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Church of Nazarene was birthed from the Holiness Movement as a merger of 7 Holiness and/or Pentecostal denominations in 1907-08: the Central Evangelical Holiness Association (New England), the Association of Pentecostal Churches of America (Middle Atlantic States), New Testament Church of Christ (South), Independent Holiness Church (Southwest), the Church of the Nazarene (West Coast), the Pentecostal Church of Scotland, and the Pentecostal Mission (Southeast).
Church of the Nazarene was founded primarily by a Methodist minister named Phineas F. Bresee (pictured), who pastored a “Nazarene” church in 1895 and Pentecostal Missions leader Hirum F. Reynolds. The theology of this Nazarene offshoot from The Holiness Movement greatly resembled, and still resembles, Wesleyan Methodist theology in that it is Arminian in regards to man’s free will and salvation and that Sanctification is a separate event from justification. The Church of the Nazarene position on sanctification is a bit peculiar compared to many Christian denominations in that sanctification is believed it to be, although separate, a one-time event and not necessarily a process.
The Pentecostal influence still remains with the liturgy of this denomination in the form of anointing with oil, laying on of hands for healing, and other practices of the gifts, However, the gift of tongues is not necessarily practiced in the vast majority of Church of Nazarene churches. In fact, they are most often said to resemble a Methodist liturgy more than anything else.
One of the most famous members of the Church of Nazarene was a radio minister: Dr James Dobson who conducted a conservative Christian radio program called “Focus on The Family” for several years. Dr Dobson has been regarded by some as an authoritative voice with regards to an Evangelical view of family. However, many apologists and members of the discernment community (including myself) held to the view that he presented an unbiblical self-centred view of the Christian life which is part and parcel of secular psychology. His embrace of Freudian and Jungian psychology and then wrapping that in a pseudo-Christian wrapper may have caused more harm to the Christian family than good.
Entire Sanctification: The Nazarene Church teaches a second work of grace following salvation, known as entire sanctification which originated with John Wesley who was a major influence on Phoebe Palmer who founded the Holiness movement. There is nothing in Scripture which describes sanctification as a moment when the believer is purified by the Holy Spirit thereby enabling them to live a holy life free from willful sin. The Apostle Paul struggled with sin and described this struggle for the believer in Romans chapter 7. The Apostle John tells believers that “if we sin we have an advocate with the Father” and if they “confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us from our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness”
Also in keeping with the Armininian position of John Wesley, Holiness and Pentecostalism, Church of the Nazarene embrace the doctrine of free Will and prevenient Grace which emphasizes human free will and the prevenient grace of God that draws people to salvation without coercion.
Again, in keeping with the Pietism of John Wesley, the Holiness and Pentecostal Movements, the Church of the Nazarene puts a huge emphasis on personal and social holiness whereby members are expected to live morally upright lives, abstaining from alcohol, tobacco, and other behaviors which they find harmful. Nazarenes are also called to engage in compassionate ministry and social justice.
The Church of the Nazarene is strongly mission-oriented with a global presence in over 160 countries. They accomplish this through church planting, education, healthcare, and disaster relief are integral parts of its mission strategy.
Church of the Nazarene operates under a representative form of polity, with a General Assembly as the highest governing body. This is similar to the Pentecostal Assemblies of God polity.
Local Nazarene churches elect delegates to district and general gatherings, maintaining a balance between local autonomy and centralized governance. This is similar in structure to many Orthodox Church denominations and is a departure from the scriptural structure whereby a Pastor/ Elder/ Bishop serves as an overseer for a manageable (accountable) group in order to disciple and equip them for the work of the ministry.
In keeping with Biblical orthodoxy, Church of Nazarene recognizes two sacraments: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
Unfortunately, Church of Nazarene departs from Biblical ecclesiology whereby the Apostle Paul made it clear that women are forbidden to teach or to hold a position of authority over men in the church.
The Church of the Nazarene ordains women and affirms their leadership at all levels of ministry.
The Church of Nazarene maintains a strong commitment to Christian education operating several universities and theological seminaries globally.
They also encourage lifelong discipleship through Sunday school, small groups, and leadership training for its members.
No one receives eternal life and eternal presence with God (from Whom all good things come – James 1:17), by belonging to the right church, denomination, world religion, or by having a particular world view. Rather only those who trust in the Lord Jesus (preached by the Apostles in the Bible) for their own sin. We will not trust in a Savior for sins that we either don’t believe we have or that we think aren’t deserving of hell. But the Bible says that ALL have sin and the wages of that sin is eternal separation from God (death). The good news is that the Bible says that you can know that YOU have eternal life. Click the button below to see if you are genuinely saved from your sins according to the Bible: