Stone deflected further praise to his wife and partner in ministry, Edna. He closed by thanking the Board of General Superintendents and General Board for this recognition and their partnership in ministry.
--NCN News

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Global Ministry Center: Project Update

Kansas City--Plans for the Church of the Nazarene's new Global Ministry Center were unveiled during the 84th annual session of the General Board on February 24, in Kansas City. A multi-media report from 360 Architecture staff, legal representation from Lathrop & Gage L.C., financial officers representing Bank of America, and members of the Walton Construction Company L.L.C., provided overviews, pertaining to their respective areas of the project.

At approximately 109,000 square feet, the two-story Global Ministry Center located on 38 acres at 17001 Prairie Star Parkway in Lenexa, Kansas, will function as the administrative hub in supporting personnel, churches, missions, and ministries around the world. To be completed in fall 2008 in conjunction with the denomination's Centennial, the center is being created for long-term and flexible use.

According to General Secretary Jack Stone, helpful direction on this project is coming from Zimmer Real Estate Services. The company provided guidance in the process of securing 360 Architecture and Walton Construction, premier architectural and construction companies in the Kansas City area. Additionally, the Zimmer group has partnered with the church to market the 6401 The Paseo property in Kansas City.

General Treasurer Marilyn J. McCool reported that Bank of America, with whom the General Board has a long history, was chosen as the financial partner. Bank of America offered a tax-exempt bond financing, issued through the city of Lenexa, with the bank purchasing the bonds. Along with these transactions, the church was able receive an attractive financial package with significant savings to the church over the life of the loan.

Marvin Manlove, principal of 360 Architecture, addressed three key areas affecting the firm's approach to this project:

1. Using efficient and effective solutions supporting best business practices 2. Recognizing the center needs to serve the church for many years--built to last and to allow flexibility in support of ongoing ministry needs in a changing world 3. Creating a collaborative environment allowing staff and visitors means of communicating around issues important to the church's ministries and administrative needs

John Gaar, building designer, noted that as the center is constructed, care is being taken to protect the natural surroundings. He stated, "We want to be good stewards not just to the church, but also to the earth and community."

Nazarene Theological Seminary (NTS) and Nazarene Publishing House (NPH) have chosen to remain at their current locations in Kansas City. The Global Ministry Center acreage does provide for future development for NTS and NPH should those entities choose to relocate there in the future.

In 2006, the denomination's General Board took action gifting the Commons, King Conference Center, and two adjacent houses to NTS for the purpose of extending their campus. Other Headquarters-owned homes across the street from the campus have been made available to NTS for less than 50 percent of market value.

The current Headquarters property is a multi-acre complex with three aging office buildings, the first of which was built in the 1950s. After considerable research, prayer, and professional guidance, the General Board voted in 2005 for the relocation. The decision was made under the direction of the Board of General Superintendents and General Board Executive Committee.

Friends and constituents of the Church of the Nazarene are providing financial gifts and pledges, representing a worldwide effort in support of the denomination's administrative center. In 2006, Japanese and South Korean Nazarenes provided the impetus for additional financial support as they led the way in key donations. World Mission regions led off with a $1 million commitment. General Board members, Headquarters employees, individuals, churches, districts, and Nazarene institutions have added to the gifts.

To date, the fund has received $3.4 million in gifts and pledges, working towards a goal of $10 million. Learn more about Global Ministry Center giving opportunities by visiting the web site at www.nazareneglobalministrycenter.org, phoning 1-800-544-8413, or E-mailing gt@nazarene.org.

Note: For larger versions of the GMC photos, see the following ncnnews.com web page: GMC Photos.
--Global Ministry Center Communications

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Report of the Board of General Superintendents to the General Board

Kansas City--General Superintendent Nina G. Gunter delivered the Board of General Superintendents' report to the General Board on Sunday night, February 25. To read the transcript of this report, entitled "One Church - Many Members," please see the following web page: Click Here.

Gunter's report was followed by an anointing service, led by Olivet Nazarene University President and General Board member John C. Bowling. He affirmed the ministry and leadership of the Board of General Superintendents (BGS), offering thanks for all that they do and for who they are. Bowling pledged, on behalf of the General Board, the Board's willingness to follow the general superintendents' leadership and to join them in praying for renewed anointing upon the BGS and each member's ministries. Bowling anointed each of the general superintendents with oil, a symbol of the Holy Spirit, seeking for them an affirmation of their own prayers and wishes. Gathered at the front of the auditorium, the general superintendents were then surrounded by all General Board members in a show of prayerful support.

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2006 Departmental Reports

(Note: All funds expressed in U.S. dollars.)

General Secretary/Headquarters Operations, Jack Stone, general secretary and Headquarters operations officer
Statistics never tell the whole story, but for the Church of the Nazarene, 2006 is highlighted by:

• 14,567 organized churches - 3.73 percent net gain
• 1,622,669 members (1,473,843 full and 148,826 associate members) - 3.60 percent gain
• 111,683 new Nazarenes
• There are 428 districts of the Church of the Nazarene around the world. Of these, 169 are Phase 3; 81 are Phase 2; and 145 are Phase 1. There are also 33 pioneer areas.
• Total monies paid for all purposes were $895,396,913. Worldwide per capita giving was $551.81.
• New ministers credentialed included 304 elders in the U.S. and Canada and 279 in other world areas. An additional 38 elders had their credentials recognized. There were 65 new deacons ordained in 2006.

M7 Survey
Kansas City--A survey reviewing the recent Mission 2007 (M7) Conference held in Kansas City is now available. To participate in the survey, Click Here.

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