Will it be Grasshoppers or Lions?
Indianapolis
General Superintendent Jerry D. Porter asked the Church of the Nazarene during Monday night's service, “Will we be infected with the grasshopper mentality or will we be lion-hearted believers who will challenge the assumptions of our world?"

The service focused on the ministries of USA/Canada Mission/Evangelism department. Evangelists, Chaplains, lay workers, NewStart pastors, Compassionate Ministry workers, and others were recognized for their contribution to the ongoing ministry of the denomination. USA/Canada Regional Director Thomas Nees introduced ministry directors who helped share the good news of aggressive ministry strategies.

Using the theme, “Ablaze with Missional Courage," Porter introduced global pastoral teams representing six of the largest local Nazarene congregations in the world. By examining the component elements of prayer, discipleship, etc., the pastors reiterated their beliefs and practices as they are expressed and practiced in their local churches.

Porter said, “Our prayer life testifies to our utter dependence on God. Prayer releases God in a world where God respects human freedom. To be a people of missional courage, we must become a people of prayer. To our prayer we add vision. And to our vision, we add discipleship."

Referring to the Brazilian goal of doubling the number of both congregations as well as members, Porter challenged the church to break free from the stifling norms of the status quo and to reach for the prize of heroic faithfulness to Jesus.
--NCN News