Tag: Nazarene Bible College

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