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Sep 29, 2026 Leave a Comment

SCO District – Pastor Appreciation Month

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Honoring Our Shepherds: October Is Pastor Appreciation Month

As the leaves begin to turn each October, we are reminded of the gift our pastors are to each of us. They pray for us, preach Good News to us, administer the sacraments, officiate at weddings, funerals, and baptisms, sit with us in hospital rooms, and call us to a missional vision for our communities and the world. While we most often think of our lead pastors this month, clergy also include staff pastors, evangelists, chaplains, and ordained educators. Many of our pastors serve bi-vocationally, supporting their ministry through other employment, much like the Apostle Paul with his tent-making. For some, it is a matter of financial necessity; for others, it is a deliberate choice to be more fully engaged in their mission field. Either way, every one of them is “full-time” in the truest sense. Ministry is a vocation, not merely an occupation, and a shepherd is never quite off the clock. It is a 24/7 calling.

The expectations placed on pastors are often challenging and sometimes unrealistic. Their faithfulness to God’s call and their deep love for people can leave them with thin margins and depleted vigor. That is why each October we gently remind our local churches to publicly recognize and care for their pastors and their families. Be creative! A card, a meal, a family outing, or a word of thanks spoken before the congregation can refresh a weary heart. Quite honestly, the gifts are often secondary to the love behind them. A little appreciation goes a long way.

Honoring our pastors bears even greater fruit. A healthy, grateful church creates the kind of atmosphere in which it is easy for God to call others into vocational ministry, and easy for them to respond in faith and obedience. The way we treat our shepherds today may shape who answers the call tomorrow.

So, pastor, let me take a moment to thank you. Thank you for your life of prayer and your hours of study. Thank you for taking the 2 a.m. call when a family needs a pastor. Thank you for the hospital and nursing home visits, and for being present in life’s most difficult moments. Thank you for teaching the truth of God’s Word, even when it is uncomfortable, and for showing us the love of Christ.

Paul urged the church to honor those who labor among them: “Overwhelm them with appreciation and love!” (1 Thessalonians 5:12–13, MSG). May that be true in every one of our congregations this month.

I am immensely grateful for the churches and church members who seek to be encouragers to their pastors. May your tribe increase.

Eddie Estep

SCO District Superintendent

NEWS FROM ACROSS THE DISTRICT

Search Begins for HHRC’s Next Camp Manager

For many years, Rodney Kuhn (along with Miriam) has poured his life into Hocking Hills Retreat Center, shepherding the camp through seasons of growth and ministry that have shaped countless guests in their walk with Jesus. As Rodney prepares to step into retirement, we want to pause and give thanks — for his steady leadership, his servant’s heart, and his faithful stewardship of this sacred place. His legacy at HHRC will bear fruit for years to come, and we are grateful beyond words for his long and effective service.

With Rodney’s retirement approaching, the HHRC Board has begun the search for the camp’s next Camp Manager. This is, first and foremost, a spiritual leadership role. We are seeking someone with a vibrant, growing relationship with Jesus Christ, a heart for discipleship, and a calling to create a safe, welcoming, and spiritually nurturing environment for all who come to HHRC.

The new Camp Manager will oversee daily operations, staff, budget, programming, and risk management, while also growing HHRC’s online presence and representing the camp among our churches, schools, and community partners. Ideal candidates will hold a bachelor’s degree in a related field (or equivalent experience), bring 3–5 years of leadership experience in camp or ministry work, and be willing to live near the Retreat Center.

Please join us in praying for HHRC, for the HHRC Board, and for the person God is preparing for this role. If you or someone you know may be called to this ministry, we would love to hear from you. Submit a resume, a testimony of faith, and professional references to eddieestep@sconaz.org.

Westerville Church

It was wonderful to be with co-lead pastors Edward and Ashley Solano and Mark and Jill Ledford at the Westerville Church.

A warm congregation being shepherded by great leaders.

Dr. Jennifer Ballenger Honored

Mount Vernon Nazarene University honored individuals at the Excellence in the Call awards reception. Our very own Dr. Jennifer Ballenger, Assistant Professor of Youth and Family Ministries was celebrated for her dedication to MVNU’s mission. Congratulations Dr. Ballenger – we are proud of you!

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.

USA/CANADA NYI

LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

The USA/Canada NYI is hosting a Leadership Conference for all youth pastors and youth leaders March 1-2, 2027 at Olivet Nazarene University. Registration will open October 1^st with more information then. The estimated cost is $165 for registration, hotels at $199 a night, food, and transportation.

This year SCO NYI is offering a scholarship to cover registration, travel, and lodging for up to 9 youth pastors and youth leaders from our district. Together we will be driving to ONU on Sunday, February 28^th and staying at a VRBO right outside ONU. Some people will need to share a room and possibly a bed with another leader. We will attend the conference March 1^st and 2^nd. On March 3^rd we will explore Chicago and then return home Thursday evening. If selected your only expense not covered is food if you stay at the VRBO and travel with Pastor Christina.

The Executive NYI Council will review all application and select up to 9 adults to attend with our NYI President, Pastor Christina McCully. You will be notified by November 1^st. The deadline to apply is October 20^th.

Application Link: https://forms.gle/9dyW1TW1p5igBrU8A

NYI NIGHT OF WORSHIP

All students are welcome to join us for a NYI Night of Worship on November 14^th at 6:30 p.m.. We will be gathering for worship at the Hocking Hills Retreat Center. This is completely free, but we are asking that students bring a canned good that will be donated to food pantries on our district. Please contact Pastor Ryan Etterling for any questions at ryan.ettering@cornerstonenazarene.com

Don’t Forget Our Missionaries

Now is a good time to think about mailing your Christmas greetings to our links missionaries Mitchel and Marnie Modine. Package delivery times stretch to several months. Their address is:

Mitchel and Marnie Modine

APNTS Compound

Ortegas Avenue Extension

Brgy Dolores

Taytay, Rizal 1920

Philippines

Time For Your NMI Check-Up

We’re half way through the church year, and now is a great time for a check-up! Take a few moments to look over your church’s involvement in missions and our Five Areas of Impact. Celebrate in areas where you’re doing well, and then notice where there may be room to grow, and ask, what can we do in the second half of the year to make an even greater impact for missions? You always hear me say it’s never about checking off the boxes – it’s about keeping missions in the heart of the church. How’s your check-up going? I have a prescription for you – pray, give, and go!

Five Areas of Impact:

Prayer

Care and Connect

World Evangelism Fund

Alabaster

Engaging Children and Youth

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

Second Quarter Reports

Highlighted this week:

“We had a family fun day – back to school bash in August and had at least 130 people attend from the community. One family attended church on Sunday. We are excited to see what God is doing in and through His church.” – New Hope

“Installed a new play set for children.” – Oak Hill

“Currently we have 3 couples in membership.” – Ironton First

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.

RESOURCE HIGHLIGHTS

NBUSA’s Student Loan Matching Program can help. Eligible Nazarene ministers can receive retirement plan matching contributions based on qualifying student loan payments. Simply upload your student loan payment information through myNBUSA, and NBUSA will process the match. It’s an opportunity to make progress on your student debt while building toward a stronger financial future. Learn how the program works and how to submit your payments with NBUSA’s Student Loan Payment Guide

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)

January 22-24: NYI District Winter Retreat

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

Clergy Kids Retreat

February 20: Equip (Location TBA)

June 9-12: Junior-High Camp

June 14-17: Senior-High Camp

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

July 11 – 18: Camp Meeting (HHRC)

Please remember the family of Doris Remmenga (spouse of the late Rev. John Remmenga), who passed away on Saturday, September 19. Doris and John were both members of Darby Creek and pastored at Darbydale during their ministry. The family will receive friends on Friday, October 2, from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at Schoedinger Norris Grove Coty, and from 9:00-10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 3, at Darby Creek Church of the Nazarene. The funeral service will follow at 10:00 a.m.

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.