Belfast, Northern Ireland – Rev. Philip McAlister was elected district superintendent at the British Isles North District 58th district assembly, on 28 March, in Megain Memorial Church of the Nazarene, Belfast. Rev. Colin H. Wood, who was appointed district superintendent of the British Isles North in 1992, retires this year.

“I am deeply humbled to be chosen to serve the district in this new role,” said McAlister who was elected on the third ballot. “I feel totally overwhelmed by the trust expressed in me by the district assembly.”

McAlister joined the Carrickfergus Church of the Nazarene in Northern Ireland, in 1982 and has pastored two churches on the North District.

"This is an important moment in the life of the church in the British Isles,” said Jesse Middendorf, a general superintendent of the Church of the Nazarene who presided over the event. “The church has elected a leader who is passionate about evangelism and outreach and the Lord will use Rev. McAlister greatly.”

Following the election, Middendorf had McAlister and his wife Ruth kneel in prayer, as the pastors and chaplains laid their hands on them.

“It was at that point that I felt a deep sense of the peace of God come upon me,” said McAlister.

McAlister prays that God will help him serve the pastors and congregations of the British Isles North District with the same integrity as Wood, who has served in ministry for 41 years, with 19 of those years as a district superintendent.

McAlister describes Wood as a statesman of the church in the British Isles. He said in his acceptance speech, "I am not tall enough to be a district superintendent and I have small feet to fill such large shoes."

Wood plans to remain involved in and committed to the work of the Church of the Nazarene, and to give his fullest cooperation and support to his successor. He is “delighted” that his friend and colleague has been elected as the new district superintendent.

For the time being, he plans to continue as co-editor of the UK TOGETHER (Church of the Nazarene) magazine, and to be administrator of the Nazarene Ministers’ Benevolent Fund. He also has been invited to teach part-time at Nazarene Theological College, Manchester, and will be there in May.

“Philip will bring a great deal of pastoral and administrative experience to this assignment,” said Wood. “He has a burden for evangelism and a heart for people and is committed to the work of the Church of the Nazarene in the British Isles.”

“Today’s election is a tribute to Philip’s missional and visionary commitment to changing the world for Christ,” said Gustavo Crocker, director of the Eurasia Region. “The Eurasia leadership team celebrates with the British Isles North District and commits its continued partnership in serving the church in Britain."

 

 

 

 

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