DAILY SUMMARY27th General Assembly & Conventions

GLANCETODAY AT A

TuesdayJune 30, 2009Issue Seven

Committee Meetings8:00 AM – 9:45 AM

UCME Workshops8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

GA Plenary Session10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

NewStart Taskforce Luncheon

12:30 PM – 2:00 PM

GA Plenary SessionMemorial Committee

Report2:00 PM – 3:30 PM

Regional Caucuses3:45 PM – 5:00 PM

GA Plenary Session7:30 PM – 9:00 PM

See your Event Directory for a full schedule and

locations.

Speaking for the Board of General Superinten-dents (BGS), Jesse C. Middendorf delivered the State of the Church Quadrennial Address on Mon-day morning during the Church of the Nazarene’s 27th General Assembly.

The address was preceded by a purposeful time of prayer to open the Assembly’s session. General Superintendent J.K. Warrick led delegates in prayer, asking them to huddle together in small groups. The prayer time was divided into three parts: 1) Seeking the face of God, 2) Submit-ting to the Lordship of Jesus and 3) Sustaining the unity of the Holy Spirit.

Following this season of prayer, the Assembly moved into deliberations of session business. Perhaps the highlight of the morning was the comprehensive report by the BGS on the State of the Church.

Among the many topics addressed by Middendorf and the BGS was Article X (“Entire Sanctification”) of the Articles of Faith. He said his Board is recommending slight changes to Articles X, noting these modifications are recom-mended after the BGS consulted with faculty at Nazarene Theological Seminary, faculty at other Nazarene schools around the world, and extensive discussions on the subject at the recent Global Theology Conference in the Netherlands. Mid-dendorf said these modifications will clarify and strengthen the Article. The late resolution submit-ted to the Assembly by the BGS would change the title to “Christian Holiness and Entire Sanctifica-tion,” provide the article with a basic definition of sanctification, and reference “initial sanctification” as the point where God’s gracious act of trans-forming grace begins in a new believer’s life.

The address called for “More Mission, Less Struc-ture” in the church, focusing on economic changes aimed to strengthen the local church across the globe. Sixty-four percent of the Church of the

Nazarene’s membership is now located outside the USA/Canada Region, he reported.

“A movement is happening where small churches are seen as normal,” Mid-dendorf said. “House church-es, organic churches, and other forms of church are emerging…”

Middendorf stated that for

the church to move forward, its structure must be missional, connectional, relational, flexible, affordable, and accountable.

As he concluded the address, Middendorf stated that with the Lord’s help…

• The Church of the Nazarene will make it through the economic downturn—coming out stronger and more focused on the other side.

• The church will continue preaching God’s sanctifying grace.

• The church will continue evangelizing and making Christlike disciples.

• The church will continue sending missionaries.

• The church will continue starting churches. • The church will continue helping those in

need.

“Yet it is only by taking time to be holy and seek-ing a deeper work of God in our life that our mis-sion can be sustained,” he said.

“Herein lies the Nazarene future—making Christ-like disciples in the nations by the power of the Holy Spirit.

“May a fresh anointing of the Spirit of God for this supernatural task come to His church this very day.”

Delegates and audience members responded to the Board of General Superintendents’ report with a standing ovation.

A FUTURE OF HOPE

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CITATION FOR DR. JAMES H. DIEHLThe Board of General Superintendents requests this Twenty-seventh General Assembly of the Church of the Nazarene to join us in a salute to

DR. JAMES H. DIEHL

We do this in recognition of his 50 years as a faithful minister of the gospel and in sincere appreciation for his 16 years as general superintendent in the Church of the Nazarene. Upon the occasion of his retirement, we honor him for a distinguished ministry of fruitful service to Christ and the kingdom of God.

James Harvey Diehl was born in Des Moines, Iowa, and grew up under the tutelage of god-ly parents, Don and Della Diehl. They taught him the Word of God and modeled Christian integrity through their faithful lives as dedicated lay persons. Molded during his formative years by the holiness lifestyle of the Diehl home and an early personal surrender to Christ as Savior, his heart proved to be fertile soil for God’s call to Christian ministry.

Dr. Diehl was ordained an elder in the Church of the Nazarene on the Iowa District by Gen-eral Superintendent Hardy G. Powers in 1960. At the center of his heart is a love for people and for ministry. He first demonstrated this as a pastor at Oskaloosa, Iowa, First Church and Atlanta, Georgia, First. While at Oskaloosa he conducted live radio programs for seven years and led his church to develop a weekly television broadcast.

His ministry gifts also led him to deeply impact the MidAmerica Nazarene University community, where he was Assistant to the President. Additionally, he served very effectively for a decade as district superintendent in Nebraska and in Colorado. At the Twenty-third General Assembly at Indianapolis, Indiana, in 1993, he was elected as general superintendent. Prior to his election he was the senior pastor at First Church of the Nazarene in Denver, Colorado.

Dr. Diehl has authored numerous articles that have appeared in the Herald of Holiness, Holiness Today, Preacher’s Magazine, Bread, World Mission, The Holiness Digest, Perspective, and other publications.

He has a great love for education. He is a 1959 graduate of Olivet Nazarene University, and in 1990 Northwest Naza-rene University conferred on him a doctor of divinity degree in recognition of his outstanding achievements. He has served on the Board of Trustees at several institutions of higher education including MidAmerica Nazarene University, Nazarene Theological Seminary, Nazarene Bible College, and Northwest Nazarene University, where he also served as chairman of the Board of Regents.

Jim Diehl married Dorothy Ann Stanley in 1956. They have devoted themselves to a lifetime of ministry that has re-quired traveling hundreds of thousands of miles to serve the worldwide Church of the Nazarene. Dr. Jim is grateful to God for the privilege of doing Kingdom ministry in 105 nations of the world.

The Diehls were blessed with four children: Jodi, Jim, Don, and David. Their seven wonderful grandchildren and one great grandson are the joy of their lives. In June of 2008 the Diehl family walked together through “the valley of the shadow of death” as Jim and Dorothy’s youngest son, David, passed away after a valiant battle with cancer. The global Nazarene family wept with them and at the same time celebrated David’s life and ministry.

Those who know Dr. Diehl recognize him as an encourager of people and a preacher of the Word of God with outstand-ing insight and practical application. A sense of humor and love for people are clearly evident in his preaching, and his gracious approach to the lost and the broken has inspired all of us to emulate his lifestyle of witnessing. His heart beats ardently for evangelism, missions, youth, families, and the communication of the Spirit-filled life to people of all ages and cultures.

Dr. Diehl, we honor you as one of the outstanding holiness preachers of the Church of the Nazarene. Your wit, humility, eternal optimism, and gripping stories have endeared you to all our hearts forever! Along with your perceptive mind, God-given wisdom, and spiritual fervor, a unique openness has been the hallmark of your administrative style, making you approachable by all. To know you, Dr. Diehl, is to be acquainted with the sound of laughter and the warmth of sincere counsel.

For these and numerous other significant reasons, our entire denomination expresses deep gratitude and profound appreciation for the exemplary life and ministry of James H. Diehl.

THE BOARD OF GENERAL SUPERINTENDENTS CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE

GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT EMERITUS

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CITATION FOR DR. PAUL G. CUNNINGHAMThe Board of General Superintendents requests this Twenty-seventh General Assembly of the Church of the Nazarene to join us in a salute to

DR. PAUL G. CUNNINGHAM

We do this on the occasion of his retirement after 45 years of effective and faithful min-istry for Christ and His Church. For the last 16 years of his active ministry he has served as a general superintendent of the Church of the Nazarene, providing exemplary leader-ship to the global church.

Dr. Cunningham was chosen for the highest elected office in the church at the Twenty-third General Assembly at Indianapolis, Indiana, in July 1993, after serving for 29 years as senior pastor of College Church of the Nazarene in Olathe, Kansas.

He went to Olathe in 1964 to pastor the local Church of the Nazarene. The church grew from 46 members in 1964 to a constituency of more than 3,000 in 1993 when he left. Total annual giving rose from $11,000 in 1964 to over $3 million. The congregation built three sanctuaries and education units under his leadership, with the third sanctuary seat-ing 4,000. Dr. Cunningham was instrumental in bringing MidAmerica Nazarene Univer-sity to the Olathe area.

Dr. Cunningham served as chairman of the Board of Trustees of Nazarene Theological Seminary, and he was a member of the general church Beacon Hill Press Book Commit-

tee. He was also secretary of the Board of Trustees at MidAmerica Nazarene University and a member of the Kansas City District Advisory Board. At the 1985 General Assembly he was elected president of the General Board of the International Church and was reelected to that post in 1989.

In 1991 he was selected as the Citizen of the Year by the Olathe Chamber of Commerce, and in 1993 he was chosen by MidAmerica Nazarene University to receive the Citation of Merit from the denomination for his contributions to education. Also in 1993, Dr. Cunningham was given the J. T. Barton Award from the City of Olathe for distinguished service—the city’s highest award.

After graduation from Olivet Nazarene University he married Connie Seaman, whom he had known since childhood. The two of them have exemplified what it means to be godly spouses, parents, and grandparents, always giving the best of themselves to their family in spite of the pressing demands of ministry.

Dr. Cunningham is a 1964 graduate of Nazarene Theological Seminary. In 1975 MidAmerica Nazarene University, in grateful appreciation for his influence in the founding and leadership of the university, conferred upon him the doctor of divinity degree.

In addition to his work as College Church pastor and general superintendent, he has been the special speaker in many revivals, district events, camp meetings, rallies, retreats, and seminars throughout the United States and in various world areas. His wife, Connie, has often joined him as a speaker. As leaders, speakers, and confidants, they have been models of integrity, faithfulness, and passion for the people of the church around the world.

The Cunninghams have three children: Paul Mark Cunningham, Lori Wegley, and Connie Jo Mason, all living in the Olathe area. Seven grandchildren are a constant source of pride, joy, and satisfaction.

Dr. Paul G. Cunningham, we salute you. Your colleagues on the Board of General Superintendents cherish the memo-ries of our many hours together. Your love for Christ and the church has inspired and challenged us. Your deep commit-ment to nurturing relationships with family and friends stirs us. Your example of holy living encourages us. You are a model of Christian consistency and of passion for the doctrine and experience of entire sanctification.

For these and numerous other significant reasons, our entire denomination expresses deep gratitude and profound appreciation for the exemplary life and ministry of Paul G. Cunningham.

THE BOARD OF GENERAL SUPERINTENDENTS CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE

GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT EMERITUS

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CITATION FOR DR. NINA G. GUNTERThe Board of General Superintendents requests this Twenty-seventh General Assembly of the Church of the Nazarene to join us in a salute to

DR. NINA GRIGGS GUNTER

We do this in celebration of her dedicated service, visionary leadership, and passionate commitment to Christ. She has served 54 years as a preacher of the Good News of Christ, culminating in four years as a general superintendent in the Church of the Nazarene.

Nina Griggs Gunter was born on September 4, 1937, in Bennettsville, South Carolina, to Joseph and Naomi Griggs. She answered the call to preach at the age of 14. Upon telling her pastor about this, he asked her to preach at the next service. From this simple beginning God has used her to touch the world with the message of full salvation.

Dwight Moody Gunter married Nina in 1956. They have two sons, Dwight M.Gunter II and Dwayne M. Gunter. Nina G. Gunter received her bachelor of arts degree from Trevecca Nazarene University and her master of education degree from the University of South Carolina. She was awarded an honorary doctor of divinity from Trevecca Nazarene University in recognition of her creative and innovative ministry—the first woman to receive this honor from the university. She is listed among Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities and Outstanding Young Women of America. She was elected by Trev-ecca alumni as the “Ministerial Alumnus of the Year” in 1990 and was named by Nazarene Bible College as

the 2005 “T. W. Willingham Preacher of the Year.” In 2006 Olivet Nazarene University presented her with the distinguished Maggie Sloan Crawford Leadership Award. In February 2009 Trevecca honored Dr. Gunter by making her the first recipient of the Nina Griggs Gunter Leadership Award established to give annual recognition to an outstanding Christian woman who models servant leadership. TNU also presents an annual Nina Griggs Gunter Scholarship to a female student who has demonstrated servant leadership on campus and in her com-munity.

Dr. Gunter’s ministry as an ordained elder in the Church of the Nazarene has been one of partnership with her husband. She served as copas-tor with him in Waverly, Tennessee, 1957–1958; Butler, Missouri, 1960–1961; Charleston, South Carolina, 1961–1963; Hartsville, South Carolina, 1963–1975; and Sumter, South Carolina, 1975–1976. In addition to serving as the South Carolina district office administrator while her husband was the district superintendent (1976–1986), she served in evangelism ministry and as interim pastor of various congrega-tions.

While copastoring in Hartsville, South Carolina, Nina became involved in leadership for a ministry that would exercise her abilities and ex-pand her passions and faith in God for the next 35 years—Nazarene Missions International (NMI). First she served as NMI president on the South Carolina District for 15 years. For the last nine of those years she was also the representative for the Southeast Region on the General Council. In 1986 she was elected to the position of General NMI Director. During her 20-year tenure she initiated many missions programs, and annual missions giving increased from $30 million to $62 million for a total of one billion dollars given to missions.

Dr. Gunter was elected to the Board of General Superintendents at the Twenty-sixth General Assembly in Indianapolis, Indiana, in June 2005—the first woman to be honored with the highest elective office in the church. Dr. Gunter’s presence on the Board of General Super-intendents has been marked by a spirit of cooperation and collaboration. Her insights, coupled with her devotion to the gospel, have made her voice one of reason, compassion, and experience. Her leadership has been framed by an ever-present awareness of the responsibility to adequately reflect the spiritual interests of every Nazarene. By her ministry and example the global church has been enriched.

Throughout her life she has always placed a high priority on family. She is deeply grateful that every member of her family is a committed follower of Jesus, serving Him in a local Nazarene church.

In spite of a hectic schedule, Dr. Gunter has found time for meditation, prayer, reflection, and writing. She has authored the following books: The Traveler’s Psalm, Our Defining Moment, Christian Perfection, and The Cross—Seize It! Share It! She has coauthored her latest book, Holy Leadership in a Hectic World, published in 2009. Dr. Gunter was selected as a contributing editor in 2008 and 2009 for the Leadership Journal of Christianity Today as one of the “church leaders admired most for being faithful and innovative in contributing to Christ’s mis-sion in the world.”

As a valued colleague, Dr. Gunter has been a model of the Church’s obedience to her Lord Jesus Christ. Her passionate effort to challenge local churches to a greater vision for global missions has resulted in unprecedented interest and support. Her perseverance in championing the cause of women in ministry emerges from her own conviction that the ground at the foot of the cross is level and that the call of God to ministry supersedes any distinctions of color, gender, or nationality. Her unwavering commitment to the doctrine and experience of entire sanctification has inspired many others to preach holiness with conviction and clarity.

For these and numerous other significant reasons, our entire denomination expresses deep gratitude and profound appreciation for the exem-plary life and ministry of Nina Griggs Gunter.

THE BOARD OF GENERAL SUPERINTENDENTS CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE

GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT EMERITA

Nearby Nazarene in serious condition after rescuing girl

Earl Ayersman of Mulberry, Florida, saved a life, but now is fighting for his own. Ayersman, a father and grandfather, was swimming a week and a half ago when he noticed a girl who appeared to be drowning. He swam to the girl and lifted her to safety. However, drained of most of his energy, he took a deep breath while rescu-ing the girl and inhaled a large amount of water, rendering him unconscious. Ayersman was pulled from the water and taken to a nearby hospital where a coma was induced. Since then, he has come in and out of the coma, only to be minimally responsive at various times, squeezing a hand or wiggling his toes. As of Monday afternoon, however, he was no longer responsive and doctors have spoken with his sons to decide whether to keep him on a ventilator and feeding tube should he continue to be unresponsive. Ayersman and his wife, Marty, attend the Lakeland Church of the Nazarene, just west of Orlando. His granddaugh-ter, Vanessa, works in the Admissions Office at Eastern Nazarene College. Prayer is requested for the Ayersman family, as well as the family of the girl – who is okay, thanks to Ayersman.

“Connecting a New Generation” Global Task Force meets

The Decadal Emphasis regional coordinators met with U.S. representatives on Sunday, June 28. The world regions’ coordinators are: Daphne Mathebula (Africa), Dan Balayo, represented by Joel Arro and Josepine Anoos (Asia-Pacific), Paquita Bido de Balbuena (representing the Caribbean), Heidi Bowes (Eurasia), Ramon Sierra (MAC), and Robin Radi (South America). It was exciting to hear the global reports and see the resources for each of the regions. The U.S. representatives who attended were: Larry Bollinger, Stephen Gualberto, Gary Hartke, Mark Hayse, Jon Livengood, Jenni Monteblanco, Beula Postlewait, and Althea Taylor. Trino Jara and Trevor Taylor also attended. Children’s Ministries International, International Board of Education, JESUS Film/Harvest Partners, Nazarene Compas-sionate Ministries International, Nazarene Missions Internation-al, Nazarene Youth International, Sunday School and Disciple-ship Ministries International, USA/Canada Mission/Evangelism, and World Mission are partnering to support the denomination-wide emphasis, Connecting a New Generation. At the 2001 General Assembly, the Board of General Superintendents (BGS) declared 2002-2012 as a decade of emphasis on children and youth. Recently, the BGS approved replacing the words decadal emphasis with Formation for a Life-time. The mission of Connecting a New Generation is to weave the value and importance of children and youth throughout the fabric of the Church, to prioritize evangelism and disciple-mak-ing, and to encourage full participation for children and youth in the Christian community. Lynda T. Boardman, chair, stated, “The biblical basis for this emphasis is Psalm 78:4, ‘We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done.’”

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Legislative Actions Among legislative actions on Monday, the General Assembly:

• Voted to honor James Diehl, Paul Cunningham, and Nina Gunter with the titles of general superintendent emeritus and general superintendent emerita.

• Authorized a Commission on the Nazarene Future that would study Nazarene ecclesiology, polity, and missional strategy, with particular attention given to the role of the general superintendency in the international church.

• Rejected resolutions that sought to reduce the number of general superintendents elected at this assembly and voted overwhelmingly to enter the next quadrennium with a Board of General Superintendents composed of six mem-bers.

• The delegates voted to accept the report of the International Church Committee’s report with a strong vote, authorized the creation of a global Manual that would be streamlined in comparison to recent Manuals. The global Manual would consist of the Foreward, and Parts I, II, and III of the current Manual. It would also includes parts of Manual sections 100, 200, and 300 that are global in scope, retain-ing the universally appropriate polity and principles. The other parts of the current Manual would be adapted by the different regions to fit specific cultural contexts and would function as a “regional Manual policy handbook.” The change authorizes a Global Manual Advisory Council that would give final approval to changes made by the regions to the handbook portions.

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BALLOTS 1-5 FOR GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT