Rev. Doug Pierce with Becky, his wife of 51 years.
Nazarene Bible College Announces Election of New President, Rev. Douglas Pierce
Nazarene Bible College (NBC) is pleased to announce the unanimous election of Rev. Douglas R. Pierce as its 8th president, effective December 1, 2025. The decision was made by the Board of Trustees in consultation with the Board of General Superintendents for the Church of the Nazarene.
“We are thrilled to welcome Rev. Douglas Pierce as the next president of Nazarene Bible College,” said Board Chair, Dr. Phillip Fuller. “Doug Pierce has steady poise and leads with vision. NBC is grateful to have Rev. Pierce provide strategic leadership in this important season. We express deep gratitude to Dr. John Bowling for his excellent leadership in the interim.”
Dr. Gustavo Crocker, general superintendent for the Church of the Nazarene, stated “The Board of General Superintendents is pleased with the election of Rev. Pierce. The Nazarene family has been blessed by his leadership in fostering church development, community, outreach, ministerial training, and denominational unity.”
Rev. Pierce’s 45-year ministry career spans decades of leadership within the Arizona District Church of the Nazarene, where he served as district superintendent for 12 years and assistant superintendent for six years. Pierce also pastored and served in administrative roles at Tempe Church of the Nazarene, New Hope Community Church, Western Oaks Church of the Nazarene, and extended interim pastorates at several district churches.
Rev. Pierce and his wife, Becky, co-founded Southwest Leadership Institute in 1988 where he still serves as President. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to supporting ministerial families, encouraging pastors’ children, assisting widows of ministers, and empowering multicultural ministries.
Rev. Pierce serves on several boards including Point Loma Nazarene University, where he is serving his third term as board chair. He has also served on the boards for Pensions and Benefits USA, Native American Christian Academy, Camp Pinerock, and Arizona Nazarene Lands, Inc.
Upon receiving news of his election, Rev. Pierce stated, “It is an honor to serve NBC as we continue to train ministers for impactful service to the Kingdom of God and the Church. I am deeply appreciative to Dr. John Bowling for his service as interim President and to other leaders who sacrificed to build the strong legacy of NBC. I look forward to working with the Board of Trustees and Board Chair, Dr. Phillip Fuller, along with denominational leaders as we re-vision and re-strategize ministerial training to meet the needs of the Church moving forward.”
Rev. Pierce succeeds Dr. John Bowling who has served as Interim President since March 1, 2025. A formal inauguration ceremony will be announced at a later date.
Nazarene Bible College was established by the denomination in 1967 to provide ministerial training for non-traditional, often second-career students. Within the USA/Canada region, NBC serves in a complementary role to the denomination’s other academic institutions.
For more information, please contact:
Michelle Avery
Executive Assistant/Manager of Communications
(719) 884-5062
MDAvery@nbc.edu
www.nbc.edu