THIS IS OUR STORY

The Church of the Nazarene’s “Young Clergy Network” began from within as a supportive initiative aimed at engaging and empowering younger clergy members, especially those early in ministry.

It evolved from small gatherings of young clergy, notably in Oklahoma, where leaders from Oklahoma City First Church hosted events for mentorship, connection, and dialogue about ministry challenges. These gatherings, often called “The Gathering,” focused on creating spaces for young ministers to connect, reflect, and support each other in an environment of shared values and open conversation​

The first official Young Clergy Conference, held in 2017, included table discussions and sessions with established leaders on a variety of practical topics. This initiative quickly gained traction, and the Young Clergy Network expanded, creating online resources, annual conferences, and meetups across the U.S. and Canada​.

The Young Clergy Network is now recognized as an official ministry by the denomination, aiming to unite young clergy and potential mentors across the U.S. and Canada. It provides essential connections, resources, and opportunities for these ministers to grow and, in turn, reinvest in one another.