Welcome!
A Special Message from Our District Superintendent
Dear Pastors, Lay-leaders, and friends of the West Virginia South District.
As you might imagine, we have been thoughtfully and prayerfully considering the challenges of doing ministry as normal in an age of COVID-19. The news from our churches has been encouraging as our pastors and leaders have found new and creative ways to continue ministry while in days of isolation and social distancing.
I am writing you today to let you know that because we do not know the duration of this pandemic nor do we know a timeline for a return to normal ministry, we have been thinking and considering the need to make plans for upcoming district events. Because of this, the WVS District Advisory Board voted unanimously to cancel the 2020 District Assembly and Conventions, pending the approval of our General Superintendent in Jurisdiction.
Please consider the following rationale:
The Board of General Superintendents has authorized districts to take care of the business of the District Assembly without the necessity of a public gathering.The District Advisory Council (District Advisory Board, NMI President, NYI President, SDMI Chairman) will act on behalf of the District Assembly to conduct all the required business of the assembly.
In addition, the WVS District Advisory Board voted unanimously to direct every local church and pastor to always and fully abide by the directives and guidelines of our local, state, and national governments and public officials as it relates to social gatherings. We are asking every local church and pastor to suspend all local congregational gatherings of more than 10 people in accordance with the directives we have been given by those we are accountable to. These are certainly unusual and unique times for the church as we continue the proclamation of the Gospel, as we care for the needs of our communities, and as we express Holiness to those around us.
I want to applaud you and thank you for the way so many of you have responded to the mission of Christ during this time of crisis. As our General Superintendents have reminded us of Joshua 1:9, I also want to challenge you to “Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
I love and care deeply for each one of you and I am believing God with you for grace and guidance in these days!
Dear Pastors, Lay-leaders, and friends of the West Virginia South District.
As you might imagine, we have been thoughtfully and prayerfully considering the challenges of doing ministry as normal in an age of COVID-19. The news from our churches has been encouraging as our pastors and leaders have found new and creative ways to continue ministry while in days of isolation and social distancing.
I am writing you today to let you know that because we do not know the duration of this pandemic nor do we know a timeline for a return to normal ministry, we have been thinking and considering the need to make plans for upcoming district events. Because of this, the WVS District Advisory Board voted unanimously to cancel the 2020 District Assembly and Conventions, pending the approval of our General Superintendent in Jurisdiction.
Please consider the following rationale:
- Nearly 90% of the districts in USA/Canada have already canceled their assemblies for this summer.
- Our friends and family from West Virginia North have also canceled their district assembly.
- Cancellation now will save us from investing in an event we may not be able to hold.
- We can move the energy of our churches from thoughts of assembly to the needs of our communities.
- Most of our district delegates are older and more likely to be at risk of complications should they contract COVID-19.
- At a time when churches have decreased income, it will be difficult to cover the cost of sending delegates to a district event.
- Gathering people in large groups from various communities across the state increases the risk of spreading this virus.
The Board of General Superintendents has authorized districts to take care of the business of the District Assembly without the necessity of a public gathering.The District Advisory Council (District Advisory Board, NMI President, NYI President, SDMI Chairman) will act on behalf of the District Assembly to conduct all the required business of the assembly.
In addition, the WVS District Advisory Board voted unanimously to direct every local church and pastor to always and fully abide by the directives and guidelines of our local, state, and national governments and public officials as it relates to social gatherings. We are asking every local church and pastor to suspend all local congregational gatherings of more than 10 people in accordance with the directives we have been given by those we are accountable to. These are certainly unusual and unique times for the church as we continue the proclamation of the Gospel, as we care for the needs of our communities, and as we express Holiness to those around us.
I want to applaud you and thank you for the way so many of you have responded to the mission of Christ during this time of crisis. As our General Superintendents have reminded us of Joshua 1:9, I also want to challenge you to “Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
I love and care deeply for each one of you and I am believing God with you for grace and guidance in these days!
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Welcome to the West Virginia South District Church of the Nazarene! We're an eclectic collection of churches in the southern half of West Virginia. We are made up of churches with all styles of buildings and worship, but each one is home to a congregation of people who will welcome you with open arms.
The West Virginia South District has one primary mission: To advance the ministry of Jesus Christ through the local church. The West Virginia South District has one vision: To join God in his redemptive work of bringing His kingdom in all of its fullness. The West Virginia South District holds a set of core values: Leadership Development, Healthy Churches, Missional Expansion, Creative Experimentation, and Generosity We hope you'll take a few minutes to explore our website and find out more about who we are. And if you're looking for a place to experience the love of God and of His people, you can't go wrong with one of our churches! |