What if the biggest Kingdom impact you make could come from a small, sustainable shift?
January is famous for big, bold resolutions. We try to overhaul everything at once—new habits, new systems, new goals—only to find ourselves discouraged when the momentum fades by February. Most of us don’t lack passion. We lack sustainability. And that’s why I’ve been thinking less about dramatic change and more about directional change: the kind of subtle shift you can actually maintain.
Recently, I was on a flight and noticed a small adjustment in our heading not long after takeoff. It wasn’t a sharp turn—barely noticeable unless you were paying attention. But I couldn’t help thinking about what that means over distance. A plane that stays just 2–3 degrees off course can end up 50-100 miles from its intended destination! That slight shift doesn’t feel significant at first, but it absolutely determines where you land. And no one wants to land 100 miles from where they were aiming!
The same is true in ministry. Drift happens by default—through busy calendars, urgent needs, and the constant pressure to keep everything running. Direction happens on purpose. Small, faithful shifts in our rhythms—sustained over time—can re-center a church on Jesus’ mission to make disciples of all nations and cultivate a culture where multiplication and church planting become the norm.
That’s why I invite everyone to the following.
Pray One • Send One.
This is not “every church must plant.” It’s “every church can be a sending church.” Here are five small shifts any church can make—starting at whatever level fits your capacity:
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Pray One (60 seconds weekly). Add a brief prayer moment each week in a service or leadership gathering. Pray for one mission field (a place or people group) and for the laborers God is raising up.
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Name One (privately). Pastor and board identify one person with potential—planter, team member, host, lay leader—and simply decide, “We’re going to pay attention to them this year.”
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Invest One (monthly touchpoint). Build in a lightweight rhythm: a monthly coffee, a short book/Bible plan, a ministry apprenticeship moment—something consistent that develops and encourages that person.
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Tell One story (often). Once a month, replace one “announcement” with a mission story—where you saw God at work, a spiritual conversation, a step of obedience. Culture forms around what we celebrate.
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Be ready to Support One (when the time comes). If you’re able, be prepared to contribute something as new works emerge—prayer cover, volunteers, finances, hosting, or facility use.
To make it easy for every church to say yes, there are three participation levels:
Level 1: Pray. Level 2: Pray + Identify. Level 3: Pray + Identify + Support. No guilt. No pressure. Just a district-wide “yes” to Jesus’ mission—matched to each church’s capacity.
You don’t need a brand-new vision this year. You may simply need a shift in trajectory. A 2% shift, sustained, can change where we land. Let’s choose direction on purpose—and trust God to multiply what we offer.
Joshua Porterfield
Director of Church Planting
NEWS FROM ACROSS THE DISTRICT
Wellston Church
Pastor Ryan (Brittany) Byers was installed as pastor at Wellston on Sunday, January 11. Pastor Ryan is the church’s 16th pastor in the last 93 years. Both pastor and people are filled with hope for the future.
McArthur Church
We were grateful for the opportunity to worship alongside the McArthur congregation recently. Pastor Bill and Laura continue to be a remarkable blessing to this church family, having faithfully served for 26 years—making him one of our longest‑tenured pastors at the same church.
Grove City (The Naz) celebrated the dedication of 15 children and the baptism of 52
believers on Sunday, December 21.
Register here. If you have questions, please contact Dennis King at dking@sconaz.org.
Last opportunity to register for the Pastors Prayer Retreat!
When: February 16 & 17
Where: Hocking Hills Retreat Center
Cost: $75 – includes meals and lodging
Availability: Only 5 spots remain – Open to Lead Pastor or Pastoral Staff.
Registration deadline has been extended to January 31.
EQUIP Discipleship Conference
Join us for a powerful day of ministry training with featured speaker Daryl Cripe on February 21. Make sure you’re part of it—registration is open now, and lunch registrations closes February 9. Use the QR code to save your spot!
2026 SCO Women’s Conference – March 7
Registration is Open
Deadline to Register is February 20
Ladies, get ready for an incredible lineup!
DATE CHANGE!
Due to unforeseen scheduling challenges, the convention date has been moved from April 11 to April 18, 2026. We will once again gather at Circleville Heritage.
This gathering is deeply important to us. It is more than an event on the calendar—it is a time set apart to strengthen our shared commitment to missions and to intentionally invest in our youth. We believe there is great value in coming together as the body of Christ to encourage one another, celebrate what God is doing both locally and globally, and be renewed in our call to serve.
Camp Meeting – 2026
Camp Meeting is a week designed for the whole family to grow closer to God and to one another. Hosted by the South Central Ohio District Church of the Nazarene, it’s a time filled with worship, fellowship, fun activities, and spiritual renewal for all ages. Families come together to create lifelong memories, build friendships, and strengthen their faith in a Christ-centered environment.
Date: July 12-19, 2026
Location: Hocking Hills Retreat Center
Preachers: Dr. Geoff Kunselman & Rev. Wendell Brown
Worship Leader: Dan Anderson & Friends
Update on the SCO District Office space!
The renovation of the SCO District’s new office space is moving along with great momentum. Our conference room has been fully updated and is shaping up to be a warm, comfortable gathering place for future meetings and collaboration.
Work on the exterior of the building is also underway, giving the space a subtle but refreshing facelift that will enhance both curb appeal and functionality.
We’re excited to see the transformation continue and look forward to welcoming everyone into the improved space soon.
Quarterly Pastor Reports Impact Highlights: Rejoicing in God’s Work Among Our Churches – Additional Comments Reported
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“We have served our community well this fall through our food pantry and related ministries. We partnered with Shepherd and The Refinery to provide much needed food for Thanksgiving. So many great conversations about the church and Jesus happen in the pantry.”
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“We set a goal of starting 4-5 small groups this church year. Five groups launched this quarter, and 2-3 more may still form.”
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“We returned to a Trunk or Treat Plus this year with over 1,200 in attendance. We’ve been reaching new families, having people get engaged in the life of the church, and even become members.”
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“We have had several opportunities to be out in our community and sharing God’s love.”
RESOURCE HIGHLIGHTS
Clergy Kids Retreat: February 14 – 16
Who Can Attend: The Clergy Kids Retreat is exclusively open to 7th-12th graders.
Where:
Kalahari Resorts & Conventions – Sandusky, 7000 Kalahari Dr
Sandusky, OH 44870
Since the first Clergy Kids (CK) Retreat, large chunks of time are allotted for students to play, laugh, pray, relax, and hangout; in super-sized awesome suites; with great meals; and meaningful sessions of worship, story-telling, and small groups. The retreat is lead by adult CK's who know intimately about the blessings, challenges, and joys of the CK life. Teen's lives are transformed through the retreat and lifelong friendships are formed. It is amazing to watch God bring encouragement, healing, hope and new perspectives during the short time together.
Northwestern Ohio • South Central Ohio
North Central Ohio • East Ohio
Whether you feel called to pursue ordination or want to be better equipped to serve in your local church, the East Central School of Ministry exists to help you deepen your understanding of God’s Word, grow in theological knowledge, and develop practical ministry skills for effective service.
The East Central School of Ministry is a multi-district partnership providing a clear and accessible pathway for those responding to God’s call to pastoral ministry and ordination.
Program Overview
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Classes are part of the new Church of the Nazarene non-degree Course of Study
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All 21 courses meet academic requirements for those seeking ordination
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Classes are 8 weeks long and meet once a week via Zoom
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Each class requires approximately 15 hours per week, including class time, reading, assignments, and practical ministry experience
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Courses are facilitated by ordained pastors from the four partner districts
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Denomination-developed content is delivered through MVNU’s Learning Management System (Moodle)
Cost & Scholarships
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$175 per class
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Scholarships are available through participating districts and local churches for those serving in local ministry, reducing the overall cost
Class Schedule
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All 21 classes are offered over a 3-year cycle
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One of the two required classes (of the six needed for a first-time District License) is offered annually
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Two classes per session are offered across five sessions each year:
Spring A • Spring B • Summer • Fall A • Fall B
Registration & More Information
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Learn more: School of Ministry
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Register for classes: School of Ministry Class Registration
Questions?
Contact Jeff Fiorita, East Central School of Ministry Coordinator
jeff.fiorita@nwoteam.church
Call or text: 937-631-6829
Click here for more information: 2026 Global Week of Prayer – Church of the Nazarene
As the 2026 Global Week of Prayer approaches, NMI would like to invite the church to pray for the needs of our global churches and districts with requests from the regions.
This is the 30th year of the Global Week of Prayer, and we have some new and exciting resources to share with you!
May this week be a sacred time as we serve as the global missions advocate in every local church, nurturing a spirit of missions and mobilizing into action, impacting people around the world. Thank you for praying!
QUICK LINKS
SCO District Website Mount Vernon Nazarene University
SCO District Calendar LifeLong Learning Registry
SCO District NDI Give via CDM – Online
SCO District NMI Global Ministry Center
SCO District NYI USA-Canada Region Website
January 23 – 35: NYI – Winter Retreat – Higher Ground in Harrison, Indiana
January 30 – 31: Young Adult Retreat (HHRC) Register here.
February 16 – 17: Prayer Retreat (HHRC) – Register here.
February 19: Pastor’s Leadership Day at MVNU
February 21: Equip Conference – This event will be for all Pastors, Staff members, NDI Presidents, and anyone at your church who is currently or could soon be making disciples. Register here.
March 7: Women’s Conference (HHRC): “The Story of Martha and Mary” – Registration now open. See QR code on the above flyer.
March 8 – 19: Zone Mission Rally – with Roberto and Rhesa Rodriguez
March 16 – 19: Exponential 2026 Global Conference Register here.
March 21: NYI District BLAST – Heritage Church
April 18: NMI/NYI Convention – Date Change
April 17 – 18: MVNU Women’s Auxiliary Spring Conference
April 26 – 27: SCO District Assembly
June 3 – 6: NYI Field BLAST
June 14 – 17: Junior-High Camp – HHRC New
June 17 – 20: Senior-High Camp – HHRC New
July 1 – 7: Nazarene Youth Conference (NYC)
July 12 – 19: District Camp Meeting
July 19 – 25: Children’s Camp
October 2 – 4: Ministry Team Retreat (Amish Country)
November 30: SCO District Christmas Banquet (The Naz) New
District Team Trip – We have a district team of 48 people leaving for Panama on February 7 through the 14th for medical missions, construction work, Jesus Film distribution, and VBS. Would you join us by praying now through February 14. There are a lot of logistics to a trip like this and we want God glorified in everything. Pray that God set apart this team to be a great conduit of His love and grace.
Join us in praying for the “270 Window” (inside the I-270 Outerbelt in Columbus) as a strategic location for the planting of new congregations.
The One – Pray that the Lord would keep in front of us those who are searching and need Jesus as their Savior. May the Holy Spirit provide opportunities for conversations and connections with them.
NYC – July 1 – 7, 2026 – Pray that the Lord would begin working in the lives of the students and leaders who will be attending, and that adequate resources to attend will be available for all hoping to attend.
Cornerstone – Dr. Greg Mason, Interim Pastor
South Point – Rev. Wayne Searls, Interim Pastor
South Central Ohio Church of the Nazarene
5004 Hoover Rd., Grove City, OH 43123
Website: sconaz.org
Phone: 614.539.6812
STAFF
Eddie Estep, District Superintendent – eddieestep@sconaz.org
Kevin Angel, District Secretary – districtsecretary@sconaz.org
Diane Estep, Executive Assistant – destep@sconaz.org
Darla Batson, Director of Communications and Connection – dbatson@sconaz.org
Tom Finks, District Treasurer – scodtreas@sconaz.org
Joshua Porterfield, Director of Church Planting – newworks@sconaz.org
Dennis King, Director of Mentoring and Pastoral Flourishing – dking@sconaz.org
Mark Ledford, Multicultural Ministries – mledford@sconaz.org
Edward Solano, Multicultural Ministries – esolano@sconaz.org
Jeremy Stanley, Multicultural Ministries – jstanley@sconaz.org
Carol Lee Carpenter, NMI President – carolleec7@gmail.com
Christina McCully, NYI President – christina@newarknaz.org
Dan Meek, NDI President – dan@newarknaz.org
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