General editor announces retirement

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Global Ministry Center

After nearly 50 years of ministry – 27 at the Church of the Nazarene Headquarters/Global Ministry Center – David J. Felter announced his retirement this week, effective July 31, 2013.

Felter currently serves as general editor for the denomination and as Holiness Today editor-in-chief. As general editor, he oversees editorial content in books and publications for the Church of the Nazarene.

In addition to his role as editor-in-chief of the denomination’s primary magazine, to which he was elected in 2004, Felter is senior editor of NCN News.

"Dr. David Felter will be missed greatly as a theologian, a scholar, and a man of God," said Eugénio Duarte, general superintendent in jurisdiction for the Global Ministry Center. "His solid and lasting contribution to the mission of God is remarkable. As a minister, David has impacted the Church of the Nazarene at all levels and in a variety of ways. The marks of his walk with Jesus and his work as an authority in Christian doctrines will be remembered by so many, particularly by those he has ministered to and served with very closely."

Before coming to Nazarene Headquarters (now the Global Ministry Center) in 1985, Felter pastored for 21 years in Iowa, California, Oklahoma, Indiana, and Kansas. Since that time he has served as education program manager, coordinator of Evangelism Ministries, executive editor of Adult Sunday School Curriculum, director of Adult Ministries/Lay Training, and director of Communications Services. He also served as producer for several denominational events such as General Assembly and the M-conference series.

"David Felter has provided inestimable service to the Church of the Nazarene over the last 27 years," said David Wilson, general secretary for the Church of the Nazarene. "He has contributed many ways to the life of the Church. He will leave holes that will be difficult to fill. We are thankful for his life in ministry and I will miss his personal friendship." 

"He has devoted his life to our Lord and His church," said general superintendent and friend, J. K. Warrick. "David Felter has exemplified what it means to be a true disciple of Jesus Christ. It was my privilege to serve as his pastor for nearly 12 years and through that relationship he became a very close friend and confidant. I am grateful for that friendship. The Church of the Nazarene has been blessed by his ministry and his tireless efforts to spread the message of Scriptural holiness."

Felter said he looks forward to spending more time with his family when he retires in July. He and his wife, Sandra, reside in Overland Park, Kansas. They have two married sons, David and Jib, and five grandchildren. 

"Serving my Lord through the varied ministries of the Church of the Nazarene has been a wonderful privilege," David Felter Sr. said. "I am grateful for God’s call upon my life. For nearly 50 years, my ministry assignments have allowed me to serve the church I love in a variety of opportunities. In the coming days, I look forward to discovering new ways to serve Christ and the church. I am grateful to my colleagues in ministry with whom I have been privileged to serve, and the wonderful love and support of my terrific family."

Felter’s immediate and extended staff at the GMC will miss him, and they are deeply grateful for his valued guidance and sincere friendship over the years.

 

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