Author name: Nazarene Journal

Not everyone who serves in a church is a minister. And not everyone who preaches is truly called. So what makes someone a true minister in the Church of the Nazarene? The Bible gives us the foundation: “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service…” — Ephesians 4:11–12 (NIV) Ministry is not self-appointed. It is Christ-assigned, Holy Spirit-affirmed, and church-verified. The Church of the Nazarene takes this calling seriously: “The Church of the Nazarene recognizes all believers are called to minister to all people… We also affirm Christ calls some men and women to a specific and public ministry even as He chose and ordained His 12 apostles.” — Manual ¶500 So what defines a true minister in this tradition? A true minister: Has experienced salvation and entire sanctification (¶502.2). Possesses spiritual gifts and personal graces (¶502.6). Demonstrates sound judgment and doctrinal clarity. Models holiness, humility, and love (¶502.3–4). Embraces the mission to equip others, not elevate self. Is recognized, trained, and affirmed by the Church. The Church of the Nazarene further declares: “Ordination is the authenticating, authorizing act of the Church, which recognizes and confirms God’s call to ministerial leadership…” — Manual ¶502 So titles don’t make ministers. Calling, confirmation, and character do. True ministers don’t just preach sermons — they live the gospel. They don’t just hold credentials — they carry the burden of souls. They are servants, shepherds, and stewards of Christ’s mission.

Have you ever wondered if someone who isn’t ordained can still pastor a church? Have you met someone leading a church, teaching the Word, or even planting churches — but they’re not a reverend? You’re not imagining things. And no, the Church hasn’t bent the rules. Actually, the Church of the Nazarene has made room for it — on purpose. But is this even biblical? Absolutely. The Bible reminds us that every believer is a part of the body, called to service “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” — Ephesians 4:11–12 (NIV) This isn’t limited to those ordained or holding a title. The church was never meant to be a stage with a few performers — but a movement where every believer takes part. And that’s why the Church of the Nazarene recognizes a ministry of laypersons. “The Church of the Nazarene recognizes a ministry of laypersons. It also recognizes that the layperson may serve the church in various capacities (Ephesians 4:11–12). The church recognizes the following roles of service in which a district assembly may place a layperson: pastor, evangelist, missionary, teacher, administrator, chaplain, and special service.” (Manual ¶503.1) Did you catch that? A layperson — a non-ordained member — can serve in roles like pastor, missionary, or evangelist, provided there’s appropriate support, training, and district recognition. So yes — it’s entirely possible to be a pastor in the Church of the Nazarene as a layperson. Because ministry isn’t reserved for a select few. It’s the call of every believer.

Because calling doesn’t grow in isolation—it grows in community, under the guidance of those who’ve walked the path. The Bible gives a clear model for this: “Paul and his companions traveled… taking with them John, also called Mark.” — Acts 13:5 (NIV) John Mark didn’t begin as an apostle or a preacher—he was simply brought along. He saw. He learned. He failed. He was restored. By the end of his life, he would write the Gospel of Mark and be called “useful to me in ministry” (2 Timothy 4:11). Mentorship changed him. Jesus Himself called His disciples not just to listen, but to follow, watch, and grow. And so, the Church of the Nazarene upholds that ministers must do the same: “The minister should respond to opportunities to mentor future ministers and to nurture the call to ministry.” — Manual ¶502.5 Mentorship is not a side task. It is ministry. Ministers should mentor because: The calling is fragile in its early stages—it must be encouraged. God often speaks through trusted leaders to confirm the call. Young ministers need more than books—they need examples. The Church’s future depends on today’s obedience. Just as Elijah found Elisha, and Paul raised up Timothy and Titus, God expects today’s leaders to prepare tomorrow’s. We don’t mentor because we’re perfect—we mentor because we’ve been shaped by grace, and we long to see others shaped too. “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” — 1 Corinthians 11:1 (NIV) So—why mentor? Because someone once mentored you. And now, it’s your turn.

Salvation is the beginning of the Christian journey—but for the minister, it cannot be the end. “Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity…” — Hebrews 6:1 (NIV) The moment a minister stops growing is the moment their ministry begins to shrink. God does not call leaders to remain spiritual infants—He calls them to depth, discernment, and holiness in action. The Church of the Nazarene affirms this sacred expectation: “The minister must likewise have a deep sense of the necessity of believers going on to perfection and developing the Christian graces in practical living, that their ‘love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight.’” — Manual ¶502.4 This echoes Paul’s prayer: “…that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best…” — Philippians 1:9-10 (NIV) It is not enough to be saved and sanctified. A minister must continually grow in: Biblical understanding Moral clarity Pastoral discernment Practical application of grace A shallow faith may survive—but it cannot shepherd. It cannot mentor. It cannot confront injustice or walk people through pain. Depth doesn’t come by title; it comes by daily dying to self, digging into God’s Word, and learning how to live holy in a broken world. Ministers must pursue maturity not just for themselves, but for the sake of those they lead. “The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.” — 1 Corinthians 2:10 (NIV) Ministry demands more than a testimony—it demands a life of rich, tested, God-centered wisdom. So, is salvation enough? It’s the foundation. But depth is the structure that helps others take shelter under your ministry.

There is no true ministry without grace—and no true grace without holiness. The gospel does not only save us from sin, but it also teaches us how to live. “For the grace of God… teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives.” — Titus 2:11-12 (NIV) The Church of the Nazarene insists that ministers must not only proclaim grace—they must grasp its ethical implications. “One who would minister in the Church of the Nazarene must have a strong appreciation of both salvation and Christian ethics.” — Manual ¶502.4 This balance matters deeply: Without grace, ministry becomes judgmental. Without ethics, ministry becomes hypocritical. The minister must hold both tightly—teaching that God forgives sin and also transforms lives. The Apostle Paul wrote: “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity… Do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” — Ephesians 5:15-17 (NIV) This is ethical wisdom—knowing how to live, not just what to preach. Ministers today face complex issues: Culture shifts rapidly. Ethics become blurred. The church seeks clarity. In such a world, the Church of the Nazarene calls its ministers to be voices of grace, anchored in truth, and examples of what holy living really looks like. To lead without ethics is to mislead. To preach grace without holiness is to misrepresent the very heart of God. Ministers are not only to know the message—they must live the transformation they proclaim.

Words are powerful. But a minister’s example has a louder echo. Paul once wrote: “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” — 1 Corinthians 11:1 (NIV) This wasn’t arrogance. It was a spiritual dare: “Watch how I live. Test it. You’ll see Christ.” This is the challenge for every minister in the Church of the Nazarene. Beyond their preaching, counseling, or teaching, ministers are called to lead by the quiet authority of a life deeply rooted in holiness and humility. “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 This list is not mere etiquette—it’s evidence of someone walking in the Spirit. Let’s reflect on these traits: Punctual – Not just about timekeeping, but about honoring others and being trustworthy. Discreet – Guarding hearts and conversations with wisdom. Diligent and Earnest – Serving with full commitment, not half-heartedness. Purity and Understanding – Living above reproach, but full of empathy. Kindness, Love, and Truth – A powerful trinity that reflects the very nature of Christ. “We commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles… in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful speech and in the power of God.” — 2 Corinthians 6:4, 6-7 (NIV) People may forget sermons, but they will never forget: how their pastor responded in crisis, how they treated the poor, how they handled temptation or correction, how they prayed when no one else was looking. The Church of the Nazarene recognizes that true spiritual authority doesn’t come from position—but from character. A minister leads by example when they live their message, not just deliver it. Words inspire. But life transforms.

When God calls someone to ministry, He rarely does it in isolation. Instead, that calling is often confirmed by the church community, guided by the Holy Spirit. “While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.” — Acts 13:2–3 (NIV) Here we see a divine calling—recognized, confirmed, and blessed by the body of believers. This pattern continues in the life of the Church today. In the Church of the Nazarene, this moment of recognition is not taken lightly. A divine call must be met by spiritual discernment from the community of faith. “The Church of the Nazarene recognizes all believers are called to minister to all people. We also affirm Christ calls some men and women to a specific and public ministry even as He chose and ordained His 12 apostles.” — Manual ¶500 But here’s where the Church takes a vital step: the church doesn’t merely recognize—it endorses and assists. “When the church, illuminated by the Holy Spirit, recognizes such a divine call, the church endorses and assists the individual’s entry into a lifetime of ministry.” — Manual ¶500 This means the calling is not a private passion—it becomes a public commissioning, one rooted in community, Scripture, and prayer. Paul reminded Timothy: “Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands.” — 1 Timothy 5:22 (NIV) In other words, the church must be careful, prayerful, and discerning. When the Church of the Nazarene confirms someone’s calling, it becomes a sacred trust—a shared responsibility between God, the church, and the minister. And so, when someone is called, we ask: Has this calling been tested in community? Has the Church recognized the fruit and fire of God in this person? Is the Holy Spirit confirming what we see? In the Church of the Nazarene, the answer to such questions marks the beginning of a life consecrated to the service of Christ—and blessed by His Church.

This is a question that continues to stir hearts and conversations across the global Church. What does Scripture say? Let’s begin there: “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” — Galatians 3:28 (NIV) The redemptive work of Christ doesn’t erase gender, race, or status—but it liberates all of God’s people to fully live out their calling. God’s call to women has always been clear. Consider: Deborah, who judged and led Israel (Judges 4) Huldah, the prophet who advised kings (2 Kings 22) Phoebe, a deacon commended by Paul (Romans 16:1) Priscilla, who taught theology alongside her husband (Acts 18:26) Philip’s four daughters, all prophets (Acts 21:9) Peter confirmed this movement of the Spirit when quoting Joel: “Your sons and daughters will prophesy… Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.” — Acts 2:17–18 Yet many struggle with seemingly restrictive texts like 1 Timothy 2:11–12 and 1 Corinthians 14:33–34. But the Church of the Nazarene carefully examines these in light of the entire witness of Scripture—and the character of Christ Himself. Therefore, the Church affirms: “The Church of the Nazarene supports the right of women to use their God-given spiritual gifts within the church and affirms the historic right of women to be elected and appointed to places of leadership within the Church of the Nazarene, including the offices of both elder and deacon.” — Manual ¶501 This isn’t merely a policy—it’s a theological conviction rooted in redemption: “The purpose of Christ’s redemptive work is to set God’s creation free from the curse of the Fall. Those who are ‘in Christ’ are new creations.” — Manual ¶501, referencing 2 Corinthians 5:17 The Manual continues: “Interpreting these passages [limiting women] as restricting the role of women in ministry presents serious conflicts with specific passages of Scripture that commend female participation in spiritual leadership.” — Manual ¶501 In short, the Church of the Nazarene does not view gender as a barrier to ministry—but as part of God’s diverse and beautiful calling on His people. So the answer is yes: Yes, women can be called. Yes, women can be ordained. Yes, women can lead. Not just because the Church says so—but because Scripture confirms it, and Christ affirms it.

When Paul wrote to young Timothy, he didn’t just give him theological truths to preach—he gave him a way to live. “Set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” — 1 Timothy 4:12 (NIV) This is the starting point for any true minister of the gospel: to live a life that preaches louder than any sermon. In the Church of the Nazarene, the life of a minister isn’t judged by charisma or success—but by character and conduct. The Manual puts it plainly: “The Church of the Nazarene depends largely upon the spiritual qualifications, character, and manner of life of its ministers.” — Manual ¶502.1 This means a minister must: Be at peace with God through Jesus Christ Be sanctified wholly by the infilling of the Holy Spirit (See Manual ¶502.2) This isn’t about being flawless—it’s about being filled with grace and committed to holiness. Ministers are called to walk in integrity even when no one is watching. They are to be gentle but bold, humble yet courageous, prayerful and practical. “Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way… in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful speech and in the power of God.” — 2 Corinthians 6:6–7 (NIV) In this way, the minister becomes a living witness—a sermon in the flesh. According to the Church of the Nazarene: “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 When a minister lives this way, they don’t just teach the Word—they embody it. Their life becomes a kind of pulpit, drawing others not to themselves, but to Christ. And so, the life of a minister isn’t a private journey. It’s a public calling—one that must be walked with prayer, humility, and holiness, every single day.

If you’ve ever attended an ordination service, you’ve seen the powerful moments: hands placed on the shoulders of ministers, prayers of blessing spoken over them, the sacred silence as the Holy Spirit moves in the room. But is that all it is? Just a touching ceremony? Not even close. In the Church of the Nazarene, ordination is a covenant between the minister, the church and God Himself. It’s not about a title. It’s not about prestige. It’s about stewardship. “Ordination… recognizes and confirms God’s call to ministerial leadership as stewards and proclaimers of the gospel and the Church of Jesus Christ.”— Manual ¶502 It’s not just permission to preach — it’s a call to carry the spiritual weight of leadership, to serve with authority and humility, and to represent Christ and His gospel in all seasons. The process leading to ordination is demanding — not just academically, but spiritually and emotionally. Why? Because the Church is not just looking for someone who can speak well or manage people. It’s looking for someone who lives well — someone who reflects the character of Jesus. As the Manual states: “The Church of the Nazarene depends largely upon the spiritual qualifications, character, and manner of life of its ministers.”— Manual ¶502.1 Ordained ministers must: Be at peace with God and sanctified by the Holy Spirit (Manual ¶502.2) Have a deep love for unbelievers and a passion to proclaim salvation Serve as examples in purity, patience, kindness, and truth (2 Corinthians 6:6–7) Encourage others toward spiritual maturity and Christlike living (Philippians 1:9) Possess a hunger for God’s Word and a deep understanding of salvation (Manual ¶502.6) This is why ordination is more than a church tradition — it is a spiritual milestone and a divine commissioning. It tells the world:Here is a person who has been called, equipped, and entrusted with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Here is a person who lives for the mission of God. Here is a shepherd, a servant, a minister of grace.