Author name: Nazarene Journal

This is one of the most sensitive and difficult questions of our time. But the Church does not begin its answer with opinion — It begins with the Word of God. “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.” — Psalm 139:13 (NIV) “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.” — Jeremiah 1:5 (NIV) “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.” — Psalm 127:3 (NIV) From these truths, the Church of the Nazarene affirms: 1. Life Begins at Conception “Life is a gift from God. All human life, including life developing in the womb, is created by God in His image…” — Manual ¶30.1 From the moment of conception, life is already life — not potential, but actual. Not future, but present. The unborn child bears the image of God. This life is sacred. This life is to be protected. 2. We Oppose Abortion for Convenience or Control “We oppose induced abortion by any means, when used for either personal convenience or population control.” — Manual ¶30.1 This means the Church does not support abortion for: Personal comfort Financial reasons Social pressures Government population policies These motives, the Church believes, do not honor the sanctity of life. 3. What About Medical Emergencies? The Manual acknowledges: “There are rare, but real medical conditions… termination of the pregnancy should only be made after sound medical and Christian counseling.” — Manual ¶30.1 In tragic cases — where both the mother and the unborn child face death — the Church recognizes the deep pain and moral weight. In such circumstances: The decision must involve prayer, wisdom, and faithful counsel It must honor life as sacred — even in sorrow It must never be made lightly or casually This is not permission for convenience — but compassion in rare tragedy. 4. What Does Responsible Pro-Life Support Look Like? “Responsible opposition to abortion requires our commitment to… programs designed to provide care for mothers and children.” — Manual ¶30.1 Being pro-life is not only a belief — It is a practice. The Church calls us to: Support crisis pregnancy centers Assist expectant mothers in need Promote Christian adoption Offer help without judgment The Church must not simply speak — It must act in love. 5. How Should the Church Respond to an Unwanted Pregnancy? “The community of believers… should provide a context of love, prayer, and counsel.” — Manual ¶30.1 Not everyone needs to know — but someone should walk with the person in grace. Our role is not to shame — It is to support. We are called to love both the mother and the unborn child. 6. Why Do These Situations Happen? The Church speaks plainly: “Often… because Christian standards of sexual responsibility have been ignored.” — Manual ¶30.1 The Church calls all believers to: Follow New Testament teaching Practice purity and self-control Honor God’s design for sexuality and family But when people fall short, The Church does not reject — it restores. 7. What If I’ve Already Had an Abortion? The Manual urges every church: “Each local congregation… is urged to offer the message of forgiveness by God for each person who has experienced abortion.” — Manual ¶30.1 Hear this: You are not beyond grace. If you have experienced abortion — There is: Forgiveness in Jesus Christ Healing through the Holy Spirit Hope in the Church “Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently.” — Galatians 6:1 (NIV) Final Thoughts The Church’s belief about abortion is not grounded in politics — It is grounded in: Scripture The image of God The value of all human life The Church of the Nazarene calls us to: Protect life Support mothers Walk in sexual holiness Extend grace Be a people of healing We are not called to win arguments — We are called to love both mother and child. All statements from the Church Manual are drawn from Paragraph 30.1 — Induced Abortion.

Covenant of Christian Character Be holy, because I am holy. — 1 Peter 1:16 (NIV) Ask someone what it means to live holy and you might hear: Following the rules Going to church Not sinning Being a good person But holiness is far more than a list of do’s and don’ts. It’s about becoming more like Jesus — inside and out. The Church of the Nazarene calls this our Covenant of Christian Character — a life shaped by God’s grace, lived out in love, and rooted in Scripture. Let’s begin with what God says — and see how we respond as His people. I. Holiness Begins With a Changed Heart “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” — 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV) Holiness doesn’t start with behavior. It starts with salvation. You cannot live holy without being made new. And when we are saved, we are brought into the visible Church — not just as spectators, but as people made alive in Christ. The Church of the Nazarene affirms: “To be identified with the visible Church is the blessed privilege and sacred duty of all who are saved from their sins and are seeking completeness in Christ Jesus.” — Manual ¶21 Holiness isn’t something we perform. It’s something God does in us. We respond — by living it out. II. How Do We Show a Holy Life? “You will know them by their fruits.” — Matthew 7:16 (KJV) God’s people are known by how they live. And the Church of the Nazarene puts it plainly: “They shall evidence their commitment to God…” — Manual ¶21 This commitment shows up in three main ways: 1. By Doing What the Word of God Says — Manual ¶21.1 “Do not merely listen to the word… Do what it says.” — James 1:22 (NIV) A holy life isn’t vague. It has direction — given by Scripture. The Manual summarizes this as faithful obedience to the Word. Here are just a few examples: Love God and love others – Mark 12:30–31 Make disciples of all nations – Matthew 28:19–20 Be kind and forgiving – Ephesians 4:32 Bear one another’s burdens – Galatians 6:2 Feed the hungry, care for the sick – Matthew 25:35–36 Give generously – Malachi 3:10 Worship regularly – Hebrews 10:25; Matthew 6:6 This is not a checklist for salvation — it’s the lifestyle that flows from it. 2. By Avoiding Every Kind of Evil — Manual ¶21.2 “Abstain from all appearance of evil.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:22 (KJV) Living holy means turning from what harms — not just for your sake, but for the sake of others and for God’s glory. That includes: Misusing God’s name Treating the Lord’s Day as ordinary Sexual immorality Addictions and harmful habits Gossip, slander, and revenge Financial dishonesty Prideful appearance or conduct Entertainment that dishonors Christ These are not random restrictions. They are boundaries that protect your soul, and your witness. 3. By Staying in Loving Fellowship With the Church — Manual ¶21.3 “Let us not give up meeting together… but encouraging one another.” — Hebrews 10:25 (NIV) Holiness is not a solo journey. God grows us through His people. That’s why we don’t just attend church — we belong to it. We don’t tear it down — we build it up. We don’t stand back — we step in. We worship, serve, teach, learn, and love — together. Because together, we become what God has called us to be. So What Does This Mean for You? Holiness is not perfection. It’s a life fully surrendered to God. You don’t live holy to get saved. You live holy because you are saved. God calls us to a life that reflects Him — In our actions In our speech In our relationships In our worship You are not alone. You are part of a people called to holiness. Let’s live like it.

Many people wonder: Who leads the Church? Who makes decisions? Is it top-down, or do local churches have freedom? The Church of the Nazarene is guided by a representative form of government. That means we believe in leadership by the people, for the people, under God. Let’s break this down. A Church Led by All, Not Just a Few “The Church of the Nazarene has a representative form of government.” — Manual, Paragraph 22 This isn’t a dictatorship. And it’s not a loose collection of independent churches either. We believe that God speaks through the Body — so we organize ourselves in a way that allows voices from every level to participate. We have three main levels of leadership: “Local, district, general.” — Manual, Paragraph 22.1 Local churches serve their communities directly. Districts bring those churches together for regional support. The General Church helps shape global mission and unity. Each level has a role. Each level has a voice. Each level is connected — not separate — so that we can fulfill one shared mission. Why Do We Have Superintendents? “We are agreed on the necessity of a superintendency…” — Manual, Paragraph 22.2 Some might ask, Why do we have leaders like district superintendents? Aren’t pastors enough? The Manual explains that superintendents aren’t meant to control — They are called to complement and assist. They build morale when churches are discouraged. They motivate and coach when pastors need help. They offer practical support, tools, and strategies. They help start new churches and missions. In short, they help the local church do what God has called it to do — better. What About Local Church Independence? “Authority given to superintendents shall not interfere with the independent action of a fully organized church.” — Manual, Paragraph 22.3 The Church of the Nazarene believes in local responsibility. Your church: Selects its own pastor (with accountability to General Assembly guidelines) Elects its own delegates (to district and general assemblies) Manages its own finances (being good stewards before God and people) Leads its own ministries and mission (as God directs) The superintendency does not override the local church — it walks alongside, like a shepherd with fellow shepherds. So what does this mean for you? Your voice matters. From local to global, we are all represented. Your church has freedom, not to go its own way, but to follow Jesus faithfully. Your leaders serve you, not rule over you. You are part of a connected body, not just one isolated group. We are not a perfect structure. But we are a Spirit-led people doing all we can to follow Christ in unity, with accountability, and with grace. God has called us to lead together. Let’s do so in love, humility, and purpose.

When the Bible talks about “the Church,” it doesn’t start with a building. It doesn’t begin with a denomination. It begins with people — people who have been made new. “You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession.” — 1 Peter 2:9 (NIV) “There is one body and one Spirit… one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all.” — Ephesians 4:4–6 (NIV) The Church isn’t a service. It’s not a Sunday schedule. It’s the people of God — made alive by grace, united in Christ, and filled with the Holy Spirit. I. The General Church The Church begins in heaven — not on earth. The Church of the Nazarene declares: “The Church of God is composed of all spiritually regenerate persons, whose names are written in heaven.” — Manual ¶17 The Church is not first an organization. It is a spiritual reality — made up of all who have been born again, all whose names are known by God. If you belong to Christ, you belong to His Church. This is the universal Church — not limited by time, nation, or tradition. One Lord. One faith. One baptism. One body — called from every tribe and language and people. II. The Local Churches (Severally) But if the Church is spiritual and global — why do we gather in specific places, in visible ways? Scripture shows us the pattern: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” — Acts 2:42 (NIV) And the Church Manual confirms: “The churches severally are to be composed of such regenerate persons as by providential permission, and by the leadings of the Holy Spirit, become associated together for holy fellowship and ministries.” — Manual ¶18 Local churches are not just traditions or schedules. They are Spirit-formed communities — gathered by God, called to worship, serve, and grow together. We don’t just attend church — we are the Church, gathered. Called to holy fellowship. Formed for ministry. Sent to love and serve. III. The Church of the Nazarene So where do we fit in — as Nazarenes? Scripture calls us to order, unity, and shared mission: “Let all things be done decently and in order.” — 1 Corinthians 14:40 (KJV) The Church of the Nazarene explains: “The Church of the Nazarene is composed of those persons who have voluntarily associated themselves together according to the doctrines and polity of said church…” — Manual ¶19 We are one part of the global body of Christ — a people freely joined together by: Shared beliefs (doctrine) Shared structure (polity) A shared mission And that mission is clearly defined: “…to seek holy Christian fellowship, the conversion of sinners, the entire sanctification of believers, their upbuilding in holiness, and the simplicity and spiritual power manifest in the primitive New Testament Church, together with the preaching of the gospel to every creature.” — Manual ¶19 We are not just a church with a past — we are a Church with a purpose: Fellowship that is holy Evangelism that reaches Sanctification that transforms Discipleship that builds Gospel preaching that goes into all the world Rooted in the New Testament. Empowered by the Spirit. We exist for Christ — and for His mission. So, what does this mean for you? You are part of the global Church — if you have been born again. You belong to a local church — because God placed you there. You commit to a Nazarene church — when you embrace its mission. This isn’t just membership. It’s mission. This isn’t just belonging. It’s becoming — more like Christ, together. You are not alone. You are the Church. Let’s live like it.

Have you ever wondered if Jesus will really return? Is the Second Coming just a symbol… or a real promise? Scripture speaks with certainty and hope: “This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” — Acts 1:11 (NIV) And again: “For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven… and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive… will be caught up together with them… to meet the Lord in the air.” — 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 (NIV) Jesus came once in humility. He will return in glory. He came as the Lamb. He will return as the King. This isn’t just a biblical promise — it is a foundational belief of the Church. The Church of the Nazarene affirms this truth clearly: “We believe that at the end of the age the Lord Jesus Christ will be revealed as Lord of all. He will come again in glory and power to establish fully the kingdom of God that He proclaimed and initiated in His life and ministry.” — Manual ¶15 Christ’s first coming began the Kingdom. His second coming will complete it. Not secretly — but with power. Not to suffer — but to reign. The One who was crucified will be crowned — before every eye. What will God do then? Scripture says: “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth… God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them.” — Revelation 21:1–3 (NIV) And the Church echoes that hope: “As the Triune God first created heaven and earth, God will renew them in the new creation where He will dwell eternally with His redeemed people.” — Manual ¶15 This broken world is not the end. A new creation is coming. No more curse. No more decay. No more separation. God will dwell with us — forever. What happens to us when He returns? Scripture says: “We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed… the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.” — 1 Corinthians 15:51–52 (NIV) And the Church affirms: “We who are alive at His coming shall not precede them that are asleep in Christ Jesus; but, if we are abiding in Him, we shall be caught up with the risen saints to meet the Lord in the air, so that we shall ever be with the Lord.” — Manual ¶15 Those who died in Christ will rise. Those who live in Christ will be caught up. Together — forever — with the Lord. Bodily. Eternally. Gloriously. What will that day be like? Scripture declares: “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain…” — Revelation 21:4 (NIV) The Church proclaims: “In that day, God, who in the cross triumphed over all evil powers, will complete His loving purposes for creation. There will be no more suffering, injustice, or death, and God will wipe away every tear.” — Manual ¶15 On that day… Suffering ends. Injustice ceases. Death dies. Tears are wiped away by the hand of God. His victory becomes our forever. The return of Christ is not a fearful end — it is a glorious beginning. A new world. A new body. A new creation. A new forever with Christ. Even so, Come, Lord Jesus.

In a world that often separates belief from behavior, ministers of the gospel are called to a much higher path—one where integrity, conduct, and witness are inseparable from their words. “Set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”— 1 Timothy 4:12 (NIV) Scripture never allows ministers to simply be teachers of truth—they must embody the truth. This is why Paul urges Timothy not only to preach but to be an example to the very people he leads.The Church of the Nazarene echoes this same biblical conviction: “The minister is to be an example to the church: punctual, discreet, diligent, earnest, and in purity, understanding, patience, kindness, love, and truth by the power of God.”— Manual ¶502.3 These words aren’t ornamental. They form a portrait of a holy life lived in full view of the congregation and the world.A minister is not merely called to communicate theology but to be a visible, living theology—one whose choices, demeanor, and attitudes reflect the heart of Jesus Christ. “Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception… On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God.”— 2 Corinthians 4:2 (NIV) To be held to a higher standard is not about spiritual superiority. It is about spiritual responsibility. A minister is often: the first to be watched, the one to be followed, and sometimes, the only gospel some people will ever read. So yes, the Church expects more of its ministers—not as a burden, but as a witness. The world watches. The church watches. Most importantly, God watches.Therefore, the minister’s life must say what their sermons cannot: “This is what Christ can do in a person fully surrendered to Him.”

It’s easy to pray for more workers. But are we willing to raise them? “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” — Matthew 9:37-38 (NIV) The Church prays this prayer often. But who will answer it? In truth, the next generation of ministers won’t appear by accident. They will be called by God, yes—but they must also be nurtured by the Church. The Apostle Paul set the standard by mentoring Timothy: “You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus… and the things you have heard me say… entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” — 2 Timothy 2:1-2 (NIV) This is not optional. It’s part of the gospel legacy: Multiplication. Discipleship. Mentorship. The Church of the Nazarene echoes this responsibility clearly: “The minister should respond to opportunities to mentor future ministers and to nurture the call to ministry.” — Manual ¶502.5 This is more than leadership development. It’s Kingdom investment. Ministers must: Identify emerging calls in the lives of others. Encourage the uncertain who sense God tugging at their hearts. Provide wisdom, correction, and clarity to those just beginning. Model a life worth following. A church that fails to mentor is a church that will one day lack ministers. The call to raise up leaders is not for committees or boards alone—it’s for every pastor, elder, and deacon who has been entrusted with the gospel. As Paul asked, “And how can anyone preach unless they are sent?” — Romans 10:15 (NIV) The next generation of ministers is already in the pews. Who will raise them?

The Church of the Nazarene: Mission, Values, and ObjectivesThe Church of the Nazarene a clear mission that guides everything we do. Our statement of mission is to make Christlike disciples in the nations.We are a Christian denomination with a strong emphasis on holiness and a missional mindset.In this blog post, we will explore the mission, values, and objectives of the Church of the Nazarene. Mission of the Church of the Nazarene Our mission is to make Christlike disciples in the nations, and this is reflected in our statement of mission. We believe that every person has the potential to become a Christlike disciple. It is our responsibility as a church to help them reach that potential. Our core values—Christian, Holiness, and Missional—guide us in this mission. We strive to live out these values in everything we do. Seven Characteristics of the Church of the Nazarene To better understand how we fulfill our mission, let’s take a look at the Seven Characteristics of the Church of the Nazarene. These characteristics, also known as the Seven Core Values, are: Meaningful Worship Theological Coherence Passionate Evangelism Intentional Discipleship Church Development Transformational Leadership Purposeful Compassion These values shape our beliefs and practices and guide us in fulfilling our mission. Objectives of the Church of the Nazarene So, what are the objectives of the Church of the Nazarene? Our primary objective is to advance God’s kingdom by preserving and propagating Christian holiness as set forth in the Scriptures.This means that we strive to: Live holy lives and spread the message of holiness to others. Foster holy Christian fellowship. Encourage the conversion of sinners. Support the entire sanctification of believers. Promote their upbuilding in holiness. Maintain the simplicity and spiritual power manifest in the primitive New Testament Church. We also have a responsibility to preach the gospel to every creature, as commanded by Jesus in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19)..

The answer is simple: no. A minister without sound doctrine is like a ship without a compass—moving, but off-course. “Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.” — 1 Timothy 4:16 (NIV) Notice Paul’s instruction: Life and doctrine must be watched together. A minister must not only live righteously, but teach rightly. When doctrine is shallow, sermons become motivational speeches. When it’s distorted, the Church begins to resemble culture more than Christ. The Church of the Nazarene insists on doctrinal soundness for this very reason: “…must have sound judgment, good understanding, and clear views concerning salvation as revealed in the Scriptures. Saints will be edified and sinners converted through his or her ministry.” — Manual ¶502.6 The result of sound doctrine is transformation: Saints are strengthened. Sinners are converted. The Church becomes a pillar of truth. Even Paul warned of a time when people would “not endure sound doctrine” (2 Timothy 4:3). That time is now. Ministers must be able to: Defend truth with grace and clarity. Guard the flock from error and confusion. Teach the gospel in ways that connect hearts to Christ, not just minds to ideas. Without sound doctrine, even the most passionate preacher may unintentionally lead others away from truth. But with it, their ministry becomes a well-lit path to life, light, and freedom.

We often hear the phrase “gifts and graces” in ministry circles. But what does it really mean? Are these natural talents, or something more? “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.” — Romans 12:6 (NIV) Paul clearly separates gifts from just skill — they are spiritually assigned. And grace? It’s not merely forgiveness. It’s divine empowerment. In ministry, gifts and graces refer to: The spiritual capacity to proclaim, shepherd, teach, or lead. The relational maturity to walk in humility, patience, and love. The moral character to model the life of Christ. Paul spoke of such qualities when instructing Timothy: “Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy… Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them…” — 1 Timothy 4:14-15 (NIV) This is why the Church of the Nazarene takes these qualifications seriously: “The minister must have gifts and graces for the ministry. He or she will have a thirst for knowledge, especially of the Word of God, and must have sound judgment, good understanding, and clear views concerning salvation as revealed in the Scriptures.” — Manual ¶502.6 The Church is not looking for performers. It’s looking for stewards of the Word, those whose character and calling go hand-in-hand. Ask yourself: Do I thirst for God’s Word? Do people sense the presence of Christ in how I serve? Do I offer clarity, not confusion, when explaining salvation? The true gifts and graces of a minister aren’t found only on platforms—they’re visible in how they pray, study, lead, and love. You don’t earn them. But you can cultivate them. And if God has called you to ministry, He will provide them—in His way, on His time.