A Guide to the Nazarene Church
Beliefs and Practices
The founder of the Church of the Nazarene, Phineas Bresee, was a former Methodist minister who wanted to see the church return to a ministry of serving the poor and homeless. The Nazarene church itself is the result of a merger of three Pentecostal churches in the early twentieth century who shared this vision. The Church derived its name from Acts 24:5, where the followers of Christ are referred to as "Nazarenes".
Over time, the church has separated itself from many traditional Pentecostal churches and has aligned itself more closely with Methodism.
Nazarenes believe that regeneration (salvation) and sanctification occur at different times. Therefore, a person may be saved while not yet sanctified. Sanctification takes place at a point in time and is not considered a process.
In the Church of the Nazarene, salvation is a free gift available to all who come to Christ and place their faith in Him. They believe in free will (Arminianism) and also that a believer can lose, or, "walk away" from his salvation.
They believe the Holy Spirit has a vital ministry in all who are born-again. Baptism is performed both on infants and adults and may be by immersion, sprinkling or pouring.
Nazarenes hold to the classical tenants of the Christian faith such as: The Trinity, the divinity of Jesus, the memorial of the Lord's Supper, and the return of Jesus Christ to raise the dead.
The defining characteristic that separates Nazarenes from Protestants is that they believe in total sanctification. That means that the Christian, through the power of the Holy Spirit, is able to live a sinless life after he comes to Christ. Though he still may sin, it should be a rarity. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, and love, a believer can overcome the effects of original sin and live a completely holy life before God on earth. The influence of this idea varies greatly from church to church within the denomination. Some interpret total sanctification very loosely and others more rigidly.
Nazarenes believe that God's purpose for marriage is for one man and woman to be united. Homosexuality is sin and contrary to God's plan.
Nazarenes abstain from the use of tobacco and alcohol.
Unlike many other Pentecostal denominations, Nazarene churches do not usually use the speaking of tongues in their services. They do, however, believe in faith healing or the "laying-on of hands". They also anoint with oil during services for healing, or as a blessing on those who are serving or leading in the church.
Published by Amy Kreger
Amy is a stay at home mom who resides in northern Minnesota. She has been married for 9 years and has 4 young children. View profile
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- Nazarenes have roots in Pentacostalism, but do not speak in tongues in their services.
- Nazarenes believe in total sanctification, the idea that sinners can become sinless over time.
- Nazarenes abstain from alcohol and tobacco.
3 Comments
Post a Commentthank you for this article. We studied total sanctification today in Sunday school.
This is a great article. Thanks for sharing...
The statement "Sanctification takes place at a point in time and is not considered a process." is not entirely true. From the Nazarene Manuel: "14. We believe that there is a marked distinction between a pure heart and a mature character. The former is obtained in an instant, the result of entire sanctification; the latter is the result of growth in grace. We believe that the grace of entire sanctification includes the impulse to grow in grace. However, this impulse must be consciously nurtured, and careful attention given to the requisites and processes of spiritual development and improvement in Christlikeness of character and personality. Without such purposeful endeavor one's witness may be impaired and the grace itself frustrated and ultimately lost."