Like churches across America, Chicago First Church of the Nazarene (C1) is adjusting to new days and new ways of reaching people. We have been challenged to rethink evangelism by activating ministry outside the church walls while also rethinking what happens inside the church walls. We must live “on mission.”

The past five years at Webb City Church of the Nazarene have been the confluence of the work of God and the willingness of a congregation of believers. Pastors before me laid the ground work, and when I arrived, people were ready for God to do something great. 

Kafoa Muaror is the district superintendent (DS) of the Fiji district on the Asia-Pacific Region of the Church of the Nazarene. He also serves as the president of the General Board.

HT: What are some of the challenges facing churches in Fiji and the surrounding islands?

Rev. Dany Gomis (DG) was elected as regional director for the Africa Region of the Church of the Nazarene in 2017. The Africa Region is currently the fastest growing region in the Church of the Nazarene.

HT: What are some unique challenges facing the Africa Region?

HT: How do you see the ministry of Evangelism and New Church Development impacting the USA/Canada Region?

MB: My predecessor, Bill Wiesman, helped us implement a strong emphasis upon church planting that we are continuing to pursue. My team and I have continued that emphasis through the development of new curriculum for church planting and church development that travels all over the region to share with districts and with local churches.

HT: What are some recent trends in global missions?

I spent 29 years of my adult life as a professor on a Nazarene university campus. Looking back across the faces and names of students who sat in my classrooms reminds me of the incredible power the unleashed gospel has to transform lives. Many students came to my class with wayward hearts and minds determined not to allow God to work with them. The ever-seeking Spirit of God whispered words of love, grace, mercy, and hope into the hearts of many rebellious university students. Don’t ask me how He does it; I have absolutely no idea.

John 17 is a prayer of God the Son to God the Father. It is Jesus’ longest recorded prayer and has been called the High Priestly prayer because Jesus was merely hours away from going to the cross, and He was praying for His disciples. Jesus prayed for the disciples who were with Him that day, as well as for His disciples for all time. Along with courage, protection, and unity in the church, Jesus specifically prays for the mission of the church, which makes this Scripture one of the classic texts for missions.

While the death and resurrection of Christ are at the core of our theology, it is important for us not to take those events in isolation from the bigger picture of Jesus’ life. On Christmas, we celebrate the birth of Christ. We celebrate Emmanuel, the God who came and dwelt among us (John 1:14).

The Church of the Nazarene has continued to spread the message of holiness to more and more nations during the past century. Part of that message includes an emphasis on reaching still more people with the good news that Jesus transforms our lives.