White Smoke - 6 Popes!

The Church of the Nazarene has 6 leaders of the denomination called general superintendents. 3 retired this year and so the general assembly elected 3 new people.

Cunningham, Gunter (first woman GS) and Deihl are out.

Duarte (first GS elected from outside USAmerica), Bowling and Graves are in.

Duarte (pronounced dwart) has been a pastor, district superintendent and the Africa regional director. Duarte holds a master's degree in leadership from California's Azusa Pacific University and speaks at least five languages, including English and three of the major African languages. He has a gentle spirit, is a firm leader, and has a good understanding of mission philosophy.

Bowling has been a pastor, college faculty and university president. The dude is smart or least has more degrees than a thermometer. Bowling was also elected general superintendent in 2005, but graciously declined the election to return to Olivet. He gladly accepted this time.

Graves has been a pastor and Sunday School Ministries Director at Nazarene Headquarters. Graves is the third consecutive pastor from Olathe College Church to be elected general superintendent. Graves replaced J.K. Warrick, who was elected to the Board of General Superintendents at Indianapolis 2005. Warrick succeeded Paul G. Cunningham as pastor at the church after Cunningham was elected to the Board in 1993. Warrick began his service at the church in January 1994; Graves in September 2006.

Duarte, Bowling, and Graves will join re-elected superintendents Jerry D. Porter, Jesse C. Middendorf, and J.K. Warrick to comprise the Board for the next quadrennium.

The question remains... In the midst of denominational division between Nazarenes concerned about fundamentals and Nazarenes concerned about missional living, where/how will this group lead?