NNU Office of University Mission & Ministry

06/02/2026

Big news for NNU!

Please join me in welcoming my new colleague, Dr. Stephen Lowe, who will begin serving as our next Vice President for Academic Affairs on 1 July.

Stephen comes to us from Olivet Nazarene University, where he has faithfully served in a similar role for the past several years. Prior to that, he spent over 27 years at his alma mater as a professor, department chair, program director, and dean—bringing a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to Christian higher education.

As NNU President Mark DeMichael shared today, Stephen’s passion for discipleship-centered learning, his investment in faculty, and his belief in preparing students for lives of service and leadership align beautifully with NNU’s mission.

Would you join us in praying for Stephen and his wife, Kim as they prepare for this new chapter and transition to Nampa? We look forward to what he will bring as our chief academic officer.

+>j

For more information about Dr. Lowe, go to https://nnu.edu/northwest-nazarene-university-appoints-dr-stephen-lowe-as-vice-president-for-academic-affairs/

05/08/2026

ISI S06:E26 - Rev. Manoj & Eli Ingle on Reaching the Next Generation

This Monday on "Iron Sharpens Iron," Rev. Jodi Combe and I are joined by Rev. Manoj Ingle, pastor of the Wasilla (AK) Lake Church of the Nazarene and his son Eli — an NNU sophomore and host of TikTok’s "Bible Talk" — for a meaningful father-son conversation on reaching younger generations.

Together, they explore how Gen Z is engaging faith differently, with Eli offering insight from digital ministry and Manoj reflecting on his ministry experience across generational lines. It’s an encouraging, practical look at how we can share the gospel with authenticity today.

We’d love for you to join us — and add your voice to the conversation.

Need the Microsoft Teams link? Email [email protected] and we’ll get you connected.

Looking forward to being together for our Season 6 finale before we break for the summer!

+>j

04/30/2026

ISI S06:E25 - On average, more than 100 churches close each week in the U.S. In our own Nazarene family, the number of congregations across the USA/Canada Region has declined 15–20 percent since 2000, with modest declines in average worship attendance as well.

But decline doesn’t have to be the final chapter.

Join us on Monday as veteran pastor Chris May from the Oregon Pacific District shares from his experience helping congregations restart after seasons of crisis or decline. Pastor Jodi Combe of Medford (OR) Life Path Church of the Nazarene will serve as my pastoral
co‑host for our sessions in May.

We’d love to have you join us for this practical, hope‑filled conversation. And as always, one pastor will receive a free resource giveaway at the close of the session.

Need the video link for Monday’s live gathering? Email us at [email protected], and we’ll set you up.

We hope to see you on Monday!

+>j

04/29/2026

So proud to share this from my friend and NNU colleague, Dr. Josh Jensen, dean of our College of Business.

Josh has long been a rock star on our campus, and it’s been a gift to watch his continued growth—professionally and spiritually—over the years.

If you (or someone in your world) are considering on‑campus or online programs in Business Administration—undergraduate, graduate, or NNU’s new eCampus track—and you're drawn to a mission rooted in transformation and leadership, I can’t help but recommend learning from folks like Dr. Jensen and his colleagues. You won't regret it!

Learn more here: https://shorturl.at/Sr9hM

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04/29/2026

Last Thursday I had the privilege of being present for Pastor Kelsey Middleton’s ordination as an elder. Moments like this—seeing former students step into faithful, thoughtful leadership—never get old.

Kelsey serves as Kids Ministry Pastor at Tree City Church of the Nazarene in Meridian, Idaho. She’s pictured here with her proud father, Aaron Middleton, lead pastor at South Salem (OR) Church of the Nazarene. A meaningful evening for their family, their churches, and all of us who’ve had the chance to walk alongside her!

+>j

04/28/2026

Fantastic news, guys -- congratulations, Nighthawks Baseball! +>j

The Nighthawks clinch their third consecutive GNAC Baseball title 🏆🏆🏆

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04/28/2026

Yes, so good to see my NNU biology colleague, Dr. Ayo Hodonu, featured in one of these shots. Ayo was recognized by our students as NNU's outstanding undergraduate faculty member for 2025-6. He's a perfect example of the kind of mentorship described here! +>j

04/24/2026

ISI S06:E24 - Are you -- or someone in your church or household -- wishing you could complete your degree, but you need more flexibility? Then join us Monday at 11a MDT for our next "Iron Sharpens Iron" session as we sit down with Dr. Christa Sandidge, associate vice president for eCampus, to talk about NNU's new, fully online degree pathways for adult learners in Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, Social Work, and Sport Management with:

• Tracks that can be completed in as little as 18 months
• A program length that is about 25 percent shorter than most bachelor’s degrees
• $450 per credit with no fees—saving both time and money
• To learn more about NNU's new eCampus, go to nnu.edu/ecampus

You can join us live in the studio, so bring your questions -- or watch later via our Vimeo archive. Either way, you’ll earn one lifelong learning credit toward your annual registry. Of course, if you need the link to our live sessions, just email us at [email protected].

Come learn how education can fit your calling—not interrupt it.

+>j

04/24/2026

🩺 Future Nurses Wanted! 🩺
Does your student love science, helping people, or watching medical shows and actually asking good questions?
NNU’s College of Nursing is hosting a two‑day Summer Nursing Camp for students in grades 8–12!
📅 June 23–24
⏰ 10a-3:30p both days
📍 NNU Thomas Family Health & Science Center
💵 $125 per student
Students will learn from NNU nursing faculty and get hands‑on experiences exploring careers in healthcare.
📧 Questions? Contact Tara McKinney at [email protected]
✅ Register here: https://shorturl.at/5MOMu

04/20/2026

Join us for a special culminating concert as NNU’s Department of Music presents Great Music of Our Faith—a reimagined annual event bringing together all NNU music ensembles for one inspiring afternoon.

Sunday, April 26 at 3p in the NNU Brandt Center

Rooted in the rich tradition of sacred music, this intergenerational concert creates space for both reflection and celebration. Whether you’re a longtime lover of sacred music or experiencing it anew, there’s something meaningful here for everyone.

Featured Highlight: Te Deum by Mark Hayes, presented with the generous support of the Wilkes‑Tate Endowment.

Tickets:
$10 General | $8 Senior
Group rates available

nnu.edu/musicevents

Can’t join us in person?
A livestream will be available at nnu.edu/musicstream

Thank you for supporting the music and musicians of NNU—we can’t wait to share this afternoon with you!

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