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Sep 15, 2026 Leave a Comment

SCO District – Ministry Assessment

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Ministry Assessment Weekend

In my role as District Administrator, I actually wear a few different hats. I serve as the District Secretary (if you’ve been to District Assembly, you’ve seen me on the platform), helping organize the Assembly, keep our statistical records accurate, and process the transfers of pastors as they come and go. As secretary of the Credentials Committee, I also oversee district license applications, coordinate candidate interviews, and help organize our Ministry Assessment Weekend.

For those who sense a call to vocational ministry, there is a process each candidate follows on the journey toward ordination in the church. Candidates enroll in the Course of Study and pursue the education and preparation necessary for ministry. One important part of that process is attending the Ministry Assessment Weekend.

The name gives away what the weekend is about—it is an opportunity for assessment. One misconception, however, is that this weekend is simply a final box to check on the way to ordination. On the contrary, the assessment should come relatively early in the process.

These assessment weekends are still relatively new. It has only been within the past 10–15 years that districts have begun requiring attendance at something like this. Because of that, many pastors on our district attended an assessment shortly before ordination as we worked through the number of candidates already in the process.

Ideally, a candidate attends soon after receiving their first District License. The weekend gives assessors—many of whom serve on the Board of Ministry and will participate in interviews with these candidates in the years leading up to ordination—an opportunity to get to know them beyond an interview room. Assessors observe candidates in group discussions, conversations, and other settings. Just as importantly, candidates have the opportunity to build relationships with one another, broadening their circle of connection and support in ministry.

These weekends often help candidates clarify or better define their call, discover areas for growth, and sometimes simply provide the time and space to confirm God’s call on their lives.

This year, I was having a conversation with one candidate who said to me, “I wish I would have attended years earlier when I had the opportunity. I don’t know why I put it off. This has been an affirming weekend. I’ve made new friends, I feel seen, and it has been extremely encouraging. It has been very encouraging to my spouse as well.”

That captures so much of what I hope these weekends accomplish.

These weekends are life-giving for me as well. It energizes me to see candidates grow—in their calling, their confidence, and their connections with others in ministry. The picture above is this year’s group. What a great group of candidates and assessors! We are a very blessed district.

I am honored and blessed to serve as District Secretary and to walk alongside those who have said yes to God’s call. My life is richer for it.

Rev. Kevin Angel

SCO District Administrator

Executive Pastor at Shepherd

districtsecretary@sconaz.org

NEWS FROM ACROSS THE DISTRICT

Crisis Care Kits

We had an incredible response to our call for help assembling our Crisis Care Kits. Twenty-five wonderful volunteers from 13 different churches came together to help make a difference for those in need. What a blessing this team was. Together, we assembled 400 Crisis Care Kits in just under two hours. We’re so grateful for everyone who gave their time, energy, and hearts to this important ministry. Thank you for being a blessing to those who need it most!

Our amazing team was from Darby Creek, Dayspring, Dresden, Gallipolis First, Grove City, Hebron, Hilliard, Logan, Lower Lights, Obetz, Portsmouth First, Shepherd, and Westerville! Don’t forget our collection dates are the last three Saturdays of this month, at HHRC from 9:00 – 2:00.

There will be a Children's Ministry Leaders Zoom Meeting on September 24 from 1:00-2:00pm. An email to all the children's leaders with the Zoom link has been sent out. If you have questions or would like to be put on the email list for Children’s Ministry Leaders, please contact Tiffany at tiffany@picknaz.org.

So often, when the district hosts a leadership gathering, our churches drive to us. This November, we’re flipping that script: the district team is loading up and coming to the four corners of the South Central Ohio District for a four-night Leadership Tour.

Mark your calendar:

November 8–11, 2026

6:30–8:30 p.m. – At a church near you!

• Nov. 8 — Cornerstone (Wheelersburg)

• Nov. 9 — Gallipolis First

• Nov. 10 — Grace Community (New Lexington)

• Nov. 11 — Dayspring (Canal Winchester)

Why are we doing this? Honestly, it’s simple. We want to say thank you, and we want to make it easier for you to say yes. Pastors, treasurers, board members, and other church leaders already carry full schedules, and driving across the district for one more evening meeting is a real ask.

So this time, we’re bringing the meeting closer to you — a small way of saying we see you, and we’re grateful for you.

Each evening follows the same rhythm

6:30–7:15 p.m. — Plenary Session. Introductions, gratitude, and a short teaching on the Three Cs of Leadership: Character, Competence, and Charisma.

7:15–8:00 p.m. — Workshops. Tailored to your role. Pastors and board members will dig into board training and leadership development with Eddie Estep. Treasurers will get hands-on FTM training and best practices with Josh Cook. NDI leaders — Sunday school teachers and small group leaders — will explore “The Heart, Hands, and Habits of Discipleship.” NMI and NYI leaders will be resourced as well.

8:00–8:30 p.m. — Resources and Conversation. How can the district best serve you?

This isn’t just for lead pastors. It’s for every leader in your church — experienced, new, and emerging — church board members, Sunday school teachers, small group leaders, and anyone God is stirring toward greater ministry. If you’ve been wondering whether you’re “leader enough” to attend, the answer is yes.

Pick the night closest to you, gather a few leaders from your church, and come. We’re not asking you to make the trip this time — we’re making it, because you’re worth it.

We can’t wait to see you there.

General Assembly Resolutions

South Central Ohio District:

As we prepare for the 31st General Assembly in June of 2027, the SCO District is accepting resolution submissions through October 1, 2026 to be reviewed by the SCO District Advisory Board. A resolution is a proposed change in government, practice or organization of the church. Resolutions can be submitted by local churches on the SCO District, individual members of SCO District churches and district committees and boards.

Below, please find the GA Resolution Process to submit a resolution on behalf of the SCO District along with the GA Resolution Form. If you have any questions, please contact Rev. Kevin Angel at districtsecretary@sconaz.org.

Warmly Yours in Christ,

Eddie Estep

SCO District Superintendent

GA Resolution Process for SCO:

https://sconaz.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/GA-Resolution-Process-for-SCO.docx

GA Resolution Form – English:

https://sconaz.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/GA-Resolution-Form-English.docx

Other Information:

https://resources.nazarene.org/index.php/s/RNZtrgTtwELXm89?dir=/English/31st%20General%20Assembly/Resolution%20Forms

Registration, housing now open for 31st General Assembly

Nazarenes around the world are preparing to gather in Kansas City, Missouri, USA, under the theme “In Jesus’ Name” at the 31st General Assembly, to be held 25 June – 2 July 2027.

Registration and housing are now available for those planning to attend.

Visitors are invited to attend worship services, visit the exhibit hall, and participate in other events during the 31st General Assembly. Registration is required to access the Exhibit Hall, conventions, and worship services.

Please register early to ensure your place. A summarized event schedule is available here.

Registration

All USA and Canada visitors to the meetings and events planned throughout the General Assembly and Conventions are required to register through the following link: www.nazarene.org/ga-registration.

Visitors from outside the USA and Canada must register and make housing reservations through their regional General Assembly coordinator and should contact their regional office for details.

Delegates to the NDI, NMI, and NYI Conventions should plan to arrive in Kansas City by noon on Thursday, 24 June 2027, as conventions begin Friday at 8 a.m.

General Assembly delegates should arrive by Friday, 25 June 2027, in anticipation of the first worship service on Friday at 6 p.m. Meetings for General Assembly delegates begin the morning of Saturday, 26 June 2027.

Families traveling to attend 31st General Assembly are invited to register their children for General Assembly Kids. Registration for GA Kids is available through the same link.

Housing

The General Assembly arrangements office has established a housing block with reduced rates at several hotels near the Kansas City Convention Center. To reserve a room, click here: www.nazarene.org/ga-registration.

Ample lodging is currently available for the official event dates. If you are looking for earlier or later lodging and see nights listed as “waitlist,” please book your stay, including these nights, and the housing team will be notified of your request. In most cases, the event logistics personnel can quickly work with your desired hotel to accommodate your full stay.

For information on the schedule, conventions, and more, visit http://www.nazarene.org/ga.

Registration is now closed. If you have any questions or concerns about the weekend over the next couple of weeks, please reach out to Darla at dbatson@sconaz.org. Those attending will receive an email with details before the retreat

Second Quarter Reports

Highlighted this week:

“God has been faithful to give our church family some holy moments on Sundays as we gather to worship. Especially powerful was our baptism service in June. We had 5 people share testimonies and reaffirmed through baptisms. And we had 4 people share testimonies and were baptized for the very first time. These nine stories were incredible stories of God’s transformative grace. It was epic!” – Pataskala

“The church continues to grow. We recently had a wonderful baptism service where we baptized 4 adults. We are also moving from canned music to live music and that has been a journey and a blessing.” – Nelsonville

“We celebrated 30 years on Sunday, July 12. We had a special day celebrating the past and the future. On Sunday, August 30, we had our first “Serve Sunday” and almost every single person participated (even the new families). We packed 120 Crisis Care Kits, made 14 fleece blankets, and helped out a local foster care family with yard work.” – Dayspring

Pastor Bill Hines Entering Evangelism

Pastor Bill (Missy) Hines has resigned as pastor of Circleville Heritage and will be entering the field of evangelism. We are grateful for Pastor Bill’s ministry at Heritage. To schedule Bill for revivals or special services, contact him at 740-575-1191.

Need Someone to Preach on September 27?

Rev. Jay Height, executive director of Shepherd Community in Indianapolis, is available to preach at one of our district churches on September 27. (He is preaching at the MVNU Chapel on Monday, September 28 and will be in the area.) If interested, contact him at the following: 317-281-6768 or jayh@shepherdcommunity.org.

RESOURCE HIGHLIGHTS

Save the date! MVNU Homecoming will be held November 13–14, 2026. Alumni, families, and friends are invited to return to campus for a weekend of celebration, connection, and MVNU traditions. Find event details and updates here

Homecoming | MVNU

October 2 – 4: Ministry Team Retreat (MTR) Amish Country

November 13-14: MVNU Homecoming

November 8-11: District Leadership Tour 6:30-8:30 pm Locations:

Nov. 8 Cornerstone; Nov. 9 Gallipolis; Nov. 10 Grace Community; Nov. 11 Dayspring

November 30: District Christmas Banquet (Grove City – The Naz)

February 12 – 15: Clergy Kids Retreat (7th through 12th grade) – Kalahari Resort – Register here:

Clergy Kids Retreat

February 20: Equip (Location TBA)

June 25 – July 2: General Assembly (Kansas City)

July 11 – 18: Camp Meeting (HHRC)

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.