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Origins and heritage
The Church of the Nazarene was formally organized in 1908 through the merger of several Holiness movement groups that had grown out of 19th-century Methodist revivalism. The denomination's theological roots go back directly to John Wesley (1703–1791), who taught that the Holy Spirit could work a "second definite work of grace" in a believer's life — a transformation of the heart so complete that the orientation toward sin is purified. Wesley called this "entire sanctification" or "Christian perfection."
The Nazarene denomination is headquartered in Lenexa, Kansas, and has a global reach disproportionate to its U.S. size — it operates in over 160 world areas and is one of the most internationally active evangelical denominations.
Distinctive beliefs
Entire sanctification
The central theological distinctive of the Nazarene tradition is the doctrine of entire sanctification — a second work of grace, subsequent to conversion, by which the Holy Spirit purifies the believer's heart from the root principle of sin (inbred sin or the sinful nature). This does not mean sinless perfection (the possibility of error, weakness, or inadvertent failure remains), but a heart so wholly committed to God and love that the orientation of the will toward sin is healed.
In practice, Nazarene churches emphasize the altar — a physical place of prayer at the front of the church where people seek God for conversion, entire sanctification, healing, or other spiritual needs. Altar services after the sermon are a regular part of Nazarene worship.
Arminian theology
Like all Wesleyan denominations, the Church of the Nazarene holds to Arminian theology: God's grace is offered to all (not limited to a predetermined elect); humans have genuine free will to accept or reject the Gospel; salvation can be lost through willful, persistent unbelief or apostasy; and the atonement is unlimited in scope. This contrasts with the Calvinist theology of most Reformed and many Baptist churches.
Social holiness
Wesley's famous dictum — "There is no holiness but social holiness" — runs deep in the Nazarene tradition. The denomination has historically been committed to social concern: education (Nazarene universities, compassionate ministries), global development (Nazarene Compassionate Ministries), and care for the vulnerable. Many Nazarene churches run food pantries, homeless ministries, and community service programs.
What to expect at a Nazarene service
- Evangelical worship style. Most Nazarene churches use contemporary worship music, though traditional hymn-based services are still common in smaller or rural congregations. The worship is warm, participatory, and emotionally engaged.
- Expository preaching. Nazarene preaching is typically Bible-centered and applicational — focused on what the text means for how Christians live. Sermons range from 25 to 40 minutes.
- The altar call. After the sermon, an invitation is typically given for anyone who wants to respond — for salvation, for entire sanctification, for prayer. This is the "altar call" tradition from revivalist Methodism.
- The Lord's Supper. Communion is observed regularly in Nazarene churches, though frequency varies — typically monthly or quarterly. The Nazarene tradition holds an open table (all baptized Christians are welcome).
- Baptism. The Nazarene Church practices both infant and believer's baptism, and accepts sprinkling, pouring, or immersion as valid modes. This flexibility reflects the Wesleyan emphasis on the grace signified by baptism rather than its exact form.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Church of the Nazarene the same as Pentecostal?
No — though they share Wesleyan theological roots, Nazarenes and Pentecostals diverged over the doctrine of speaking in tongues. Pentecostals (like the Assemblies of God) teach that tongues is the evidence of Spirit baptism; Nazarenes reject this, holding that entire sanctification (not tongues) is the primary work of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life. Nazarene worship is warmer and more expressive than most mainline churches but more restrained than typical Pentecostal churches.
What is the Nazarene stance on social issues?
The Church of the Nazarene holds traditional evangelical positions on marriage, sexuality, and life issues. The denomination affirms marriage as between a man and a woman and does not ordain or marry same-sex couples. It has a strong commitment to gender equality in ministry — women have been ordained in the Nazarene Church since its founding.