NNU Office of University Mission & Ministry

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NNU Office of University Mission & Ministry Extending NNU's ministry relationships with pastors and congregations across the Pacific Northwest.

ISI S07:E06 - Dr. Eddie Estep on "Dreaming of Christmas" (Foundry 2026)Pastor confession time: Advent is only weeks away...
10/24/2026

ISI S07:E06 - Dr. Eddie Estep on "Dreaming of Christmas" (Foundry 2026)

Pastor confession time: Advent is only weeks away.

If your Advent planning is complete, congratulations! And if it's still sitting somewhere between your desk, your inbox, and your prayer list, you're not alone.

Join us this Tuesday for the next live session of "Iron Sharpens Iron" as Pastor Joe Arnold and I welcome Dr. Eddie Estep, superintendent of the South Central Ohio District Church of the Nazarene and author of "Dreaming of Christmas," this year's congregational Advent resource published by The Foundry. We'll hear from the writer about his vision for his newest book and also explore practical ideas, fresh perspectives, and encouragement for leading congregations through Advent with intentionality and grace.

Because Advent should be about preparing hearts for Christ, not simply surviving the march toward Christmas.

Join Joe, Eddie, and me on Tuesday at 11a MDT. If you need our live video link, just email [email protected] and we'll set you up. We hope to see you then!

+>j

ISI S07:E05 - Given the recent school shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, we are shifting the foc...
10/17/2026

ISI S07:E05 - Given the recent school shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, we are shifting the focus of our next episode of "Iron Sharpens Iron." While our guests from the Bend Church of the Nazarene remain the same, the events of this past week call for a different conversation.

Join us as we hear from co-pastors Oscar Acosta and RJ Strickland, along with members of their ministry team, as they share how their congregation and community are responding in the wake of unimaginable heartbreak. Our discussion, "How Churches Can Respond to Community-Wide Tragedy & Trauma," will explore the practical, pastoral, and spiritual ways churches can care for those who are grieving, support first responders and educators, and serve as a faithful presence in times of crisis.

This conversation will also help us consider how we can pray more specifically for our friends in Bend and prepare ourselves to minister with compassion and wisdom should our own communities ever face a similar tragedy.

We will return to our planned Advent conversation on the 27th with Dr. Eddie Estep, author of "Dreaming of Christmas" (Foundry, 2026).

In the meantime, please join me in praying for the families, students, educators, first responders, and neighbors affected by this heartbreaking event. If you're available, we'd be honored to have you join us on Tuesday. Just email us at [email protected] and we'll be happy to share the link to our live discussion.

+>j

ISI S07:E04 - Dr. Ben Gall & Dr. David Covington on Coaching Lessons for PastorsPastors spend a lot of time encouraging,...
10/08/2026

ISI S07:E04 - Dr. Ben Gall & Dr. David Covington on Coaching Lessons for Pastors

Pastors spend a lot of time encouraging, guiding, and helping others move forward. But what does it look like to intentionally coach people toward growth and greater effectiveness?

Join us Tuesday at 11a MDT for a lively conversation with NNU's Dr. Ben Gall and Dr. Dave Covington. They'll share practical insights on coaching, leadership development, and how pastors can use coaching skills to help others thrive.

As an added bonus, Dr. Gall's newest book, "Cultivating Champions" (Authentic, 2024), will be given away to one fortunate participant... and yes, it's even autographed!

Need the link to our live session? Email [email protected] and we'll make sure you're set.

See you Tuesday!

+>j



ISI S07:E02 | Dr. Diane Leclerc & Dr. Deirdre Brower on "Wild Geese" (Foundry 2026)Season 7 of "Iron Sharpens Iron" (ISI...
09/28/2026

ISI S07:E02 | Dr. Diane Leclerc & Dr. Deirdre Brower on "Wild Geese" (Foundry 2026)

Season 7 of "Iron Sharpens Iron" (ISI) is officially underway, and I’m delighted that my pastoral co-host for September, Rev. Lindsay Vernor, and I will be welcoming two outstanding guests: my longtime NNU colleague Dr. Diane Leclerc and Dr. Deirdre Brower, Principal of Nazarene Theological College - Manchester.

Diane and Deirdre are the authors of the new Foundry title, "Wild Geese: Preaching as Theological Craft." During our live conversation at 11a MDT this Tuesday, we’ll explore the book, discuss its vision for preaching as a theological practice, and consider its potential impact on preachers and congregations alike.

A reminder that ISI has moved from Mondays to Tuesdays this season. Same time, just one day later! If you can’t join us live, the episode will be archived on our Vimeo channel, and as always, participation in any format earns one lifelong learning unit for your pastoral registry.

We hope you’ll join us. After all, we expect quite a flock to gather for this conversation about "Wild Geese"!

+>j

I hope all of my friends in the Spokane and Sandpoint areas will take advantage of this fantastic opportunity! +>j
09/23/2026

I hope all of my friends in the Spokane and Sandpoint areas will take advantage of this fantastic opportunity! +>j

S07:E01 | "Iron Sharpens Iron" Debuts Season Seven!We're making a small change to the calendar, but not to the conversat...
09/18/2026

S07:E01 | "Iron Sharpens Iron" Debuts Season Seven!

We're making a small change to the calendar, but not to the conversation!

Beginning Tuesday 22 September, our live ISI podcasts move to Tuesdays at 11a MT.

I'm thrilled to announce that my September co-host is my friend, NNU alumna, and family pastor, Rev. Lindsay Vernor from Real Life Church of the Nazarene in Nampa.

We're debuting our seventh season on the 22nd with NNU's Pres. Mark DeMichael and our chaplain, Dr. Nate Roskam, who will share perspectives on the new academic year and other news of interest to pastors.

Then on the 29th, Lindsay and I welcome my longtime NNU colleague Dr. Diane Leclerc to discuss her new book on preaching titled "Wild Geese." Who knows?!? You might even win a free autographed copy!

Can't join us live? Every episode is available afterward in our Vimeo archive and each session carries one lifelong learning unit whether you tune in live or via streaming. We're still using the same link, but email us at [email protected] if you need it.

We hope you'll make the move with us next Tuesday at 11a MDT. Bring your coffee. We'll bring the conversation.

+>j


My office has recently learned that someone falsely claiming to be Jay Akkerman has been sending text messages in my nam...
09/16/2026

My office has recently learned that someone falsely claiming to be Jay Akkerman has been sending text messages in my name. These messages may reference fictitious grants, supposed financial opportunities, or requests to purchase gift cards.

Please be aware that neither I nor anyone from NNU will ever request gift cards, personal financial assistance, money transfers, or confidential information from you.

If you receive a suspicious message claiming to be from me, please disregard it and contact me directly at [email protected] or 208/467-8437 to verify its authenticity.

Thanks for your vigilance. I apologize for any inconvenience or confusion this situation may cause.

+>j

📣 Is God leading a student you know into ministry or missions?The Call Conference at Northwest Nazarene University is de...
08/19/2026

📣 Is God leading a student you know into ministry or missions?

The Call Conference at Northwest Nazarene University is designed for high school juniors and seniors who are exploring God's leading, and wondering what God may have next for their lives.

🗓 October 1-4, 2026
📍 Northwest Nazarene University

Students will experience:
✨ Inspiring worship
✨ Teaching from college-level ministry educators
✨ Mentoring from ministry leaders
✨ Roundtable discussions with peers and pastors
✨ Time for prayer, reflection, and spiritual growth

💲 Registration is $150 per student and sponsor/mentor through 13 September 2026.

Please note: Housing is not included and should be arranged by the sponsoring adult or guardian.

For more information, contact:
📧 [email protected]

Know a student who may be sensing God's call? Invite them to attend and discover where God may be leading them!

+>j

As an ordained minister, I'm so grateful for the many opportunities I have had for nearly a quarter century to pray with...
08/19/2026

As an ordained minister, I'm so grateful for the many opportunities I have had for nearly a quarter century to pray with students and colleagues about a wide variety of issues here at NNU. Today, I was privileged to pray with a young person who has been recognizing the fingerprints of God personally on their heart. It has been such a privilege to journey with this person, and to see and hear their earnest desire to embrace Jesus at the center of their heart. So grateful for God's continuing work as we lean into the center of our mission! +>j

Here's the final batch of photos for you to enjoy! +>j------------Big improvements are awaiting students this fall!Afte...
08/14/2026

Here's the final batch of photos for you to enjoy! +>j

------------

Big improvements are awaiting students this fall!

After investing nearly $2 million in residence hall upgrades this summer, we're excited to welcome students back to refreshed living spaces in various spaces featuring new flooring, furnishings, appliances, paint, windows, bathroom and patio improvements, and more.

And here's another upgrade: free access to new commercial laundry machines for all students.

If you're an NNU alum, you may even recognize some of these spaces. Looks like I may need to post several groups of photos given some limitations on this platform.

We can't wait to have the Nighthawk family back on campus!

+>j

Address

623 South University Boulevard
Nampa, ID
83686

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+12084678530

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