Nazarene Theological Seminary

Dr. Paul W. Benefiel, pastor, long-time district superintendent, and former member of the General Board, passed away on December 17, 2005 of complications from Parkinson’s disease.  He was 80 years of age.  A memorial service is planned for 11:00 a.m. on January 21 at Pomona (CA) First Church of the Nazarene.  In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be sent to the Paul W. Benefiel Scholarship Fund at Nazarene Theological Seminary.   

Dr. Benefiel, father of current NTS President Ron Benefiel, was a graduate of Pasadena College (now Point Loma Nazarene University).  He completed Master’s degrees in Religion (PC/PLNU) and Sociology (University of Southern California) and received an honorary doctorate from PLNU.  His ministry was focused mostly in the Southern California area where he pastored the Wilmington, Brea, Pomona First and Los Angeles First Churches of the Nazarene. 

His leadership in the pastoral ministry as well as on the district, was characterized by his love for people and his commitment to mission, especially the cross-cultural mission of the Church.  He served as District Superintendent of the Los Angeles District for 17 years during which time approximately 30 new congregations were begun among immigrant and minority populations.  New models for multi-congregational churches were developed under his leadership. 

Over the years, he served the Church of the Nazarene in numerous capacities including District NYPS President, youth camps director, adjunct professor of Sociology (PC/PLNU), Chairman of the Board for Casa Robles missionary retirement home, Chairman of the Board for PLNU, and General Board member.

He is survived by Pearle (Andersen), his wife of 57 years, five children and their spouses Ron and Janet (Windoffer), Brenda and David Gleason, Randy and Diane (Curry), Leiza and Roger Privett, Bryan and Lori (Gastineau), and 13 grandchildren. 

To make a donation online to the Paul W. Benefiel Scholarship Fund, click here.  You may also send contributions by mailing them to the NTS Development Office at 1700 East Meyer Blvd, Kansas City, MO  64131.  For more information, contact NTS at development@nts.edu or at 800.831.3011, ext. 238.