Jeremy Scott, Assistant Superintendent
New England District of the Church of the Nazarene
Most of all, I am passionate about the justice of God as demonstrated in Jesus Christ and discovering and working for that which is good and right for those who are disadvantaged.
John 3:16-18 - "This is how we know love: Jesus laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters… if someone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but refuses to help—how can the love of God dwell in a person like that? Little children, let’s not love with words or speech but with action and truth."
My name is Jeremy Scott. I am the Assistant District Superintendent for Church Mission & Engagement and President of the board of The Esther R. Sanger Center for Compassion. For years, I've envisioned ways and hoped for means to inspire compassionate ministry. I believe that compassion is not an arm of the Church, but the heart of it.
I served local churches in pastoral ministry for 21 years. Besides all the "normal" pastoring duties, I focused on the justice of Jesus carried out through efforts of compassion. This has included leading the local church in establishing a community food pantry in Kansas City, teaching in jails and prisons in Kansas and Massachusetts, homelessness advocacy, and establishing The Anchor of Hull, a recovery community center in Hull, MA. I am a graduate of Eastern Nazarene College, Nazarene Theological Seminary, Boston University, and earned a doctorate at Duke University.
I'm married to Meghan. We have seven children of our own ranging from toddler to college. We are a foster home so the number of kids is constantly changing. We live in Hanover, Massachusetts, sharing a home with my parents, Rev. Dennis & Dr. Linda Scott. I am a New Englander through and through, having lived in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. But my favorite spot in the whole world is in northwestern Vermont on the shores of Lake Champlain where I have summered with extended family since birth. As I say, "The Spirit is everywhere, but God lives in Vermont."
Sam Mohnkern, Presenter: Creation Care
A couple of key verses for me over the years that have spoken to me are these: “‘Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their fruit…..Seek peace and well-being for the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf; for in its peace (well-being) you will have peace.’” Jeremiah 29:5-7 AMP
“I planted, Apollos watered, but God [all the while] was causing the growth. So neither is the one who plants nor the one who waters anything, but [only] God who causes the growth. He who plants and he who waters are one [in importance and esteem, working toward the same purpose]; but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor. For we are God’s fellow workers [His servants working together]; you are God’s cultivated field [His garden, His vineyard], God’s building. [Is 61:3]” 1 Corinthians 3:6-9 AMP
“Safety first: Quarrying stones is dangerous. Be alert: Felling trees is hazardous.” Ecclesiastes 10:9
My name is Sam Mohnkern. I have been living and working in the natural world in various communities for over 12 years. During the past 4 years I have been operating my own Ecological restoration and tree care business. I hold a local minister’s license at the Petersburg Church of the Nazarene where I reside in Petersburg, Pennsylvania. While Pennsylvania is my residence I spend a good deal of time in New England where I live part time. Over the years I worked and served in different congregations and communities through a variety of ministries. I was previously employed by Eastern Nazarene College as the grounds manager and there I received much of my training in the field. Before that role, I served as a member of a leadership development organization for inner city youth in the Boston area. Through combined experiences, the Lord has utilized my livelihood as a ministry and discipleship tool. I have two amazing daughters who also like to take part in the work of the land and the cultivation of souls.
Alex Lu, Presenter: Emergency Preparedness
A verse guiding me in this season is 1 Peter 4:10: Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
My name is Alex Lu. I have served in ministry for over 20 years including roles as Assistant Minister and Associate Pastor. I now serve as the Installation Chaplain of Hanscom Air Force Base, MA. I have always been part of the Nazarene Compassionate Ministry whether it is through Child Sponsorship or compassionate ministry involvement whenever and wherever I find accessible. I hold theology degrees from both European Nazarene Bible College and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. I am married to Michelle and we have one child, Sophia. We live on Hanscom Air Force Base.
Missy Kindt, Presenter: Everyone Welcome
My life verse is Acts 20:24 - I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord has given to me - the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace.
My name is Michelle (Missy) Kindt. As District President of NMI (Nazarene Missions International), I am working to mobilize the local churches of the New England district to support and advance global missions. I also teach an English class for English learners at my local church, Wollaston Church of the Nazarene in Quincy, MA.
I have served with my husband, Steve, as he pastored several churches in Pennsylvania and now in Quincy, MA. I am a public school French teacher who enjoys presenting teaching strategies and methodologies to language teachers. I'm also a language student - I study Mandarin!
Eddie Kish, Presenter: Foster Care & Adoption
Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a future and a hope”.
My name is Eddie Kish. I am the Senior Pastor at New Beginnings Church of the Nazarene in Loudon, NH. After studying music at ENC, I went on to receive a Bachelor's in Business as well as a Master's in Christian Ministry from Olivet Nazarene University.
My wife and I recently purchased a home in Loudon just behind the racetrack where we are enjoying the ability to practice hospitality with our friends and neighbors, as well as husbandry with the beautiful 20 acres of forest God has blessed us with (don't worry, I'll let Sam do the talking about trees).
Family is a nuanced word for us, with many meanings and applications. The current residents of our home are myself and Rachel, our adopted daughter Halie (20 and attending Gordon), are bio kids Kaleb (4), Brooklynn (8) and Emma (9), as well as our friend Liz (29). Our children recognize that there is a difference between Uncle Sam (my biological brother), Uncle Lucas (my wife's adopted brother) and Uncle Pauley (my best friend)-they also recognize all of them as family.
8 years ago, Rachel and I entered the world of the foster community, and through it, welcomed a number of lost, broken children, not only into our home, but into the family of God. Sometimes, that relationship lasts for a weekend-in one instance, it is lasting a lifetime. In all cases, the gospel was on display and the Kingdom, if only in small steps, was advanced.
Foster care and adoption, for the Christian, is the opportunity to provide a home, a hope, and a future for a child in need. Like the journey of Israel, it is not without difficulty, opposition and sometimes what seems like all out war. But it is also not without his presence, his provision, and his grace.
John Nielson, Presenter: GriefShare
My mission statement verse is Luke 1:17: “ And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”
My name is John Nielson. I became Lead Pastor of Manchester Church of the Nazarene in July of 2025. Prior to coming to MCN, I was the Associate Professor of Practical Theology and Director of ENC Music at Eastern Nazarene College in Quincy, Massachusetts (2018-2024). Previous to ministry at ENC, I served as the Lead Pastor of Melwood Church of the Nazarene MD for 24 years and Associate Pastor of Worship and Lay Ministry at St. Paul’s Church of the Nazarene, MA. My wife Amy and I have three grown daughters and one grandson.
Don Coombs, Presenter: Recovery Ministries
A favorite portion of Scripture for me is Philippians 4:4-8. ”Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
My name is Don Coombs. I am an ordained Nazarene minister working with The Salvation Army as well as a private practice clinician specializing in mental health and addiction disorders. I studied at Eastern Nazarene College, Cambridge College, and American International College. My wife, Michelle, and I have four adult children, plus two daughters-in-laws, and two grandchildren. We reside in the Springfield area of Massachusetts and worship at Faith Community Chapel in Ludlow, Massachusetts.
Lisa Morrison, Host Pastor, and Presenter: School Partnerships
One of my favorite Bible verses is: “Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. She will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit” (Jer 17:7-8).
My name is Lisa Morrison. I have served in multiple pastoral positions in the Church of the Nazarene, and I'm currently the Lead Pastor of Faith Community Chapel in Ludlow, MA. In addition to my pastoral duties, I also teach pastoral ministry courses for Nazarene Bible College. I've taught in the Religion, Communication, and Adult Studies Departments at Eastern Nazarene College. I also had the opportunity to serve as the Executive Director and Education Director for Reynolds Institute, which is the District Training Center for the New England District. In 2015, I was a Guest Lecturer at Nazarene Theological College – South Africa (NTC-SA). After my time at NTC-SA, God called me and one of my students to embark on a journey so she could receive her Bachelor of Religion degree from Eastern Nazarene College and her Master in Old Testament from Nazarene Theological Seminary. My greatest passion is preaching and teaching the Word of God, and I want to share the love of Jesus with everyone around me.
J.P. VanDalsem, Church Relations Manager
Nazarene Compassionate Ministries (Global)
A verse guiding me in this season is Revelation 21:5: “Behold I am making all things new.”
My name is J.P. VanDalsem. I have served in ministry for more than 20 years including roles as Youth College Missions and Lead Pastor. I now serve as Church Relations Manager with Nazarene Compassionate Ministries’ global office. This summer I traveled to Kenya to learn from local leaders and see NCM projects supporting families through agriculture and vocational training. I hold theology degrees from both Southern Nazarene University and Trevecca Nazarene University where I also serve as adjunct faculty and as a volunteer assistant with the women’s soccer team. I am married to Traci and we have four children. We live in East Nashville in the Little Hollywood neighborhood.
Paul Bowen, Managing Director
Esther R. Sanger Center for Compassion
My life verse is Ephesians 3:20-21: “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”
My name is Paul Bowen. I am currently serving as the Managing Director of the Esther R. Sanger Center for Compassion. I also serve as the Executive Director of the Wesley Initiative for Missional Development, which is a new initiative of the New England District Church of the Nazarene. The Wesley Initiative is focused on strategic planning and sustainability planning for churches and the missional redevelopment of church properties. I previously served as the Head of School at Fusion Academy in Hingham, MA. I also served as the Director of Corporate Work Study at Cristo Rey High School in Boston. I previously served as the Executive Director of the Taconic Retreat Center, and I also served on the staff of Trinity Church in Boston and St. Paul’s Church in Lynnfield, MA. I am a graduate of Eastern Nazarene College, and I taught as an adjunct at ENC for 12 years. I am married to Melissa Bowen, who serves as a hospice chaplain on the South Shore of Boston. We live in Rockland, MA.