Exchanged Life Prayer Years ago, Mainstay Ministries introduced me to “The Exchanged Life Prayer”. As a part of a 50-Day Spiritual Adventure, participants were encouraged to pray these words at least daily for 50 Days. I found the practice extremely practical and helpful and have returned to the prayer over the years. Probably around a decade ago, we used this prayer across the district as a part of our Radical Together 40 day emphasis. I am pulling the prayer out to use personally during the month of January. I would encourage you to join me in using it to offer yourself to God as a living sacrifice to use as God desires, in awe of what the prayer affirms at the conclusion, “that the Creator/Lord of the universe now chooses to accomplish much of his work through people like me. Indwelling Christ– I consciously present my body to you to......

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Sunday I saw this “We are better TOGETHER” sign on the platform of our Hominy Church. But even better, I saw evidence of the truth of this as I visited three of our churches that day! It started at the 9am service at Tulsa Audacity Church. Pastor Ronnie Baker didn’t know I would be there, but he shared a video about Abba Ministries, one of the District Compassionate Ministry Centers, in the service. He highlighted the church’s giving to others, including Abba, World Evangelism Fund, Pensions and Benefits, Southern Nazarene University, and NEO District. He told of the church’s goal to give more than 20% of all they take in to others in the year ahead! Aren’t you thankful that our newer churches understand the importance of our connection! We are better together. It continued as I surprised Pastor Carl Brown and the Hominy Church by joining them for......

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5 Prescriptions for Building Thriving Churches By Kevin Harney, August 25, 2022 How we can bring life and health to our church and community I do not consider myself a prophet or a futurist. I am a local church pastor who longs to see the good news of Jesus permeate the church and transform our world from this day until Jesus comes again. As I focus on the future of the church, I write with humility and hope. These five reflections are not meant to be predictive but optimistically prescriptive. I have a suspicion that our changing world needs a church that will look both the same and very different from the church of the past. My prayer is that these reflections help you dream and work toward a future where the spread of the gospel actually increases and expands in the church and the community around us. READ MORE New Arrival......

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Dear NEO family, I appreciate so much the District Advisory Board encouraging Gloria and me to have a sabbatical of rest and renewal . I have lots of material for reading and discussion with Gloria. I am going to try to disconnect from the work I love in NEO. Thanks for your prayers and support, and we will see you soon! Let me leave you with some insights shared by Jane Overstreet from her book, Unleader. She offers up six traits she discovered in the old biblical stories that distinguish the Davids – the “unleaders” – from the Sauls. Fear God more than you fear people. What helps you make decisions as a leader? There are always things driving you. In Saul’s context, oftentimes it was fear of what people thought. For David, it was always about what God thought. (For the remaining five traits, click here.) Pastors’ “I......

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Dear District Family, I want to thank you for your many expressions regarding my dad’s departure to heaven. It is because of your prayers that my dad made heaven his home. Thankfully we get to pray for and with one another, and therefore get to share the victory with one another. Rhonda and I are blessed to be part of the District family. We love you. –Steven & Rhonda Lester Tulsa Central Church has hired a new Family Pastor! Amanda Carroll will begin her ministry at Central this month. Welcome to NEO, Amanda! Communities on Mission Launch Class led by Phillip Zimmerman and Ed Dean Learn how to create missional connection with your neighborhoods and engage those uninterested in church. 9 weekly Zoom Class Sessions (90 Mins); 2 hours of weekly prep. 10am on Thursdays beginning Sept. 8 or on Saturdays beginning Sept. 10. $200 with Coupon Code NEO22.......

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Dear NEO family, Summer is HOT for NEO Nazarenes! And I am not just talking about the temperature outdoors! We have already had outstanding Conventions, Assembly, and two camps, with our last camp coming this weekend for kids who have completed 4th through 6th grades. Many of our churches have hosted Vacation Bible School or another outreach activity. Look below to learn more about training events planned for the next few months and to see what our pastors are celebrating! Bartlesville First extended a call to a prospective pastor yesterday. Continue to pray for this church and others in pastoral transition – Cleveland, Drumright and Miami New Life. Also, some of you are receiving emails, supposedly from Dave McKellips, requesting gift cards, etc. Please disregard these – they are not legitimate. I apologize for the inconvenience! Dave McKellips   Kids’ Camp, for kids who have completed the 4th-6th grades,......

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