Pioneers enjoyed an eventful summer engaging with constituents at denominational gatherings and conferences across the country. The Church of the Nazarene General Assembly in Indianapolis, Indiana, held this June, attracted international delegates and participants by the thousands. Nazarene Youth Conference (NYC) in Tampa, Florida, in July—the largest ever—attracted 10,000 teens and sponsors. Additionally, Pioneers actively repped MNU at numerous field youth camps and District Assemblies throughout the summer.

With each event, MNU representatives connected with familiar faces and new friends while showcasing their dedication and passion for the university. These touchpoints served as valuable opportunities to strengthen relationships and foster a sense of unity within the Nazarene community.

A sampling of where MNU students and staff served this summer includes:

• General Assembly—Along with faculty and staff, sixteen MNU students actively participated in General Assembly events, singing in the choir, providing musical talent, and engaging in worship services, workshops, and discussions centered around their shared faith. General Assembly provided a platform for these MNU representatives to share their experiences and insights while gaining inspiration and knowledge from those they met.
• The MNU Alumni Luncheon held during General Assembly brought 200 alumni and friends together to hear from MNU leaders and worship, while taking the opportunity to reconnect.
• Nazarene Youth Conference (NYC)—Nazarene Youth Conference in Tampa, Florida, attracted a vibrant, energetic crowd of young Nazarenes enjoying Christian concerts, games and recreation, worship, service projects, sightseeing and more. Again, MNU students played an active role in these events. MNU Chaplain Rev. Brady Braatz served as a co-chaplain introducing speakers and leading prayer in the arena. Leadership tapped Braatz to host NYC Live, a livestream show featuring interviews with speakers, event announcements and recaps. The event provided a unique opportunity for MNU students to connect with their peers from across the country, sharing their faith journeys and learning from one another. Watch a recap and more here.
• Youth camps and District Assemblies—Throughout the summer, MNU serve teams worked as counselors at field youth camps and musicians at District Assemblies, further strengthening the university’s ties with the Nazarene community. These events allowed MNU representatives to engage with local churches and districts, providing support and encouragement to youth and leaders alike.
• Pioneer Trek—Pioneer Trek’s international and domestic travel and service-learning trips wrapped the summer in rich experiences for students. Beginning in May after the spring semester, groups traveled to Guatemala for the School of Nursing service trek; to the Dominican Republic Discover Missions, a Nazarene event to inspire potential missionaries; and the Czech Republic to teach English. Pioneer Trek also participated in the Love Your Neighbor service project in Indianapolis during General Assembly.

These summer events served as a testament to MNU’s commitment to its denominational roots and its dedication to nurturing the next generation of Nazarene leaders. Through active participation and meaningful interactions, MNU students, alumni, faculty, and staff exemplified the university’s mission of transforming lives through education, scholarship, and Christian service.

As summer comes to a close, MNU looks forward to building upon the connections made during these events enjoyed by the Nazarene community.