The National Board of the Church of the Nazarene Canada announced Ian Fitzpatrick will begin his service as national director 1 November. 

Fitzpatrick was elected to this ministry by the National Board at their annual meeting held in Mississauga, Ontario, April 2017, following the announced plans of Clair MacMillan to retire. The months following the April meeting have been times of preparation as leaders engaged in necessary and appropriate steps of transition. 

Fitzpatrick resigned as superintendent of the Canada Central District, effective 31 October 2017. He was named Canada Central district superintendent in 2004. He will continue to serve as superintendent of the Canada Quebec District, a position he has held since 2013.  

In addition to being a district superintendent, Fitzpatrick previously pastored churches in Ontario (Mississauga Bethel, Toronto Lawrence Avenue, Toronto Annette St., Toronto Emmanuel). He also served on the USA/Canada Mission Evangelism Committee, Global Mission Committee, and Executive Committee as a member of the Church of the Nazarene's General Board. He earned degrees from Nazarene Bible College (Associate of Biblical Studies, Doctor of Ministry) and Ontario Theological Seminary (Master of Theology). 

"The [National Board] also conveys deep appreciation and gratitude to Dr. MacMillan for over 12 years of effective ministry to us as he served the Lord in the role of national director of our church," said Earl Wood, chair of the National Board. "We are pleased that Dr. MacMillan will remain a member of the National Board during his service as district superintendent of our Canada Atlantic District. Thank you, Dr. MacMillan, for your friendship and leadership among us over these many years."

The Church of the Nazarene officially entered Canada in 1902. Latest denominational reports state Canada has 176 Churches of the Nazarene, 153 of which are officially organized. There are nearly 13,000 total members in Canada.

--Church of the Nazarene Canada