Author name: Nazarene Journal

I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church… Receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of his people and give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me. — Romans 16:1–2 When you walk into a room full of women in ministry praying, sharing, preaching and laughing you’re walking into a movement someone once dared to start. For many across Africa Many names echoes in the soil of Africa and One name is Evie Gardner. More Than a Missionary Wife — A Ministry Architect Evie didn’t arrive in Africa to simply accompany her husband Rev. Don Gardner. They landed on African soil on November 9, 1990, and from that moment Evie came not just as a spouse but as a minister in her own right a teacher, a builder of community, a voice of compassion, and a woman deeply aware that God’s call knows no gender. Across Malawi and Kenya, she taught, she organized and she ministered. She served in a wide range of critical roles: Teacher at NTCCA (Nazarene Theological College of Central Africa) in Malawi, Africa Nazarene University in Nairobi, Kenya and NBCEA (Nazarene Bible College of East Africa). She also served as: Child Sponsorship Coordinator, Work and Witness Coordinator, Events Coordinator and Program Director for Orphans and Vulnerable Children. But perhaps her most lasting legacy? She founded the Ladies’ International Fellowship—in Malawi and Kenya—building circles of strength for women who were often overlooked. These fellowships became places of hope, training grounds for ministry and launchpads for countless other women who had felt called but didn’t know where to begin. Ministry Happens in Community And Evie Created One. Women across these two nations began to rise not just in attendance, but in anointing. Because Evie believed in them. Because she saw what the Spirit had planted in them. Because she offered more than events she offered identity. When women gather around the Word of God, something holy happens: They remember they are called. And Don? He Made Room for the Ministry of His Wife Let’s be clear: Rev. Don Gardner’s leadership in Malawi and across East Africa was significant. He served as: District Superintendent of Malawi North District, Missions Coordinator for Malawi, and in 2001, he became Field Strategy Coordinator for the Africa East Field, guiding mission efforts in the region. He also served for 19 years on the board and council of Africa Nazarene University (ANU), including roles as Chair and Vice Chair, contributing to the university’s growth and mission. But perhaps his greatest act of leadership was that he never stood in the way of Evie’s call. He stood beside her. So that she could stand for others. To Every Woman in Ministry Wondering “Is It Enough?” Evie Gardner didn’t build a platform. She built people. She wasn’t loud, but she was bold. She didn’t always hold a microphone but she held space and that may be the most Christlike ministry of all. To the women reading this who teach in silence, who mentor in the background, who start small groups with three friends and a prayer—you are doing what Evie did. You are shaping the Church. A Quiet Thank You That Echoes Loudly To Evie and Don Gardner—thank you for showing us that ministry is not about position but posture. That leadership doesn’t mean overshadowing each other but uplifting one another. That women in ministry don’t need permission—just room. “May the Lord bless you and keep you… May His face shine upon you…” (Numbers 6:24–26) And may the seeds you’ve planted continue to bloom across Africa and beyond.

Which Part of the World Are You? 🌍 Discover the Regions of the Church of the Nazarene The Church of the Nazarene is a global family, organized into six world regions for mission and ministry. No matter where you are, you belong to one of these regions: Africa Asia-Pacific Eurasia Mesoamerica South America USA/Canada Each region is made up of local churches, districts, and ministries working together to share the message of Christ. So—which part of the world are you? Visit nazarene.org to learn more about your region!

At age 12, a young girl from Bennettsville, South Carolina stood in her local church and told her pastor “God has called me to preach.” Instead of telling her to wait or worse stay silent he handed her the pulpit the very next Sunday. She was 14. That girl was Nina Griggs Gunter. That moment changed everything. When the Call Comes Early God Makes Room for It Dr. Nina Gunter didn’t chase titles. She simply said yes to preaching to missions to service to leadership. God opened doors. And when those doors weren’t already open to women she became the first to walk through them. First woman ordained on the Joplin District in 1960 First woman to receive an honorary doctorate from Trevecca Nazarene University First woman elected General Superintendent in the Church of the Nazarene (2005) She didn’t climb a ladder. She climbed an altar. She didn’t lead with ambition. She led with anointing. A Life of Leadership that Spanned the Globe Before she ever stepped on a global platform, she preached in small towns across Missouri, Tennessee, and South Carolina, often co-pastoring churches with her husband, Dr. Moody Gunter. But make no mistake: her calling was her own. She led with boldness and joy. She stepped into pulpits, boardrooms, mission fields, and eventually—the General Superintendency. For 20 years, as Global NMI Director, she oversaw an increase in mission giving from $30 million to $62 million annually. Over $1 billion raised for the Great Commission. All under her watch. For Women Asking, Is There a Place for Me in Ministry? Dr. Gunter never apologized for being a woman in ministry. She preached holiness, led missions, and mentored leaders with grace and grit. “The ground at the foot of the cross is level.” These weren’t just words. They were her philosophy, her theology, and her vision for the Church. If you’re a woman called to ministry—whether you’re 14 or 74—Dr. Gunter’s life tells you this: ✅ God does not need to apologize for calling you. ✅ You are not filling a gap—you are fulfilling a purpose. ✅ You are not next—you are now. Not Just a First—A Foundation Dr. Gunter wasn’t just the “first woman General Superintendent.” She was a spiritual mother to thousands. She was a scholar, a preacher, an administrator, and a visionary. She authored books like Our Defining Moment and Holy Leadership in a Hectic World—because she didn’t just want to make history; she wanted to shape the future. In 2009, the Church honored her with a Citation of Appreciation for 54 years of faithful ministry. That same year, Trevecca established a scholarship and award in her name—ensuring that her legacy would continue to fund and form the next generation of servant leaders. To Every Daughter of the Church Wondering “Will I Be Heard?” Let Dr. Gunter’s story answer you with a resounding YES. You are not too young. You are not too old. You are not too late. You are exactly where God can use you. If He called Nina at 12, if He raised her to global leadership by 67— He can lead you into the fullness of your calling too. So preach. Lead. Teach. Go.

Election Date: June 2005 Event: 26th General Assembly, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA Dr. Nina Griggs Gunter was born on September 4, 1937, in Bennettsville, South Carolina to Joseph and Naomi Griggs. At the age of 12 she felt a call to preach and delivered her first sermon at 14 after sharing her calling with her pastor, who invited her to preach at the next church service.She married Dr. D. Moody Gunter in 1956. Together, they raised two sons Dwight M. Gunter II and Dwayne M. Gunter both of whom serve in the Church of the Nazarene. The Gunters also have four grandchildren, all active in ministry. Education and Academic Achievements Bachelor of Arts – Trevecca Nazarene University (TNU) Master of Education – University of South Carolina, Columbia Honorary Doctor of Divinity – Trevecca Nazarene University (first woman to receive this honor) Recognized in: Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities Outstanding Young Women of America Ordination and Pastoral Ministry Dr. Gunter was ordained in 1960 on the Joplin, Missouri District by Dr. Hugh C. Benner. She co-pastored churches with her husband in: Waverly, Tennessee (1957–1958) Butler, Missouri (1960–1961) Charleston, South Carolina (1961–1963) Hartsville, South Carolina (1963–1975) Sumter, South Carolina (1975–1976) From 1976 to 1986 she also served as District Office Administrator for the South Carolina District while her husband served as District Superintendent. During this period she was actively involved in evangelism and served as an interim pastor for multiple congregations. Global Leadership in Nazarene Missions International (NMI) District NMI President, South Carolina – 15 years Southeast Region Representative, NMI General Council – 1977–1986 Global NMI Director – 1986–2005 Key Achievements as Global NMI Director (20-year tenure): Annual mission giving increased from $30 million to $62 million Total giving exceeded $1 billion Numerous new missions programs were launched across the globe Election as General Superintendent In June 2005 during the 26th General Assembly in Indianapolis Indiana Dr. Nina Gunter was elected as the first woman General Superintendent in the history of the Church of the Nazarene. She was named General Superintendent Emerita in 2009.Her leadership was characterized by: Visionary global service Advocacy for women in ministry A passion for missions Bold proclamation of entire sanctification and holiness Awards and Honors Ministerial Alumnus of the Year (1990) – Trevecca Nazarene University T.W. Willingham Preacher of the Year (2005) – Nazarene Bible College Maggie Sloan Crawford Award (2006) – Olivet Nazarene University Order of the Silver Crescent (2009) – South Carolina’s highest civilian honor Nina Griggs Gunter Servant-Leader Award & Scholarship (2009) – Trevecca Nazarene University In 2008–2009, Dr. Gunter served as a contributing editor for Leadership Journal (Christianity Today), recognized as one of the most faithful and innovative leaders in Christian ministry. Authorship and Thought Leadership Dr. Gunter has written and co-authored several influential books, including: The Traveler’s Psalm Our Defining Moment Christian Perfection The Cross—Seize It! Share It! Holy Leadership in a Hectic World (co-authored, 2009) Legacy and Impact Dr. Gunter’s ministry has emphasized that God’s call transcends gender, race, and nationality. She has served as: A trailblazer for women in ministry A global missions leader A mentor and spiritual guide to countless leaders in the Church of the Nazarene In June 2009, during the 27th General Assembly, the Board of General Superintendents issued a formal Citation of Appreciation, honoring her for 54 years of faithful ministry and lifelong service to the global church. ✓ Missions Leadership NMI Council Representative for the Southeast Region (beginning in 1976) Became Global NMI Director in 1986 Launched multiple missions programs that significantly shaped the denomination’s global outreach ✓ Evangelism & Interim Pastoral Roles Actively participated in evangelism ministries throughout her career Served as interim pastor for various congregations during critical transitional periods ✓ Philosophy on Women in Ministry Known for the impactful quote: “The ground at the foot of the cross is level.” This reflects her strong advocacy for women in ministry leadership, ✓ Editorial Contributions Appointed Contributing Editor for Leadership Journal (published by Christianity Today) in 2008 and 2009 ✓ Citation of Appreciation (2009) Received an official Citation of Appreciation from the Board of General Superintendents Honored during the 27th General Assembly in 2009 for her 54 years of dedicated ministry ✓ Scholarship & Leadership Award In 2009, Trevecca Nazarene University established the: Nina Griggs Gunter Servant-Leader Award Nina Griggs Gunter Scholarship Both serve as lasting tributes to her legacy in leadership and education Official Citations and Links Nazarene.org Biography of Dr. Nina Gunter Lillenas Drama Ministry Feature

“How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”— Romans 10:15 Across continents, languages and bordersThrough deserts, jungles and citiesAmong the unreached, the hurting and the hopefulYou went.You left what was familiar to follow the call of Christ. You traded comfort for purpose.You exchanged predictability for obedience.And for that… we say thank you. Thank You for Saying Yes Thank you for saying yes when it would’ve been easier to say no. “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’”— Isaiah 6:8 You didn’t wait until everything was perfect.You didn’t require applause.You went because the Gospel is worth everything. Thank You for Leaving What You Loved to Love New People You left your land, your family, your language, your customsNot to escape your home, but to embrace someone else’s. “Everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life.”— Matthew 19:29 You learned names that were hard to pronounce.You ate food you weren’t used to.You made homes out of borrowed rooms.You cried in secret when you missed home—but still, you stayed. Thank You for Planting Seeds Others May Never See Grow Not every story ends in revival.Some ends in tears, slow progress, and quiet faithfulness. “So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.”— 1 Corinthians 3:7 But you still preached.You still prayed.You still loved.That seed you sowed in secret may bloom in a heart a decade from now. You Were Sent, But You Are Not Forgotten “And Jesus said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.’”— Mark 16:15 Whether you’re in a city of millions or a remote village of 300…Whether you’re fluent in the language or still learning basic words…Whether you’re church planting, teaching, healing, or translating…You are seen.You are remembered.You are celebrated. Scriptures That Walk With You Here are promises for every missionary heart: Matthew 28:20 – “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” 2 Timothy 4:17 – “But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength…” Psalm 121:8 – “The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” Philippians 1:3-5 – “I thank my God every time I remember you… because of your partnership in the gospel…” Acts 1:8 – “You will receive power… and you will be my witnesses to the ends of the earth.” Isaiah 52:7 – “How beautiful… are the feet of those who bring good news.” To Every Missionary—Past, Present, and Future We honor your obedience.We celebrate your courage.We admire your sacrifice.And we pray for your continued strength. Thank you for going.Thank you for staying.Thank you for giving.Thank you for believing. You may never know this side of heaven how many lives your faith has changed.But heaven knows.And we say:THANK YOU.

“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.” — Proverbs 31:26 Long before women in church leadership was widely accepted— Before boards had diversity policies— Before most people imagined a woman leading a district— One woman said yes. Her name was Rev. Elsie Wallace, and she was the first female district superintendent in the Church of the Nazarene. Yes, you read that right. In 1920, when leadership roles for women were almost unheard of, Elsie was already leading a district. A Woman Before Her Time, Appointed by One Who Believed In early 1920, General Superintendent John Goodwin appointed Elsie Wallace to lead the Northwest District—a bold move that affirmed the Church’s early commitment to Spirit-led leadership, regardless of gender. But even before that, she had already made history: In 1902, Phineas Bresee himself ordained her, making Elsie Wallace the first woman to be ordained in the Church of the Nazarene. Not a Token, But a Trailblazer Elsie wasn’t placed in leadership as a gesture—she was already doing the work. She had planted churches, preached the gospel, and built communities of faith long before any title arrived. Among the churches she helped establish are: Spokane First Church Walla Walla First Church While her husband, Rev. DeLance Wallace, served part-time as a superintendent, it was Elsie who carried the full-time pastoral and leadership load. Her influence wasn’t borrowed—it was earned through prayer, preaching, and perseverance. Why Her Story Still Matters Today In a time when women in ministry still face resistance in many corners of the world, Elsie Wallace reminds us that: God has always called women. The Spirit has always empowered them. And the Church of the Nazarene has a legacy of saying yes. She walked so others could run. Her yes in 1920 still echoes in the halls of every district that affirms and ordains women today. To Every Woman Asking, “Can I Lead?” The answer has already been written in history. It was etched in the faith of a woman who believed God’s call was bigger than cultural expectations. You don’t have to wait for permission—heaven already gave it. You don’t have to wonder if leadership is for you—just look at Elsie. If she could lead in 1920, you can stand strong in 2025. You are not second-class in the Kingdom. You are called qualified and commissioned.

INTRODUCTION TO LAY MINISTRY Every Christian is a minister in their own capacity Paragraph 500 & 503.1 – All Christians should see themselves as ministers of Christ, seeking to know God’s will concerning their role in the church. What This Means in Simple Terms:Whether or not you’re a pastor, every Christian has a role to play in spreading the gospel and serving others. God can use anyone. The Church of the Nazarene recognizes a specific ministry of laypersons and affirms their importance in church work (Ephesians 4:11–12). What This Means in Simple Terms:The church understands that non-pastors (laypeople) can still serve in meaningful ministry roles, and their contribution is seen as valuable and spiritual. B. ROLES AVAILABLE TO LAYPERSONS Many ways to serve, even without ordination A layperson may be assigned as: Pastor Evangelist Missionary Teacher Administrator Chaplain Special service minister What This Means in Simple Terms: Even without being ordained, laypeople can be given leadership roles in the church—like preaching, teaching, or working in missions—if they are trained and approved. Lay training is usually required or strongly recommended for these roles. (Manual Reference: 503.1, 605.3)What This Means in Simple Terms: Just like any job needs preparation, lay ministry also needs study and learning. Training helps you serve better and understand your role. C. WHO IS A LAY MINISTER? Called to serve, but not ordained Paragraph 503.2 – A member who feels called to ministry roles like: Church planter Bivocational pastor Lay evangelist or song evangelist Stewardship or church staff minister What This Means in Simple Terms: A lay minister is someone who feels led by God to do ministry work—like preaching or music—but doesn’t feel called to become a full-time ordained pastor. May pursue a certificate of lay ministry through a validated course of study. What This Means in Simple Terms:They can take special classes to receive a certificate that shows they are trained and ready to serve. D. APPROVAL PROCESS FOR LAY MINISTERS Examination and certification by the local church Paragraph 503.3 – Local church board, with the pastor’s recommendation, must assess: Personal salvation experience Involvement in ministry Knowledge of the church’s work What This Means in Simple Terms: The church wants to make sure the person really knows Jesus, is already active in church work, and understands how the church operates. Paragraph 503.4 – A certificate is issued by the pastor and church board secretary. What This Means in Simple Terms:If approved, the lay minister is given an official document to confirm their role and responsibility. E. ANNUAL RENEWAL & EDUCATION Ongoing growth and accountability Paragraph 503.5 – Renewal happens annually if: The lay minister completes at least two subjects in the lay training program. Annual report is submitted to the church board. What This Means in Simple Terms: The lay minister must keep learning and must report back to the church every year to show they’re still active and growing. F. DISTRICT-LEVEL ASSIGNMENTS When laypersons serve beyond their local church Paragraph 503.6 – For district-level roles like: Church planter or supply pastor Certification can be issued by the District Advisory Board. What This Means in Simple Terms: When a lay minister works across different churches or communities, they need approval and documentation from the district leadership. Paragraph 503.7 – Those serving outside their local church are: Supervised by the district superintendent Report annually to the District Advisory Board What This Means in Simple Terms: If a layperson serves outside their home church, the district leaders are in charge of monitoring their work and giving yearly evaluations. G. ADVANCED STUDY AND SPECIALIZATION Deeper learning for focused ministry Paragraph 503.8 – After completing the main course, the lay minister: Continues in a specialized study concentration based on chosen ministry. Coordinated through the Continuing Lay Training office. What This Means in Simple Terms: After getting the basic training, lay ministers can focus on areas they feel called to—like children’s ministry, evangelism, or music. H. SACRAMENT LIMITATIONS FOR LAY MINISTERS Some duties remain for ordained ministers only Paragraph 503.9 – Lay ministers: Cannot baptize Cannot serve the Lord’s Supper Cannot officiate marriages What This Means in Simple Terms: Some responsibilities—like doing baptisms or weddings—are reserved only for fully ordained ministers. The Church of the Nazarene deeply values the contributions of laypersons. Through training, local and district appointments, and ongoing accountability, lay ministers are empowered to serve. Yet, they operate within specific guidelines to maintain order and integrity in the church’s mission.

The Representative Government of the Church of the Nazarene The Church of the Nazarene has a unique form of government that is based on representation. This means that decisions are made through a system of representation rather than through individual or centralized authority. As stated in the Manual of the Church of the Nazarene, “The Church of the Nazarene has a representative form of government” (Manual Paragraph 22). In this blog post, we will delve deeper into how this form of government works and why it is an integral part of the church’s identity. Legislative Structure of the Church At the core of the Church of the Nazarene’s structure are three legislative entities: local, district, and general. The local churches are the foundation of the denomination, responsible for the day-to-day operations and ministries within their communities. The Manual of the Church of the Nazarene affirms this structure, stating: “We are agreed that there are three legislative entities in the structure of the Church of the Nazarene: local, district, general. The regions serve as administrative entities for mission strategy and implementation” (Manual Paragraph 22.1). Districts serve as administrative bodies that oversee a group of local churches within a specific region. Lastly, the General Assembly is the highest governing body responsible for making decisions that affect the entire denomination. The Role of the Superintendency One of the key elements of this representative form of government is the role of the superintendency. Superintendents are elected to provide support and assistance to local churches in fulfilling their mission and objectives. The Manual of the Church of the Nazarene outlines this role clearly: “We are agreed on the necessity of a superintendency that shall complement and assist the local church in the fulfilling of its mission and objectives. The superintendency shall build morale, provide motivation, supply management and method assistance, and organize and encourage organization of new churches and missions everywhere” (Manual Paragraph 22.2). This includes building morale, providing motivation, and organizing new churches and missions. The Value of Local Church Autonomy However, it is important to note that superintendents do not have authority over the independent actions of fully organized churches. Each church maintains its autonomy and has the freedom to select its own pastor and manage its own finances. The Manual of the Church of the Nazarene confirms this: “We are agreed that authority given to superintendents shall not interfere with the independent action of a fully organized church. Each church shall enjoy the right to select its own pastor, subject to such approval as the General Assembly shall find wise to institute. Each church shall also elect delegates to the various assemblies, manage its own finances, and have charge of all other matters pertaining to its local life and work” (Manual Paragraph 22.3). A Collaborative Leadership Approach The representative form of government in the Church of the Nazarene promotes a collaborative and shared leadership approach. It allows for the involvement of multiple entities in decision-making processes, ensuring that the voices of all members are heard and represented.

If you’ve ever wondered how baptism is practiced in the Church of the Nazarene, the answer might surprise you—it’s not limited to one method. What the Nazarene Manual Says According to Article 12 of the Nazarene Manual, baptism is a sacred act that symbolizes: receiving Christ’s atonement, joining the Body of Christ, and declaring personal faith in Jesus. But here’s what sets Nazarene practice apart: the church recognizes sprinkling, pouring, and immersion as equally valid forms of baptism. Meaning Over Method This flexibility shows that the focus isn’t on how much water is used, but on the spiritual truth it represents—a life transformed by grace. Baptism is not just a tradition or requirement; it’s a visible testimony of an inward change. The method may vary, but the meaning remains the same. Whether you were sprinkled as a child or immersed as an adult, the Church of the Nazarene honors the heart behind the baptism. Each approach reflects the same core belief: that through Jesus Christ, we are made new. No matter the form, baptism marks a beginning—a public declaration of faith and a step into the community of believers. And that’s what truly matters.

You may have also asked yourself this question, or heard others wonder the same. But instead of answering based on personal opinions or assumptions, let’s go straight to the most authoritative source — the Church of the Nazarene Manual. This is where we get clarity, not confusion. So, what does the Manual actually say about laypersons becoming pastors or evangelists? Let’s find out. CAN A LAYPERSON BE A PASTOR OR EVANGELIST? Understanding Lay Ministry Roles in the Church of the Nazarene Manual Reference: Paragraph 503 – Ministry of Laypersons 1. YES — LAYPERSONS MAY BE ASSIGNED AS PASTORS OR EVANGELISTS The Manual is clear about this Paragraph 503.1 – “The Church of the Nazarene recognizes a specific ministry of laypersons in the church. A layperson may be assigned as pastor, evangelist, missionary, teacher, administrator, chaplain, or in special service.” This means the church provides opportunities for non-ordained members to serve in leadership roles depending on their calling and the church’s need. 2. LAY MINISTRY IS A SERIOUS CALLING This is not just helping out—it’s an approved form of ministry Paragraph 503.2 – Lay members who feel called to serve in roles like evangelists or bivocational pastors can pursue a certificate in lay ministry. This allows members who feel led to serve—without seeking ordination—to receive training and recognition through an official process. 3. LOCAL CHURCH BOARD MUST APPROVE AND ISSUE CERTIFICATION There is an official process for lay ministry approval Paragraphs 503.3–503.4 – The local church board, based on the pastor’s recommendation, approves the lay minister and issues a certificate signed by the pastor and church board secretary. This certificate confirms the individual is spiritually prepared and has shown dedication to the church. 4. TRAINING IS REQUIRED FOR CONTINUED SERVICE Education is part of the ministry journey Paragraph 503.5 – To renew their certificate each year, lay ministers must complete at least two subjects in the Continuing Lay Training program and submit an annual report to the church board. This ensures that lay ministers grow in their knowledge and stay active in ministry. 5. DISTRICT LEADERSHIP INVOLVEMENT FOR BROADER ASSIGNMENTS Wider ministry requires higher oversight Paragraphs 503.6–503.7 – If a layperson serves beyond their local church, the District Advisory Board and district superintendent provide oversight, issue the certificate, and handle renewals. This provides structure and accountability when ministry goes beyond one congregation. 6. SPECIALIZED TRAINING FOR SPECIFIC MINISTRY AREAS Each calling has a focus area Paragraph 503.8 – After finishing the main course of study, lay ministers continue training in their actual specific area of ministry through Continuing Lay Training. This helps them become more effective in their unique calling,½ whether it’s teaching, preaching, or serving. 7. CERTAIN SACRAMENTS REMAIN RESERVED FOR ORDAINED MINISTERS Some spiritual duties are not permitted for lay ministers Paragraph 503.9 – Lay ministers “shall not baptize, administer the Lord’s Supper, or officiate at marriages.” These acts are reserved for those who have been officially ordained by the church. According to Paragraph 503 of the Manual, a layperson can serve as a pastor or evangelist under church supervision. This ministry is supported by training, certification, and accountability at both local and district levels. However, certain responsibilities are reserved for ordained ministers.