Keeping the mission of the Church of the Nazarene "to make Christlike disciples in the nations" as the highest priority, the Board of General Superintendents is providing this update to the denomination on the very serious challenges facing the World Evangelism Fund (WEF) and church-sponsored ministries.

The Board also acknowledges the great need of our churches and compassionate ministry centers to continue their outreach to people nearby. Providing food, clothing, and hope to people who have lost their jobs is what it means to be a New Testament church.

Giving to others is what it means to be Nazarene.

Responding to increasing financial pressure brought on by global economic conditions and a 10-percent decrease in year-to-date WEF receipts, the Board is moving ahead with cost reductions (just as churches, districts, and colleges are doing) of at least 10 percent within the Global Ministry Center (GMC) and regional offices.

Planning is underway to address this situation for the short- and long-term. This effort involves the Executive and Finance Committees of the General Board along with GMC staff.

The Board has received scores of emails from Nazarenes around the world offering prayer, support, and ideas as to how this situation could be addressed.

Throughout our history as a church, Nazarenes have been generous when financial crises have threatened our mission endeavors. We prayerfully anticipate that this will be the case once again.

The general superintendents will continue their communication with the church to let you know the latest information about funding for GMC ministries. On behalf of the church, we express our deep appreciation for the continued sacrificial giving of Nazarenes around the world.

We want to hear from you as well. Please write us at bgs@nazarene.org.

The Board of General Superintendents
James H. Diehl • Paul G. Cunningham • Jerry D. Porter
Jesse C. Middendorf • Nina G. Gunter • J. K. Warrick