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Church of the Nazarene
Description
The International Church of the Nazarene was founded in 1908 in Pilot Point, Texas, after a number of mergers of earlier, revivalist-style Wesleyan, Methodist, Pentecostal and “Nazarene” churches stemming from the American holiness movement in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Eventually, the Church located to Kansas City, whence it continued to grow and spread. In Canada, the Church’s origins can be traced to a single congregation founded in Nova Scotia in 1902. That congregation and others eventually affiliated with the international Church. Today, there are some 200 congregations in Canada. The word Nazarene is a reference to Jesus Christ’s home village, Nazareth.
Evangelism keeps the Church growing, enabling Nazarenes to witness their faith by preaching it to the world. The Church strives constantly to find the most effective methods of evangelism, and Nazarenes try to ensure that they represent themselves as being part of something holy. By doing so, they place great spiritual importance on being a part of the Church.
Lay people are encouraged to become part of an effective and changing ministry, to allow for the best possible leadership in the future of the Church.
Nazarene doctrine is derived from the Wesleyan tradition, and the Church is most closely allied to the Wesleyan and Methodist Churches in its doctrine. Nazarenes profess belief in the Triune God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. They believe that Jesus Christ, by His crucifixion, atoned for the sins of humanity. This atonement is sufficient to provide the means for salvation of the irresponsible and of children in their innocence. Those who are mature enjoy freedom of will and so may fall from the state of grace bestowed by Christ’s sacrifice. Regeneration of that state can only come through repentance, with the help of the Holy Spirit and faith in God. Justification is the act by which God grants regeneration, or forgiveness of sin and restoration of the state of grace. Through baptism in the Holy Spirit, God grants “entire sanctification”; that is, people are made free from sin and depravity and brought into a state of entire devotion to God and love for humanity. The believer is consecrated through sanctification and seeks to do God’s will and serve Him by helping others. Those who do not repent their sins are eternally lost.
Religious Elements
Scriptural and Doctrinal Sources
Sacraments
Baptism by water may be administered to young children at the wishes of their parents or to others who wish for Christian baptism. The individual, or parents, may choose baptism by immersion in water, by sprinkling or by anointment. The Lord’s Supper is also celebrated.
Moral Code
The moral code is founded on the Bible, specifically, the Ten Commandments. Nazarenes are devoted to helping others and conduct much relief work.
Houses of Worship
Houses of worship vary in architectural style from early Canadian wood structures to modern buildings of stone and brick. The interior layout is patterned on that of the modified Roman basilica of Europe and North America and consists of a narthex (vestibule); a nave (large space for the congregation); and a chancel, or sanctuary (space around the Communion table for clergy). The size of the building generally reflects the size of the congregation.
Devotional Practices and Services
Nazarenes are devoted to serving others in need, and they develop social programs in the areas of relief work, such as providing food, clothing and medical supplies to war-torn regions.
Clergy, Organization and Government
Government is a combination of congregationalism and episcopacy. A Board of General Superintendents, on which six members serve, carries out the corporate business of the Church. This board is responsible for administering worldwide work of the Church. It also interprets the Manual of the Church of the Nazarene. The General Assembly, which meets four times a year, comprises representatives of all of the Church’s districts. It is charged with lawmaking in the Church, doctrine formulation, the calling of ministers to service, and the election of the Board of General Superintendents. Congregations manage local affairs and are independent in their day-to-day business. They are guided in their activities by appointed pastors and elected elders.
Propagation of Faith
The faith is spread by evangelism. In 1999, there were 735 missionaries spreading news of the Church throughout the world. The use of the Internet and media resources to spread the word of the Nazarene is prevalent. Forms of missions include Good Samaritan churches, ministries to the poor that provide spiritual support, meals and other material assistance; Compassionate Mission Centers that raise and coordinate the distribution of funds and other material support for AIDS relief, health care, job retraining, the homeless, the unemployed, children and youth at risk, and others. In the United States, the Church operates colleges and hospitals.
Major Celebrations and Observances
Dates on which events are celebrated may vary from year to year according to variations in the liturgical calendar.
Days of Regular Observance
The Church of the Nazarene observes the general holy days of the Christian calendar, though it does not set out a specific list.
Every Sunday (day of rest and worship). Advent (preparation for Christmas). Christmas Day: 25 December. Epiphany (manifestation of Jesus; visit by the Magi): 6 January. Ash Wednesday (beginning of Lent). Lent (period of fasting). Palm Sunday (Jesus enters Jerusalem). Easter: from Good Friday to Easter Monday. Ascension Day (Jesus’ ascension): 40 days after Easter. Pentecost (birth of the Christian Church).
Dress Requirements
Dietary Requirements
Medical and Health Requirements
Nazarenes profess a belief in divine healing wrought through prayer, but they also teach that “providential” means of healing, including medical science, are the gifts of God and should not be refused. Abortion is supported only in extreme circumstances, when no other option is available or the life of the mother is threatened. The use of tobacco, alcohol and nonmedicinal drugs is considered immoral. The Church does not object to medical intervention to prolong life.
Death and Burial
Sources of Additional Information
http://www.nazarene.org/welcome/beliefs/ articles_faith.html — Articles of Faith of the Church of the Nazarene.
http://www.nazarene.org/ — international website of the Church of the Nazarene.
http://www.nazarene.ca/ — official website of Church of the Nazarene Canada.
National Director
Church of the Nazarene Canada
20 Regan Road
Unit 9
Brampton, ON L7A 1C3
Phone: (905) 846-4220
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