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!