Eddie Estep
Apr 28, 2026 Leave a Comment

SCO Special District Assembly Edition 4.28.2026

District Assembly News

Over the last two days, Nazarenes from across the 18 counties that make up the South Central Ohio District gathered at The Naz in Grove City to consider The Next Yes. We worshipped, we celebrated all that God is doing in our midst, and we strengthened our connections with each other. Here’s a glimpse into the fruitfulness of our pastors and churches over the last year:

2025-26 Statistics

Worship Attendance (in person): 9,421 +482
Total Worship Attendance: 12,890 +411
NDI Attendance: 7,862 +6
Conversions: 1,134 +233
Baptism: 718 +117
New Members: 607 +268
Newly Organized Churches: 2 +2
Membership: 11,038 +268
Local Minister’s Licenses: 46
New District Licenses: 12
Tithes & Offerings: $19.9M +$600K

Giving for Others
World Evangelism Fund: $1,021,565 +$21,565
Pension Fund: $358,014 +$3,946
MVNU: $451,546 +$94,541
SCO District: $771,777 +$37,466

New Partnership with Before It Begins
Protecting Pastoral Purity Through a New Partnership

The enemy does not take days off — and neither does his assault on the purity of God’s people and their leaders. That’s why I’m excited to announce that the South Central Ohio District has entered into a groundbreaking new partnership with Before It Begins, bringing free, practical resources directly to you and your congregation. These resources will help you avoid the pornography trap, and find needed deliverance if you’ve fallen into that snare.

The blood of Jesus has secured our freedom. But freedom must be walked out — and that walk requires intentionality, accountability, and the right tools. This partnership exists to put those tools in your hands.

Whether you’re looking to protect your own integrity as a pastor, equip your congregation for battles they may not even know they’re fighting, or get ahead of issues before they take root — Before It Begins has resources designed for exactly that.

I especially want to encourage every pastor to explore their Pastor Protection Program. Those of us in leadership carry a unique target on our backs. Protecting our purity isn’t weakness — it’s wisdom. And it is stewardship of the trust our people have placed in us.

For more information follow this link:

Before it Begins – South Central Ohio District

Sabbatical

I am deeply grateful to the District Advisory Board for the gift of sabbatical. From May 3 through June 13, I will be stepping away from district responsibilities for a season of rest and renewal.

Fifteen years have passed since my last sabbatical — and I feel it. If I’m honest, my battery these days charges to about 70% and depletes faster than it used to. That’s a sure sign it’s time to reset and be replenished.

My plans are wonderfully ordinary: rest, work around the house and yard (Diane has already prepared a honey-do list!), tend to my beehives, spend time in the orchard and garden, and get reacquainted with my fishing pole. I’ll also be finishing up the next book in my partnership with The Foundry. No agenda. No calendar full of appointments. Just unhurried days and the good work of living.

During the next six weeks, contact District Secretary Kevin Angel (districtsecretary@sconaz.org) with ministry-related questions, or Director of Connections & Communication, Darla Batson (dbatson@sconaz.org) with calendar/event/communication-related questions.

I am grateful for your prayers during this time. I return to you in June — refreshed, renewed, and ready to serve the South Central Ohio District with full heart and full energy.

Eddie Estep
SCO District Superintendent

Sunday evening’s Ordination Service was a deeply meaningful time, marked by a strong sense of the Holy Spirit’s presence. We celebrated those being ordained, those receiving their district license for the first time, and those concluding their season of full‑time ministry. Please continue to lift each of them in prayer as they step into new chapters of service. (More photos of the Ordination Service and District Assembly will be shared in a later newsletter.)

Ordinands – Rev. Daryl Logan Miller; Rev. Sarah Ann Maffett; Rev. Brett Jacob Dillinger

Newly Licensed – Rev. Jerry Ball; Rev. Judith Bennett; Rev. Connor Benson; Rev. Noah Burris; Rev. Shannon Caruso-Preston; Rev. Genesis Cruz; Rev. Lauren Esteph; Rev. Patricia Gomez; Rev. Yi Rao; Rev. Allysa Sidle; Rev. Joshua Vest; Rev. Michael Wingrove

Retired – Rev. James Chuvalas; Rev. Douglas Jenkins; Rev. Larry McNutt; Rev. Guiles Richardson; Dr. Gregory Rosser; Rev. Jay Schlenker; Rev. Charles Wilson; Dr. James Dalton; Rev. Lori Wood

Rarden Church

Congratulations to Pastor Jeremy (Angie) Bender and the Rarden Church Board on a very positive Church/Pastoral Relationship Review! Pastor Jeremy has been moved from “appointed” status to “called” status, due to the following: the church had over 35 voting members in its last annual meeting, approval was gained from the District Advisory Board and the District Superintendent, and a positive (unanimous!) vote of the membership. God is on the move in Rarden, and we are grateful for the wonderful partnership between pastor and people.

Hope Community (Lancaster)

Congratulations to Hope Community (Lancaster) and Pastor Kevin (Marsha) Seymour, on the burning of the church’s mortgage at their 39th Anniversary Celebration. At the celebration, Pastor Kevin Seymour gave his 11th Annual Report, and Dennis Keller, the only remaining charter member, lit the mortgage, burning their note of debt.

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. Put July 12-19 on your calendar!

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.

Crucial Conversations with Dr. Stan Reeder – South Central Ohio District

Young Clergy Refresh Day is a one-day gathering designed to encourage, renew, and connect young pastors across our district. Join us on September 12th at Hocking Hills Retreat Center for a time of spiritual refreshment, practical encouragement, and meaningful community with other young clergy (40 and under). Whether you’re feeling energized or running on empty, this day is for you. Registration and more details will be available in July.

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. Watch for additional information and registration coming soon.

May 9: MVNU Graduation

May 16: Missions Workshop – HHRC

June 14 – 17: Middle School Camp – HHRC (completed 6th grade through completed 8th)

June 17 – 20: High School Camp – HHRC (completed 9th grade through completed 12th)

July 1 – 7: Nazarene Youth Conference (NYC)

July 12 – 19: District Camp Meeting

July 19 – 22: Children’s Camp (4th through 6th grade)

July 23 – 25: Children’s Camp (1st through 3rd grade)

August 11: Crucial Conversations – HHRC Register here:

Crucial Conversations with Dr. Stan Reeder – South Central Ohio District

September 12: Young Clergy Refresh Day – HHRC Registration begins in July.

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?

The Next Yes… for yourself, for your church, for your district.