After twenty-five years serving as an NAB international missionary in Japan, Shan Reed is taking on a new role, having been appointed as the NAB’s new mobilization director.
In her role as the mobilization director, Shan will advance the strategic vision of NAB International Missions by igniting and resourcing deep, passionate engagement with international missions across NAB churches. This new position will be a pivotal part of fostering a movement of sending—going, giving, praying, and celebrating—by equipping churches and individuals to respond to Jesus’s commission to make disciples of all nations. The mobilization director will work closely with regional ministers, churches, and individuals to cultivate a culture of sacrificial sending and meaningful partnership in global missions.
Shan will take up her new role starting September 1, 2025. Because the mobilization director is a support-raising position, Shan will be continuing as an NAB missionary.
“I am excited about Shan Reed taking up this new role with the NAB,” said Joel David, the VP of International Missions. “Her deep passion for missions, her long experience on the mission field, and her proven capabilities in relating to and serving NAB churches in international missions make her a great fit.”
As she is currently on home assignment, Shan has an extensive schedule of supporting church visits planned through the end of the year. This will provide her a great opportunity to connect with them from the perspective of her new role and invite them to continue supporting her.
In her new role, Shan will work alongside NAB churches and regions to deepen mission engagement and to inspire and mentor those God is calling to serve on the international mission field. Reach out to Shan today to explore how she can inspire, serve, or resource you or your church for international missions.
The newest episode of the NAB Stories podcast is now available to stream or download.
In the penultimate episode of this season of the NAB Stories Podcast, Drew Steinhart sits down for a chat with Carol Potratz. Carol is a former NAB missionary to Japan, former professor at Taylor Seminary (now part of Kairos University), and much, much more. Their conversation is as diverse as Carol’s roles throughout the decades and touches on many areas that are sure to be encouraging and helpful.
You can listen or download this episode directly from the NAB website, or you can subscribe through Apple Podcasts or Spotify at the links below. New episodes are released twice a month through July.
Listen to the NAB Stories Podcast
Earlier this year, Rev. Terry Holley announced his intent to retire as the regional minister for the Great Lakes Association. In his letter to the GLA churches, he wrote:
It has been an incredible journey working with all of you. I am truly grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to come alongside you in your ministry and for the support I’ve received from you over the past twelve years as your regional minister. The experiences and relationships I’ve built during this time will always hold a special place in my heart. [. . .] Thank you once again for the opportunities, the friendships, and the support I’ve received throughout my ministry with the GLA. I look forward to seeing what God has for the Conference, for the Association, and for all of you in the future.
Terry’s last day as regional minister for the Great Lakes Association is August 31. He says his plans for the future include some kind of part-time ministry, hopefully utilizing his love of illusions and evangelism. Efforts are already underway within the association to find the next regional minister.
You can follow the link below to send Terry a fond memory or congratulatory note.
Blue Ocean is a one-year introduction to what it means to join God on mission, to be formed into a follower with the character of Christ, and to learn to reach friends and neighbors with a robust Gospel in our culture. We meet three times a year in three different cities across the United States and Canada for multi-day retreats. Blue Ocean includes pastors, leaders, and regional ministers from across the NAB. Each cohort represents a cross-section of regions, church sizes, and ministry styles. The discussions are both encouraging and challenging.
Module 1
Location: Vancouver, British Columbia
Dates: October 21–24, 2025
Topic: Missional Theology – Joining in with the God of Mission
Module 2
Location: TBD
Dates: February 1–4, 2026
Topic: Missional Formation – Becoming Like Christ
Module 3
Location: TBD
Dates: April 26–30, 2026
Topic: A Missional People – Becoming a Sent People
There is no cost for Blue Ocean, though participants are responsible for covering their travel and accommodation costs. All other costs are covered by the NAB.
