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From One to a Hundred: How the Church of the Nazarene Took the Gospel to the Nations
It began with one nation. One call. One commission.
Today, the Church of the Nazarene is present in over 160 world areas. But how did it begin? What were the first steps that turned a local holiness movement into a global church family?
Let’s trace that journey—from one to a ten.
The Spark: United States (1887)
It all began in 1887 in the United States, where holiness churches united under a shared passion: to preach Christ and spread scriptural holiness across the world. The fire was lit.
The Flame Spreads: Early Expansion (1898–1926)
- India (1898) – The first international mission field. The Church of the Nazarene stepped into Asia, embracing the diverse culture and spiritual hunger of the Indian people.
- Cabo Verde (1901) – The first African country reached by the church. This small island nation became a powerful beacon of light in the Atlantic.
- Mexico (1903) and Guatemala (1904) – The start of a mighty movement across Latin America, as the gospel took root in hearts and homes.
- Japan (1905) – The first country in East Asia. Seeds were planted in a land rich with tradition and resilience.
- Canada (1902), Cuba (1902), Argentina (1909), and the United Kingdom (1909) – Nations that became early pillars, shaping the Church’s identity across continents.
By 1926, the Church of the Nazarene had entered over 20 countries, from Trinidad to Mozambique, from the Middle East to the Caribbean. Each step wasn’t just geographical—it was spiritual transformation.
Momentum Builds: The Middle Years (1930s–1970s)
This was the season of momentum:
- South America saw the church plant roots in Colombia, Chile, and Ecuador.
- Africa opened wider with Zimbabwe, Zambia and more.
- Europe embraced the gospel through nations like France
The gospel was not just crossing borders—it was transforming cultures, building communities, and making disciples.
The Wave Continues: 1980s–1990s
The 1980s and 1990s brought bold new breakthroughs:
- Post-war and post-colonial regions like Russia, Romania, Cambodia, and Ukraine opened their doors.
- Nations like Angola, Liberia, and Ethiopia in Africa embraced the Church in the wake of civil unrest and conflict.
- The gospel reached the Solomon Islands, Bangladesh, and Myanmar, continuing its march across Asia and the Pacific.
By 1992, the Church had entered 100 world areas, each with its own story of transformation, challenge, and Christ-centered hope.
Why It Matters
This isn’t just a list of countries.
This is the story of God’s faithfulness.
It’s about pastors raised up, churches planted, families restored, and communities changed by the love of Jesus.
From the first mission in India to the 100th milestone in Angola, the Church of the Nazarene has kept its eyes on one mission:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” — Matthew 28:19
Which of the 100 surprised you most?
Which nation would you like to hear more about?
Let us know in the comments!
Praise be to God for the beautiful tapestry of nations He is weaving together through the Church of the Nazarene.
Based on research by Howard Culbertson. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
