Meanderings/Thoughts on General Assembly 2009 – Orlando

It would be an understatement to say that the NYI Convention was an exciting place to be. Watching the other sites around the world pop up on the screen for the first time was a testament to the ‘global' commitment! Wow! Yes, I can be emotional at times. However, there were other older, wiser men and women who were dabbing at a tear or two as we watched delegates from around the world sing, pray, vote, and rejoice together as a unified church! In my many years of NYI involvement I have never seen the COTN work in this manner. What a cool convention!

As the other sites shared their hearts with us - I had to come to grips with my biases and prejudice. I had come to this convention with underlying, hidden thoughts of arrogance and pride that rose to the surface as a result of being reprimanded by the prayer lives, faith, dedication, and work ethic of those who were of a different color and tongue than me. Why had I thought that I had so much more to bring to the table? The conversation that I joined was full of spirit, unity, love, joy, commitment, and lack of judgment. How blessed I felt as I participated in the global dialogue of bringing Christ to the nations. Knowing that we are all called and we are all answering that call ‘together' but in unique ways was a beautiful confirmation of the Body of Christ at work in harmony.

These moments have been accentuated in my mind for a few reasons.  I was just ordained as an Elder in the Church of the Nazarene this last Wednesday in Michigan. With General Convention in my recent memory and the privilege of being ordained by Dr. Jess Middendorf - the ceremony was one of beauty and meaning. Another reason for my gratefulness for the Nazarene church is the simple fact that I am a female that was called by God at the age of 9 and empowered by men and women throughout my life. Very rarely have I been aware of any disgruntled church member. And, when this happened - it originated in the lives of families that had come to our church via other denominational ties and backgrounds. I have been blessed with mentors who believe in women in ministry. Finally, while working Michigan Senior High Camp we came into contact with Josh Williams, a missionary who worked together with many to set up our satellite sites for General Assembly. What a privilege to see 1) a missionary who works out of his obvious gift mix and loves it; and 2) the Church ever growing and changing in its approach to missions and ministry!

I belong to a local church that believes in feeding the poor, clothing the naked, and reaching the lost. These are our roots! Being a part of a global community that takes part in these commitments encourages my heart and soul. One hundred years ago, the Church of the Nazarene was established as a holiness movement believing that the Holy Spirit could cleanse and empower us to reach a lost and hurting world practically and holistically!

It is time for the church to rediscover our mission. We are not called to ‘activism' we are called to ‘action'.  I believe that the Church of the Nazarene is alive and well... The opportunity to visit these people who are so thankful for the freedom that holiness brings via satellite and skype revives my passion to reach the lost with the Truth - the Word whether it is my neighborhood or the Dominican Republic.

Amen.