NEWSLETTER.

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…

A Heartfelt Thank You, Pastor Christy! This newsletter marks the bittersweet conclusion of Pastor Christy Robison’s service at the district office. Over the past four years, Christy has been a dedicated and integral part of our team, first serving as Executive Administrator (full-time) and later as Director of Communications (part-time). In her roles, Christy played a key part in keeping our district connected, overseeing the production of our newsletters, coordinating communication across the district, planning events, and so much more. Her impact has been deeply felt, especially by the three different district superintendents she has served. A couple weeks before…

Do You Have a Sophia Near You? Sophia began attending the Westerville Nazarene Church about three years ago, and she was an answer to our Multiply by Ten prayer initiative. Sophia, who is from Bolivia, began attending our ESOL Sunday School class where we teach English to speakers of other languages. The class uses a Biblically based and personally customized curriculum. After class, Sophia began attending our bilingual worship service. It did not take very long before Sophia began bringing other people to church with her. It started with her husband Cesar and sons Miguel and Adrian. Next came Nubia, Johana, Juana,…

The 82nd South Central Ohio District Assembly is now “in the books.” What a wonderful celebration of all that God has been doing in our midst! We celebrated 14 ordinands, 12 newly licensed district ministers, and 6 retirements. Here are the district statistics reported: Worship Attendance (in person): 8,939 + increase of 590 Worship Attendance (online): 3,540 + increase of 655 Total Worship Attendance: 12,479 + increase of 1,245 NDI Attendance: 7,856 – decrease of 459 Conversions: 901 + increase of 23 Baptisms: 601 + increase of 137 New Nazarenes: 657 + increase of 269 Membership: 10,770 – decrease of…

District Assembly is Upon Us In just five days, we’ll be gathering from across South Central Ohio for a time of celebration, connection, and concentration on the year we’ve closed, with a strong commitment to the year we are entering into. We are casting our sights on The One. The following are some important details concerning our 82nd District Assembly. Sunday, April 27th — Ordination Service Monday, April 28th — Business Session Delegate Handbook —

A Most Taxing Day It strikes me as ironic that April 15—Tax Day—falls during Holy Week this year, and even more ironic that April 15, 2025 is a Tuesday. It was on the Tuesday of Holy Week that Jesus was asked to address the issue of paying taxes. It seems that paying taxes was as hot an issue in Jesus’ day as it is in ours, and popular speakers like Jesus were expected to have a word on the matter. The Pharisees and Herodians, political enemies, had teamed up to trap Jesus, using the issue of paying taxes as bait. …

Imagine! As we reflect on the last year and anticipate district assembly, I’m filled with great anticipation, excitement, and joy about the future. I invite you to begin imagining the boundless possibilities that lie ahead for the South Central Ohio District. –   Imagine churches being started in communities that need the message of holiness. –    Imagine churches being strengthened and becoming vibrant and fruitful. –    Imagine leaders being developed and resourced “To Make Christlike disciples in the nations.” –    Imagine youth and children’s camps where students are coming to faith in Jesus, are being filled with the Spirit, and are being called to live lives of…

NMI & NYI Conventions: April 12th The Nazarene Youth International (NYI) and Nazarene Missions International (NMI) Conventions will take place Saturday, April 12th, at Heritage Church of the Nazarene in Circleville. NMI Convention is 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. and NYI Convention is 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.  Delegates are encouraged to attend both conventions.  NMI Convention is a great opportunity to see the Great Commission come alive as you hear stories of God’s faithfulness and see the big picture of the church’s far-reaching impact through missions. We’re delighted to have Joyce Tempel as our mission speaker. Joyce will share inspiring stories…

Of New Beginnings, Lent, and Pruning Fruit Trees This is the first week of a new Church Year. March is the perfect time to start thinking ahead and making a missional plan for the year. January might kick things off, but let’s be real—it’s tough to pick up speed after the holiday chaos. February is all gloom and cold, so we’re just sort of coasting through, counting down the days until it’s over. But March is when we can really get things rolling! Lent also begins this week. Lent is to Easter what Advent is to Christmas—a season of preparation…