NEWSLETTER.

Following Jesus – Reaching the Nations Around Us As Matthew’s rendition of the gospel story was coming to an end, the disciples found themselves receiving some very specific instructions from our Lord. Jesus said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matt. 28:18b-20). After…

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 +482Total Worship Attendance: 12,890 +411NDI Attendance: 7,862 +6Conversions: 1,134 +233Baptism: 718 +117New Members: 607 +268Newly Organized Churches: 2 +2Membership: 11,038 +268Local Minister’s Licenses: 46New…

Hocking Hills Retreat Center (HHRC) Update We are continuing to make great progress at Hocking Hills Retreat Center! Here’s an update on projects we’ve been working on: Thanks to everyone who has supported HHRC financially and with your time and labor! Rob Paugh HHRC Development Thankful for the early spring rain that has helped fill the pond! Rutland Church It was a joy to worship with our Rutland Church family alongside Pastor Robbie and Dawn Keene last Sunday. We are truly blessed to have them serving on our district ministry team. May God continue to bless them! Volunteers Needed: Parade of Nations Do you…

Where Stories Begin – Youth Summer Camps 2026 One of my favorite hymns is “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing.” As a kid the lyrics “here I raise my Ebenezer” confused me. How did Scrooge get into this hymn? But as an adult I understand the importance and significance of the Ebenezer. In 1 Samuel 7:12-13 the prophet Samuel took a rock and placed it between Mizpah and Shen. He called this rock Ebenezer, which means “Stone of Help.” This rock was placed there for the people to remember God’s faithfulness and salvation. It was so the Israelites would never…

The Next Yes Discipleship (like sanctification) involves both transforming journey and transforming moment. The transforming journey is all about growth in grace and forward progress and being shaped into Christlikeness moment by moment, from glory to glory. The transforming moments are watershed experiences when God’s grace and our obedience connect in ways that produce significant, immediate spiritual development. In a transforming moment, something new begins. It might arrive quietly, as a prompting during morning devotions. It might come suddenly, during an altar call time of response. It might come loudly, in the middle of a conversation that changes everything. It…

God Moved in Panama What happens when 49 people from 20 different churches say “yes” to God? For four unforgettable days in small remote regions of Panama, we witnessed the answer. Our team came ready to serve—but it didn’t take long to realize that God had already gone before us. In makeshift clinics and simple community spaces, 562 precious people were seen, cared for, and prayed over, reminding them of their immeasurable worth. Each touch, each conversation, each prescription was an opportunity to remind someone that they are seen, known, and deeply loved by God. In the heat and humidity,…

The Value of APR and District Assembly It’s the most wonderful time of the yearWith the APR loomingAnd staff members assuring you, “Yes, it’s been quite a year!”It’s the most wonderful time of the year.It’s the hap-happiest season of allWith those annual meetingsAnd reports you’re completingTill the District Secretary callsIt’s the hap-happiest season of all. I could go on, but I’ll spare you the pain. I’m also guessing most of you don’t see this as the most wonderful time of the year. For some of you, administration and collecting reports seems further from the Gospel than anything else you do…

The Finish Line is in Sight! While pastoring in Kentucky, I became a fan of the Kentucky Derby. I loved it all—the hats, the southern pastels, the singing of “My Old Kentucky Home,” and the voice of Dave Johnson calling the race. I’d get chills when the horses rounded the final turn and he’d utter his famous catchphrase: “And down the stretch they come!” The SCO District church year ends February 28, and we’re coming down the stretch! Here are three ways to finish well: District Zone Tour Coming Mark your calendars! November 8-11, we’re bringing a Zone Tour to…

What if the biggest Kingdom impact you make could come from a small, sustainable shift? January is famous for big, bold resolutions. We try to overhaul everything at once—new habits, new systems, new goals—only to find ourselves discouraged when the momentum fades by February. Most of us don’t lack passion. We lack sustainability. And that’s why I’ve been thinking less about dramatic change and more about directional change: the kind of subtle shift you can actually maintain. Recently, I was on a flight and noticed a small adjustment in our heading not long after takeoff. It wasn’t a sharp turn—barely…

NDI Equip – February 21 Are you ready to be inspired, refreshed, and equipped for the work of discipleship? Are you ready to connect with like-minded leaders who are learning together? Join us for NDI Equip, a powerful half-day designed to strengthen leaders, encourage pastors, and ignite the church to fulfill Christ’s call to make disciples in your setting. Date: February 21, 2026Place: Logan Church of the NazareneTime: Registration @ 8:30 AM; First Plenary session @ 9:00 AM; Lunch concludes by 1:30 PM.Cost: $10 Register Here: Discipleship – South Central Ohio District This year we are thrilled to welcome Daryl…