New Statement of Mission:
Interview with Dr. Nina G. Gunter

Dr. Nina G. Gunter was elected to the office of general superintendent at the 26th General Assembly in Indianapolis in June, 2005. At the time of her election, she was serving as general director of Nazarene Missions International. During her tenure, she initiated several new missions programs that dramatically increased the annual giving to missions from approximately $30 million to $62 million.

This past year, Dr. Gunter received the Maggie Sloan Crawford Award from Olivet Nazarene University. Olivet President John C. Bowling presented the award during the university’s chapel service, noting her preaching ministry, leadership, and service to the Church of the Nazarene.

Dr. Gunter also serves as the Jurisdictional General Superintendent for the USA/Canada/Mission Evangelism Department. In her interview for GROW Magazine, she shared details about the recent release of the denomination’s new “Statement of Mission.”

GROW: What is this new “Statement of Mission” for the Church of the Nazarene?

Dr. Gunter: The mission is “To make Christ-like disciples in the nations.”

GROW: What does this new “Statement of Mission” mean?

Dr. Gunter: The statement of mission makes clear the preeminence of Jesus Christ. It says that Christ-likeness 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 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 sent people, into work places, homes, neighborhoods, other cities and countries.

There is a lot of meaning in the seven words of the statement.

GROW: Why is this new statement so important now for our church family?

Dr. 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 you aren’t careful the original mission disappears. You have to be intentional about finding the center and remaining there.

The USA/Canada churches are down to a third or less of their members with long-time Nazarene connections and understandings. Couple this with the growth among larger congregations and the large number of new congregations around the world.

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: How did this “Statement of Mission” develop?

Dr. Gunter: With some of the biggest changes in 60 years facing the church, our Board believed it was time to update the language used to define its mission.

The most recent statement of mission consists of three paragraphs and 103 words. It was written nearly 30 years ago and builds upon historical understandings. There has been little reference to this statement although a portion can be found in the MANUAL Introduction.

We know there are scores of mission statements created by Nazarene churches, districts, regions and educational institutions. This has been a helpful process for many.

Our Board believes, however, there is still a need for an over-arching statement of mission for the Church of the Nazarene. Something succinct and translatable. A reminder of what we believe, what we stand for, what we are all about.

After 10 years of review a decision was made in our Board’s December 2006 meeting to try to capture what is now taking place in the church—a renewed desire to lift up Christ and be more like the Savior. This is especially so among our youth and young adults.

The decision comes down to three things:

• Timing. Going through major generational and cultural change is the time to clarify, renew, and revitalize a mission.
• Simplification. In a 24/7, over communicated society, it is an over-simplified (not simplistic) message that has the best chance of getting through.
• Stewardship. The church, and especially the General Board, cannot attempt everything and remain viable. There need to be focus and priorities of mission in order to properly allocate limited financial and human resources.

GROW: Is this just another program or evangelism emphasis? 

Dr. 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.

Programs don’t make disciples. Disciples make disciples.

This statement also reminds us that evangelism needs to be holistic. It is not evangelism or discipleship. It is evangelism and discipleship.

The holy life is the place from which people hear, understand and obey the teaching of Jesus. The fullness of the Spirit and prayer are necessary for being Christ-like and obeying all that He commands.

GROW: Are there ways for the local church to adapt this “Statement of Mission?”

Dr. Gunter: Any congregation in any part of the world can use this statement of mission. It does represent 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. It will be especially helpful to those who have not yet thought through this process.

We encourage use of the statement within the communication of a church. This includes printed and electronic media, especially websites.

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 these seven words to explain the beliefs and mission of the Church of the Nazarene. Sunday School Ministries will have the lead responsibility for this effort.

Our statement of mission as now worded is common ground for our 18,600 congregations and 1.6 million members in 151 world areas.

Just a note of caution. You can have a statement and materials and never fulfill the mission. Ideas only work when they are embodied by someone. We are blessed to have some of the most dedicated disciples of any church. It is our goal to build on this strength.

GROW: Where can we find more information or training materials for our leaders and members about this “Statement of Mission?”

Dr. Gunter: The upcoming M7 Conference will have over 200 workshops dealing with the various aspects of evangelism and discipleship, in a variety of approaches for different ministry contexts. The USA/Canada/ Mission Evangelism Department and other departments at our International Headquarters continue to provide a wide range of resources and training materials for this purpose. In the coming months, additional resources will be available for pastors to use in local churches.

This emphasis for discipleship, evangelism, training in membership classes and leadership development will also be the focus on resources from our own Nazarene Publishing House. Additionally, downloadable free materials will be available through a number of websites.