Nina Gunter is a trailblazer. She was the first woman ever presented with an honorary doctorate by Trevecca Nazarene University, her alma mater. In June 2005, she was the first woman ever elected to serve as general superintendent. Recently, Gunter has been involved in another first – the launching of the denomination’s new statement of mission. Gunter, who will be Wednesday evening’s closing plenary speaker, shared details about the statement in a recent interview with GROW magazine. A portion of that interview appears below.
GROW: What is this new statement of mission for the Church of the Nazarene?
Gunter: The mission is “To make Christlike disciples in the nations.”
GROW: What does this new statement of mission mean?
Gunter: The statement of mission makes clear the preeminence of Jesus Christ. It says that Christlikeness is the essence of holiness.
While our primary motive is to glorify God, we are also called to participate in His mission – reconciling the world to Himself. God is establishing His Kingdom by working through the Church of the Nazarene and others to achieve this end.
The mission of Jesus was to make disciples. It is our mission as well.
The disciple-making journey is salvation, sanctification and discipleship. The church is to equip and teach all who respond in faith. Disciples are people sent into work places, homes, neighborhoods, cities, and countries.
GROW: Why is this new statement so important for our church family now?
Gunter: As we approach our Centennial, it is time to recapture the original spirit of the Church of the Nazarene.
Every church that exists for a long period seems to face the problem of what someone referred to as “mission creep.” What starts out as a simple, but powerful idea soon gives way to more and more things. If one isn’t careful, the original mission disappears. One must be intentional about finding the center and remaining there.
This gives us a very good opportunity, if handled properly, to identify and clarify the essence of the Church of the Nazarene for a new generation.
GROW: Is this just another program or evangelism emphasis?
Gunter: The mission of the church is not a program or emphasis, but a way of life. It is part of the “everydayness” of our lives.
This statement also reminds us evangelism needs to be holistic. It is not evangelism or discipleship. It is evangelism and discipleship.
The holy life is an example from which people hear, understand, and obey the teaching of Jesus. The fullness of the Spirit and prayer are necessary for being Christlike and obeying all He commands.
GROW: Are there ways for the local church to adapt this statement of mission?
Gunter: Any congregation in any part of the world can use this statement of mission. It represents the official mission of the denomination. The Board of General Superintendents is providing this statement on a bookmark and poster, along with graphics, to all our churches.
How and where the statement is used is a local decision. This statement is meant to be complementary and compatible with what has been developed in local congregations.
The statement of mission is also a teaching tool and linked with our Core Values of Christian, holiness, and missional. It will be possible to use the seven words of the statement to explain the beliefs and mission of the Church of the Nazarene.
As it is now worded, our statement of mission is common ground for our 18,600 congregations and 1.6 million members in 151 world areas.
For more about the statement of mission, visit the denominational web site at www.nazarene.org.