The Next Yes
Discipleship (like sanctification) involves both transforming journey and transforming moment. The transforming journey is all about growth in grace and forward progress and being shaped into Christlikeness moment by moment, from glory to glory. The transforming moments are watershed experiences when God’s grace and our obedience connect in ways that produce significant, immediate spiritual development.
In a transforming moment, something new begins. It might arrive quietly, as a prompting during morning devotions. It might come suddenly, during an altar call time of response. It might come loudly, in the middle of a conversation that changes everything. It is the moment when we become acutely aware that God is inviting us to take the next step of obedience, and we must decide—Will we say yes?
That question — and the courage it requires — is at the heart of our 2026 South Central Ohio District Assembly theme, The Next Yes.
Every chapter of the story of our faith is about ordinary people who said yes to an extraordinary God. Moses at the burning bush. Mary at the angel’s greeting. The disciples dropping their nets by the Sea of Galilee. Their journeys are very different. Yet, each one begins the same way — with a single, surrendered yes. And each yes opens the door to the next one.
This is the invitation before us as a district. We will be gathering to celebrate what God has done and to ask what comes next. What does faithfulness look like in our mission field right now? Where is the Spirit moving, and are we willing to follow? The Next Yes reminds us that our discipleship is not a finished story. It is a living, ongoing relationship between us and the One who calls us to follow Him.
For many of us, The Next Yes may feel daunting. It might mean stepping into a leadership role we have long avoided. It might mean a congregation saying yes to a new ministry, a new partnership, or a new way of serving neighbors. For others, The Next Yes might be deeply personal — returning to faith after a season of doubt or finally offering a gift we have held back out of fear.
Our 2026 gathering will feature worship, preaching, and communion shaped around this central theme. We will hear stories from people across our district who took a step of faith — and discovered that God was already there waiting. We will create space for prayer and discernment. And we will leave equipped and encouraged to carry that spirit of faithful obedience back to our local congregations.
The needs in South Central Ohio are real. Individuals are floundering without Jesus. Families are facing hardship. Communities are searching for hope. Churches are navigating change. In the middle of all of it, God is still asking us to trust Him and respond to his call with courage and faith.
I hope you will join us, April 26-27. Mark your calendar, invite your friends, and come ready to say yes. Because the next chapter of what God is doing on this district begins with The Next Yes – and might it just begin with yours.
Eddie Estep
SCO District Superintendent
2026 – Women’s Conference
SCO DISTRICT
WOMEN’S CONFERENCE
The SCO District Women’s Conference was absolutely incredible! More than 330 women from across the district came together for a day filled with worship, teaching, and connection.
Diane Estep, Pastor Chrissy Kidd and Jill Crumbacher all spoke on Mary and Martha and spiritual disciplines, giving everyone plenty to reflect on. Pastor Serena Kleppinger led worship with such an evident gifting, and Amber Kasper blessed the day with beautiful music.
A heartfelt thank you to Jamie Hanning for coordinating the event, along with those who worked behind the scenes to make the day run smoothly.
Ladies, go ahead and mark your calendars now—the next Women’s Conference is set for Saturday, March 6, 2027. You won’t want to miss it!
SCO Mission Tour
Three more opportunities to hear them share!
Roberto and Rhesa Rodriguez, who are faithfully serving at the USA/Mexico Border will be joining us. Don’t miss the evening services ahead—be inspired, discover more, and make a difference for our missionaries!
March 17 – Obetz 6:00 pm
March 18 – Jackson First 7:00 pm
March 19 – New Hope 7:00 pm
SCO Youth BLAST
Get ready for SCO Youth BLAST this Saturday, March 21, at Heritage Church in Circleville! Join us as teens from across our district come together to showcase their talents in music, sports, art, and public speaking. It’s an inspiring day to cheer them on and celebrate their hard work. We’re incredibly proud of each student participating and would love to see you there.
April 18 NMI/NYI Conventions
Below is your guide for the day.
We’re excited to have Dr. Stan Reeder, USA/Canada Regional Director, join us on Tuesday, August 11 to help us through the art of navigating crucial conversations both within the church and beyond. His insight and leadership will make this an invaluable LDI experience.
Register below – you don’t want to miss this important training day!
Crucial Conversations with Dr. Stan Reeder – South Central Ohio District
Ministry Team Retreat
October 2-4, 2026
We’re thrilled to share that our next Ministry Team Retreat is set for October 2–4 in the peaceful beauty of Amish Country. We are honored to welcome Rev. Dale Schaeffer (Steph), District Superintendent of the Florida District, as our guest speaker for the weekend.
Prepare for a meaningful time of rest, fellowship, and spiritual renewal. It’s the perfect opportunity to step away from the busyness of ministry. More information and registration coming in a few months.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness:
Practical Steps to Achieve Loan Forgiveness Workshop
Tuesday, May 19th at 9 pm (EST)
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) is a federal student loan program that forgives the remaining balance of any federal student loan after 120 payments for borrowers who work in the public sector-including pastors! However, too many pastors have struggled to access PSLF due to the program’s complexity.
This 1-hour workshop, sponsored by The COMPASS Initiative, is designed to teach pastors how to:
- Start counting qualifying payments
- Ensure that payments meet program requirements
- Understand what counts as qualifying employment
- Request loan forgiveness after making 120 payments
Space is limited so follow this link to register today! Unfortunately, this workshop cannot be recorded for later viewing so please sign up today!
SCO Camp Meeting July 12-19, 2026
Camp Meeting, held at the HHRC, is the can’t‑miss week of the summer—a powerful, family‑focused experience hosted by our district. Every day is packed with inspiring worship, uplifting messages fun activities, and meaningful connection for every age. It’s a chance to step away from the routine, recharge spiritually, and create unforgettable memories together in a Christ‑centered environment.
UPCOMING TRAINING: Staff Management Tips for Pastors
Thursday, March 26, 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
When you envisioned your calling to shepherd a flock, managing staff—whether lay, volunteer, or pastoral—may not have been at the top of your mind! Yet managing people is one of the most challenging aspects of ministry, and most of us learn through trial and error.
Join us for a practical 90-minute training session designed to equip you with actionable management strategies that can help you lead more effectively and reclaim valuable time in your week.
What We’ll Cover:
· The key differences between management and leadership
· How to conduct effective one-on-one conversations
· A framework for providing constructive feedback
· Best practices for delegation
· And more!
Session Details:
· Topic: “What Can a Pastor Learn About Management?”
· Facilitator: Mark Runals, member and board member at Columbus Northwest, with extensive management experience across multiple teams
· Format: By Zoom (session will be recorded for those unable to attend live)
· Duration: 90 minutes
· When: Thursday, March 26, 2026
· Time: 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
This training will focus on practical tips you can implement immediately, with just enough management theory to provide context. Whether you’re new to staff management or looking to refine your skills, this session promises valuable insights for your ministry.
The training is free – Register here.
March 17 – 19: Zone Mission Rally – with Roberto and Rhesa Rodriguez
March 21: NYI District BLAST – Circleville Heritage Church
April 18: NMI/NYI Convention – Circleville Heritage Church
April 17 – 18: MVNU Women’s Auxiliary Spring Conference
April 26: SCO Ordination Service – Grove City Church (The Naz)
April 27: SCO District Assembly – Grove City Church (The Naz)
May 9: MVNU Graduation
June 14 – 17: Junior-High Camp – HHRC (completed 6th grade through completed 8th)
June 17 – 20: Senior-High Camp – HHRC (completed 9th grade through completed 12th)
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 (MTR) Amish Country
Pray with us that God will help us plant many new congregations in the next 5 years, both within the I-270 outer belt and across the district. Who might God be calling? Where might God be calling?
Cornerstone – Dr. Greg Mason, Interim Pastor
South Point – Rev. Wayne Searls, Interim Pastor
SCO District Website Mount Vernon Nazarene University
SCO District Calendar LifeLong Learning Registry
SCO District NDI Give via CDM – Online
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