Encourage One Another

1 Thessalonians 5:11

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”

A few weeks ago, I was having a difficult morning. Yes—even District Superintendents have difficult days. I was carrying some burdens related to situations on our district, along with some challenges within our own family. In the middle of that morning, I received an encouraging text from one of our SoCal pastors. It wasn’t a request or an update—it was simply a word of encouragement.

I truly believe God prompted the heart of Pastor Moe Smith from Carlsbad Las Flores Church of the Nazarene to send that message. I immediately let him know how much it meant to me. Over these last two years, many of you have encouraged Sherri and me in countless ways, and we are deeply grateful. Thank you so much!

One of the simplest—and yet most powerful—ways God uses us is through encouragement. In many ways, encouragement itself becomes an evangelistic tool. Every day we interact with people who may be carrying burdens we know nothing about. There are moments when I believe God gives us divine appointments—prompting us to send a text, make a phone call, or simply offer an encouraging word in a public place.

When God places someone on our heart, it is almost always best to reach out and encourage them. You never fully know how much a simple word of kindness, hope, or affirmation may strengthen someone who is struggling.

I also believe the church should always strive to lead with love and encouragement, regardless of the circumstances we may be facing. Scripture reminds us that “love covers a multitude of sins.” Over the last two years, I have seen that even in moments of division or turbulence within local churches, leading with Christlike love and Godly encouragement often opens the door for reconciliation and healing.

My prayer is that across the Southern California District we would experience reconciliation, renewed hope, deeper discipleship, and healthy growth. May we continually encourage one another while also reaching the lost and broken people in our communities with the hope of Jesus Christ.

I am excited that our District Assembly is now less than a month away. We are already seeing encouraging signs of fruitful growth across our district this past year, and I believe we will all be inspired by what God is doing among us.

Please make plans to join us for:

• NMI Convention — June 5 from 4pm - 8pm

• District Assembly — Saturday, June 6 from 9am - 4pm, Ordination Service from 5 - 6:30pm

Both events will take place at Murrieta Gateway Church of the Nazarene.

Please continue praying for our district, our pastors, our churches, and these important gatherings. This is a significant season for the Southern California District.

On a personal note, one of my greatest hopes as District Superintendent has been to encourage pastors and churches. If there is ever a way I can encourage you or your congregation, please do not hesitate to reach out. My heart is to strengthen and encourage our district through the power and glory of Jesus Christ. When He is truly Lord of our lives, families, and churches, everything changes for the better.

I close with this beautiful reminder from Romans 1:

“That you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.”

May we continue encouraging one another through our shared faith in Jesus Christ and His wonderful plan for His Church.

We love all of you!

Rev. Shawn Siegfreid

District Superintendent

Southern California District Church of the Nazarene