Q:
What is the purpose of the name change?
A:
The purpose of changing our name to NCLN, Nazarene Children’s Leadership Network, is to emphasize that our organization desires to include all individuals who are the appointed children’s ministry leader for their local church. Our goal is to provide a professional network that includes children’s pastors, children’s ministry directors, and other children’s ministry professionals.

There was a long debate regarding the change from “pastor” to “leadership.” As the organization has grown from barely 20 members in 2006 to over 80 in 2009, we have felt the need to reach out to the leaders in local churches who may not join because they do not have the title of “pastor.” NCLN exists to promote discipleship, encouragement, networking, and training for all of those called to lead children’s ministries in the Church of the Nazarene.

Q:
Does this change diminish the professionally focused aspect of the original organization?
A:
No. NCLN will continue to focus on leadership development, and encourage its members to develop professionally. We will continue to partner with Clergy Services, Nazarene universities and colleges, and districts to highlight the opportunities for people to be trained, participate in the course of study, and pursue ordination tracks. The ongoing focus of the Ignite Leadership Summits is to expose children’s ministry leaders to growth options.

Q:
Why is there a change in Section 5 of the Constitution regarding board elections?
A:
We have removed language that was out-of-date regarding how the board is elected. We no longer vote/elect/install board members at General Assembly and we hold elections every two years in the summer. This keeps half of the board intact every two years, which promotes continuity. The language needed to reflect the current, denominationally approved, standard practice.

The removal of North American geographical lines was to encourage inclusion of people from all world areas of the Church of the Nazarene. In the past, the Mississippi River was a dividing line between east and west in an attempt to spread the board representation across the continental U.S. We want to be more globally inclusive in our language and practices.

Q:
Why change the name of NCPA now?
A:
There have been several name changes across the Church of the Nazarene in the last quadrennium. All of these department and division name changes in our Church have spoken to the desire to be more globally inclusive.

Q:
Why is NCLN affiliated with CMI/SDMI?
A:
NCLN was created as a professional organization affiliated with Children’s Ministries International (CMI). CMI functions as a part of Sunday School and Discipleship Ministries International (SDMI). Currently, there are no plans to change this organizational structure.

The partnership between CMI and NCLN has provided mutual benefits for both entities. Funding and support from CMI has helped NCLN exist as it is today. NCLN has played a significant role in Children’s Ministries as a voice to the global church, and has helped support the role of CMI and its leadership in the Church of the Nazarene. This partnership elevates the mission to reach and disciple children.