Representatives from all six regions of the Church of the Nazarene gathered in Kansas City, May 11–15 for the annual Global Nazarene Discipleship International (NDI) Council Meeting. Regional NDI coordinators and global leaders spent several days sharing reports, discussing ministry initiatives, praying together, and seeking God’s direction for the future of discipleship across the global church.
General Superintendent Dr. Gustavo Crocker opened the meetings with a devotional and leadership training session, encouraging leaders as they serve the church in their respective regions. A significant emphasis throughout the gathering was prayer. Regional coordinators and global leaders spent time seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit and praying for a renewed passion for discipleship in local churches around the world.
The council also toured the Kansas City Convention Center, where the 2027 General Assembly and Conventions will be held. This provided an opportunity to begin planning and preparing for the NDI Convention and regional caucus meetings that will take place during General Assembly.
One of the key presentations was given by Trey Brooks, the newly appointed Global Child Discipleship Advocate. Brooks shared the growing emphasis on children’s discipleship within NDI and reminded leaders that discipleship is for both children and adults. Participants were encouraged to identify and develop NDI leaders at the regional, field, and district levels who can help people of all ages grow in Christlikeness. New children’s discipleship resources are now available through the global church and can be found at the Kids Discipleship section of the Nazarene website here: https://nazarene.org/ndi/kids/
Global NDI Director Dr. Sam Barber shared his vision for a global discipleship movement across the Church of the Nazarene. He presented a vision of developing 120 Discipleship Champions from around the world who could be equipped and empowered to encourage spiritual transformation throughout their districts and local churches. Dr. Barber challenged leaders to dedicate the coming season to prayer, seeking the Holy Spirit’s direction and guidance. He reminded participants that discipleship is ultimately a spiritual work and that the battle for transformed lives must be fought through prayer, fasting, and dependence upon God.
As leaders returned to their regions, they carried with them a renewed sense of purpose and a shared commitment to seeing discipleship flourish in every local church around the world.
-story by Chad Gibbons, Regional NDI Coordinator
