It gets the usual characters grumbling, but trials for heresy are extremely rare.

The eleventh Article of Faith in the Manual of the cotn states: The Church is a historical reality that organizes itself in culturally conditioned forms, exists both as local congregations and as a universal body. Notice the capital “C” in “Church” and the word, “universal” regarding the Church. Nazarenes recognize that there are Christians in other traditions that will likewise receive an eternal reward and hear the Master say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” One need not show their Nazarene membership card or give St. Peter the secret Nazarene handshake (we don’t have one of those, do we?) to gain entrance through the pearly gates. 

Since Article XI exists, doesn’t it make sense that when someone leaves to join another church (for whatever reason) we would not besmirch their name or in other ways cast doubt on their faithfulness or Christian standing. Instead, we would wish them well and continue to pray for their good standing before the Lord. We wouldn’t celebrate the aforementioned exit (especially on social media). We wouldn’t draw lines in the sand. We wouldn’t contact lawyers. We would say, “Brothers and sisters, we may differ on some of the finer points of our faith but we are part of the Church universal. Go and be well.” 

At times, when someone leaves, it feels like a divorce. Betrayal even. Someone has to be right and someone has to be wrong. But does it have to be that way? Can’t two things be right at the same time? Neither party is evil. Both are trying to “work out their salvation in fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12). Can’t there be a world where both the witch-hunts and the brazen, willful disregard to the Manual are out of bounds those who swore to uphold it? Moreover, can’t we refuse to resort to name calling while walking out the door or shouts of distain from inside the holy confines toward those walking away?

Being a part of the Church (capital “C”) means (in a too simplistic way) we have common beliefs regarding the primacy of Christ and the inspired Holy Bible containing all we need to know regarding salvation. After that, aren’t we all are “working it out.” If we truly believe Article XI, those exiting for another church would still feel loved. If we truly believe Article XI, we wouldn’t be so territorial. If we truly believed Article XI we would be sad, maybe even heart-broken, when one of our own sheep heads to a new pasture, but we wouldn’t be un-Christ-like. Not if we believe, Article XI. 

Has the Death of the Church of the Nazarene Been Greatly Exaggerated?

On By Rob Prince2 Comments

The famous quote about his death being exaggerated is attributed to Mark Twain over an obituary mistakenly printed. I wonder if the same can be said about the Church of the Nazarene (CotN)?

Someone has a disagreement with the CotN and conclude, “this is the death of her.” Splash their overly pessimistic opinions on social media. The usual suspects of disgruntled former members quickly chime in. “They’re done. Dead. Put a fork in her,” they say.

I imagine it was that way when the Missionary Bible folks thought TVs were too worldly in 50’s and left the CotN (minus the social media, of course) or when some folks exited over charismatic gifts in the 70s or when those who disagree with the CotN’s stance on human sexuality walk out today. “They are wrong,” they shout, “Turn out the lights, the party is over.”

But is that accurate? The church is growing in various parts of the world. Africa passed the USA a few years back in membership. Even USA/Canada had slight growth last year. Not everyone is leaving apparently. There have been a few pastors who’ve turned in their credentials, but it’s not an avalanche. A few churches have exited too, but, again, it’s a trickle not Niagara Falls. 

This is not to say, the church is without error. No doubt wrongs have happened. Dirty church politics have been played. There are leaders who have no business leading. Good members have been quieted. For some, politics seems more important than the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Rumors were started (even during the General Assembly voting process prompting chastisement from more than one General Superintendent). There have been unfair District Superintendents (Clarification: my use of the word “unfair” is an attempt to be kind. I’ve been lied to and about from some leaders in our tribe. That’s not only unfair, it’s unChristian). Even so, the church is full of good apples. Not bad ones. Leaders included. Good grief, it’s a church made up of flawed people. There will be messy situations by virtue of that fact.

I don’t fault those who feel that they can no longer fellowship in the Church of the Nazarene. I’m saddened by their exit. But there’s no judgment from me. I hope that they find a Gospel proclaiming church that lives into the words of Jesus.

As for me, I still believe in our theology. I still believe in our efforts to make Christ-like disciples. I still think we are a church that welcomes the stranger, folks on the margins, and the downtrodden (I know my local church does). I still believe in our leadership. Does that make me a Pollyanna? I hope not. I hope it makes me expectant of good days ahead. I want to believe in the best of people. I want to trust the Holy Spirit’s leading. I want to think the “old gal” still has some life in her. I want to think her death has been greatly exaggerated. 

This Pastor Needs the Jesus of Easter Maybe You Do Too

On By Rob Prince2 Comments

In my sixth decade of life and closing in on my fourth decade as a pastor, I hope I’m not turning into the stereotypical codger saying, “Get off my lawn, you blank-ity-blank kids.” Life could easily devolve if I lose my Center. Fixing my eyes on the Jesus of Easter is my only hope.

The church isn’t fair. Nepotism, cronyism, fundamentalism, materialism and a host of other bad “isms” infect the church. I need to constantly remind myself Jesus is the way.

Church leaders (both lay and clergy) have flat out lied to me. Not little white lies. Big black lies. I get it. The church is made up of people and people are people and sometimes people bare false witness. That’s why it’s so important to focus on Jesus. He is the Truth.

People are angrier. Less respectful. Have greater expectations and less patience. It can suck the life right out of you. That’s why it is so important to remember that Jesus is the Life.

I’ve been figuratively punched in the stomach plenty of times. I’d heal quicker from a literal punch. Jesus takes care of His battered sheep. He is the Good Shepherd.

It’s easy to get distracted. I’m at my best when connected to Jesus. He is the Vine.

When depleted and defeated, hungering for truth and justice, it’s Jesus who fills me. He is the Bread of Life. 

In dark times, and there have been dark times, He rescues and redeems. Jesus is the Light. 

When I feel boxed in, trapped by life’s circumstances, through him there is peace. Jesus is the Gate. 

This Easter season, I need to be reminded, maybe more now than ever, He makes the impossible possible. Jesus is the Resurrection!

I’m still trusting in the GREAT I AM.

Disappointed in some Corners of the Church of the Nazarene (USA Version)

On By Rob Prince5 Comments

Sometimes I’m disappointed in my tribe. Not my local church mind you (I’m super biased but Flint Central Church is a great church). No, I’m saddened by USA/Canada version of the Church of the Nazarene. Here’s why: a highly qualified female candidate was not elected to be the lead pastor in a local church (in this case, the District Superintendent was strongly supportive of her. It wasn’t his fault that she wasn’t elected). I’m convinced there was only one reason for her failure to reach the two thirds threshold required by the Manual. She is a female. In far too many places, we will let females be our children pastors or our youth pastors, but that’s it. In far too many places, a female pastoral candidate has no chance of becoming the lead pastor.

It’s a local church issue, you might defend the tribe. I wish that were the case. I wish it were just one local church with a lack of biblical understanding or a lack of Nazarene history and tradition or because (I hate to write it) misogynistic attitudes among the congregation that voted against the over qualified female candidate. But is it a local issue? I’m not so sure.

Yes, we (finally) have a couple of female District Superintendents in USA/Canada (two  in USA; one in Canada). Are three out of 80+ districts really worth celebrating or should we be weeping?  Yes, we have a female General Superintendent. But even she was never a solo pastor. I sometimes wonder if even Carla Sunberg would be elected to be the lead pastor in some of our churches. Of the COK churches (larger churches in USA/Canada), there are only three female pastors (Shawna Gaines at Trevecca Community, Selena Freeman at The Well in Springfield, MO and Beth Nelson at Prairie Heights in Fargo, ND).  Again three out of top 100 or so churches isn’t a great record. Just ask former Nazarene large church pastor, Tara Beth Leach, of the remarks and attitudes she encountered and had to endure in our tribe. It’s not a good report. 

Maybe it’s time for the USA/Canada region to learn from the Asia Pacific Region. That forward thinking region has a “Women in Leadership Coordinator” on its regional leadership team. Dr. Lynne Bollinger is serving in this role. It seems that USA/Canada needs to think of better ways to develop and elevate women in ministry too. But it’s not just giving a seat on the leadership team that’s needed. We must educate our people of the numerous Biblical references of female leaders. We need to call out misogynistic churches and leaders and remind them that “our sons AND DAUGHTERS will prophesy.” We need to confess that our polity (we have always ordained women) and our actions have not always matched.  

To be sure, there are other problems in the church in America. It’s not always easy building a growing, Christ-honoring church in our current culture. Our leaders have a lot on their plates. Prioritizing the endorsement and encouragement of female leaders will help us in dealing with some of these other issues. God speaks through women. We need them. We need their voices.  Just as God used Miriam and Deborah and Esther and Mary Magdalene and Phoebe and Priscilla and… well you get the idea… God will use today’s female leaders if we give them the opportunity. 

Blog less. Write More. (Famous Last Words, by Yours Truly)

On By Rob PrinceLeave a comment

During my sabbatical, I have made a commitment to blog less and write more. So what did I do, my first Monday back in the office? I wrote a blog about the need to not post on social media on matters we know nothing about in regard to our Nazarene colleges and universities (honestly that should be our position on all things). The post was read by many people. Unfortunately soon it devolved into name calling and the comments reflecting the exact opposite of what I had just written. UGH. People. 

It was a “welcome-back-to-the-real-world” moment for me. We live in a divided world. Sadly, including the church. Someone asked me to recall the days when the worst thing a Wesleyan could call a fellow believer was a “Calvinist.” Now, it seems that people are ready to toss our brothers and sisters in Christ into the fires of Hell over the slightest disagreement. We are quick to judge. Quick to anger. For all practical purposes quick to toss aside the grace that was so freely given to us. This should not be us.

Christians will not agree on everything. The Bible isn’t crystal clear on every topic. It takes prayer and discernment and sometimes some of us will get our wires crossed and come to a different opinion. It doesn’t mean that the other is totally wrong and have sold their soul to the devil. It means we simply disagree. 

Sunday, I talked about how the Pharisees were the “holiness people” of the first century. Their brand of “holiness” was constantly running up against Jesus. At times, I see the same “holier-than-thou” and “holiness-as-a-weapon” brands of holiness infecting some of us in holiness traditions. We need to be very careful or Jesus will likewise refer to us as a “brood of vipers” and “white washed tombs.” 

My fellow, holiness people, please let us act like it. Holiness isn’t about what you know, it’s how you live out what you know. Our world needs holy people living, posting and acting like Jesus.

My goal of a book a year will not be accomplished with days like yesterday. I need to blog less write more.

(FYI… I wrote this for the Church Board and Pastors of Central Church. Obviously, I also posted it to my blog. I know, two days in a row a blog post… so much for writing less blogs. Ugh. I have turned off the comments… not because I want to quench discussion, simply I don’t have time to monitor this today. Many blessings. And I mean it, I plan to blog less, write more.). 

A Word about Nazarene Institutions of Higher Learning and their Leadership Teams

On By Rob Prince1 Comment

The toughest job in the Church of the Nazarene is college president. I’ve written a blog on that topic before, you can read it here.  Don’t believe me, ask Dr. Carson Castleman of Mount Vernon Nazarene University. Following a vote of no confidence from by the faculty a few weeks ago, I have friends that love the guy; I have friends that… umm… less than love the guy. It’s hard being a college president. Dr. Jeren Rowell has done an excellent job leading Nazarene Theological Seminary in spite of the seemingly endless accusations and unfounded detractors. (FYI the seminary is the only institution where every faculty member is vetted by the Board of General Superintendents. No other school’s religion department is. Still, NTS is constantly taking inflammatory hits of being less than Nazarene. An argument can be made, it’s the MOST Nazarene.). Being a college or seminary president is a tough.

There are those who have done very well. Dr. David Spittal, who recently announced his retirement, came out to retirement to help MidAmerica Nazarene University and has stayed longer than many probably anticipated. He served MNU through trying times and was a blessing to that school in many ways. Speaking of leaving the ease of retirement, Dr. John Bowling is coming out of retirement to help give interim leadership to Nazarene Bible College. The NBC trustees could not have picked a better candidate. Also speaking of retirement, I sat in Trevecca’s own, Dr. Dan Boone’s seminar at the M-25 conference last week; let’s do all we can to keep that guy from retiring… ever. His seminar was masterful. I wish every District Superintendent in the United States could have heard it. Last fall, the Nazarene Theological College in Manchester, England’s principal, Dr. Deirdre Brower-Latz, was our revival speaker. She was terrific. What an exceptional mind and gifted speaker. Moreover, I recently spent a few days in the Philippines at the Asia Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary. Drs. Larry and Lynne Bollinger are a treasure to the Church of the Nazarene. If there are better people than Larry and Lynne, I haven’t met them (although they are a little too rabid about the Boston Celtics). 

Bias Alert: Olivet Nazarene University President, Dr. Gregg Chenoweth, grew up at Flint Central. It is his home church. The family center is named “The Chenoweth Center,” after Gregg’s parents, Bob and Arlene Chenoweth. We have a “Chenoweth Scholarship” that has given thousands of dollars to Olivet students. Moreover, his grandfather, Rev. Robert Milner pastored several churches on the Eastern Michigan District and for a time, I was his grandmother’s pastor. All this to say, Gregg is the favorite son in these parts. You will not hear a discouraging word around here about Gregg. 

Nazarene institutions of high learning are going through challenging times (i.e. Eastern Nazarene College). Some of our schools are in the midst of transition (I’m looking at you Dr. Kerry Fulcher at Point Loma and the presidential search committees at Northwest, MidAmerica and NBC). Can Nazarenes everywhere commit to praying for our university leadership teams. As rumors and innuendos from all sides fly on the internet, I’ve learned that I don’t always know the facts. I am not always privy to first-hand information. Usually those that are, avoid social media. Before slinging any mud or jumping into the fray, can we pray? Before hopping into a gossip mill and drawing conclusions, can we seek the Lord? 

Leadership is hard. Competing voices are everywhere. It’s not always cut and dried. Sometimes decisions made are not of the “lesser of two evils” variety, instead are of the “all-the-choices-stink” variety. Not every decision will be agreed upon. Some things the leaders will get right and other things will prove to be wrong (leaders are people too). When people’s livelihoods are involved, it is understandably unsettling. Obviously, we must comfort the grieving. We can do so, without passing social media judgement on matters of which we know little. 

In all things, especially for those of us on the outside looking in, we need to exude Christ-like consideration, mercy, and grace. Our colleges and universities are taking hits on all sides, we need not add to the angst. 

Hey Nazarene Pastors, what are you waiting for?

On By Rob Prince3 Comments

Nazarene Pensions and Benefits has tried to help Nazarene pastors’ meager retirement plan. Last year P&B announced that pastors could get up to a 50% match of what a local church/pastor contributed in their Fidelity 403b account (up to a $2500 or 50% of $5,000). The latest addition of the NBUSA Quarterly–the newsletter for the Nazarene Benefits (see it here) has a troubling statistic. Through the first three quarters of last year, a whopping 76% of Nazarene ministers did not receive a match in their fidelity account. 

76%?

What are you waiting for my fellow pastors?

This is free money for you? Who not named Elon Musk or Bill Gates turns down free money (I think even those guys would take free money). 

As the church pays some (if not all) of the Pensions apportionment and the pastor/church contribute to the pastor’s Fidelity account; then Pension and Benefits matches (read: free money) up to $2500 (read again: free money) into their account. For example, my church pays its pension budget in full; then the church matches what a pastor contributes up to $2500. So the pastor gives $2500; our church gives $2500 and the denomination gives $2500. The grand total is $7500 in the pastor’s retirement account.

For old guys and gals like me, it helps a little bit. For younger pastors getting $7500 into a retirement account is a game changer. If young pastors do this year after year, when they become an old pastor like me, they will not need to worry about their retirement years. 

Last year, I thanked P&B for this change (you can read that article here). The old adage, “you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink,” seems to be true. As it relate to Nazarene pastors’ retirement maybe it should read: “You can try to provide a better retirement for Nazarene pastors, but 76% have said, “Thanks, but no thanks.”

Pastors this is the best retirement plan ever offered by our church. Please take advantage of it. Even if the local church and pastor can’t contribute the full $5000, pay your P&B budget and do something, anything. 

It’s a good deal. 

What are you waiting for?

When “Ghosted” Rely on the Holy Ghost

On By Rob Prince1 Comment

To be “ghosted” by someone is to end all contact without warning or explanation. Every pastor (who has been in church life for very long) knows the hurt that accompanies this response by parishioners. It’s disheartening when a pastor invests in a family’s life; been beside them in some of their most difficult circumstances and then the family leaves the church. Usually this occurs over a minor issue, that is, if the pastor ever discovers the true reason for the hasty exit.

Such “ghosting” is not limited to the wandering sheep of the pastor’s flock. Pastors have been “ghosted” by their district superintendent. They hear from their leader only if their church has failed to pay their apportionments, if at all. Denominational leaders ghost pastors too. Don’t return calls. Hedge on the truth. Are less than forthright. It happens. 

Disappointment in people (whether lay people or denominational leaders) is part and parcel with life in the ministry. People are people. They are broken. They sin. They lie. They go on social media with such nonsense. It hurts. It’s not new. Disappointment in people’s decisions have been around since Adam and Eve first grabbed the forbidden fruit in the garden. Still it hurts when people behave in such ways. The knife cuts even deeper when the hurt comes from people one has loved and respected.

Dismayed by such “ghosting,” often pastors feel all alone. As it happens again and again, this disappointment in lay people coupled with indifference from leadership has led many pastors to throw up their hands and quit. Ironically, when the pastor walks away, lay people and church leaders then attribute the minister’s exit to “burn out.” Failing to recognize that their ghosting silence and indifference led to the pastor’s demise. All this to say, it’s tough being a pastor these days.

To the laypeople and church leaders reading this: Don’t neglect the local pastor. Their job is immense. It’s hard. They are on the front lines of the Enemy’s attack. They need cheerleaders not mudslingers. They need people they can count on–  that have the pastor’s back, not those who will put a knife in it. They need encouragement, not silence. 

To the pastor’s reading this, you’d expect me to quote Jesus words that He will never leave you or forsake you. That’s true, but you already know that. Maybe you’d think I would remind you to keep your eyes on Jesus and not people. That’s also true, but I surmise you already know that too. Here’s my word for the disheartened and discouraged: You are not alone. You are not the only one who feels the way you feel. I’ve been there. All good pastors have been there. Press on. Don’t quit. Love those sheep who have stayed. Pray for those who have left and the clueless leaders who do not understand your plight.

Maybe what’s needed most is this:  Grab a cup of coffee at an out-of-the-way shop. Read a novel. Take a nap. My prayer for all of us (Church leaders, pastors, lay people) is Paul’s prayer for the Roman Church (in King James English): Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. Romans 15:13 KJV. Allow the Holy Ghost to renew your “ghosted” and heavy heart.

(Edited to read:  To my dear friends at Central Church who might be reading this, we have so many encouragers at our church! If every pastor had parishioners like Central Church there would be far less walking away! Thanks for your love and generosity).

Christmas Eve Eve (aka…the Night before the Preacher’s Super Bowl)

On By Rob PrinceLeave a comment

It’s Christmas Eve Eve. 

In the sentence above, the red squiggly line on my computer screen under the second “Eve” indicates it should not be there. The computer wants to delete the repetitive word. But that’s the point, it’s Eve’s Eve. Today is the day before Christmas Eve. It’s the day for getting last minute things done. It’s a day like no other. 

Today is the frazzled day of last minute shopping. Need anything from Wal-Mart? Count the presents. Make sure everyone is fairly gifted. Volunteer to battle the crowds for the good of the family; grab a last minute stocking stuffer and a gallon of milk. It’s the day to wrap the last few items. The family begins to gather from faraway places. What’s for dinner? Order a pizza. It’s Christmas Eve Eve.

When you are a believer but not the preacher on Christmas Eve, today is the day to remind your friends and family of the Christmas Eve service time. It’s the day to give that last minute invite to non-churched friends. It’s the day to make sure your row is packed with people who are ready to celebrate the Object of all our gatherings—Jesus.

When you are the preacher, Christmas Eve Eve is the night before the Super Bowl. The Christmas Eve Candlelight Service has the highest percentage of non-church goers than any other service of the year. More than Easter. More than Mother’s Day. Christmas Eve is the big day. Tomorrow is it. Which means, with all of the Christmas joy and carols and lighting of candles, still the Gospel must be preached. It’s not for nostalgia sake that we are gathering, but for Jesus. Folks need to know that there is an answer to their deepest needs. Jesus is the One who proclaimed, I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades (Revelation 1:18). So on this Silent Night, the preacher can’t be quiet about the Good News. It’s too important.

Dear Christmas Eve preacher, no pressure, but it’s game time! The Super Bowl is tomorrow. Get plenty of sleep. Be ready. Be excited. Preach well and let Jesus do the rest. Go tell it on the mountain (or from the pulpit): Jesus Christ is born and that Good News makes all the difference. 

Good News About the Good News This Christmas

On By Rob Prince1 Comment

Ready for some good news this Christmas?  According to Leonard Sweet, a renowned missiologist, there are more Christians in China than there are people in the United States. The largest officially atheist country is (because so many people are coming to Christ) soon becoming the largest Christian nation!  

Let that sink in. 

There will be more people celebrating Christmas in China than in the United States. I’m not sure that they will all have Christmas trees. They might not all go out caroling in their neighborhood. They might not be able to express their faith as openly as you and I, but God is on the move in China. Praise the Lord!

It’s not just China. Africa is booming with those turning to Christ too. At the turn of the 20th century, there were about 10 million Christians on the continent of Africa,. Today, there are 734 million followers of Jesus in Africa. Simultaneously, atheism, which peaked around 1970 with 165 million adherents on the planet, is on the decline. Their numbers are falling from 147 million in 2020 to 146 million in 2024.* Praise the Lord, again!

In some of the most troubled hot spots in the world, with wars, famines and displaced people groups, God is still working. People are still responding to the Gospel. In spite of danger and difficulties, people are coming to Jesus! 

Sometimes we look around at empty churches in the United States and think that is the way it is around the world. Not so! God is working. We in the United State simply need to get on board with the rest of the world. Stop fighting about our differences and start focusing on the Difference Maker. All across our spinning globe, people in different languages and from different tribes and traditions will celebrates the birth of our Lord this week. In fact, more people are claiming Christ than ever before in the history of the world!

There are plenty of troubling statistics concerning death and destruction. There are plenty of things over which to grieve. Turn on the evening news, and you might only hear bad news. But there is good news about the Good News! As we gather this Christmas and sing “O come All Ye Faithful” rejoice in the good news that there are more faithful people coming to Jesus than ever before! There is Joy in the world. The Savior is still coming and changing lives!!

*According to the Study of Global Christianity of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary

Pastor, the New Year is in Sight… you can make it!

On By Rob PrinceLeave a comment

Christmas season is in full swing. It’s the busy season for retailers– and pastors too. There’s parties, programs, gift exchanges, benevolence requests, of course, sermons to write and everything else that goes into the season. Then it gets busier. Toss in a sick child, a funeral, a broken down car, a troubled teenager, a disgruntled member, a financial crisis either at home or at the church (you know, the everyday life of a pastor) and it gets even more complicated. It was 17 years ago this week (December 20, 2007), while reading a letter from a disgruntled member during a financial crisis that my brain hemorrhage occurred. I’m convinced (and my neurologists concur) that the reason for the aneurism was (in part) due to the stressful season. 

Stress is an ever present “friend” for pastors. Besides the burden of carrying the parishioners’ troubles and sicknesses and the pastor’s own family circumstances, there are all the church financial and building issues. Pastors get anonymous letters and a few signed by disgruntled members over any number of topics. Top that off with pastors enduring the lies, rumors, and troublemakers’ shenanigans. Social media has made the stress level of pastors’ lives rise to new heights. All of these stressors are compounded at Christmas time. 

Pastors, if your worship attendance numbers, offering total or sermon wasn’t great this past Sunday. It’s OK. To, in part, quote the late great, Tony Campolo, “It’s Monday, but another Sunday is a comin’.”  In other words, you get another chance this week for all those things to improve. If you received an unwanted email about this or that (I received one over the weekend), take a deep breath, count to ten and give that person over to Jesus (I’m still working on that one, to be honest). If you’ve got to take a break, take it. If you need to hand off some duty to someone in the congregation, do it. If you need to simply settle it for a long winter’s nap, sleep away. 

Pastors, during the hectic Christmas season make sure you take care of yourself. The Kingdom needs you healthy and well. Your church needs you healthy and well. Your family (and you) need you well too. So stop listening to the naysayers, go for a walk and enjoy the crisp winter air. We’re in the homestretch toward Christmas. You can make it! Take care of yourself, drink a cup of hot chocolate (or eggnog) and enjoy the season once more.

Merry Christmas! The lights of the New Year are in sight, you’ve almost made it.