General Assembly: A Family Gathering
The Church of the Nazarene, while being a well-respected denomination, has also been referred to as a family. It is true, we are family, and our family benefits when we get together.
Looking back to the formation of this family, we see that the bonds of unity were formed by people and groups brought together out of diverse backgrounds. Yet, they shared the common denominator of purpose and passion. The uniqueness of people joining together from locations in each corner of the nation contributed to the strength of structure that has spanned a century.
Many in this family have connections that date back to our beginnings. In fact, my grandparents, Rev. and Mrs. Earl C. Pounds, joined the Nazarene family in 1908. In God's providence, they were led to association and membership in North Dakota. I celebrate the fact that in many respects my life was shaped by their choices.
Granddad Pounds, ordained as an elder by General Superintendent E. F. Walker in 1914, became a district superintendent of a vast territory in 1917. His district included North and South Dakota, Minnesota, Montana, and Wyoming. In God's providence, he and his family migrated to Nampa, Idaho, for education at Northwest Nazarene University and new ministry opportunities. He served for a time as superintendent of the Idaho Oregon District (now Intermountain) and later again as district superintendent of South Dakota.
When I think about the church family, I also think of my own family.
In God's providence my dad, W. T. Johnson, went from Oklahoma to Nampa, where he met my mother. They were married and after years of ministry, settled in the South. I will never forget the Christmas of 1967 and the first Sunday night of 1968. I was pastor of a new church plant in Oklahoma City. My granddad, at 80 years old, preached for our congregation. Granddad Pounds, who was short in stature but a giant in spirit, announced, "I have no evil report to bring . . . just good news." He preached a powerful and positive message. Reflecting on that night in 1968, I find myself anticipating the 26th General Assembly of the church of my birth and heritage. I remember his words "no evil report to bring . . . just good news." Realizing that God has given my wife and me the joyful privilege of visiting much of the family in various parts of the global village, I, too, have no evil report to bring . . . just good news.
This June, the family is coming together in Indianapolis. We are arriving from almost 150 countries. The family has grown, and with every measurement of advancement we see new commitments to rediscover our roots of commitment to the poor, the hungry, and the needy. Most of all we rediscover a devotion to spreading scriptural holiness around the world.In this new century of opportunity, the family that started with hope has every reason to celebrate our purpose with passion. Jesus is the Hope!
W. Talmadge Johnson is a general superintendent in the Church of the Nazarene.
Holiness Today, May/June 2005
Please note: This article was originally published in 2005. All facts, figures, and titles were accurate to the best of our knowledge at that time but may have since changed.
