You may have come across the term “District Superintendent” or heard someone mention it in passing.

But who are they, really?

What do they do? How does someone even become one?

These are great questions—and understanding the role of a District Superintendent (DS) helps us see how leadership functions in the Church of the Nazarene.

Let’s break it down clearly and practically:

❓ Q: What is a District Superintendent (DS)?

A District Superintendent is the spiritual and administrative leader of a Church of the Nazarene “district.”

A district is simply a group of local churches in a specific geographical area.

Think of a DS as a shepherd to the shepherds—offering support, supervision, and direction to pastors and churches within their care.

❓ Q: How does someone become a District Superintendent?

There are two ways:

1. Election
   • A District Assembly (a large gathering of church leaders) may elect a DS.
   • The DS begins serving 30 days after the assembly and serves a two-year term.
   • They may be re-elected afterward.
2. Appointment
   • A General Superintendent may appoint a DS when needed.
   • The appointment lasts through the rest of the current church year plus two years.

🔹 Note: Someone already employed by the district office cannot become DS of that district unless both the District Advisory Board and a General Superintendent approve it.

❓ Q: What happens if the DS can’t serve anymore?

• If a vacancy occurs, General Superintendents consult the District Advisory Committee and appoint a new DS.
• If the DS is temporarily unable to serve, an interim DS may be assigned.
• If the DS resigns or is removed, their staff—such as the assistant superintendent or secretary—are expected to resign as well, unless officially permitted to remain.

❓ Q: What does a District Superintendent actually do?

1. Spiritual Leadership

• Models a life of prayer and devotion.
• Promotes biblical preaching and Wesleyan-Holiness theology.
• Encourages evangelism and church planting.

2. Oversight & Supervision

• Organizes and supervises local churches.
• Assists churches facing difficulties or decline.
• Leads restoration efforts through coaching or leadership transitions.

3. Guidance & Review

• Facilitates pastoral reviews between pastors and church boards.
• Approves associate pastors and ministry staff appointments.

4. Legal & Administrative Duties

• Signs legal documents with the district secretary.
• Nominates and supervises district staff.
• Helps approve ministry initiatives and pastoral appointments.

5. Crisis Management

• In declared “crisis” situations, the DS may:
  • Remove a pastor.
  • Dissolve a church board.
  • Take emergency actions to restore health.
• After recovery, the DS—with board support—can declare the church “out of crisis.”

❓ Q: Is a District Superintendent accountable to anyone?

Yes. A DS is accountable to:

• The General Superintendent.
• The District Advisory Board.
• The Church Manual, which provides clear guidelines.

They operate within team-based leadership, not as independent authorities.

❓ Q: Can a DS influence pastoral appointments?

Absolutely.

The DS helps:

• Recommend qualified candidates.
• Guide churches in pastoral transitions.
• Ensure pastoral vetting and approval follows church policy.

A District Superintendent is not just an administrator.

They are a pastor to pastors, a visionary leader, and a guardian of spiritual health within the district.

So next time you hear about a District Superintendent, remember:

This is a calling—a ministry of leadership, care, and guidance that strengthens the mission of the Church of the Nazarene.

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