For Dr. Addison Lucchi (MBA ’19), purpose has never been confined to a classroom, library or campus office. Instead, it has grown through years of faithful service, cross-cultural relationships and a deep conviction that God can use stories to transform lives. His doctoral research included the study and classroom application of the ideas of writer and theologian C. S. Lewis, concerning the unique power of stories to communicate truth in a way that aligns with our design—even Jesus often communicated through stories.
This summer, Addison, his wife, Maggie and their two children begin a new chapter as pioneers for the Church of the Nazarene in the Czech Republic, where they will help establish the denomination’s first long-term Nazarene presence in the country. Based in Ostrava, the couple will focus on building relationships, sharing the gospel through Christlike service, and creating opportunities for spiritual growth among young people and families.
The move is the culmination of a journey that began through ministry partnerships, language study and repeated trips to the Czech Republic. Over the past five years, the Lucchis have immersed themselves in Czech culture, including living in the country for two years. During that time, they developed relationships with local believers and discovered a growing passion for ministry in one of Europe’s most secular nations.
Members of the 2026 Pioneer Trek Team in Prague, Czech Republic. The team included students Faith Demlow, Alex Gere, Grace Boling, Sara Powell, Kate Mook, Hannah Irwin and Reagan Stephens, Dr. Todd Keller (College Church of the Nazarene, which is the Lucchi’s home and sending church), and MNU professors Dr. Natalie Eick, Dr. Addison Lucchi, Dr. Christina Bohn and Prof. Aaron Bohn.
While serving as missionaries, the Lucchis will also embrace a bi-vocational model of ministry. Addison will serve as vice president of operations and library director for the Institute for International Medicine (INMED), continuing his passion for education and organizational leadership while supporting the couple’s ministry efforts in the Czech Republic. At the same time, Addison continues to partner with MNU both as an adjunct faculty member and as a Czech Pioneer Trek trip host, offering students the opportunity to explore a call to ministry and to connect their disciplines—especially teaching and storytelling—with their faith.
The transition marks the conclusion of a significant 10-year season of service at MidAmerica Nazarene University, where Addison has served as an instructional and research librarian, professor, and library director for Nazarene Bible College. A 2019 graduate of MNU’s MBA program, he has made a lasting impact on the university through his commitment to scholarship, innovation and student engagement.
Among his many contributions, Addison led MNU’s annual Celebration of Scholarship, showcasing the research and creative work of students and faculty. He also expanded the library’s role as a center for cultural enrichment by launching events such as artist talks, author presentations and community conversations that brought a wide range of voices and experiences to campus. He has acquired research funding and led numerous grant projects in collaboration with subject-area faculty, positioning the library as a hub for multidisciplinary research.
Beyond his work in the library, Addison helped lead five Pioneer Trek experiences to the Czech Republic, introducing students to cross-cultural ministry through storytelling camps, weeklong in-school teaching, English-language workshops, and relationship-based outreach. Those experiences not only shaped students’ understanding of global ministry but also helped clarify God’s call on the Lucchis’ lives—especially their call to work with and disciple young people for vocational global ministry.
The Lucchis leave behind colleagues, students and friends who will deeply miss their leadership, creativity and servant-hearted ministry. Yet their journey reflects a truth MNU Pioneers can attest to: purpose is not static. It grows as we faithfully respond to God’s leading.
Students enjoying their opportunity to sightsee at the Charles Bridge in Prague and at Hukvaldy Castle in Czech Moravia.
