OUR LAST WEEKLY INSIGHTS UNTIL "JOURNEY TO PENTECOST"

"Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength…they will run and not grow weary." (Isaiah 40:31)
 
On August 5, 2016, the Chicago Central District sent out our first weekly insights e-mail to readers across our district. It is hard to believe that was 7½ years ago! From the beginning, we believed this communication should have 3 goals: 1) to spark intercession, 2) to offer inspiration and 3) to provide information. 
 
We still believe the greatest gift you can offer our district is the gift of praying for us. We believe prayer is not preparation for the battle. Prayer IS the battle. We want to thank you for believing enough in intercession to take a moment and breathe a prayer that God will grant wisdom and energize every church leader involved in the CCD this week to be Christ in Action where they serve!" (1 Samuel 12:23). The first purpose of Insights was to solicit intercession.
 
The second purpose for Insights was to offer inspiration. John the Baptist was an incredible spiritual leader. He baptized Jesus. He declared who Jesus was (John 1:29).  But when things got difficult, even John the Baptist struggled with doubt and uncertainty (Matthew 11:2-3). What he needed at that time was inspiration to keep going. Every one of us is the same. That is why inspiration was the second purpose of Insights. And then the third basic purpose for Insights was to offer information.
 
As our district prepares for transition in the next few weeks, we know the next superintendent may want to offer a different strategy for communication so we have decided to cease devotionals for the coming weeks. Our next devotionals will be our denomination-wide daily Journey from Easter to Pentecost (March 31 – May 19). Thanks for all your church is doing to take positive steps forward by focusing on the basics of what the Lord has revealed to us for a healthy future:

1. mobilizing everyone in unity

2. blessing our community

3. bringing people to Jesus

4. becoming Christlike disciples

We are leaning in together, encouraging everyone to participate in selecting our next superintendent. Make sure you reach out to a District Advisory Committee member and give your feedback. We have wonderful days ahead on the CCD. You are loved.

Larry McKain, Superintendent 
Chicago Central District 
Church of the Nazarene 

LOYAL TO YOUR PASTOR AND CHURCH

"Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.” (Hebrews 13:17) 
 
Let's face it, as church leaders committed to following Jesus, sometimes we run into scriptures God gives us that may at times seem difficult to obey. But they are in the Bible for a purpose. We encourage you to pray and ask God to reveal his will to you specifically about your pastor and your local church. By way of testimony, I know God has sovereignly placed me in this spiritual tribe called the Church of the Nazarene. God calls us to love the church and serve the church, even when it is imperfect.   
 
If the church needs to change, we are to be positively involved in helping that process, not be the kind of people who sit back and criticize. If you are leading some kind of change or doing something innovative, at times you may be criticized by good people. Individuals who serve alongside you may not understand your efforts to bless the community and bring people to Jesus.
 
People may question your motives and your intent. At times you may even feel rejected by the people you love and serve. So did Jesus (Isaiah 53:3, John 1:11). In the Garden, all of the disciples Jesus had gathered around him, for a time deserted him and fled (Mark 14:50). But what was Jesus’ response? The Bible says that the vision of Jesus for the church was so strong that he focused, not just on the present but on the future. The vision Jesus could see was thousands of gathered groups of redeemed people worldwide – in spiritually contagious churches! Jesus could see local churches operating in unity (John 17:21), blessing their community, bringing people to himself and becoming Christlike disciples who followed him.
 
The vision of Jesus was so powerful, the Scripture says Jesus "gave himself up for the church” (Ephesians 5:25). Are we following Jesus’ example and doing what he did? No healthy ministry or highly effective church is built unless we sacrifice and "give ourselves up" just like Jesus did. Thank you for your commitment to be loyal to your pastor and to your local church. It is the right thing to do. Submit to those God has placed in authority within your church. Do you best to make their work "a real joy" through their contact with you. Make your attitude positively contagious. If you do, God's promise is that you will find this a great "personal benefit" (Hebrews 13:17). 
 
This is such an important habit and attitude that spiritually healthy leaders have. Thanks for all your church is doing to take positive steps forward by focusing on the basics of what the Lord has revealed to us for a healthy future:

1. mobilizing everyone in unity

2. blessing your community

3. bringing people to Jesus

4. becoming Christlike disciples

We are also leaning in together, participating in the selection of our next superintendent.  Make sure you reach out to a District Advisory Committee member and give your feedback. We have wonderful days ahead on the CCD. You are loved.

Larry McKain, Superintendent 
Chicago Central District 
Church of the Nazarene 

GOD IS FAITHFUL

“If we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.”  (2 Timothy 2:13)
 
As we begin this new year, I’d like to share with you a reflection taken directly from passages of Scripture that focus us on the faithfulness of God. I would encourage you to listen, reflect and “soak in” these truths about God in the following prayer:
 
Lord, we praise you as we begin this next year because you are faithful. You are God!  You are a faithful God. You will keep your covenant of love with us because we keep your commands (Deuteronomy 7:9). We praise you today because not one word has failed of all your promises to us. All of them are good (1 Kings 8:56). We will sing of your great love as long as we live. We will make your faithfulness known to everyone that our lives can touch (Psalm 89:1).
 
You have called us into fellowship with your Son, Jesus Christ and you are faithful in that call (1 Corinthians 1:9). Even though in our lives we may seem to suffer, we now commit ourselves to your faithfulness and we will continue to do good! (1 Peter 4:19). Even when we are faithless, you remain faithful (2 Timothy 2:13). As your sons and daughters, you are bringing us to glory, and you made the author of our salvation perfect through suffering. 
 
We are of the same family. He is holy and he has made us holy (Hebrews 2:10-11). He had to be made like us in every way, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest, serving for us, to God (Hebrews 2:17). Therefore, today we resolve Lord that we will hold unswervingly to the hope that we have. Why? Because the God who has promised it is faithful! (Hebrews 10:23).
 
We have learned that everything in our lives takes on a different dimension when we begin to focus on who God is, rather than who we are. Thank you for helping to mobilize people in unity, for blessing your community in creative ways, for your steadfast commitment to bring people to Jesus and for the way you are helping people to become Christ-like disciples. You are moving the mission of the church and the Kingdom forward. Thank you for serving so well on the Chicago Central District. As we begin this new year of 2024, remember that God is faithful. You are loved.

Larry McKain, Superintendent 
Chicago Central District 
Church of the Nazarene 

CULTIVATING A CHRISTMAS HEART

“…set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God” (Colossians 3:1)
 
There is no greater source of peace and joy for us at Christmas (Luke 2:10,14) than to cultivate a Christmas heart. To experience this, Paul invites us to “set our hearts on things above” (Colossians 3:1), where Jesus is with the Father, thinking about us. He is praying for us (Romans 8:34), and His love for us is SO STRONG that “nothing else in all creation is able to separate us from it” (Romans 8:39).  We are invited to experience, to “feel” this love. “With all the saints, God wants to be able to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Jesus and TO KNOW this love that “surpasses knowledge” (Ephesians 3:18-19).
 
The peace and joy of Jesus at Christmas can be so deeply satisfying to our inner spirit. It calls us to move from being pre-occupied with the “many things” that easily distract us, to “the one thing that is best” (Luke 10:41-42). Jesus wants us to relocate our attention, to shift our focus and redirect our priorities. When we worry, when our lives are not joyful and peaceful, it is usually because our hearts are focused on the wrong things. Cultivating a “Christmas heart” is an invitation to set our hearts on the “spiritual.” We are invited to make our thoughts conscious of the Holy Spirit who is ALREADY within us (John 14:17). He knows us – he lives in us.  We can ask him to be the center of all that we think, speak and do and he has promised to help us.
           
This is what it means to be “Christ-like” – to develop as a “Christ-like disciple.” This is the mission of the church, “to make Christ-like disciples.”  This is the simple pattern we find in the ministry of Jesus. When he first discovers who his Father is, he wants to “be in his Father’s house” (Luke 2:49). He doesn’t want to do anything by himself; he only wants to do what he sees his Father doing (John 5:29). He doesn’t want to speak on his own or act on his own. He says, “The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work” (John 14:10).
 
Jesus was always cultivating a heart of obedience to the Father. He was fearless in listening to a Father who loved Him. This same Father and this same Jesus THIS Christmas, wants to love us! He wants to come and make his home with us (John 14:23). Joy of all joys – peace that is so much beyond this world! For us to experience fully his peace and joy, we are invited to cultivate a Christmas heart – the heart of Jesus – for the Father. Between Jesus and the Father there is only love. Everything that the Father has is given to the Son (Luke 10:22). This love the Father has for Jesus – has been extended to us! “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God. And that is what we are” (1 John 3:1).
 
So, as we approach one of the greatest days of the year, we invite you to cultivate a Christmas heart. Feel the love the Father and the Son have for you. We hope you enjoy time with your family. Thank you for serving so well on the Chicago Central District. Merry Christmas! You are loved.

Larry McKain, Superintendent 
Chicago Central District 
Church of the Nazarene 

GOD IS NEAR - GIVING THANKS FOR YOU

“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now,  being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”  (Philippians 1:3-6)
 
We echo these words of Paul on this Thanksgiving weekend and want you to know: you are remembered, you are prayed for, and you are not serving alone – God is near! Please listen, reflect and “soak in” these truths about God’s nearness.
 
God Is Near: Lord, we praise you today because you are near to us. We have the holy privilege, just as Enoch did, of walking with you (Genesis 5:24). Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with you (Genesis 6:9). Teach us how to walk with you as well.  It is good to be near you (Psalm 73:28). You are close to those who are brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18). You are near to everyone who calls on you with a heart seeking truth (Psalm 145:18). You have a desire that people would seek you and find out that you are not far from every one of us (Acts 17:27). You have promised that if we come near to you, that you will come near to us (James 4:8).
 
Please know you are remembered often as you lead the great work we are all engaged in. Every week in our staff gathering we think about and talk about our pastors and their spouses. As we lead pastoral reviews, we are SO thankful for our church boards. We are reminded often to pray for you and the great Kingdom work you are doing. When we pray, we do so with thankful hearts because of the incredible work you are leading.
 
Thank you for helping to mobilize people in unity, for blessing your community in creative ways, for your steadfast commitment to bring people to Jesus and for the way you are helping people to become Christ-like disciples. You are moving the mission of the church and the Kingdom forward. We are so thankful to have you as part of the great Chicago Central District team.   
 
We hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving, filled with great times of fellowship with family and friends, and we join you in anticipation of a great Advent season. We have wonderful days ahead on the CCD. You are loved.

Larry McKain, Superintendent 

Chicago Central District 

Church of the Nazarene 

GOD KNOWS EVERYTHING

“This is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence: If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.” (1 John 3:19-20)
 
This week I’d like to share with you two more reflections written during my quiet time with the Lord. They are taken directly from passages of Scripture and focus on the character of God. I would encourage you to listen, reflect and “soak in” these truths about God, our Heavenly Father.
 
The first reflection is a prayer entitled, God Knows Everything: Lord, I praise you today because you are Omniscient. You know everything. You see my ways and count my every step (Job 31:4, 34:21). No matter how many people live on earth, your understanding has no limit (Psalm 147:5). Even when you were on earth you knew all people (John 2:24). After your disciples spent time with you, they saw that you knew all things (John 16:30, 21:17). You know everyone's heart (Acts 1:24). Because of that, I don't need to hide any failure, sin, or fear that I have. You already know all about it. 
 
Nothing in all creation is hidden from your sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before your eyes (Hebrews 4:13). Teach me to be open and honest about everything with you. Make my struggles, my decisions, my hurts to all be things that I lay before you regularly, because you Lord, already know. There will be times that I will feel false guilt from Satan or from myself. In my heart I will feel condemned. It is then that I need to have my heart set at rest in your presence. I praise you because your Word says, “You are even greater than my heart, and you know everything” (1 John 3:19-20).
 
I am so thankful that God knows everything! We are also so thankful for all your church is doing to take positive steps forward by focusing on the basics of what the Lord has revealed to us for a healthy future: 

1. Mobilizing everyone in unity

2. Blessing your community

3. Bringing people to Jesus

4. Becoming Christlike disciples

We are also leaning in together, participating in the selection of our next superintendent. Make sure you reach out to a District Advisory Committee member and give your feedback. We have wonderful days ahead on the CCD. You are loved.

Larry McKain, Superintendent 

Chicago Central District 

Church of the Nazarene 

DEVELOPING NEW LEADERS

“And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” (2 Timothy 2:2)

Among the other things a district is responsible to do, Chicago Central is totally committed to developing new leaders. Our District Board of Ministry is a wonderful team of 42 ministers who are committed to developing future ministers among us. Last year we served 52 locally licensed ministers and 46 district licensed ministers for a total of 98 new ministers in development. 
This weekend is Discovery Weekend, our annual new minister’s retreat. We have 8 new ministers and 7 spouses participating, and a total of 25 people attending. This means that in just the past 4 years, we have had 61 new ministers come through our Discovery Weekend. That is a “praise God” accomplishment! 
 
In everything we do, our aim is to develop spiritually healthy leaders – leaders who come home every day wanting to be better leaders. The culture we operate in, the way we live our lives, the way we interact with others every day can have a gravitational pull toward spiritual health that helps make everyone around us better.
 
Here are five things I've noticed about the spiritually healthy leaders we work with:

Spiritually healthy leaders constantly ask questions. They don't assume they are the smartest person in the room. In fact, they assume the best answer resides in the people around them, and it is their job to find it. They are always learning. Even though they may be older or more experienced, they are listening and learning when someone else is teaching or talking.
 
They celebrate the success of others. They genuinely love it when others around them do well. They have learned to habitually and naturally deflect praise or credit back to the people who work with them. They don’t get defensive. When they are attacked or accused, even unjustly, they look for what they can learn from the situation. And lastly, they go home before the work is done. They model for those around them what it means to have healthy boundaries and margins. They show through their calendar and behavior how they prioritize their most important relationships.
 
There are obviously other habits and attitudes spiritually healthy leaders have.  What other things would you put on the list? Thanks MUCH for your prayers for Discovery Weekend this year. And thanks for all your church is doing to take positive steps forward by focusing on the basics of what the Lord has revealed to us for a healthy future:

1. Mobilizing everyone in unity 

1. Blessing your community 

1. Bringing people to Jesus 

1. Becoming Christlike disciples 

We are leaning in together, participating in the selection of our next superintendent. Make sure you reach out to a District Advisory Committee member and give your feedback. We have wonderful days ahead on the CCD. You are loved.

Larry McKain, Superintendent 

Chicago Central District 

Church of the Nazarene 

THE RIGHTEOUS LIVE IN FAITH

Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law, or by believing what you heard? . . . All who rely on observing the law are under a curse, . . .Clearly no one is justified before God by the law because, “The righteous will live by faith" (Galatians 3:2b,10,11).

He had made the walk countless times, yet as he passed through the streets of Wittenberg on this day, his pace was slower than usual. He seemed to be lost in thought, as if he were debating some great issue in his own mind.

It was this same week (October 31st) in the year 1517. As Martin Luther reached the doors of the church, he stopped. Pausing just a moment, as if the debate had ended, he reached into his satchel and removed a large parchment. He looked it over one last time and then nailed it to the outside door of the church. The parchment contained a neatly penned list of 95 theses, sentence arguments, from himself as a Catholic priest and teacher, regarding the current practices of the church.

Martin Luther had no idea that the spark of his protest would ignite a bonfire that would forever change the character of the Christian movement. His actions on that October day in Germany united a host of protesters (called Protestants). A great movement to reform the church was inaugurated, and the ripples of the Reformation continue to this day, that now number over 1 billion followers.

The Reformers protested that salvation rested within the Church alone – that the church through the clergy, mediated salvation – and that a person’s salvation came as a result of the activity of God plus our own good works. However, in July of 1517, Luther was working on a lecture based on Galatians 3. In his study these words leaped from the page – “Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law, or by believing what you heard? All who rely on observing the law are under a curse…Clearly no one is justified before God by the law because, “The righteous will live by faith" (Galatians 3:2b,10,11).

Luther began to see that salvation was neither earned nor bought but given by grace and accepted through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). The Bible had never been translated into German for people to read and very few could read the Scriptures themselves. In response to Luther's writings, the officials arrested him and brought him to trial, where he was told on threat of death, “You must recant.” His now-famous reply was this: “My conscience is captive to the Word of God. I will not recant. Here I stand: God help me. Amen.”

Today we are part of a great movement of evangelical Protestants that stretches around the world, who believe “the righteous live by faith” (Galatians 3:11). Thanks for all your church is doing to take positive steps forward by focusing on the basics of what the Lord has revealed to us for a healthy future:

1. Mobilizing everyone in unity 

1. Blessing your community 

1. Bringing people to Jesus 

1. Becoming Christlike disciples 

We are leaning in together, participating in the selection of our next superintendent. We have wonderful days ahead on the CCD. You are loved.

Larry McKain, Superintendent 

Chicago Central District 

Church of the Nazarene 

THOSE WHO RISK ARE FREE

Barnabas and Saul are “men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Acts 15:26)
 
“Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus. They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them.” (Romans 16:3-4)
 
Epaphroditus “almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me.” (Philippians 2:30)
 
When we look at the life of Jesus, we find it is FILLED with risk-taking. He talks to a questionable woman at a public well (John 4); He declares Himself to be Isaiah’s fulfillment in His hometown (Luke 4); He chooses to save one man and then drowns hundreds of pigs (Mark 5); He embracing lepers (Matthew 8); He challenges the Pharisees (Mark 3) and He denouncing cities (Matthew 11). 
 
He has regular fellowship with tax collectors and sinners (Luke 5); He protects a woman who has been caught in adultery (John 8); He lets the rich young ruler go when Jesus has ministry bills to pay for both himself and his followers (Luke 8:2-3; Mark 10); He cleanses the temple (Matthew 21); He confronts religious leaders (Matthew 23); He embraces the cross when He knows the pain that would be involved (Mark 14) and hundreds more times. Wow! 
 
Throughout his ministry, Jesus risks his life…again and again and again. It is interesting that in the New Testament, we find the story filled with people who follow this example of Jesus and do the same thing. Barnabas and Saul, Priscilla and Aquila, Epaphroditus and countless others who risk everything!  
 
My friend, Pastor Elias Betanzos, pastors the largest Nazarene church in North America, with multiple campuses across the city of Oaxaca, Mexico. He shared this with me about risk-taking:
 
“To laugh is to risk appearing the fool.
To weep is to risk appearing sentimental.
To reach out for another is to risk involvement
To expose feelings is to risk exposing your true self.
To place your ideas, your dreams before a crowd, is to risk rejection.
To love is to risk not being loved in return. 
To live is to risk dying. To hope is to risk despair.
To try is to risk failure.
But risks must be taken, because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing.  
The person who risks nothing, does nothing, has nothing and is nothing.
They may avoid suffering and sorrow, but they cannot learn, feel, grow, love and live.
Only a person who risks, is free.”
 
Thank you for being willing to follow Jesus and take wise, strategic risks just like He did. We also want to say a big thanks for all your church is doing to take positive steps forward by focusing on the basics of what the Lord has revealed to us for a healthy future: 

1. Mobilizing everyone in unity 

1. Blessing your community 

1. Bringing people to Jesus 

1. Becoming Christlike disciples 

Also, thanks for serving so well on the Chicago Central District. Let’s continue to be Christ in Action. You are loved. 

Larry McKain, Superintendent 

Chicago Central District 

Church of the Nazarene 

WHEN JESUS LET PEOPLE GO

“Many of Jesus’ disciples said, “This is very hard to understand. How can anyone accept it?” Jesus was aware that his disciples were complaining, so he said to them, “Does this offend you?" The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life…

Then he said, “That is why I said that people can’t come to me unless the Father gives them to me.” At this point many of his disciples turned away and deserted him. Then Jesus turned to the Twelve and asked, “Are you also going to leave?”  Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life.” (John 6:60-68)
 
On the Chicago Central District, we have come through A LOT as a team of churches and because of COVID and other factors, attendance can be smaller in some places. We are sometimes tempted as leaders with a secret fear we struggle with. It is our fear of losing people. This can seem to be such a difficult matter, especially when we work so hard to reach people! 
 
Pastors and church leaders can be tempted to think wrongly about this issue – and this raises an important spiritual question. Did Jesus have any people who walked away from Him? Are there any spiritual principles that Jesus followed when this happened; when people walked away from His ministry? The Scripture tells us that no pastor or church is exempt from this happening.  Even Jesus knew that some people would not stay with him (John 6:64-65).  
 
Every pastor and every church, at one time or another, has had people leave; with COVID it has been over a variety of things. It’s especially hard on pastor leaders when this happens. Many times a comment that follows is some other leader saying, “we can’t afford to lose people.”  However, based on the ministry of Jesus, this is not true. There were clearly times that Jesus watched as He let people go. 
 
So, how do we as church leaders know the spiritual principles involved in letting someone go?  With Jesus, it was never about church or ministry money…he let the rich young ruler go (Mark 10:17-25). Some leaders are tempted to negotiate and then receive a large contribution for the church. But Jesus never did. He understood more important than anything else was our heart (Proverbs 4:23). To every church that longs to build a healthy spiritual culture, let’s follow the example of Jesus. We must have the courage to do the right thing, even when it includes following Jesus in letting people go. Our prayer for you and your church is that you will experience God’s blessing through the anointing and blessing and comes from unity (Psalm 133:3). 

We also want to say a big thanks for all your church is doing to take positive steps forward by focusing on the basics of what the Lord has revealed to us for a healthy future: 

1. Mobilizing everyone in unity 

1. Blessing your community 

1. Bringing people to Jesus 

1. Becoming Christlike disciples 

Also, thanks for serving so well on the Chicago Central District. Let’s continue to be Christ in Action. You are loved. 

Larry McKain, Superintendent 

Chicago Central District 

Church of the Nazarene 

SHEPHERDING GOD'S FLOCK

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (John 10:10)
 
We are SO thankful for the 81 pastor/shepherds and dozens of associate pastors we have who serve so faithfully all across the Chicago Central District each and every week. These devotional thoughts are offered to celebrate what the Bible says about the good shepherds we have!
  
1. The direction of the sheep is dependent on the presence of the shepherd. "You will all fall away," Jesus told them, "for it is written: "'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be  scattered.'" (Mark 14:27)
 
2. Jesus saw the crowds of people who needed to live fulfilled lives as sheep who needed to be taught. “When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.” (Mark 6:34)
 
3. Jesus is the Chief Shepherd; we are His under-shepherds. “Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers…not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.” (1 Peter 5:2-3)
 
4. A good shepherd is willing to lay down their life for their sheep. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (John 10:10)
 
5. A good shepherd is committed to their sheep and does not abandon them. “The hired hand is not the shepherd who owns the sheep.  So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it.” (John 10:11)
 
6. A good shepherd knows his sheep and his sheep know him. “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me.” (John 10:14)
 
7. A good shepherd is always looking for stray sheep. “I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also.” (John 10:16)
 
8. Every sheep has gone astray and must be led back to God. “We all, like sheep, have gone astray. Each of us has turned to his own way.” (Isaiah 53:6)
 
9. The good shepherd cannot bear the thought of losing any of his sheep. He is not so concerned with the numbers, even though he counts them regularly. Each individual within the flock matters to him. (Luke 15:3-7; Matthew 18:12-14)
 
10. The shepherd carries their sheep close to their heart. “He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.” (Isaiah 40:11)

Also, thanks for all your church is doing to take positive steps forward by focusing on the basics of what the Lord has revealed to us for a healthy future: 

1. Mobilizing everyone in unity 

1. Blessing your community 

1. Bringing people to Jesus 

1. Becoming Christlike disciples 

Also, thanks for serving so well on the Chicago Central District. Let’s continue to be Christ in Action. You are loved. 

Larry McKain, Superintendent 

Chicago Central District 

Church of the Nazarene 

WHEN AND HOW WE LOVE OUR ENEMIES

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:43-45) 

[These devotional insights are from a conversation with Dr. Jerry Porter, General Superintendent Emeritus, Church of the Nazarene.]   

The refusal to retaliate, turning the other cheek (Matthew 5:39) and loving one’s enemies are the very center of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. The Jewish law limited retaliation to the exact equivalent; one eye for one eye or one tooth for one tooth. Unlimited retaliation would be for us to knock out several teeth when only one of our teeth was knocked out. However, Jesus turned this Middle Eastern law on its head.  He abolished retaliation altogether!  An eye for eye is grounded in legal justice. To forgive injuries is grounded in love.  

While the legal system would restrain the deed, Jesus constrains the doer of the deed. Retaliation always leads to a vicious cycle of blow for blow that creates hate. Jesus is not teaching passive resistance here but rather active resistance. Jesus did not say that if a person smites us on one cheek, we should let him smite us on the other. We are actually taught to “turn to him the other cheek.” This act of love toward a person who could break our head could actually break their heart. In so doing, as Christians, we assume moral charge of the situation. One cheek, one coat, and one mile is passive resistance that reveals moral weakness. But turning the other cheek, giving our other cloak, and going the second mile is active resistance which reveals both love and moral strength. 

When Peter defended the Lord by cutting off the ear of the high priest’s servant (John 18:4-12), Jesus assumed moral command of the situation by restoring the ear.  He did not do this as a helpless prisoner but as a powerful “giver of grace.” If Jesus had struck one blow in self-defense, it would have been the deathblow to his own gospel. Instead, as His followers we are called to a new warfare with new weapons.  

Can we get the devil out of people by acting like the devil? No.  We cannot let the actions of others determine how we react.  We must be animated by invincible love and good will, no matter what other people do to us. It is not that we do not fight back – instead, we use new weapons of good will and Christ-like love. Jesus conquers evil, not by the quantity of muscle but by the quality of His spirit.  

This always raises the question – what about protecting others?  What if someone strikes my child or my neighbor? Do I turn the child’s other cheek? No. When an offense is personal against me, I bear it and conquer with other weapons.  But when an offense is against someone else, I use force to protect the innocent. Since those around us are not able to use the weapons of love-restraint, force-restraint methods must be used to protect and help those who are weak (1 Thessalonians 5:14).  Thanks for reflecting on this very important teaching of Jesus about when and how we love our enemies. 

Also, thanks for all your church is doing to take positive steps forward by focusing on the basics of what the Lord has revealed to us for a healthy future: 

1. Mobilizing everyone in unity 

1. Blessing your community 

1. Bringing people to Jesus 

1. Becoming Christlike disciples 

Also, thanks for serving so well on the Chicago Central District. Let’s continue to be Christ in Action. You are loved. 

Larry McKain, Superintendent 

Chicago Central District 

Church of the Nazarene 

DEVELOPING ENDURANCE

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:1-3)

I have met a number of pastors who ran cross country or track during their high school years.  Everyone who has done so knows the primary difference between doing a 100-yard dash, a 440-dash or being able to run a mile or more; the difference is endurance.  The Scriptures regularly remind us not to become weary in doing good; in other words, “don’t quit” (Galatians 6:9).  We are people, with Jesus, who endure.

Endurance is a quality consistently found among spiritual leaders. If resilience is the ability to “bounce back from a setback,” endurance is the ability to keep going regardless of obstacles or pressure. People who endure know what they believe and they have deep conviction about these beliefs.  If we know our beliefs and values, we can make good decisions over the long haul.  For example, if we value generosity, personal health, and honesty, as a leader these values, over time, will come out in the decisions we make. 

Spiritual endurance also requires learning how to calm our spirit. Leadership can be difficult under any circumstance, but leaders who endure have learned how to calm their spirits even when they face setbacks and pressure.  They have learned how to listen to Jesus say, “come with me by yourself to a quiet place and get some rest” (Mark 6:31).  If you have been running for a long period of time, your heart may need time to rest.  Both your physical heart as well as your spiritual one. 

As leaders, we cannot live with low-grade anxiety all the time, without it robbing us of inner joy and peace (John 14:27).  This is why Jesus offers us His peace – peace with the absence of fear and the absence of a “troubled heart.” Jesus teaches us that worry is a complete waste of time (Matthew 6:25-34).  If we want to endure, we must focus on what we can do and then leave the rest to God.  The result is always “joy that is complete and full” (John 16:24).  

Thanks for enduring!  Thanks for all your church is doing to take positive steps forward by focusing on the basics of what the Lord has revealed to us for a healthy future:

1.    mobilizing everyone in unity

2.    blessing your community

3.    bringing people to Jesus

4.    becoming Christlike disciples

Also, thanks for serving so well on the Chicago Central District.  Let’s continue to be Christ in Action.  You are loved.

Larry McKain, Superintendent

Chicago Central District

Church of the Nazarene

LET'S KEEP DEVELOPING A HEALTHY CHURCH CULTURE

“Then the LORD replied: ‘Write down the vision and make it plain on tablets so that a messenger may run with it. For the vision awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay…but the righteous will live by faith.’“ (Habakkuk 2:2-4)

Across the years, we have learned that while we as church leaders clarify mission, develop vision and build strategy, changing the culture of a church is such an important objective in shaping a great future. It is our culture that determines the receptivity of people to new ideas. It is our culture that unleashes creativity, builds enthusiasm, fosters encouragement and creates a sense of ownership as we serve together. Ultimately, it is the culture of a church that shapes individual morale, teamwork, effectiveness, and directly impacts our long-term church health.

Does your church ever talk about its “culture?” Is your church unnecessarily complex in its systems, processes, ministries or even Sunday worship? If you’re not sure, here are two questions that may help. 1) What is taking much more time than it should in your church? 2) What is more difficult than it should be? Many things can be going right in our church, but if our “relational culture” is off, that can quickly derail the church’s progress.

Vision determines where we are going, structure and strategy determine the path we will take, and our people relationships determine if we get there. Is our “people culture” healthy and productive? Do we experience high trust and do we practice genuine honesty? Do we give grace to each other and also practice “accountability?”

You may be thinking, “I’m not sure what you mean by ‘church culture.’” It is not a simple thing to define. It includes things we can see, like the way people dress and behave, the look of the church and the pictures and messages we put on the walls. It includes our values, both stated and unstated, our beliefs and assumptions, not just doctrinal beliefs but operational policies. How is our spiritual health celebrated? How are problems addressed? How do we demonstrate trust and respect for each other?

So, what are two things about your culture that you want to celebrate? What are two things about your culture that you feel need to be improved? Our culture is a product of what we create and also what we allow. Let’s be wise, seek wisdom from the Holy Spirit (John 16:13) as together, we keep developing a healthy church culture! The Spirit can show us a better future (John 16:13). Thanks for all your church is doing to take positive steps forward by focusing on the basics of what the Lord has revealed to us for a healthy future:

• mobilizing everyone in unity

• blessing your community

• bringing people to Jesus

• becoming Christlike disciples

Also, thank you for serving so well on the Chicago Central District. Let’s continue to be Christ in Action. You are loved.

Larry McKain, Superintendent

Chicago Central District

Church of the Nazarene

DO THE NEXT THING

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)
 
Here is an adapted piece of poetry found in a parsonage in old England. As pastors and church leaders, we are tempted by the evil one to be overwhelmed with the numerous responsibilities we have. Below is a wonderful reminder that when we are faced with multiple challenges that test our ability to keep our hearts untroubled and free from fear – a great reminder (when tempted to be frozen with anxiety or trepidation); simply “do the next thing.”

From an old English parsonage down by the sea;
There came in the twilight a letter to me.
Its quaint English message, deeply engraven;
Has, as it seems to me, a teaching from heaven.
And on through the hours the quiet words ring;
Like a low inspiration, DO THE NEXT THING.

Many a question, many a fear;
Many a doubt, have their presence here.
Moment by moment, let down from heaven;
Time, opportunity and guidance are given.
“Fear not tomorrow, child of the King;
Trust them to Jesus and DO THE NEXT THING.”

Do it immediately, do it with prayer;
Do it with faithfulness, casting all care.
Do it with reverence, tracing God’s hand;
Who placed it before you with earnest command.
Trusting His power, safe ‘neath His wing;
Leave all the results and DO THE NEXT THING.

Looking to Jesus, ever serener; 
In working or suffering, the same demeanor.
In His dear Presence, rest in His calm;
Let the light of His countenance be your psalm.
Strong in His faithfulness, praise and sing;
Then as He beckons you, DO THE NEXT THING.

Jesus reminds us we can live with the absence of a troubled heart and the absence of fear. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)

Thanks for all your church is doing to take positive steps forward by focusing on the basics of what the Lord has revealed to us for a healthy future:

1. mobilizing everyone in unity

2. blessing your community

3. bringing people to Jesus

4. becoming Christlike disciples

Also, thank you for serving so well on the Chicago Central District. Let’s continue to be Christ in Action. You are loved.

Larry McKain, Superintendent
Chicago Central District
Church of the Nazarene

ATTITUDES FOR LEADING INTO AN OPTIMISTIC FUTURE

“We who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” (Hebrews 6:18-19)
 
I don’t know what kind of a year you have had in your church; it most likely has had its share of difficult challenges, good opportunities, some disappointments and certainly the need for adaptation. As we come down to the end of the summer and gear up for a great fall, here are three simple attitudes/actions to think about and reflect on.
 
1) Warm conversations always beat cold debates.   
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1). An honest conversation with differing views is always healthy if everyone involved wants to keep on learning. If you feel that only one person is right and someone else has to be wrong, you aren’t learning from other people’s points of view. Test the quality of your relationships – if it's better after the conversation, you are obeying Proverbs 15:1.
 
2) You don’t have to know the future to lead into it.
“Jesus already had in mind what he was going to do” (John 6:6). You’re not Jesus. You don’t know everything that is going to happen. But here is the good news. It is very possible to lead effectively even when you don’t know what may be around the corner. If you keep on learning, the good news is you now know more than you did last year! Every failure is not a failure if you let it be an education. You are better equipped today because of what you have already experienced. Cast vision for a shorter period of time…if it doesn’t work like you planned, adapt and go a different direction. Most everyone else is doing the same thing. Trust Jesus because He knows the future!
 
3) People are hungry for hope.
“Hope never disappoints us…” (Romans 5:5). People are hungry for a spirit of optimism. They need leaders who offer them hope. We will never stop having big problems to solve, but you can be a leader who in the midst of great challenges, looks people in the eye and says, “We’re going to get through this.” You don’t need to pretend to have all the answers; just like Jesus to His disciples in the storm; remember, “we are going to the other side” (Mark 4:35).
 
Thanks for all your church is doing to take new steps forward by focusing on the basics of what the Lord has revealed to us for a healthy future:

1. mobilizing everyone in unity

2. blessing your community

3. bringing people to Jesus

4. becoming Christlike disciples

Also, thank you for serving so well on the Chicago Central District. Let’s continue to be Christ in Action. You are loved.

Larry McKain, Superintendent
Chicago Central District
Church of the Nazarene

GOD RAISES UP LEADERS

“No one from the east or the west or from the desert can exalt a leader, but It is God…”
(Psalm 75:6-7)
 
“Then they prayed, ‘Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen.’” (Acts 1:24)
 
Psalm 75 was written by David's worship leader. He had watched God place David in his position of leadership responsibility through the human process of the tribes of Israel coming to Hebron and the people’s involvement (2 Samuel 5:1-5; 1 Chronicles 11:1-3). But even though a human process was used, there was no doubt in everyone’s mind that God was the one who had selected David (2 Samuel 5:2).
 
In the book of Acts, when there was a leadership selection process needed, the early church followed a similar set of spiritual principles. They understood they did not want to choose the leader; they needed God to choose the leader. This is why the prayer of early church leaders was, “show us Lord, which of these two you have chosen” (Acts 1:24). The process of decision-making they used was total dependance on God alone! Combined with that was prayer and a clear dependence on the Holy Spirit to guide the church every step of the way. 
 
The spirit of their decision-making was always in the forefront of their thinking, especially when the decisions were big. At the first Jerusalem council, the Scriptures tell us, “the apostles and elders, with the whole church,” crafted an important letter which set the tone of their decision-making process – “it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to all of us” (Acts 1:28). 
 
Our General Superintendent, Dr. Carla Sunberg, will be meeting with our District Advisory Committee (par 239), to set up the process we will follow over the coming months as our district begins searching for its next superintendent. We have no doubt the same God who guided both David and God’s people in the Old Testament and guided the early church will also guide us in these days.  
 
[If for some reason you did not read last week’s e-newsletter, the Holy Spirit has made clear to Denise and I that He is guiding us to retire from the superintendency at our next District Assembly, April 12-13, 2024]. Our General Superintendent (Dr. Carla Sunberg) will guide our transition process and our Regional Director (Dr. Stan Reeder) will serve as her designee. We have no doubt there are wonderful days ahead for you and for the Chicago Central District!  You are loved more than you know.

Larry McKain, Superintendent
Chicago Central District
Church of the Nazarene

THERE IS A TIME FOR EVERYTHING

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity...” (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
 
It seems impossible it has been over 9 years ago, July 24, 2014 to be exact, that Denise and I drove into Bourbonnais, Illinois to be interviewed by our District Advisory Committee. We have been privileged to tackle a number of district issues together focusing on developing leaders, resourcing pastors and churches and planting new churches. Our lives among you have been such a joy! 
 
Denise and I both sense we are now moving into the next season of our lives where more time and attention could be given to our district by the next leader. The Holy Spirit has made clear that He is guiding us to retire from the superintendency at our next District Assembly, April 12-13, 2024. 
 
We shared this with both Dr. Sunberg and Dr. Reeder several months ago and Dr. Sunberg will be joining the DAC by zoom on August 19th at 9:15 a.m. for her first meeting with them.  Manual paragraph 239 makes clear in a DS transition, the District Advisory Committee (District Advisory Board plus District Secretary, District Treasurer, NMI President, NYI President and NDI Chairperson) work with the General Superintendent (Dr. Carla Sunberg) and Regional Director (Dr. Stan Reeder). 
 
When God led us into the superintendency, He gave us a scripture promise from Psalm 32:8.  “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.”  “There is a time for everything and a season for every activity…” (Ecclesiastes 3:1). Both Denise and I know this is the right decision and right time, both for us and for the future of our wonderful district. 
 
While we are excited for the future, at the same time we find ourselves also anxious. Change is not easy.  We love the Chicago Central District. We SO appreciate each of you as a team of leaders and all of the memories we have made with you! We are also so thankful for every one of the multiple district team members we have who serve so unselfishly in their district roles. 
 
In a number of other denominations or independent churches, there can be instability when it comes to leadership transition. One of the great benefits of being part of a connectional church like the Church of the Nazarene is the stable way we operate in superintendent transition. Dr. Sunberg will guide our transition process and Dr. Reeder will serve as her designee. We have no doubt there are wonderful days ahead for you and for the Chicago Central District! You are loved more than you know.

Larry McKain, Superintendent
Chicago Central District
Church of the Nazarene

THE POWER OF INTENTIONAL PRAYER

“Or again, how can anyone enter a strong man's house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can rob his house.” (Matthew 12:29)
 
As we move toward the end of the summer, many of us may be thinking about the spiritual miracles we still are waiting for God to answer. A prayer principle Jesus refers to with His disciples includes waging a spiritual war against a real enemy, “the strong man.” Paul referred to them as “principalities and powers” (Ephesians 6:12). To bring about a spiritual transformation in a person’s life, all of us know this requires winning a spiritual battle. This kind of prayer most often happens when we are filled with “spiritual dependence” on the power and work of the Holy Spirit.  The issue is not just a legalistic “prayer list” we go through, but an “intentionally,” a spiritual focus that we cultivate. It is a “kingdom way” of thinking that miraculously leads to spiritual transformation in a person’s life we are praying for.
 
On the CCD, we believe prayer is not preparation for the battle, prayer is the battle! The battles we wage for the hearts and minds of people in our day are fought and won, "not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power" (1 Corinthians 2:4). It is God alone who creates the divine moments that draw an irreligious person to Jesus (John 6:44).
 
Apart from Him we can't do anything (John 15:5). We know things happen when a Christian intentionally prays that doesn’t happen when a Christian doesn’t intentionally pray! It is through intercession and dependence on God, that these strongholds of the enemy are broken in a person’s life (2 Corinthians 10:4). The result is a testimony of life change. Every one of us is a believer today because someone intentionally prayed for us. Jesus regularly prays for us (Romans 8:34). 
 
We are SO thankful for the testimonies of life change we hear about from our pastors. Almost without fail, life transformation happens because someone is intentionally praying and when churches come together in unity to pray. Thanks for focusing on the vision the Lord has revealed to us as we move forward: 

1. mobilizing everyone in unity

2. blessing your community

3. bringing people to Jesus

4. becoming Christlike disciples

Also, thank you for serving so well on the Chicago Central District.  Let’s continue to be Christ in Action. You are loved.

Larry McKain, Superintendent
Chicago Central District
Church of the Nazarene

THE JOY OF PLACING PASTORS

“No one from the east or the west or from the desert can exalt a leader.  It is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another.  (Psalm 75:6-7)
 
Over the past nine years, one of the greatest joys Denise and I have had is the privilege of participating in the placement of pastors. As the early church did, we have prayed with boards, “show us Lord which one you have chosen” (Acts 1:24). We have trusted the five groups of people involved in the placement process; 1) the Holy Spirit, 2) the potential pastor, 3) the church board, 4) the congregation and 5) the District Superintendent. Time after time we have watched God choose the right leader for each church, with many godly people participating in the process. 
 
In just the next few days, we have the privilege of participating in the installation of Rev. David King and his wife Traci, in our Naperville Trinity Church. This got me to thinking about the number of pastors who have been placed on our district over the past 9 years. Here is the list of 40+ – what an incredible group of pastors and leaders we have serving among us!
                          
Feb ’15: Israel Ramirez, Fuente de Vida Spanish
Apr ’15: James Ratthahao, Cornerstone Bible (Laotian)
Jun ‘15: Paul Johnson, Gathering Point
Oct ‘15: Daniel Thomas, Word Fellowship Outreach (Chicago)
Jan ’16: Rodolfo Pinto, Summit Spanish
Jun ’16: Bill Bahr, Beyond the Goal
June '16: Tina Burton, Resurrection Community
Mar ’17: Mario & Makenzie Flores, Community Cup
Apr ’17: Paul Bold, New Future Mongolian
July ‘17: Al Saulsberry, Greater New Testament
Oct ’17: Ryan Kuehl. Chicago Calvary
Jan ‘18: Oscar Trujillo, El Taller Spanish (The Workshop)
Apr ‘18: Nate Smith, Lighthouse Community
Apr ‘18: Brandon Arbuckle, Northshore
Apr ’18: Carlos Bran, Waukegan Spanish
Sept ’18: Chris Easton, Danville Prison Ministries
Oct ’18: Don Harrison, Limestone Community
Mar ‘19: Tom McCann, Hoopeston Community
Apr ’19: Andres Marin, Casa de Oracion
Oct ’19: Larry & Leticia Henderson, Total Deliverance (Aroma Park)
Nov ‘19: Michael Parenti, Lombard
Jan ’20: Jeremy McLaughlin, Grace Community (Danville Southside)
Jan ’20: Solomon Jothi, Joliet Crystal Lawns
Jan ’20: Rolando Alvares, Prince of Peace Spanish
Sept ’20: Sam Boodala, Hope Church (Indian Ministries)
Nov ’20: Bryan McConnell, Simple Truth
Mar ’21: Adam Wood, PaxNaz (Paxton)
Mar ‘21: Nathan Bargo, Danville Cedar Grove
July ‘21: Jared Richey, Ridgeland (Oak Lawn)                   
Sept ’21: David Anderson, Kankakee First
Sept ’21: Dave & Betsy Scott, Chicago Northside
Jan ‘22: Ken Bushey, Manteno
Aug, 22: Galen Ryman, First Nazarene (Chicago First Church)
Aug ’22: Daniel & Carolina Carrillo, Chicago Heights
Oct, ’22: Nate Smith, The Table (Joliet)
Mar ’23: Abel Mata, El Shaddai Spanish
Apr ’23: Don Wilson, Crossroads
Apr ’23: Michael Carey, Lighthouse Community
Aug ’23: David King, Naperville Trinity
 
We cannot say it often enough – to every one of our 283 ministers and especially to the local pastors and ministers who actively serve. Thanks for helping the church move forward by focusing on these basics God has given us:

1. mobilizing everyone in unity

2. blessing your community

3. bringing people to Jesus

4. becoming Christlike disciples

God has placed your pastor where they are (Acts 1:24). Lay leaders, let’s lock arms with our pastors in a fresh new way. We have wonderful days ahead! You are loved.

Larry McKain, Superintendent
Chicago Central District
Church of the Nazarene