Author name: Nazarene Journal

Ordination is one of the most sacred and misunderstood practices in the Church. Is it a title? A promotion? A graduation ceremony after seminary? No. It is far deeper. To be ordained means to be publicly recognized, affirmed, and authorized by the Church to live out a God-given call to ministry. It’s not about position — it’s about calling, character, and the visible presence of the Holy Spirit in someone’s life. In the early church, we find this pattern clearly: “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) Notice: the Church did not create the calling. It simply recognized what the Holy Spirit had already done. The Church of the Nazarene follows the same principle: “Ordination reflects the biblical belief that God calls and gifts certain men and women for ministerial leadership in the church. Ordination is the authenticating, authorizing act of the Church…” — Manual ¶502 It’s not a certificate. It’s not just a stage ceremony. It’s a declaration — by the gathered Body of Christ — that this person bears the mark of the Gospel. That they have been tested, shaped, prepared, and entrusted to proclaim the message of Jesus. Ordination means the Church sees in you: A life of holiness. A thirst for God’s Word. A love for God’s people. The gifts and graces necessary to lead and serve. It is both a privilege and a responsibility. The Church says: “You are one of us — and we will walk with you as you shepherd others.” Ordination is not the beginning of ministry. It is the Church’s joyful affirmation that the calling is real — and that it is for life.

This is a question that’s stirred hearts and divided opinions for centuries. Can women actually preach, pastor, lead churches, and hold positions of authority in the Body of Christ? Let’s go to Scripture first — not to opinions, not to traditions. “In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy…” — Acts 2:17 (NIV) “There was a prophet, Anna… She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.” — Luke 2:36–37 (NIV) “I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae.” — Romans 16:1 (NIV) “Greet Priscilla and Aquila… They risked their lives for me… all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them.” — Romans 16:3–4 (NIV) “Greet Andronicus and Junia… outstanding among the apostles…” — Romans 16:7 (NIV) The evidence is clear: women were active leaders in the early church. They weren’t limited to children’s ministry or music ministry (as important as those are); they were apostles, prophets, pastors, and spiritual leaders in their communities. And yet, some will point to verses like 1 Timothy 2:12 or 1 Corinthians 14:34 — passages that seem, at face value, to limit a woman’s voice in the church. But context matters. Culture matters. And Scripture must always be interpreted by Scripture. As the Church of the Nazarene states: “Acknowledging the apparent paradox created by Paul’s instruction to Timothy (1 Timothy 2:11-12) and to the church in Corinth (1 Corinthians 14:33-34), we believe interpreting these passages as limiting the role of women in ministry presents serious conflicts with specific passages of Scripture that commend female participation in spiritual leadership roles…” — Manual ¶501 Furthermore, the Manual continues: “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 So to answer the question plainly: Yes — women can preach and lead in the Church. Not because the culture allows it, or because times have changed, but because Scripture supports it, the Holy Spirit empowers it, and the Church of the Nazarene affirms it.

At first, ordination may look like a religious ritual: Some elders in suits, a laying on of hands, a prayer, a certificate. But beneath the surface something eternal is taking place.Ordination is not just a tradition. It is a sacred transaction one where the Church stands as a witness to God’s personal calling on someone’s life. “Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you.”— 1 Timothy 4:14 (NIV) “For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.”— 2 Timothy 1:6 (NIV) Something powerful happens in that moment of laying on hands — not magic, but affirmation. Not elevation, but commission.The Church of the Nazarene says it this way: “Ordination… recognizes and confirms God’s call to ministerial leadership… [It] bears witness to the Church universal and the world at large that this candidate evidences an exemplary life of holiness, possesses gifts and graces for public ministry, and has a thirst for knowledge, especially for the Word of God.”— Manual ¶502 It’s not just a formality.It’s a covenant.The one being ordained makes a vow: To preach the Word. To live a life worthy of the calling. To guide the Church with love, purity, and truth. And the Church makes a vow in return: To walk with the minister. To hold them accountable. To support, correct, and encourage them in the journey of ministry. Ordination is not just a graduation or a badge. It is God’s Church affirming God’s call, and standing as a living witness to that calling — for life.

Many Christians are sincere in asking this question. They’re not trying to resist Scripture — they’re trying to honor it. But confusion often arises from a few isolated verses that appear to restrict women, while ignoring the broader witness of the Bible. So let’s take an honest look. We begin in Genesis — where men and women were created as co-bearers of God’s image: “So God created mankind in his own image… male and female he created them.” — Genesis 1:27 (NIV) And in the fall, the curse came with a distortion of God’s design: domination and broken relationships. But Jesus came to break that curse — to restore what was lost. That’s why Paul says: “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) And Peter echoes Joel’s prophecy: “Your sons and daughters will prophesy… even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days.” — Acts 2:17–18 (NIV) Throughout the New Testament, we find women speaking, teaching, and leading with the Spirit’s anointing. Phoebe was a deacon (Romans 16:1). Priscilla helped correct Apollos’ doctrine (Acts 18:26). Junia was called “outstanding among the apostles” (Romans 16:7). Philip’s daughters were prophets (Acts 21:9). Lydia was a church planter and host to Paul’s ministry (Acts 16:14–15). These are not side characters. These are spiritual leaders. So what do we do with verses like 1 Timothy 2:12? We read them in context. We recognize the cultural challenges Paul was addressing in specific churches, not setting universal rules for all time. That’s why the Church of the Nazarene takes a strong, Spirit-led stance on this issue: “The purpose of Christ’s redemptive work is to set God’s creation free from the curse of the Fall… In this redemptive community, no human being is to be regarded as inferior on the basis of social status, race, or gender.” — Manual ¶501 And it continues: “Interpreting these [restrictive] passages as limiting the role of women in ministry… violates the spirit and practice of the Wesleyan-holiness tradition. Finally, it is incompatible with the character of God presented throughout Scripture, especially as revealed in the person of Jesus Christ.” — Manual ¶501 The final word? Women in ministry is not a compromise. It’s not a cultural concession. It’s a biblical conviction — supported by Scripture and fully embraced in the Church of the Nazarene.

Have you ever wondered if the Church of the Nazarene was involved in mission work before it was officially formed? Maybe you’ve asked how far the message had gone before the denomination even had a name. If so, you’re not alone. This article is for you. Let’s begin with a little background. The Church of the Nazarene officially began in 1908 in the United States. But its roots go back further — to groups and individuals who were already committed to preaching holiness and reaching the world with the gospel. So before the Church became official, where had its people already gone? Here’s the answer: India was the first country. Missionaries who would later become part of the Church of the Nazarene arrived there in 1898. This was under the guidance of the Association of Pentecostal Churches of America, one of the groups that later merged into the denomination. Then came Cape Verde. Although the Cape Verde mission officially began in 1901, the groundwork and connections were already being formed before the Church’s organization. So to put it simply: India (1898) Cape Verde (1901) These early missions laid the foundation for the Church’s international work. Even before the name “Church of the Nazarene” was known, the heart for global outreach was already alive. This shows us something important — the Church of the Nazarene wasn’t just born with a name. It was born with a mission.

When is someone truly ready to step into ministry? Is it when they’ve finished Bible college? When they’ve memorized Scripture? When they’re eloquent in front of crowds? According to the Bible, readiness begins with the heart. “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” — Proverbs 4:23 (NIV) Readiness for ministry is not just about what you know—but who you are becoming. The Church of the Nazarene holds to this deeply. Ministers are not just messengers of the gospel. They are models of Christian growth and maturity. “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, quoting Philippians 1:9 In other words, readiness for ministry means: Having a vision for holiness not just for oneself, but for others Believing that people can be transformed, sanctified, and made new Possessing a strong appreciation of salvation and Christian ethics The Church teaches that a minister must be both a preacher of the Word and a practitioner of the Word. It’s not enough to explain theology—you must live it, love it, and lead others into it. Paul reminded Timothy: “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) This means the true measure of readiness is spiritual maturity—a life rooted in Christ, overflowing with love, wisdom, and moral clarity. The Manual puts it this way: “One who would minister in the Church of the Nazarene must have a strong appreciation of both salvation and Christian ethics.” — Manual ¶502.4 In summary, readiness is not a certificate or credential. It’s a holy hunger—to know God deeply, live rightly, serve humbly, and lead faithfully.

Ever wondered which countries the Church of the Nazarene entered in a specific year? Maybe you heard about the Church growing rapidly in the early ’90s — and now you’re curious. Well you’re not alone — and this article is for you. Let’s begin with a little context.The Church of the Nazarene had a major focus on global missions during the 1990s. New fields were opening. Political changes were happening. And the Church was moving forward planting churches and sharing the message of holiness. Now — to the answer you’re looking for: In 1992, the Church of the Nazarene entered eight new countries.These were Angola Bangladesh Cambodia Ethiopia Romania Russia Solomon Islands Ukraine The Church responded by stepping into these newly opened areas with faith and vision. So if you’re tracing how the Church expanded its mission work in the modern era — 1992 was a key year.

Have you ever thought about when the Church of the Nazarene grew the fastest internationally? Maybe you’re curious about the year that saw the biggest missionary push. You’re not alone — this article is for you. Let’s start with a bit of background. The Church of the Nazarene has always had a heart for missions. From its early days it was committed to taking the message of holiness to the nations. That meant entering country after country, year after year. But was there a year when this happened more than any other? Yes — there was. In 1992, the Church of the Nazarene entered 8 new countries. This was the highest number of countries entered in a single year. It was a time of major expansion New doors were opening around the world — and the Church was ready. Some of the countries entered that year included: . Angola Bangladesh . Cambodia . Ethiopia . Romania . Russia . Solomon Islands . Ukraine This wave of new mission fields showed how serious the Church was about reaching the world. So if you were wondering when the Church expanded its global reach the most — 1992 is the year to remember.

Have you ever asked which country the Church of the Nazarene first entered outside the United States? Maybe someone asked you? Or maybe you wondered how this global church began to spread? You’re not alone. This article is for you. Before we go straight to the answer, let’s understand the background. The Church of the Nazarene is a Protestant Christian denomination. It officially began in 1908 in the United States. From the beginning, it focused on holiness, missions, and serving others. One of its early goals was to spread the message of Christ across the world. That meant entering other countries and planting churches. So what’s the answer? The first country the Church of the Nazarene entered was India in 1898. Even before the denomination officially formed, missionaries connected to it had already gone to India. This became the foundation of the Church’s global mission. Later, after 1908, mission efforts continued in places like Cape Verde and South Africa. But India was the first. Knowing where it started helps us understand the heart of the Church. It shows us that from the beginning, the mission was never just local. It was always about reaching the world with the love and holiness of Jesus Christ.

In everyday language, ordination might sound like just a formal church ritual a public ceremony with prayers and hand-laying. But in the Church of the Nazarene, ordination is much more than a tradition. It is a holy recognition. A divine appointment. A sacred trust. The word itself comes from the Latin ordinare, which means “to appoint” or “to set in order.” In Scripture we see this act when Paul and Barnabas were “set apart” by the Holy Spirit and commissioned by the church: “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.’” — Acts 13:2 (NIV) So, ordination begins not with a church board or a religious committee — it begins with God’s call. The Church of the Nazarene affirms this clearly: “Ordination reflects the biblical belief that God calls and gifts certain men and women for ministerial leadership in the church.” — Manual ¶502 But there’s a second part that is equally important: the church’s response to that calling. “Ordination is the authenticating, authorizing act of the Church, which recognizes and confirms God’s call…” — Manual ¶502 This means that ordination is not earned like a degree. It’s not bought or claimed. It is witnessed, affirmed, and entrusted to those who meet three criteria: A life of holiness Gifts and graces for public ministry A thirst for knowledge — especially of the Word of God (See Manual ¶502) In short, to be ordained is to stand before the Church — and the world — as one who is called by God, confirmed by the Church, and committed to a life of service and leadership in the name of Jesus Christ. Ordination is not the end of a process. It is the beginning of a lifelong call — to preach the Word, shepherd the people, and represent Christ with integrity, humility, and love.