What We Believe

Mathew 2:23 says "…and he (Jesus) went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets; "He will be called a Nazarene."

The name 'Nazarene' comes from a title given to define Jesus of Nazareth. Later his followers were called 'The Nazarenes.' Even the apostle Paul, while on trial, was accused of being the ringleader of that sect called 'the Nazarenes.' Of course Jesus did not form a specific denomination, but because the term 'Nazarene' is often related to Jesus it is held in reverence by those who are a part of the Nazarene Church. The supreme desire of Christianity is to exemplify the Christ in our entire lifestyle. This church holds to a deep commitment to be like the 'Nazarene' and to dedicate our lives to loving God and loving humankind. We realize that we are one part of the larger Body of Christ and join with other Christian Churches in spreading the good news of Jesus Christ to all people.

Organized October 8, 1908, in Pilot Point, Texas, the Church of the Nazarene has provided support services to more than 1.4 million members worshiping in more than 12,600 churches in the United States, Canada, and 143 other world areas. The theme of the denomination for the next four years is "Holiness ... The Message of Hope." This theme expresses the pressing desire of the denomination to share the good news that Jesus Christ is the source of hope for our lives.

The Wesleyan Revival that saved eighteenth century England from revolution reaffirmed the testimony and experience of the Early Church that God is able to forgive man’s sins and cleanse his heart from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).

In keeping with this Wesleyan Evangelical heritage the Church of the Nazarene believes:

That everyone can know forgiveness of sins and enjoy a personal relationship with God, through Jesus Christ,
That every Christian may know the inner peace which comes from being whole-heartedly devoted to God,
That the Church has a great privilege and responsibility to share this good news with others.

Nazarenes are passionate about making a difference in the world. Nazarenes believe that God calls Christians to a life of holy living that is marked by an act of God that cleanses the heart from original sin (Salvation Experience) and the infilling of the individual with love for God and all humankind (Sanctification Experience). This Sanctification Experience is marked by entire consecration of the believer to do God's will and is followed by a life of seeking to serve God and others daily. Like salvation, sanctification is an act of God's grace, not of works. A believer's life is then filled with a deepening desire to know and reflect God. By the guidance of the Holy Spirit the believer continues, day by day, to experience God by pursuing after a life of holiness and offering themselves as living sacrifices to glorify God (Romans 12:1-2).