Brief History of the Church of the Nazarene

In the 1730's a vibrant evangelical revival arose in Britain, directed chiefly by John Wesley, Charles Wesley, and George Whitfield. Many turned from sin and were empowered by the Holy Spirit to serve God. This movement was characterized by lay preaching, testimony, discipline, and small group meetings. The revival was characterized by three theological landmarks:

* Regeneration for all by grace through faith.

* Sanctification from all sin by the Holy Spirit.

* Witness of the Spirit to the assurance of grace.

In the 19th century a renewed emphasis on Christian holiness began in the Eastern United States and spread throughout the nation. This holiness revival spilled outside the bounds of Methodism. Charles G. Finney and Asa Mahan led the renewed emphasis on holiness in Presbyterian and Congregationalist circles. Baptist evangelist A. B. Earle was among the leaders of the holiness movement within his denomination. Holiness camp meetings sprang up throughout the united states.

The witness to Christian holiness played roles in the founding of the Wesleyan Methodist Church (1843), the Free Methodist Church (1860) and, the Salvation Army (1865). In the 1880's, new, distinctively holiness churches sprang into existence, including the Church of God (Anderson, Ind.) and the Church of God (Holiness). In the 1890's another wave of independent holiness groups came into being. Some of the people involved in these organizations longed to be united into a national holiness church. Out of that impulse for a holiness denomination the Church of the Nazarene was born. In October 1895, Phineas F. Bresee organized the Church of the Nazarene in Los Angeles, California.

The Association of Pentecostal Churches of America, the Church of the Nazarene, and the Holiness Church of Christ were joined together in 1907-1908. The merging groups agreed upon a church government that balanced the need for a superintendency with the independence of local congregations. Superintendents were to care for established churches and were to organize new churches everywhere, but their authority was not to interfere with the independent actions of established churches.

After 1908 various other bodies united with the Church of the Nazarene:

* The Pentecostal Mission - 1915

* Pentecostal Church of Scotland - 1915

* Laymen's Holiness Association - 1922

* International Holiness Mission - 1952

* Calvary Holiness Church - 1955

* Gospel Workers Church of Canada - 1958

From its beginning the Church of the Nazarene had an inter-national dimension. With 662 missionaries, the church has entered a total over 90 world areas. As of 1997 the Church of the Nazarene had an international membership of over one million (1,254,315) distributed in over 12,134 congregations.

Our Nazarene Heritage

There should be no stigma attached to the desire to produce loyal Nazarenes. A part of our business is to foster an understanding of who we are, what we believe and what our mission is as Nazarene Christians. Getting people into the Kingdom, introducing them to Jesus Christ as Savior, leading them into the sanctifying work of God's Spirit is our primary mission. However, our assignment is not complete until we teach our people the essentials of what it means to be a Christian who is also a Nazarene. If the church is to endure, our distinctive doctrines and spirit must be transmitted to new Nazarenes, to our children, and to our children's children.

The first element of our heritage is loyalty to the Word of God. Nazarenes accept the Scriptures as the ultimate authority of truth and seek to live their lives in accordance with them. Theological affirmations are to be judged by their adherence to the clear teachings of the Bible. Any doctrinal view contrary to the clear teachings of the Scriptures must not be made an article of faith. On issues not clearly delineated in Scriptures Dr. Bresee used to say, "In essentials unity, in nonessentials liberty, and in all things charity." Our view of Scripture is not rationalistic, legalistic, or dogmatic. We do not unchristianize those who differ with us, nor access their spirituality in a judgmental manner. In matters not essential to salvation, we permit liberty, with regard to those doctrinal affirmations that are in our view essential to salvation, we require adherence of all who would become a part of our fellowship as Nazarenes.

The second aspect of our heritage is our emphasis on the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. We believe that sanctification, which results in holy living, is a divine act and process of moral and spiritual renewal beginning with regeneration and continuing to the final moment of our glorification. We also believe that within the process of the believer's renewal in the image of God, there is a distinct identifiable moment when one can be cleansed from inner depravity or iniquity, from the spirit of self-sovereignty which rivals the lordship of Christ. This moment comes on the conditions of full consecration and faith. This grace of heart cleansing includes the impulse to grow in grace. This impulse to grow must be nurtured so that the Christian continues to progress and mature in the things of God.

Third, the Church of the Nazarene has been blessed with strong biblical preaching. This is an indispensable part of our tradition. The kind of preaching that is the focal point of our worship has been preaching with a firm biblical base, that has addressed the felt needs of real people. Effective preaching requires study, and is fueled by a desire to learn. Thus, the Church of the Nazarene has insisted on a trained ministry. Wherever the church has been planted, we have established schools to equip our people to do works of Christian service.

Four, spontaneity and praise in spirited music with a sound spiritual message have characterized the church. In place of anthems and liturgical hymns, we have on the whole sung gospel songs and choruses magnifying God's grace in our lives. The music that has become so vitally a part of our heritage has exalted a holy God, lifted the name of Jesus, and become a means of worshiping in the beauty of holiness by the power of the Spirit.

Five, from the beginning, the Church of the Nazarene has agreed on a representative form of government. The members of the congregation call a pastor, elect an Administrative and a Ministry Board, and vote on buying and selling property. Elections are held annually.

The Administrative and Ministry Boards are responsible to work with the Pastor towards implementing the mission of the Church, establishing and monitoring the Church budget, and making policy decisions for the church. Both Boards meet monthly.

The Pastor is the Chief Executive Officer of the Church, Chairman of the Administrative Board, Mission Director, and spiritual leader for the Church. The Pastor has ex officio oversight over all departments of the Church (423.8, 423.22) and all church staff and their responsibilities (161.3, 423.18).  This division of responsibilities promotes involvement and participation at every level. 

OUR ARTICLES OF FAITH

We believe that the rights and privileges of church membership should be for those who are truly Christian. Our official statement of belief is premised on a vital personal relationship with Jesus Christ. In brief, we believe:

Article 2. Jesus Christ. We believe Jesus Christ is the Second Person of the Triune Godhead; that He was eternally one with the Father; and that He became incarnate by the Holy Spirit and was born of the Virgin Mary, so that two whole and perfect natures, that Godhead and manhood, are thus united in one Person fully God and fully man, the God-man.

We believe that Jesus Christ died for our sins, that He truly arose from the dead, and that He ascended into heaven and is there engaged in intercession for us. (Matthew 28:5-9; Luke 24:4-7)

Article 3. The Holy Spirit. We believe the Holy Spirit is the Third Person of the Triune Godhead. He is actively convincing the world of sin, regenerating those who repent and believe, sanctifying believers, and guiding into all truth (Romans 8:1-27; Galatians 3:1-14; 4:6).

Article 4. The Holy Scriptures. We believe the Old and New Testament Scriptures, given by plenary inspiration, inerrantly reveal the will of God and contain all truth necessary to faith and Christian living. (II Timothy 3:15-17)

Article 5. Sin, Original and Personal. We believe that sin came into the world through the disobedience of our first parents, and death by sin. We believe that sin is of two kinds: original sin or depravity, and acts of personal sin.

We believe that original sin, or depravity, is that corruption of the nature by which everyone is deprived of original righteousness, is averse to God, is without spiritual life, and inclined to evil continually. We further believe that original sin continues to exist with the new life of the regenerate, until cleansed by the baptism of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 5:12-14; 7:1-8:9)

We believe that original sin differs from actual sin in that it constitutes an inherited propensity to actual sin.

We believe that actual or personal sin is a voluntary violation of a known law of God by a morally responsible person. We believe that personal sin is primarily a violation of the law of love; and that in relation to Christ sin may be defined as unbelief. (Joshua 24:15; I Kings 20:40; John 7:17).

Article 6. Atonement. We believe that Jesus Christ by His death on the Cross made a full atonement for all human sin, and that this Atonement is the only ground of salvation. (John 1:29; 3:16; I Corinthians 5:7; Galatians 5:4-5; Ephesians 2:8-9)

Article 7. Free Agency. We believe that the human race’s creation in Godlikeness included the ability to choose between right and wrong, and that he is thus made morally responsible. Though morally depraved through the fall of Adam, the grace of God through Jesus Christ is freely bestowed on all people, enabling all who will to turn from sin to righteousness.

We believe that all persons, though in the possession of the experience of regeneration and entire sanctification, may fall from grace and, unless he repent of his sin, be eternally lost. (Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-26; Hebrews 10:26-27; I John 1:9; 2:1, 24-25)

Article 8. Repentance. Repentance is a sincere and thorough change of mind in regard to sin, involving a sense of personal guilt and a voluntary turning away from sin. (Isaiah 55:6-7; Ezekiel 18:30-32; 33:14-16; II Corinthians 7:8-11; II Peter 3:9)

Article 9. Justification, Regeneration, and Adoption. Justification is the judicial act of God granting pardon from the penalty of sins committed to all who believe on Jesus Christ and receive Him as Savior and Lord.

Regeneration is the work of God whereby the repentant believer is given a distinctively spiritual life, capable of faith, love, and obedience.

Adoption is the act of God by which the justified and regenerated believer is constituted a child of God.

Justification, regeneration, and adoption are simultaneously obtained by faith, preceded by repentance.

Article 10. Sanctification. Sanctification is the work of God, subsequent to regeneration, making the believer pure in heart and totally committed to God. The result of the baptism with the Holy Spirit, sanctification is both the cleansing of the heart from sin and the abiding, indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, empowering the believer for service. This work is both instantaneous and progressive. There is a marked difference between a pure heart and a mature character. A pure heart is a result of the crisis act of sanctification. A mature character is a result of the process of sanctification. (Deuteronomy 30:6; Luke 1:74-75; Acts 15:8-9; I Corinthians 6:11; Ephesians 4:13, 24; James 4:8)

This experience is known by various terms, such as, "the baptism of the Holy Spirit," "Christian holiness," and "the deeper walk." It is the will of God for every believer (I Thessalonians 4:3, 7).

Article 11. The Church. The mission of the Church in the world is to continue the redemptive work of Christ in the power of the Spirit through holy living, evangelism, discipleship, and service.

The Church exists both as local congregations and as a universal body. The Church Universal is composed of all who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord. Local churches are composed of those persons who, by the leading of the Holy Spirit, have voluntarily associated themselves together for holy fellowship and ministries. The Church of the Nazarene is composed of those who have associated themselves together according to the doctrines and polity of said church, and who seek Christian fellowship, the conversion of sinners, the sanctification of believers, and growth in holiness. (Matthew 16:13-19, 24; 18:15-20; 28:19-20; John 17:14-26; 20:21-23; Romans 10:9-15; 11:13-32; 12:1-8; I Corinthians 11:17-33; 14:26-40; Ephesians 4:1-17; Philippians 2:1-16; I Thessalonians 4:1-12; I Peter 2:4-12, 21)

Articles 12-13. Sacraments. We believe that God ordained two sacraments: Baptism and the Lord's Supper. Baptism is an outward symbol signifying the inward grace of accepting Jesus Christ as Savior. (Matthew 3:1-7; 28:16-20; Acts 2:37-41; 8:35-39; 10:44-48; 16:29-34; 19:1-6)

The Lord's Supper is received in remembrance of Christ's death for our sins. It is in remembrance of God's love and grace toward us, and the love we must share with one another (Matthew 26:26-28; Mark 14:22-24)

Article 14. Divine Healing. We believe in the Bible doctrine of divine healing and urge our people to offer the prayer of faith for those who are sick. Medical or other health agencies should not be refused. (Matthew 9:18-35; James 5:13-16)

Article 15. Second Coming of Christ. We believe in the personal return of Jesus Christ to receive His followers into heaven and eternal life. The time of His return is unknown, but may be at any moment. (John 14:1-3; I Thessalonians 4:13-18; James 5:7-8; Revelation 22:12, 20)

Article 16. Resurrection, Judgment, and Destiny. We believe that the just and the unjust shall be resurrected; the just to eternal life and the unjust to eternal damnation. In the future judgement everyone shall appear before God to be judged according to his/her deeds in this life. Everlasting life is assured to all who savingly believe in, and obediently follow, Jesus Christ; and the unrepentant shall be doomed to eternal punishment. (Matthew 25:31-46; Romans 2:1-16; 14:7-12;I Corinthians 15:12-58; II Corinthians 5:10; II Thessalonians 1:5-10; Revelations 20:11-15; 22:1-15)

LIFESTYLE: ETHICS OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE

The Church of the Nazarene purposes to relate timeless Biblical principles to contemporary society. We hold that the Ten Commandments, as reaffirmed in the New Testament, constitute the basic Christian ethic and ought to be obeyed in all particulars. It is imperative that our people earnestly seek the aid of the Spirit in cultivating a sensitivity against evil. Remember the admonition: "Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil" (I Thessalonians 5:21-22).

Our people should govern themselves by three principles.

1. One is the Christian stewardship of leisure time.

2. A second principle is the recognition of the Christian obligation to apply the highest moral standards to the Christian family. Because we are living in a day of great moral confusion in which we face the potential encroachment of the evils of the day into the sacred precincts of our homes through various avenues such as current literature, radio, and television, it is essential that the most rigid safeguards be observed.

3. The third principle is the obligation to witness against such social evils as violence, sensuality, pornography, profanity, and the occult. This would include the avoidance of all entertainment which produce, promote, or feature the violent, the sensual, the pornographic, the profane, or the occultic, and thus undermine God's standard of holiness of heart and life.

We suggest that the standard given to John Wesley by his mother form the basis for ethical decisions: "whatever weakens your reason, impairs the tenderness of your conscience, obscures your sense of God, or takes off the relish of spiritual things, whatever increases the authority of your body over mind, that thing for you is sin." (Romans 14:7-13; I Corinthians 10:31-33; Ephesians 5:1-18; Philippians 4:8-9; I Peter 1:13-17; II Peter 1:3-11)

Gifts of the Spirit. We believe that the Holy Spirit has given spiritual gifts to all believers for the purpose of building up the body of Christ and bringing glory to God. The gifts are to be exercised in love and emphasize the need for unity (I Corinthians 12:4, 11, 18, 21-25; Ephesians 4:11-16).

We believe in the miraculous use of languages and the interpretation of languages in its Biblical and historical setting. That is, languages were an evangelistic tool used for the purpose of spreading the gospel. The languages were unknown to the speaker, but known by the hearers (Acts 2:4-8). But it is contrary to the teaching of God's Word, as understood by the Church of the Nazarene, to teach that speaking in an unknown tongue, or the gift of tongues, is the evidence of being filled with the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:22-24).

The unity of the body of Christ is of utmost importance, therefore only a language readily understood by the congregation is to be used in public worship (I Corinthians 12:1; 14:40).

Marriage and Divorce. The Christian family, knit together in a common bond through Jesus Christ is to be earnestly cultivated. The institution of marriage was ordained of God. It is the permanent union of one man and one woman. Our people should cherish this sacred estate and should enter it only after earnest prayer for divine direction. The marriage covenant is morally binding so long as both shall live, and therefore, may not be dissolved at will. (Genesis 1:26-28, 31; 2:21-24; Malachi 2:13-16; Matthew 19:3-9; John 2:1-11; Ephesians 5:21 - 6:4; I Thessalonians 4:3-8; Hebrews 13:4)

Members of the Church of the Nazarene are to seek prayerfully a redemptive course of action when involved in marital unhappiness, in full harmony with their vows and the clear teachings of the Scripture. Couples having serious marital problems are urged to seek counsel and guidance of their pastor. Only adultery is a Scriptural ground for divorce and only adultery will supply such ground as may justify the innocent party in remarrying. (Matthew 5:31-32; 19:3-9).

Through ignorance, sin, and human frailties, many in our society fall short of the divine ideal. Where scriptural ground for divorce did not exist and remarriage followed, the marriage partners, are enjoined to seek the forgiving grace of God and His redemptive help in their remarriage relation.

Abortion. The Church of the Nazarene, in affirming the sanctity of human life, is opposed to the use of induced abortion for personal convenience or population control. It opposes liberalizing the laws which allow induced abortion on demand. Responsible opposition to abortion requires our commitment to the initiation and support of programs designed to provide care for mothers and children. (Exodus 20:13; 21:12-16; Job 31:15; Psalms 22:9; 139:3-16; Isaiah 44:2, 24; 49:5; Luke 1:23-25, 36-45; Romans 12:1-2; I Corinthians 6:16; 7:1ff; I Thessalonians 4:3-6)

Human Sexuality. Sexuality is one expression God intended for the covenant between a husband and a wife. Within marriage sexuality is a sign of commitment, love and loyalty. We view all forms of sexual intimacy that occur outside the covenant of heterosexual marriage as sinful distortions of what God intended. Homosexuality is one form by which human sexuality is perverted. The Bible affirms that such acts are sinful and subject to the wrath of God. There is no compatibility between Christian morality and the practice of homosexuality. We believe the grace of God is sufficient to overcome the practice of homosexuality (Gen 1:27; 19:1-25; Lev. 20:13; Rom 1:26-27; 1 Cor. 6:9-11; 1 Tim. 1:8-10).