I remember it was early in the week that our church receptionist stepped into my office to let me know that one of our new attendees was in the hospital. She had attempted suicide. We began to pray for her and her teenage son who was also attending church with her. I was surprised that next Sunday to see her step into our 11 am service. We were worshipping on the right side of the sanctuary, and she came into the aisle right behind me. I don’t believe she saw me at first. I saw her and noticed the bandages around her wrist. We made eye contact, and I saw big tears well up in her eyes. She was close enough to make her way to me. As the band played, she said loud enough for me to hear her question, “Is it okay for me to be here?” She was embarrassed and wondered if she was welcome. I remember replying to her (as I was almost choking up myself) “This is exactly where you need to be!”
I do wonder after almost thirty-two years of being a lead pastor if the world believes they are welcome in our churches?
I want to say ‘thank you’ for the incredible welcome and support we have received from the wonderful SoCal district. I want to be very intentional as I am taking my first steps as being your District Superintendent and I think people want to know what I believe and how I will lead the district. I’m a simple person. I’m like the blind man who said ‘One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see.’ (all because of Jesus!) John 9:25
Over 40 years ago my family was broken. My parents were lost. I was lost. We were unchurched and Jesus stepped into our lives using the vehicle of the Church of the Nazarene. This is why I am a Nazarene today!
I would like to present a theme for us as a district: Lost and broken people matter to God: Lost and broken people matter to us! I believe if we open our hearts and the doors of our churches to the lost and the broken, the Lord Jesus will revive our churches. Over the next few months, I will unpack this a little more so we can identify the steps we can take as local churches, pastors and as a district to reach more broken and lost people.
Having served on this district in Blythe thirty years ago, I do know that SoCal Nazarene district has and continues to reach the lost and the broken. We hope to come alongside our pastors and churches and reach even more who will say like so many of us “I was lost and now I’m found!” Praise Jesus!
We hope to connect with all of you soon!
Shawn Siegfreid
District Superintendent
Southern California District Church of the Nazarene
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