In an effort to strengthen the foundation of church leadership, on 28-30 August 2025, the Papua District, in collaboration with Sealands Field, held a Leadership Team Briefing event attended by the Papua District Ministerial Studies Board, the Papua District Ministerial Credentials Board, pastors, and lay leaders. This event aimed to equip leaders with a deeper understanding of Nazarene Education for Ministry (PNUP-Pendidikan Nazarene untuk Pelayanan) and to emphasize the strategic role of the District Leadership Team in assisting prospective ministers in the ordination process, as mandated by the Manual of the Church of the Nazarene.
The first day emphasized understanding the stages leading to ordination (Ordination Track) and the role of the District Ministerial Studies Board. In-depth discussions revealed that Ministerial licensing practices in the Papua District have not been adequately implemented. However, participants demonstrated a renewed commitment to disseminating proper procedures, encouraging licensing to begin with the local church, and conducting regular mentoring and evaluation.
The second day focused on verifying ministers’ educational progress and document management. Before the training, the District Ministerial Studies Board had never conducted such a review and lacked complete documentation. Following the event, each minister’s progress was successfully verified, they were assigned to their COS level, and a full profile document was produced. This represents a concrete step towards orderly administration and more focused development.
The third day discussed the role of Nazarene education, the Course of Study, and opportunities for developing the PNUP. Initially, participants differed in their understanding of the goals of Nazarene education. However, the discussions resulted in a unified understanding, a new paradigm, and the Region’s readiness to develop learning centers as a strategic tool for developing leaders and servants.
Some of the outcomes and impacts of this briefing include:
• A paradigm shift regarding Nazarene education has occurred, from being initially confusing to being understood as a crucial foundation for servant development.
• The District Ministerial Studies Board gained practical skills in verifying study results, managing documents, and mentoring servants.
• The District Ministerial Studies Board and The District Ministerial Credentials Board now have a clearer understanding of their roles and functions at the District level.
• A strong commitment to implementing procedures in the Guidelines has been established, emphasizing the importance of mentoring, regular evaluation, and the use of media as a means of outreach.
• The Papua district affirmed its strong hope in managing the PNUP learning center as a strategic step in supporting the education and development of local leaders.
With a comprehensive and substantial agenda, this training not only equips leaders technically but also fosters a spirit of Ministry oriented toward the future of the church, particularly in the Papua district. It is hoped that the Papua District will become an example of a district that is ready to move forward together to realize strong, well-trained leadership that impacts future generations and cultivates Christ-like disciples.
Roni Gunawan, as Field Education Coordinator, said, “I am grateful for the Papua District Leadership Team Training and Workshop, which has brought tangible impact and change to the District Ministerial Studies Board, the District Ministerial Credentials Board, and the Pastors, particularly in understanding their strategic roles and carrying out their duties in accordance with the mandate of the Manual. I see how God helped the participants to gain a clearer understanding, a renewed commitment to streamlining the licensing process and mentoring of ordination candidates, and a shared enthusiasm for developing the PNUP learning center for the growth of local leaders. Therefore, I hope these results will continue to be maintained, followed up faithfully, and become a great blessing for the development of the Church of The Nazarene Ministry in Papua District.”
