The Board of General Superintendents and this Twenty-ninth General Assembly of the Church of the Nazarene in session in Indianapolis, Indiana, this twenty-ninth day of June, two thousand and seventeen, joyfully salute

DR. J. K. WARRICK

for his 52 years of Spirit-anointed service to Christ and the church, and with deep appreciation for his 12 years as a general superintendent in the global Church of the Nazarene. We celebrate his love of his Lord, his family, and his church, and honor his heart for the holiness message, Church planting, evangelism, world missions, discipleship, and compassionate ministries.
Born in Caddo, Oklahoma, on 18 November 1945, Johnny Ken Warrick grew up in Oklahoma, West Texas, and California. He gave his life to Christ as a child and quickly answered God’s call on his life. By age 16, with the encouragement of Pastor James Robertson, he began to preach.

In May of 1965, the Southeast Oklahoma District granted J. K. his first district minister’s license while he was still a student at Bethany Nazarene College (now Southern Nazarene University). It was at Bethany he met two people who would greatly impact his life. Dr. Donald Metz whose advice, encouragement, and wisdom helped to shape his ministry and focus; and Delores Jean “Patty” Ouzts, who he married in August 1967, just one month before beginning their first pastorate in Caddo, Oklahoma.

J. K. graduated from Trinity Bible College in Indiana, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. He is an alumnus of Wesley Biblical Seminary, and in 1994 he was honored by Southern Nazarene University with a Doctorate of Divinity for his service to Christ and the Church of the Nazarene. He has served on the Boards of Trustees at Mount Vernon Nazarene University and MidAmerica Nazarene University and on several district boards and committees in the church. In May of this year, in recognition of his ongoing passion and effort to involve young people in the mission of God, MidAmerica Nazarene University awarded him with a second Doctorate of Divinity.

He was chosen for the highest elected office in the Church of the Nazarene at the Twenty-sixth General Assembly in Indianapolis, Indiana, in June 2005, after serving for 38 years as a pastor in Oklahoma, Texas, Florida, Ohio, Indiana, and Kansas. A hallmark of his ministry has been the encouragement of God’s people to find a place of service in the church and community, and equipping pastors and laypersons to be missional leaders.

Dr. Warrick will be remembered for his numerous initiatives to foster greater involvement of the laity in ministry and service. Growth groups, prayer cells, church plants, creative compassionate ministry enterprises have all been part of God’s calling on his life. He has recently championed efforts challenging college students to intentionally select career opportunities in areas where they can become part of new church plants. This has resulted in connecting district leaders and church planters with enthusiastic young people committed engaging their culture for Christ.

No tribute to J. K. would be complete without mentioning Patty’s faithful contribution and supportive partnership in ministry. Through her interest in Bible studies, women’s ministry, and her devotion to discipling new believers, Patty has added special value to each of J. K.’s assignments.

The Warricks have two grown children and seven grandchildren. Their son, Brad and his wife, Jill; as well as their daughter Jill, and her husband Chad, all live in the Kansas City area. Having the grandchildren close is one of the special blessings they enjoy.

J. K.’s anointed preaching, passionate defense of the Holiness message, and fruitful service to Christ and the kingdom of God, have impacted countless lives. We salute Dr. Warrick with gratitude and sincere appreciation for his faithful service as a minister of the gospel and his contributions as a general superintendent in the Church of the Nazarene.

--Board of General Superintendents