Chiayi, Taiwan: The Taiwan District of the Church of the Nazarene convened its 59th District Assembly on 9–10 March 2026, in Chiayi, bringing together pastors, leaders, and delegates from across the island for worship, reporting, and discernment regarding the future direction of the church’s ministry and mission.
Ministry Reports and Regional Vision
The first day of the assembly featured reports from local church ministries and Taiwan Nazarene Theological College (TNTC), highlighting ongoing efforts in discipleship, theological education, and community engagement.
Regional Director Dr. Kafoa Muaror presented the broader Asia-Pacific regional vision, emphasizing a desire to see a movement of God through the people of God in the power of the Holy Spirit. He also shared testimonies and accounts of how churches throughout the region are experiencing renewal, growth, and increasing participation in God’s mission.
Call to Abide in Christ
On the second day of the assembly, General Superintendent Dr. Christian Sarmiento delivered a sermon based on John 15, encouraging leaders and congregations to allow mission to flow from a deep and abiding relationship with Christ. Drawing from the biblical teaching that “apart from Christ, we cannot bear fruit,” the message emphasized spiritual formation as the foundation for sustainable ministry and effective witness.
A visible expression of unity took place as pastors from Northern and Southern Taiwan gathered together in prayer, forming a circle while Regional Director Dr. Kafoa Muaror prayed for them. The moment symbolized a strengthening sense of collaboration and shared purpose among the district’s churches.
Historic Missionary Consecration
A central highlight of the assembly was the consecration of two missionaries sent from the Taiwan District, marking the first time in its history that the district has commissioned missionaries for cross-cultural service. The newly consecrated missionaries will serve in church planting initiatives, including the establishment of Mandarin-speaking congregations in Sydney, Australia, and in a restricted-access area in Asia.
The Taiwan District has expressed a vision to send ten (10) missionaries over the next decade, reflecting an increasing commitment to participate in global mission initiatives.
The assembly concluded with a consecration ceremony that also marked the beginning of celebrations commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Church of the Nazarene in Taiwan. The district plans to hold its official anniversary celebration on October 10, 2026.
Commenting on the assembly, Field Strategy Coordinator Jeremy Budd noted:
“We are delighted to see how God is moving among Nazarenes in Taiwan. There has been tremendous spiritual growth as we see a growing unity among the district that is overflowing into cross-cultural missions. May God continue to equip and empower his people to follow his Son into the harvest fields of his kingdom mission.”
The 59th District Assembly underscored themes of unity, spiritual formation, and missional engagement, reflecting the district’s desire to participate more fully in the global mission of the Church of the Nazarene.