A group of leaders from the Eurasia and USA/Canada Regions traveled throughout the Western Mediterranean Field from 4-13 November to see where God is at work through local Nazarene churches in France, Portugal, Italy, and Spain.
The trip, dreamed up by Geoff Kunselman, Director of Stewardship Development for the Church of the Nazarene, and led by General Superintendent Carla Sunberg, included local church pastors, missionaries, district superintendents, regional leaders, and those serving in education and publishing.
As the group visited local churches to learn about the contexts and ministries of the congregations, they also held discussions on topics ranging from the challenges of ministry in a post-Christian context to theological education, mentorship, migration, and global partnerships.
One of the main themes discussed was the reminder that we are a global church and what that can look like in today’s world. Kristin Burchfiel serves in Portugal and was one of the people on the trip.
“It was so encouraging to be reminded of our connections to each other and to come together and share about our contexts and learn from one another,” Burchfiel said. “We heard countless stories of God’s faithfulness and the faithfulness of local leaders who are persevering in their calls and are seeing lives transformed. In such a diverse group, it was amazing to see how God has gifted each of us and given us passions for different things, and I think we get to experience God in more full and complete ways when we come together.”
In addition to the discussions, the group had the opportunity to pray for and encourage pastors in the churches they visited and participate in ordination services in Portugal and Italy.
Diego Lopez, Strategy Coordinator of the Western Mediterranean Field, said the trip was a great encouragement to pastors and leaders on the field, as many of them had, at times, felt a disconnect from the global denomination.
“The fact that their stories and achievements were heard and prayed for meant a lot to them,” Lopez said.
Story after story was shared of the miracles God is performing in and through local Nazarene churches throughout these two regions, and it served as a reminder that we are all part of the story of God.
One example comes from the France District, where leaders have continued to show up and invest in relationships, even under difficult circumstances. With this intentionality and commitment to getting back to the basics of theological education and relationship building, the congregations are breathing new life into their places.
At a church in Zaragoza, Spain, the pastor shared the transforming work God has done in his life and the life of his family and how that has led him to be able to minister uniquely to others in the community who find themselves facing similar challenges.
Overall, this time together was an important reminder for all that God continues to call people to join God in the work God is doing all over the world and that we are stronger when we partner together.
Michelle Lynam, Eurasia Region Communications Coordinator, was struck by the richness and diversity of the group, sharing that some of the women had started the Church of the Nazarene in their countries and laid the foundation for theological education to equip pastors and leaders there.
“At points, it was like we were getting a glimpse into the history books from the history makers themselves,” Lynam said. “The wealth of experience and knowledge around the table was both humbling and exciting. The conversations and connections were shaping, hopeful, inspiring, and intentional.”
– written by Rev. Kristin Burchfiel, missionary serving in Portugal
