Nazarene journal

Have you ever stopped to ask: What kind of God do we believe in? Is He far away and unreachable? Is He silently watching from a distance? Is He just a force in the universe — or something far more personal and powerful? If these questions have crossed your mind, you’re not alone. And you’ve come to the right place. Because the Church of the Nazarene answers this question with both clarity and reverence. Let’s begin with the words found in Article of Faith I, Paragraph 1 of our Church Manual: “We believe in one eternally existent, infinite God, Sovereign Creator and Sustainer of the universe; that He only is God, holy in nature, attributes, and purpose.” Take a moment to let those words soak in: 🕊️ Eternal 🌌 Infinite 👑 Sovereign 🔥 Holy He is not a man-made idea. Not just one god among many. He only is God — the one true God. But here’s the amazing part: His holiness doesn’t make Him distant. It defines His very nature — His love, His light, His purpose. And then the Manual says something even more awe-inspiring: “The God who is holy love and light is Triune in essential being, revealed as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.” 🌿 So What Does That Mean? This is what we call the Trinity. Not three gods. Not one God wearing different masks. But One God — eternally revealed in three persons: God the Father God the Son (Jesus Christ) God the Holy Spirit Three persons. One being. Equal in power. United in purpose. Perfect in love. This truth is not just a doctrine in a manual — It’s a biblical truth, rooted in the story of Scripture from Genesis to Revelation. 📖 What Does the Bible Say? Let’s trace the presence and nature of this Triune God across Scripture: Genesis 1:1 – “In the beginning God created…” → The eternal Creator at work Deuteronomy 6:4-5 – “The Lord is one… Love the Lord your God…” → He is One, and He calls us into relationship Leviticus 19:2 – “Be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.” → His nature is holiness Isaiah 6:1-7 – → A vision of God’s holiness and majesty that overwhelms the prophet Matthew 3:16-17 – → At Jesus’ baptism: The Son is baptized The Spirit descends like a dove The Father speaks from heaven → All three persons revealed together John 14:6–27 – → Jesus speaks of the Father and promises the Holy Spirit 2 Corinthians 13:14 – → “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit…” Galatians 4:4–6 – → “God sent His Son… and the Spirit of His Son…” Ephesians 2:13–18 – → Through Christ we have access to the Father by one Spirit 1 John 1:5 – “God is light…” 1 John 4:8 – “God is love…” ✨ So, Who Is the God We Worship? He is not distant. He is not silent. He is not unknowable. He is the Sovereign Creator, the Holy One, the eternal Trinity — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He is holy love, holy light, and the Holy One we adore. This is the God we worship in the Church of the Nazarene. And this is the foundation of our faith, straight from Article I of our Articles of Faith.

People often ask: How is the Church raising leaders in South America? Do we have Bible colleges and seminaries here too? Are we preparing pastors and teachers from this region? Yes — with passion and purpose. The Church has planted schools across South America where learning and calling go hand in hand. Let’s take a closer look. ✓ Seminario Bíblico Nazareno Chile (Chile) ✓ Seminario Nazareno Boliviano (Bolivia) ✓ Seminario Teológico Nazareno del Cono Sur (Argentina) ✓ Seminario Teológico Nazareno del Perú (Peru) ✓ Seminário Teológico Nazareno do Brasil (Brazil) ✓ Seminario Teológico Nazareno Sudamericano (Ecuador) ✓ Instituto Bíblico Nazareno (Peru) What Happens in These Schools? These are more than buildings with classrooms. They are places where hearts are shaped for God’s mission. Students come to grow — spiritually, theologically, and practically. They leave ready to serve in churches, communities, and beyond. From Argentina to Ecuador From Brazil to Chile Each school reflects the heartbeat of holiness and service. This is the Church in South America Rooted in Scripture Driven by mission Empowered by the Spirit.

You might ask: Are there Nazarene schools in the MesoAmerica? Where do pastors and teachers prepare for ministry? Is theological training accessible in this region? Yes — and it’s thriving. Across Mesoamerica the Church has established schools where faith and learning come together. Let’s see where it all happens. ✓ Caribbean Nazarene College (Trinidad) ✓ Seminario Nazareno de las Américas (Costa Rica) ✓ Seminario Nazareno Dominicano (Dominican Republic) ✓ Seminario Teológico Nazareno Cubano (Cuba) ✓ Seminario Teológico Nazareno (Guatemala) ✓ Instituto Bíblico Nazareno (Guatemala) ✓ Séminaire Théologique Nazaréen d’Haiti (Haiti) ✓ Iglesia del Nazareno en México Seminario (Mexico) Why Do These Schools Matter So Much? These aren’t just campuses. They’re communities of calling. Students here learn to preach, to teach and to lead. They study the Word deeply. They grow in holiness and purpose. In places like Guatemala, Cuba, Mexico and Haiti — These schools are equipping people for more than ministry. They’re shaping lives to transform nations. This is what it looks like when education meets mission. This is the heartbeat of the Church in Mesoamerica.

You might be wondering: Does the Church have universities in North America? Where do future pastors, missionaries and teachers train? Is biblical education still a priority in the West? The answer is yes. The USA/Canada Region has a strong foundation of Christian higher education. Let’s walk through the places where learning meets calling. ✓ Ambrose University (Canada) ✓ Eastern Nazarene College (Massachusetts, USA) ✓ MidAmerica Nazarene University (Kansas, USA) ✓ Mount Vernon Nazarene University (Ohio, USA) ✓ Nazarene Bible College (Colorado, USA) ✓ Nazarene Theological Seminary (Missouri, USA) ✓ Northwest Nazarene University (Idaho, USA) ✓ Olivet Nazarene University (Illinois, USA) ✓ Point Loma Nazarene University (California, USA) ✓ Southern Nazarene University (Oklahoma, USA) ✓ Trevecca Nazarene University (Tennessee, USA) ✓ Institut Biblique Nazaréen du Québec (Canada) What Sets These Schools Apart? Each of these schools is committed to more than academic success. They are shaping men and women to serve Christ with wisdom and compassion. Students prepare to preach To teach To lead To love Whether in science or theology Whether in ministry or the marketplace They are equipped to live out their faith wherever God sends them. From Canada to California From Massachusetts to Missouri The mission is the same — Christlike disciples for a Christlike Church. This is leadership development Rooted in truth Guided by grace Empowered by purpose.

A Gathering That Guides the Global Church The General Assembly is the highest governing body in the Church of the Nazarene. It meets every few years to guide our church’s direction, mission, and rules — not just for one district or nation, but for the whole global church. It’s a representative assembly, meaning people from many places come together to pray, vote, and lead as one Body. Let’s break it down. Who Makes Up the General Assembly? “The General Assembly shall be composed of ministerial and lay delegates in equal numbers…” — Manual, Paragraph 25 The Assembly is made up of: Pastors and ministers (called ministerial delegates) Church members (called lay delegates) Ex-officio members (those automatically part of it because of their position) Others as needed, chosen according to rules set by previous General Assemblies Every district gets to elect an equal number of lay and ministerial delegates. How Are Delegates Chosen? “Delegates…shall be elected by plurality vote…” — Manual, Paragraph 25.1 Each district holds an election before the General Assembly. Delegates are chosen by vote. There must be both laypeople and ordained ministers. Every Phase 3 district gets at least one lay and one ministerial delegate. Districts also choose alternate delegates, in case someone can’t attend. Where travel is difficult (like visa issues), extra alternates can be appointed. How Does It Work? Credentials (25.2): Each district secretary sends certificates confirming who was elected. Quorum (25.3): A majority of registered delegates must be present to start meetings. Presiding Officer (25.5): A general superintendent (or a temporary leader) oversees meetings. What Does the General Assembly Do? Elects Leadership “Shall elect…six general superintendents…” — Manual, Paragraph 25.4 The Assembly chooses the six General Superintendents — the top leaders who help guide the church worldwide. If one steps down or passes away between Assemblies, the General Board fills that position. Sets the Rules “The General Assembly shall adopt rules of order…” — Manual, Paragraph 25.6 The Assembly sets its own rules — how meetings work, how committees are organized, and how decisions are made. Creates a Court of Appeals “Shall elect…a General Court of Appeals…” — Manual, Paragraph 25.7 This court exists to ensure that any church member, minister, or church has the right to a fair and godly process when dealing with serious issues or conflicts. What Authority Does the General Assembly Have? “Shall have power to legislate for the Church of the Nazarene…” — Manual, Paragraph 25.8 The Assembly can: Make rules and regulations for the entire Church Shape policies for church departments and ministries Protect the freedoms and rights of local churches BUT it cannot override the Church’s Constitution or take away key rights. For example: Local churches still choose their pastors, with some guidelines from the General Assembly (25.8.2) Everyone has the right to a fair trial and appeal, whether layperson or leader (25.8.3) Why This Matters The General Assembly is more than just a meeting. It’s a sacred moment where people from across the world gather under the leadership of the Holy Spirit to keep the church faithful to Christ. It reminds us: We are a global family God calls both leaders and laypeople to speak and serve We can trust the process, because it’s bathed in prayer, guided by Scripture, and rooted in grace Let us honor the General Assembly — not just as a body of rules, but as a Spirit-led fellowship seeking the will of God for our time.

Have you asked that question before? Maybe someone around you has. Or maybe…you’ve just been curious. You’re not alone. We’ve all searched for answers at some point. And sometimes, the questions we ask…lead us to something deeper. This article might just be one of those moments. For you.Or for someone else.So before we list the names —we want to say something first. Welcome. Yes, you Whether you’re a member, a visitor, or simply searching,the Church of the Nazarene is a family. A global one.Over 2.7 million strong.And there’s room for you too.A spiritual home.A people of grace, holiness, and mission. Would you be part of that? You might still be asking —But who leads such a movement? Let’s talk about that.In the Church of the Nazarene, the General Superintendent holds the highest elected office. They guide the church’s global mission, theology, and unity. Together, they form the Board of General Superintendents — a team of spiritual leaders chosen to serve and shepherd the worldwide church.As of now, the board includes: Dr. David A. Busic Dr. Carla D. Sunberg Dr. Gustavo A. Crocker Dr. T. Scott Daniels Dr. Filimão M. Chambo Dr. Christian D. Sarmiento Each one brings a voice. A calling. A heart for people and for Christ. This is not just leadership. It’s service. And if you’re still reading maybe that’s a sign. A quiet invitation. So…shall we go deeper?

For more than one hundred years our Lord Jesus Christ has been writing a story of hope and transformation across Africa It all began in 1901 on a small island called Cape Verde off the west coast of Africa A place few would have expected to start such a movement but through the Church of the Nazarene God began calling people to Himself one by one Community by community and country by country the church grew from that small beginning into a powerful force of faith reaching more than forty four African countries Today there are over two point seven million members experiencing new life and hope in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Lord Jesus is the vine and we are the branches (John 15:5) When the church stays connected to Him it bears much fruit The Church of the Nazarene is His hands and feet reaching into cities villages and remote places across Africa The Redeemer is still calling people from every corner to find salvation and purpose in Him This growth is not just about numbers but about lives changed by the power of Christ The church continues to move forward even in hard times because our Savior never stops working until every heart has heard His name. Every day Christ shows His love through His church feeding the hungry caring for the sick and bringing hope to those who feel lost This is a living story you can be part of No matter your background or past the Lord Jesus invites you to join His family Through faith in Him your life can be transformed and you can join the mission of bringing hope and healing to many.

I remember sitting in a small church office one afternoon, flipping through an old missions book. The pages were yellowed, the photos black and white. But what struck me most wasn’t the images—it was the list. A list of countries, each marked with a year, each representing a bold step of faith by the Church of the Nazarene. It felt like opening a treasure chest of stories, each nation a chapter in the unfolding mission of a church born out of holiness and passion. From dusty roads in lelita in 1898 to the coastal breeze of Saint Lucia in 1972, the Church of the Nazarene was not just expanding—it was planting hope. I imagined those first missionaries, unfamiliar with the language, uncertain of the culture, but sure of their calling. That day, I decided to trace that journey—to see where the church first arrived and how far we’ve come. Here’s a list of the first 50 countries where the Church of the Nazarene took root. Each date is more than a number—it’s a reminder that we were, and still are, a global church with a global mission. 1972 — Saint Lucia (Mesoamerica)1971 — Guam (Asia-Pacific)1971 — The Bahamas (Mesoamerica)1970 — Bermuda (USA/Canada)1970 — Honduras (Mesoamerica)1967 — Netherlands (Eurasia)1966 — Jamaica (Mesoamerica)1964 — Costa Rica(Mesoamerica)1964 — El Salvador (Mesoamerica)1964 — Samoa (Asia-Pacific)1963 — Zimbabwe (Africa) — Entered when it was called Southern Rhodesia1962 — Chile (South America)1961 — Zambia (Africa) — Entered when it was called Northern Rhodesia1960 — Denmark (Eurasia)1958 — American Samoa (Asia-Pacific)1958 — Brazil (South America)1958 — Germany (Eurasia) — Entered what was then called West Germany1957 — Malawi (Africa) — Entered when it was called Nyasaland1956 — Taiwan (Asia-Pacific)1955 — Papua New Guinea (Asia-Pacific)1953 — Panama (Mesoamerica)1952 — New Zealand (Asia-Pacific)1950 — Haiti (Mesoamerica)1950 — Jordan (Eurasia)1950 — Lebanon (Eurasia)1949 — Uruguay (South America)1948 — Italy (Eurasia)1948 — Korea, South (Asia-Pacific)1946 — Australia (Asia-Pacific)1946 — Guyana (Mesoamerica) — Entered when it was called British Guiana1946 — Philippines (Asia-Pacific)1945 — Bolivia (South America)1944 — Puerto Rico (Mesoamerica)1944 — Virgin Islands (Mesoamerica)1937 — Nicaragua (Mesoamerica)1934 — Belize (Mesoamerica) — Entered when it was called British Honduras1926 — Barbados (Mesoamerica)1926 — Trinidad (Mesoamerica)1922 — Mozambique (Africa) — Entered when it was called Portuguese East Africa1921 — Israel (Eurasia) — Entered when it was called Palestine1920 — Syria (Eurasia)1919 — South Africa (Africa)1914 — Peru (South America)1910 — Eswatini (Africa) — Entered when it was called Swaziland1909 — Argentina (South America)1909 — United Kingdom (Eurasia)1905 — Japan (Asia-Pacific)1904 — Guatemala (Mesoamerica)1903 — Mexico (Mesoamerica)1902 — Canada (USA/Canada)1902 — Cuba (Mesoamerica)1901 — Cabo Verde (Africa) — Entered when it was called Cape Verde1898 — India (Eurasia)1887 — United States (USA/Canada) This information is compiled from Howard Culbertson’s comprehensive overview of the global expansion of the Church of the Nazarene. For more details, visit Nazarene Global Outreach   This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.