Welcome To Our District
Rev. Dr. Bronell Greer and his spouse, Mrs. Paula Greer, came to India in 1944 to serve as Nazarene missionaries. Most of their missionary years were spent in Maharashtra, North India. In 1980, Dr. Bronell Greer began pioneering work in South India, first in Karnataka and later in Tamil Nadu.
In 1981, the first Nazarene church district in Tamil Nadu was organized, and the inaugural District Assembly was held the same year. From 1981 to 1993, the Tamil Nadu District functioned as a single unit under the leaderships of Rev. Dr. Bronell Greer (1981–1987) and subsequently Rev. Dr. C.S. Dhas (1988–1993).
Due to rapid growth in the number of churches and the expanding geographical coverage, the need for additional leadership and more effective oversight became evident. In response, the district was officially bifurcated in January 1994 into two distinct districts: Tamil Nadu East and Tamil Nadu West. Rev. Dr. C.S. Dhas was continued as the District Superintendent of Tamil Nadu East, and Rev. Jayakumar as the first District Superintendent of Tamil Nadu West. This restructuring aimed to strengthen leadership, improve administration, and provide focused ministry and growth opportunities within the culturally and geographically distinct regions of Tamil Nadu.
The Eastern Tamil Nadu District (ETND) includes areas such as Chennai, Vellore, Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Pondicherry, Nagapattinam, Madurai, Sivakasi, Sattur, Dindigul, and Salem, and later expanded into other neighboring regions as new churches and ministries were established.
From the beginning, the district has been deeply rooted in holiness teachings, community outreach, and compassionate ministry. It places strong emphasis on church planting, leadership development, children and youth ministry, and evangelism. Ministries such as Vacation Bible Schools (VBS), Sunday School, Compassionate Development Centers (CDCs), Theological Training Centers, and prayer fellowships have played a vital role in local outreach and community transformation. Since its formation, ETND has experienced steady growth under the guidance of committed District Superintendents and ministry leaders, supported by the India Field and Eurasia Region. The district remains focused on identifying and equipping young leaders, empowering local churches, and advancing the Kingdom of God in both rural and urban contexts.
Challenges and Needs
Our Challenges:
1. Need vibrant young persons for pastoral role, 2. Finances for ministry development, 3. Compassion and social work.
Our Needs:
1. Nazarene Theological and Leadership Training and centers 2. More young leaders to do evangelism and church planting. 3. Pastors monthly salary. 4. Pastors Medical Support and medical policy. 5. Pastors retirement benefits and pension. 6.District office and Retreat Center.
Prayer Requests
Please pray for: 1. Seven Church in need of building repair work. 2. Six churches are in need of new compound wall. 3. Construction of a Parsonage. 4. New church buildings for three churches. 5. The purchase of land and construction of churches at four places. 5. Financial needs. 6. Pastors monthly salary. 7. Pastors Medical Support and medical policies. 8. Pastors retirement benefits and pensions.
Our District Superintendent
Rev. S. Wilson Jabaraj