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"Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. He called out to them, 'Friends, haven't you any fish?'" (John 21:5). The Sea of Galilee was calm that hazy, sunny afternoon in early January. Pebbles and broken shells lined the beach,…

Nine years ago a task force of 17 people met to establish the vision of West Chester Church of the Nazarene (WCCN). Our community (northern Cincinnati, Ohio) consists of growing suburbs that include every age group. Dominated by younger families, there are still many older people who have lived…

All to Jesus, I surrender; All to Him I freely give; I will ever love and trust Him, In His presence daily live. (Judson W. Van De Venter, 1896) Growing up, I heard this song many times. It was a favorite, sung at the close of revival services, camp meetings, and college chapel services,…

A surprisingly common way Paul refers to the original Christians to whom his letters are addressed is “saints.” In Greek, the term is hagioi, literally, “holy ones.” The surprising part for many is that Paul’s use of this word is not limited to a select few—not pastors or even longtime believers.…

In 1988 the face of missions changed dramatically for church history students in Swaziland. As they heard about missionaries sent to fulfill the Great Commission, they asked, "Where are the stories of missionaries from Africa?" At the end of class, students prayed for committed Christians around…

Do you remember being excited about a particular gift you received? Looking through my parents’ storage room recently, I discovered not only photos and other items that evoked strong memories, but also gifts that my brother and I had been given through the years. Many of these gifts were covered…

The members of my adult Sunday School class always ask interesting questions that stretch me beyond my comfortable "churchy" knowledge—you have to love that! You wouldn't guess they are so interested in theology by looking at them. As humble working class Argentines, ages 50 and up, most have…

The members of my adult Sunday School class always ask interesting questions that stretch me beyond my comfortable "churchy" knowledge—you have to love that! You wouldn't guess they are so interested in theology by looking at them. As humble working class Argentines, ages 50 and up, most have…

When you hear the challenge from God to "be holy," do you think, "I absolutely will," or do you wonder, "Why would He ask so much of me? Doesn't He know I can't be perfect?" Imagine you have been put in charge of a company, a hospital, a local school, or some other entity. What level of…

It didn't take long to feel the full impact of what it means to be in back in Tete Province, Mozambique. My wife, Arla, and I received a warm welcome from the 90-degree weather and a not so warm welcome from the customs official's stern look. He could not understand why we were bringing 500 pens…