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At Shawnee Church of the Nazarene we are called to be an intentional community. In doing life together, we discover our identity as a people who GATHER, GIVE, and GROW. As we gather for worship and fellowship, we learn to love each other as Christ has loved us. Discovering our identity in Christ calls us into rhythms of compassion, generosity, and service. All the while, we engage in discipleship through prayer and the ministry of the Word that our faith would continue to grow.

We truly believe that we are called to share the Love of Christ and be a place where everyone may flourish. We are located in the heart of Shawnee, Kansas and we are passionate about loving God with our whole heart, soul, mind and strength and loving our neighbors as ourselves (Matt. 22:36-40). We also desire to follow Christ’s command for us to make Christ-like disciples in the nations (Matt 28:16-20).

Our Story

our detailed history

1935

Ruth Hieronymous had a vision for a Nazarene church in Shawnee; she prayed and believed for nearly 25 years.

1960

Lakeview (now Antioch) Church of the Nazarene sent 9 members and gave $1,000; 26 charter members made SCN the 2nd Nazarene church in northeast Johnson County and the 24th in the KC metro; the church first met in the Masonic Lodge Hall.

1963

First sanctuary built & dedicated (now Hispanic Ministries Center)

1970

8,700 square foot educational facility added on.

1971

Membership grows to 200 under the leadership of Rev. Mel McCullough.

1973

Adventure Time Preschool founded.

1976

550-seat sanctuary built.

1982

Peak SCN attendance of 400 under Rev. Richard Young’s leadership.

1984

1984 through 1991 mark years of struggle as attendance drops, key lay leaders move away, and several senior pastors come and go.

1991

SCN renews growth and vision under the leadership of Rev. Jeren Rowell; attendance peaks at 470.

2002

Daughter church Grace Point Church of the Nazarene planted in western Shawnee.

2007

Educational wing added to building for continued ministry to community.

2017

Cara Shonamon & Chuck Sunberg join SCN as co-lead pastors.

2024

Gavin Fothergill joins SCN as lead pastor.

Making Christ-like disciples in the nations.