Milestones, Memory, and Mission

Throughout the summer months, I've enjoyed the special honor to participate in district assemblies. This has given me opportunities for special reflection and expectation.

Recently I was especially privileged to preside in the Centennial Assembly of the Chicago Central District. Superintendent Brian Wilson led the celebration of history and renewal of commitment by focusing on "Milestones, Memories, and Mission." His emphasis in charting the district's history by decades captured my thinking. It was a delight to participate in the 97th Assembly of the New England District, the 92nd Assembly of the Iowa District, the 90th Assembly of the Georgia District, and then the First Assembly of the new South Texas District (formerly San Antonio and Houston Districts.) These moments have caused me to think about the significant factors that brought groups together—starting in the 1890s, from the Northeast to the Southwest and the Midwest to the South.

The holiness movement that gave birth to the Church of the Nazarene and the ultimate "union" in 1908 deserves reflective thought. At times, it's tempting to recall the past with such nostalgia that we might be enticed to look back to the point of turning back. The pioneers of the holiness movement in the early 20th Century were visionaries. They looked to the future with hope and confidence.

We have a church today that spreads scriptural holiness around the world. And this movement has primarily been built on the shoulders of those early leaders.

Rather than looking back with pining hearts and wistful spirits, it is time to look to the God who made the heavens and the earth (Acts 17:24); to lift our eyes to the fields of a waiting harvest (John 4:35); to intensify our devotion to an Almighty God; and to trust the Lord of the Harvest for the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6-8). I see our Nazarene family doing this more and more as time passes. For instance, PALCON 2004 and TEACH Conferences 2004 are providing new empowerment for preaching, teaching, caring, loving, giving, and believing God for new victories and Kingdom expansion.

The Nazarene Publishing House is providing perhaps the best holiness books and resources ever. Holiness Today is coming with a new face, proclaiming a time-tested message of redemption and encouragement in a new package. And these programs are only a fraction of the holiness aids and spiritual teachings our denomination provides. The world is desperate for authentic Christianity that is believed, preached, and modeled by "living letters" (2 Corinthians 3:2-3) of His grace. It is a great time to be alive and to have the opportunity to be partners in mission with God.

So, think about the milestones, and celebrate the memories. And move forward in mission, knowing the Mission Giver is also the Mission Provider—and He said, "Do you not say, 'Four months more and then comes the harvest?' I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest" (John 4:35). Just think: Looking back is necessary. However, let that glance backwards be the gaze of thanksgiving for a priceless heritage of holiness and hope—the heritage that provides a model for holiness and hope today.

W. Talmadge Johnson is a general superintendent in the Church of the Nazarene.

Holiness Today, July/August 2004

Please note: This article was originally published in 2004. All facts, figures, and titles were accurate to the best of our knowledge at that time but may have since changed.