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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
