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Dr. Christian Sarmiento was elected as the 45th General Superintendent of the Church of the Nazarene on 15 June 2023, during the 30th General Assembly and Conventions in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. With decades of ministry experience, leadership in global missions, and a deep passion for the church, Sarmiento’s election marks a new chapter in the denomination’s history.
Early Life and Journey of Faith
Christian Sarmiento became a Christian at the age of 17 with his wife, Margit, to whom he has been married for 47 years. His faith journey was shaped by John 3:8, where Jesus compares the Holy Spirit to the wind. Reflecting on his calling, Sarmiento prayed:
“Lord, blow however you want. We will just be a paper, and we are at your will.”
His deep trust in God’s leading has guided him throughout his life, taking him to various countries and leadership roles in the Church of the Nazarene.
- Birthplace: Sarmiento was born in Bogotá, Colombia.
- First Pastoral Work: He became the denomination’s first pastor in Colombia in 1976.
Ministry Experience
He was ordained in 1989 by Dr. Gerald Johnson, Sarmiento has served in multiple leadership positions within the Church of the Nazarene, including:
- Regional Director for South America (since 2005
- He also served as Regional Director for the former MAC region (Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, now Mesoamerica Region).
- Regional Education Coordinator in three Nazarene regions
- Church planter in three different countries
- District Superintendent of the Ecuador Sierra Norte District
Beyond administrative roles, he has been a theological educator, serving as rector of Nazarene seminaries in Bolivia, Ecuador, and Argentina.
- Missionary Service: Sarmiento and his wife served as missionaries in Bolivia, Ecuador, and at the Caribbean Regional Office, starting in 1986.
- Youth and Film Ministry Roles:
- Regional Youth Coordinator for South America and the Caribbean Region
- Jesus Film Coordinator for the Caribbean Region
Education and Achievements
Dr. Sarmiento’s academic and literary contributions include:
- Bachelor of Arts degree 1980, MidAmerica Nazarene University
- Master of Divinity 1984, Nazarene Theological Seminary
- Doctor of Divinity 2001, MidAmerica Nazarene University
- Doctor of Education in Leadership and Professional Practice 2019, Trevecca Nazarene University.
- Editorial Contributions: He was the associate editor of the Spanish edition of the Beacon Bible Commentary and served as editor of multiple Hispanic Nazarene magazines.
- Author of several books and articles in English and Spanish
- Publications: Authored books such as Visitas Con Lucas, Training of Altar Workers, Devotionals in Luke, To Be Like Him: Devotionals in Philippians, and The Perspective of the Eagle: Devotionals in the Gospel of John (4 vols.)
- Leadership in Education and Literature:
- Member of the International Board of Education for several terms
- Served on the steering committee for the Manual of the Church of the Nazarene in Global English
- President of the Spanish Literature Committee for over 30 years
Election as General Superintendent
During the 30th General Assembly, Sarmiento was elected on the 40th ballot. After being welcomed by General Secretary Gary Hartke, he greeted the assembly with a heartfelt:
“¡Buenos días!”
Overwhelmed with gratitude, he reflected:
“It’s a journey of grace that God has taken us on.”
His election represents a historic moment for the global Nazarene community, recognizing his dedication to leadership, education, and missions.
Sarmiento’s Vision and Impact
Dr. Sarmiento’s leadership is characterized by a strong belief in young leaders and visionary optimism. His commitment to missions and developing new generations of Nazarene leaders has shaped the church’s global outreach. As a leader who has lived in eight different countries and over 30 homes, he remains passionate about God’s calling:
“We have been in eight different countries, 30 different houses, and the Lord is still blowing. I want to praise Him because He’s the Lord of my life.”
- Family Life: Christian and Margit Sarmiento have three children (Monica, Christina, and Steven) and five grandchildren (Elijah, Charly, Jonah, Gracyn, and Abigail).
Dr. Christian Sarmiento’s election as General Superintendent reflects his lifelong commitment to the Church of the Nazarene. His leadership, faith, and dedication to young leaders will undoubtedly shape the church’s future.
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Dr. Christian Sarmiento: The 45th General Superintendent.
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Dr. Christian Sarmiento was elected as the 45th General Superintendent of the Church of the Nazarene on 15 June 2023, during the 30th General Assembly and Conventions in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. With decades of ministry experience, leadership in global missions, and a deep passion for the church, Sarmiento’s election marks a new chapter in the denomination’s history.
Early Life and Journey of Faith
Christian Sarmiento became a Christian at the age of 17 with his wife, Margit, to whom he has been married for 47 years. His faith journey was shaped by John 3:8, where Jesus compares the Holy Spirit to the wind. Reflecting on his calling, Sarmiento prayed:
“Lord, blow however you want. We will just be a paper, and we are at your will.”
His deep trust in God’s leading has guided him throughout his life, taking him to various countries and leadership roles in the Church of the Nazarene.
Ministry Experience
He was ordained in 1989 by Dr. Gerald Johnson, Sarmiento has served in multiple leadership positions within the Church of the Nazarene, including:
Beyond administrative roles, he has been a theological educator, serving as rector of Nazarene seminaries in Bolivia, Ecuador, and Argentina.
Education and Achievements
Dr. Sarmiento’s academic and literary contributions include:
Election as General Superintendent
“¡Buenos días!”
Overwhelmed with gratitude, he reflected:
“It’s a journey of grace that God has taken us on.”
His election represents a historic moment for the global Nazarene community, recognizing his dedication to leadership, education, and missions.
Sarmiento’s Vision and Impact
Dr. Sarmiento’s leadership is characterized by a strong belief in young leaders and visionary optimism. His commitment to missions and developing new generations of Nazarene leaders has shaped the church’s global outreach. As a leader who has lived in eight different countries and over 30 homes, he remains passionate about God’s calling:
“We have been in eight different countries, 30 different houses, and the Lord is still blowing. I want to praise Him because He’s the Lord of my life.”
Dr. Christian Sarmiento’s election as General Superintendent reflects his lifelong commitment to the Church of the Nazarene. His leadership, faith, and dedication to young leaders will undoubtedly shape the church’s future.
Share this
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