NEWSLETTER.

CLERY APPRECIATION: IN HONOR OF SHEPHERDS As the month of October rolls around each year, we are reminded of the gift that our clergy are to each of us. They pray for us, lead us, administer the sacraments to us, preach Good News to us, officiate at weddings and funerals, provide pastoral care, and call us to a missional vision for our communities and the world. We most often think of our pastors during this month, but clergy also include evangelists, chaplains, ordained educators, and denominational leaders. Almost half of the lead pastors on the South Central Ohio District are…

Ministry Assessment Weekend Just a few weeks ago, we held our annual assessment at Burr Oak State Park Lodge. Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains of southern Ohio, it is a beautiful drive through winding roads and small towns. The lodge, set deep in the woods and overlooking the lake, provides a peaceful, spectacular setting for an event like this. We had thirteen clergy candidates (and spouses where applicable) and eight assessors gathered for an intensive weekend. But you may ask, “What is a ministry assessment weekend?” That’s a fair question. Martin Luther is credited with championing the “Priesthood of Believers,”…

Why Hocking Hills Retreat Center Should Matter to All of Us The Hocking Hills Retreat Center (HHRC) is more than a place—it’s a sacred space with a God-given vision to transform lives and shape the future of ministry. Here’s why it should matter to us: Exciting Updates on HHRC’s Progress Get Involved Want to hear the latest updates or discuss making a financial pledge? Contact me at rpaugh@shepnaz.org or call 614-205-8023. We can also provide resources to share with your congregation. Visit the HHRC Landing Page by scanning the QR code to explore the master plan, track progress, and give…

WHAT:  Ministry Team Retreat (formerly Pastor and Spouse Retreat) WHERE: Carlisle Inn, 1357 Old Rte. 39 NE, Sugarcreek WHEN: Friday through Sunday, October 3 – 5 WHO: Lead Pastors – Staff Pastors – Chaplains – Educators –Evangelists – Retired Ministers – Widows of Ministers – Unassigned Ministers You spoke and we listened:  We’re headed back to Sugar Creek! Friday evening, the weekend begins with a time of praise and worship.  Eddie and Diane Estep will lead two panels Saturday morning, followed by table discussions.  You’ll be free for lunch and all afternoon to enjoy the beauty of Amish country.  We will gather together Saturday…

What If God Wants to Use Your Church to Start Something New? When we read the book of Acts, one truth becomes clear: the early church grew because ordinary believers stepped out in faith to start new communities of worship and mission. Church planting isn’t a fad or a strategy reserved for megachurches—it’s the heartbeat of the Great Commission.Across our district, there are communities where the gospel witness is almost non-existent, neighborhoods where people live and die without ever encountering Jesus in a meaningful way. What if God is calling us to change that? What if He wants to use…

Nurturing the Call We are inviting every pastor across the South Central Ohio District to join together in preaching on The Call on Sunday, October 12, 2025. While none of us—including pastors and parents—can call someone into the ministry, we can create a climate in our churches and homes where it is easy for God to call, and easier still for people to hear His voice. I will never forget the night God called me. It was a warm July 23 evening during a youth camp service in Summersville, West Virginia. That moment has been the defining spiritual experience of…

Celebrating a Million-Dollar Mission: Our District’s Impact on World Evangelism Fund We’re thrilled to announce that our district has officially raised one million dollars for World Evangelism Fund (WEF) during the 2024-2025 church year – a historic milestone that reflects the heart of our churches and the mission we share in proclaiming the message of holiness and hope in Jesus! The World Evangelism Fund is the fuel and lifeline of the Church of the Nazarene, enabling the church to send missionaries, plant churches, train leaders, and respond to crisis needs across the world. Through WEF, we are truly a church…

Head for the Hills!Hocking Hills, that is! I hope you’ll join us for the 2025 SCO Camp Meeting at Hocking Hills Retreat Center, from Sunday, July 6 through Sunday, July 13. Evening services will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Sundays and 7:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday. If you’re joining us for the first time, the address is: 30682 Chieftain Drive, Logan, OH 43138. We’re excited to welcome Dr. J. K. Warrick, a gifted leader and anointed preacher. You will be blessed by his ministry! He and I will alternate preaching during the evening services. You’ll also enjoy the inspiring…

Pastor, Please Extend an Invitation There was a season in my ministry when I found myself stepping back from giving altar calls as often as I should have. It felt like a dry spell—few people were coming forward—and I found myself growing weary of the lack of response that followed those invitations. Over time, I began to wonder, Why keep pressing through the awkwardness, week after week, when nothing seems to be happening? So, instead of invitations being a regular part of my preaching ministry, they became infrequent. Looking back, I sometimes wonder how many hearts were ready—how many souls were…