Nazarenes Open 26th General Assembly; Proposes Iraq as Next World Region
Some 25,000 Nazarene from around the world gathered Sunday at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis for their 26th General Assembly.
"Weve come here to do the business of the Church of the Nazarene as outlined in the Manual, stated General Superintendent Jim L. Bond as he opened the meeting, according to Nazarene Communications Network. Its my duty and privilege as chairman of the Board of General Superintendents to call into session the 26th General Assembly of the Church of the Nazarene.
While encouraging the attendants to find life in Jesus, Bond shared his own story of choosing Christ over basketball.
Bond explained that he was being urged by Los Angeles Lakers George Mikan to follow basketball. And while the choice was tough, Bond recalled saying, Nah, Im not interested. Im going to seminary to prepare for ministry in the Church of the Nazarene.
"Every important thing that we human beings have ever wanted or needed to know about lifelife here and now, life in the world to comeis found in a single, solitary person, he said, according to NCN. His name is Jesus.
The service closed with a sacrament of communion.
Meanwhile, Sunday afternoon, General Superintendent Paul G. Cunningham and World Mission Director Louie E. Bustle announced that a proposal will go before the General Board to add the country of Iraq as the Church of the Nazarenes 150th world area, according to NCN.
Currently, the Nazarene Church has 17,000 churches in 149 countries.
The motion to add Iraq as the next nation will be discussed at the General Board meeting in February 2006.