Graduation Celebration Reflections
An NBC Graduation Celebration was held at Whitehall Church of the Nazarene in Whitehall, Ohio on Sunday, October 1, 2023. Lead pastor, Brittany Zahler, received her Certificate in Ministry Preparation Program.
Registrar, Rev. Duane Mathias, was present representing NBC. Rev. Mathias passed “the Torch” on to Brittany. “The Passing of a Torch” has been an NBC tradition from the first NBC graduation commencement in 1970. Graduates dedicate themselves to follow the call of God to carry the Light of Christ with the same dedication, faithfulness and boldness of the first century apostles. “The Torch” statue is a gift to the graduate for them to remember to shine the light of Christ as they answer His call to minister in His name.
Pastor Brittany said, “I truly appreciate everyone who helped make today so incredibly special. I am blessed to serve the Lord and the Whitehall Church of the Nazarene!”
Serving the Lord through intentional ministries of outreach and caring are the obvious hallmarks of Pastor Brittany's recent appointment as lead pastor. Through her inspirational and faithful leadership, the small but enthusiastic congregation is bearing unmistakable witness to the redeeming love of Christ through creative outreach programs such as "Grace Place" where multiple outreach ministries are hosted to meet the many social, emotional, and spiritual needs of those in the neighborhood.
Unsolicited passionate testimonies from multiple people who introduced themselves on Sunday morning, bore witness to the magnetism and evangelistic effectiveness of these dynamic ministries. It was inspiring and challenging to experience God's movement in the midst of a needy community through the service-focused hearts, hands, and feet of this local congregation.
The apostolic vision remains alive and well at Whitehall Church of the Nazarene, where Christ's love and grace find living expression in the lives of the disciples who are pursuing Christ together with their local shepherd, NBC graduate, Brittany Zohler.
Written by: Rev. Susan McKeithen, Executive Assistant to the President and Rev. Duane Mathias, NBC Registrar
Published: 10/03/2023
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