By Dr. Jay Richard Akkerman
On Sunday, September 14, the Nashville (TN) First Church of the Nazarene elected Dr. Grant Miller as its next pastor. This historic church was founded in 1898 as the Pentecostal Mission Tabernacle by Rev. J.O. McClurkan, a Cumberland Presbyterian minister, leading voice in 19th-century holiness circles across the American southeast and founder of what is now Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville.
Grant noted recently: “We don’t undertake this transition lightly, but we also feel confirmation from the Spirit that this move to Nashville has been directed by the Lord, and in so doing are seeking to faithfully steward God’s calling on our lives.”
Likewise, NNU Pres. Mark DeMichael shared these thoughts about Grant’s pending departure: “As a University, we are grateful to be a place that grows leaders and sends them into the world for Kingdom impact. We trust in a loving God who goes before Grant and his family. We commit to lifting them in prayer during this transition, believing that God’s presence will guide and sustain them. We also hold confidence that the same God who is leading Grant is preparing the right person to step into the role of University Chaplain at NNU… On a personal note, in my short time here at NNU, I have come to love and appreciate Grant. He is a humble leader, gifted with the extraordinary ability to show compassion and understanding to those around him, while also demonstrating courage in his commitment to speaking and living out God’s Word. He truly embodies God’s call to live with GRACE and TRUTH, and he will be deeply missed.”
Dr. Miller has served as our University Chaplain since 2021. Prior to that, he was NNU’s Director of Community Life for seven years while also serving as college pastor at Nampa (ID) College Church of the Nazarene. An ordained elder, Grant and his wife, Jen, have three children. At this time, the Millers are in consultation with both the University and their new congregation on a more definite schedule of Grant’s departure from his role on our campus.
Please join us in praying for the Millers, Nashville First Church, and our campus community during this leadership transition.
