Considering Nazarene Church

[FranciscanJ]

Hi everyone, I'm currently starting to attend a Nazarene Church in my area. I've only attended once so far, and I am interested in the denomination for a few reasons:

1) There is a maturity there that I have not often found in evangelical churches. Seems like a good place to learn, grow, and surround myself with positive, godly contemporaries and role models.

2) I was raised in Calvary Chapel and attended a methodist youth group through high school, and this church seems like a nice mix of both.


One thing that seems strikingly different than Calvary, is that it seems as if everyone was who is currently in this church was raised in it. Like being born American, they were simply born Nazarene (so it seems). I tried searches through the internet to see if this is ever a church that people join, but it seems like it's just one big culture of it's own, like extended family.

I noticed looking through this forum that people often talk of joining the Methodist Church, but I have yet to see one where an adult says, "Yup, it's official, I've joined the Nazarene Church."

It crossed my mind that maybe Nazarenes don't want new people without connections to join. Like we could be a threat to holiness or something. But I'm sure it's not like that.

So maybe I'll be an odd duck by stepping out of the norm, but I don't mind being an odd duck this way.

Any thoughts?

[Redheadedstepchild]

Hi!

That's an interesting observation. I wonder if it's just due to the Nazarene Church being smaller and less well known? (at least it is here).

Anyway, welcome to this area of CF. Good luck in your search!:)

[RadicallyTransformedMom]

well..your now meeting an adult who joined the nazarene church ...lol

i grew up catholic..spent 12 yrs in various evangelical and pentecostal churches..then went back to the catholic church for 4 yrs..then in January we went looking for a church and ended up in a Nazarene church..and we LOVE it. its very welcoming to me and my family. Lots of lovely people!

[Kryzoz]

I am an odd duck at my A.M.E. Church. Just align yourself with a gruop, expose your talents and do what the Lord wants and you wont be an odd duck for long. :)

[FranciscanJ]

Thanks everyone, you all make some good points. It does seem it is less well known compared to Methodist.

It is good to meet another adult who joined the Church of the Nazarene. Really I'll just need to talk to some people there, they all seem very friendly. I just sat in for a test service and it was great, but I didn't bother to socialize. There are bible studies there that happen all week so I'll be checking them out and getting to know poeple, and then later see where God can use my talents.

[rrguy]

Well I like small churches for those reasons also. I would agree it seems most everyone in the Nazarene church grew up in it? Yet I am not sure of all their beliefs & the pastor mentioned he does not agree with all them? I guess to me that is important if I am to go to a church that I agree with their teachings. May the Holy Spirit guide you on your search.

[StacieA]

Keep us informed on your journey!! *hugs*

[CFFosterAngel51]

I joined the Nazarene church many years ago after growing up in the Seventh Day Adventist churches. I like their conservative view with a contemporary flavor (hmmm... is that an oxymoron?). At the church I am a member of now, several of my friends joined the church from a different background.

Also, I drive about 30 minutes to attend a Nazarene church when there are several others I could attend that wouldn't be as far. The one I'm attending offers both traditional and contemporary worship services, they have Bible studies and small group opportunities and ample opportunities to get involved.

I think a good church needs to have a balance between ministering to us and allowing us to minister. It needs to offer truth based on the scriptures. The pastor needs to feed us truth from the pulpit, and we need to follow the truth as we understand it.

Different churches have different doctrines. When it comes to doctrines, I look at which ones are important for salvation. I have to know that the doctrines of salvation are sound... the rest... well... can I live with what I do or don't agree with.

BTW... I'm pretty sure the born and raised Nazarenes are just as much a threat to holiness as us transplants are! LOL

Those are just some of my thoughts... I hope you will find the church that is right for you, and my experience (with the exception of 1 church), the Nazarene church is filled with friendly God fearing people who are searching for truth and Godliness.

In Him,
Kristen

[silentpoet]

I joined as an adult at 30 years of age. The positive points have already been mentioned by others.

[FranciscanJ]

I joined the Nazarene church many years ago after growing up in the Seventh Day Adventist churches. I like their conservative view with a contemporary flavor (hmmm... is that an oxymoron?). At the church I am a member of now, several of my friends joined the church from a different background.

Thanks Kim,
Yeah, I also like that about them, they're conservative enough but also not fundamentalist. I feel like I have a lot in common with the denomination as far as theology and what I like in a church too. But it's good to know I wouldn't be the only one in America who wasn't born member!
:thumbsup:


Also, I drive about 30 minutes to attend a Nazarene church when there are several others I could attend that wouldn't be as far. The one I'm attending offers both traditional and contemporary worship services, they have Bible studies and small group opportunities and ample opportunities to get involved.


Wow, I drive about 15 min for this one. This sounds a lot like the one I'm checking out. Of course it makes sense they would be similar. I'm going to check out the traditional service too next time. It's pretty exciting actually. Although I'm not sure how they view flip flops in church...


I think a good church needs to have a balance between ministering to us and allowing us to minister. It needs to offer truth based on the scriptures. The pastor needs to feed us truth from the pulpit, and we need to follow the truth as we understand it.


Well stated. This church also teaches excellently in this respect as far as I have seen. Though of course I don't expect every sermon to be a slam dunk. Living the life in Christlikeness with a church is the exciting part to me. Listening is only the first step.


Different churches have different doctrines. When it comes to doctrines, I look at which ones are important for salvation. I have to know that the doctrines of salvation are sound... the rest... well... can I live with what I do or don't agree with.

BTW... I'm pretty sure the born and raised Nazarenes are just as much a threat to holiness as us transplants are! LOL

Those are just some of my thoughts... I hope you will find the church that is right for you, and my experience (with the exception of 1 church), the Nazarene church is filled with friendly God fearing people who are searching for truth and Godliness.


ROFL! Good one on holiness! We all do need Christ.

Right, no church is perfect, and there are bigger priorities in doctrinal issues pertaining to salvation rather than some others that are not as essential. The view of alcohol is the only one I'm not sure about, but it's really not too big a deal with most people as far as I can tell. You've been a big help with this Kim. Thanks,

I'll keep everyone updated on my journey.

-Franciscanj

[FranciscanJ]

I joined as an adult at 30 years of age. The positive points have already been mentioned by others.

Wow, I just turned 30. Maybe I feel like it's time to grow up and that's why the Lord's leading me to a more mature place.

[silentpoet]

Wow, I just turned 30. Maybe I feel like it's time to grow up and that's why the Lord's leading me to a more mature place.
I guess it was a variety of circumstances that lead me here. But it mostly fits me. I will not say my current congregation is perfect, but it is a place I can at least fit somewhat in. Don't look for perfect, look for good and work to make it better and yourself a better fit. I can highly recommend this denomination.

[CFFosterAngel51]

I guess it was a variety of circumstances that lead me here. But it mostly fits me. I will not say my current congregation is perfect, but it is a place I can at least fit somewhat in. Don't look for perfect, look for good and work to make it better and yourself a better fit. I can highly recommend this denomination.
I agree, perfect doesn't exist. There will never on earth be a church where everyone is loving and attentive and healthy. On the other side, there are a great number of people seeking to be more like Christ and are going to show His love, even when we feel unloveable.

On a side note to this, we recently had a discussion in our Sunday School class about how sometimes people feel like no one cares.

I've noticed that if someone doesn't socialize, or participate in activities or studies, or just runs out the door and doesn't talk to anyone, it's awfully hard to get to know that person. In person, I tend to be shy, but if I stay a few minutes after service or I show up for a study or activity, I tend to be warmly welcomed and people want me to be involved. So if we don't feel cared about, is it the people at the church aren't caring... or is it us not letting them get to know us and care about us? I know I've been in both situations before.

Kristen

[FranciscanJ]

Thanks for all the feedback guys. You are right, and with the Lord's strength may I be a blessing wherever I go rather than look for perfect people.

[HeatherJay]

I wasn't a born Nazarene, either. :) I grew up Southern Baptist, spent my formative teenage years in a Methodist church, and then joined the Church of the Nazarene after I was married and had babies of my own to raise. :) We've been members for about 4 years now.

We chose the Nazarene church because from our very first visit, we felt right at home. We love the preaching, we loved the children's programs, and the people were so genuine and accepting...they truly made us feel like family right from the start.

It's that feeling of family that I think many people will comment on in reference to the Church of the Nazarene. And I don't believe it's because every member is a born Nazarene...but because as a whole, they truly are so warm and welcoming to those looking for a church family to belong to.

I'm not a born Nazarene, but our church family makes me feel like one. :)

Good luck in your search for a church home...I hope you enjoy the Church of the Nazarene as much as I have. :hug:

[suzeequeue]

how exciting for you to be considering joining the Nazarene Church. i shall attempt to tell you how wonderful it is.:clap:

our church is much the same as the one you mentioned, in that almost everyone there is related one way or another. and most of them were, in fact, born Nazarene. you know, i think this is how church should be. we pass down our faith as a legacy to our children. we make Jesus first and go to church every time the doors are open, and sure, eventually everyone in the church is related (through marriage). why would anyone go anywhere else? it's truly ONE big loving family in the Lord.

i was raised in a dead Lutheran church, but their chanting and ridiculous rituals meant NOTHING to me. that's not worship, at least not for me. i need to FEEL the Holy Ghost at church, not just chant some stuff and then go home. i got the distinct impression everyone who went to that Lutheran church went because that was their duty. that's how you get to heaven. at least that's the impression i got. but where was the Lord?? He was sadly missing from that "church."

then in January 1989, when our daughter was 2 years old, my husband and i bought our first house (across the street from a 90+-year-old couple of Nazarenes--Will & Ruth). they told me later that they began praying for me and my husband in January 1989 when we moved in. by Easter that year, after much prayer, they came over and invited us to church. now mind you, i had asked my husband to attend church in the past, but he wasn't interested. the thing is, my hubby has great respect for his elders, and he couldn't tell Will no. so Easter Sunday we went to the First Church of the Nazarene, and we could not believe how loving and spiritual it was. we were hooked for Jesus. even my husband. God's Spirit is palpable there and that's what i was looking for. the fact that the people there love us more than our own families, well that's also a big plus:)

in addition, the Nazarene Church has an outstanding missions program. we have a real heart for the unsaved. Nazarene Universities are located throughout the world, and they are Holiness institutions, preparing students for His service. in addition, i have never seen a Nazarene minister whose sermon didn't just take my breath away. all in all, i cannot say enough good about the Nazarene Church.

Will & Ruth (our precious neighbors) raised 5 Nazarene boys, who married 5 Nazarene girls, and so on and so forth...

so you see, what seems cultish, is really just God's family, continuing in His service, generation after generation after generation... :). i look forward to the day i can say my Nazarene children married other Nazarenes, Lord willing.

God bless you.

[HeatherJay]

how exciting for you to be considering joining the Nazarene Church. i shall attempt to tell you how wonderful it is.:clap:

our church is much the same as the one you mentioned, in that almost everyone there is related one way or another. and most of them were, in fact, born Nazarene. you know, i think this is how church should be. we pass down our faith as a legacy to our children. we make Jesus first and go to church every time the doors are open, and sure, eventually everyone in the church is related (through marriage). why would anyone go anywhere else? it's truly ONE big loving family in the Lord.

i was raised in a dead Lutheran church, but their chanting and ridiculous rituals meant NOTHING to me. that's not worship, at least not for me. i need to FEEL the Holy Ghost at church, not just chant some stuff and then go home. i got the distinct impression everyone who went to that Lutheran church went because that was their duty. that's how you get to heaven. at least that's the impression i got. but where was the Lord?? He was sadly missing from that "church."

then in January 1989, when our daughter was 2 years old, my husband and i bought our first house (across the street from a 90+-year-old couple of Nazarenes--Will & Ruth). they told me later that they began praying for me and my husband in January 1989 when we moved in. by Easter that year, after much prayer, they came over and invited us to church. now mind you, i had asked my husband to attend church in the past, but he wasn't interested. the thing is, my hubby has great respect for his elders, and he couldn't tell Will no. so Easter Sunday we went to the First Church of the Nazarene, and we could not believe how loving and spiritual it was. we were hooked for Jesus. even my husband. God's Spirit is palpable there and that's what i was looking for. the fact that the people there love us more than our own families, well that's also a big plus:)

in addition, the Nazarene Church has an outstanding missions program. we have a real heart for the unsaved. Nazarene Universities are located throughout the world, and they are Holiness institutions, preparing students for His service. in addition, i have never seen a Nazarene minister whose sermon didn't just take my breath away. all in all, i cannot say enough good about the Nazarene Church.

Will & Ruth (our precious neighbors) raised 5 Nazarene boys, who married 5 Nazarene girls, and so on and so forth...

so you see, what seems cultish, is really just God's family, continuing in His service, generation after generation after generation... :). i look forward to the day i can say my Nazarene children married other Nazarenes, Lord willing.

God bless you.

LOL, I agree that the fact that Nazarenes often marry other Nazarenes DOES seem cultish from the outside, lol. It happens in our church too. But the thing is, it's not anything that's preached to the kids to stay within the church, to marry within the church, and to raise children within the church. Truly, my Nazarene church (and others like it) are some of the most open and loving churches I've ever seen when it comes to lifting up different denominations and embracing them as our brothers and sisters in Christ. Every week, my pastor prays blessings over every other church in our county (and various other churches around the world)...not only Nazarene churches, but AME churches, Church of God, Church of Christ, Assembly of God, our Pentecostal churches, Lutheran, Episcopal, Presbyterians, Catholics, all churches that proclaim Jesus as Lord...seriously, we lift up those churches and pray for God's presence and touch on their congregations.

I think the reason kids marry within the church is usually because the church offers so many programs and opportunities for them, that that's just where most of their strongest freindships and relationships are formed. Our teen program runs about 50 kids with services 3 times a week, not to mention Sunday School, and fellowship and missions activities all throughout the year in addition. The children's program (which my kids are very actively involved) is just as phenonminal. The kids just grow up together...and with an active church family, they spend a lot of time together.

LOL, I will say that I get a laugh out of Dr. Daniel Boone (the president of Trevecca...the Nazarene university in Nashville) every time I hear him speak. One of his strongest "selling points" is convincing parents how wonderful it would be if they son or daughter met and fell in love with another young person so grounded in faith as those who traditionally attend trevecca, lol. :doh: So, yeah, HE'S trying to sell the whole Nazarene's marrying Nazarene's, lol...but that's different. He just wants parents sending their kids to trevecca, lol.

[firechild]

The nazarene church I have started attending is just about the opposite of all the ones mentioned, as far as people being born into the congregation is concerned.

I's very new, maybe about a year and a half old, and i've only been there about a month. They are still exceptionally small, and are working on getting the word out and 'launching' the church officially.

It's geared toward people who aren't into 'religion' in the traditional sense, but really into having a relationship with God, and is a very contemporary service that takes place in a movie theater.

The people are exceptionally welcoming though. It's the most comfortable congregation i've ever walked into. There's no judgment, no prerequisites, only the expectation to be open to the love of God.

It's cool to see that there are a number of us coming from other traditions to nazarene.

love!

FC

[suzeequeue]

Heather Joy, lol..that's a cute cartoon in your siggy :)

you are so right that they don't preach about Nazarenes marrying other Nazarenes, it just turns out that way! like you said, these kids grow up together serving God; it's only natural they would go on to marry one of their church family. the more i think about it, i really think that's how God must have intended it.:D

firechild, how exciting for you to be a part of starting a new church. that is just awesome! i am glad you found a wonderful place where you can grow. i am also involved in something similar! our church has recently rented a space in a kind of bad part of town, where there are many unchurched. we are starting by having Bible study at the space we are renting. in October we will have a huge catered dinner for anyone who wants to come, and from that we hope to get 50 or more regular attenders, then we will eventually have a Sunday service in addition to the Bible studies. our pastor told us he has been thinking and praying about this outreach ministry for a long time. we need to reach unbelievers more than ever. we plan to have flyers and billboards advertising the new church, as a "cafe-style" church, where people will gather around tables instead of pews. this is still in the first stages, but we are really excited to see what God will do!:)

great is the Lord and worthy of glory!
great is the Lord and worthy of praise!
great is the Lord, we lift up our voice, we lift up our voice, GREAT ARE YOU LORD!!!

i will tell you how the First Church of the Nazarene started in my town. it's a lovely story, as related to me by my neighbor Will, who went to be with the Lord a few years back now. around 1930 (can't remember 30-what) a nazarene minister set up a big tent for church services outside of our town. my neighbor Will and his wife had a young family and were looking for a church. after attending sunday morning services there, Will's wife asked him, "what'd you think of that church, Will?" He said, "I'll tell you what i think of it--i'm going back tonight!"

thus began the First Church of the Nazarene in my area. my minister told me that is often how they started new churches back in those days, setting up a tent near a town and seeing how many would come. and from that little tent was borne our wonderful church! all of the original members have gone to be with the Lord now, but their descendents remain, and they have left a legacy behind, one we continue to uphold today.

thank You, God, for my church!!!:) i am truly blessed.

[firechild]

we plan to have flyers and billboards advertising the new church, as a "cafe-style" church, where people will gather around tables instead of pews. this is still in the first stages, but we are really excited to see what God will do!:)


cafe-style...what a neat idea!
I hope it works out! i would certainly be attracted to that sort of service, and i imagine many others would as well.

Good luck and God bless with the project!

FC

[suzeequeue]

thanks firechild! it IS a neat idea. we pray God will bless our efforts and many will come to know Him.:)

about 10 years ago we started a Christian day care at our church, "Noah's Ark Day Care" to be specific, and many people who brought their kids for day care ended up attending church service as well. many were brought to salvation through the day care. i mentioned to our pastor that after the new church gets going, perhaps we could open a day care there also. he said he thought of that also :) so we'll just wait and see how it goes.

[Mick116]

Hi all,
even though I am Anglican, I was an occasional visitor to a Nazarene congregation back home in Brisbane... we were living about a one minute walk from the church building, so I figured we'd pay a visit now and then. I really appreciated the warm, open and caring atmosphere, and the conservative but-not-fundamentalist theological stance. Theologically, there is much common ground between Wesleyanism and especially evangelical Anglicanism... figures, considering Mr Wesley was a lifelong and devout Anglican.

I've actually just started a course of study through the Nazarene Theological College here in Australia, so I should gain somewhat of a more intimate understanding of the denomination in the near future...

[FaithfulRemnant]

Although I'm high church traditional protestant(yes, I like those chants, rites, hymns on the organ, etc), I have studied holiness, particularly sanctification as the second definite work of grace, and have in the past attended a Nazarene church and a holiness pentecostal church. The wesleyan understanding of sanctification is to me very scriptural and a blessing. I don't think it matters what denomination, it's hard to get around so much talk about holiness and sanctification in the scriptures. Acts 26:18 and 1 Thessalonians 5:23 are my favorites regarding sanctification. Good point, Mick116 :) wesleyanism is quite similar to revival movements in the older protestant churches such as the Anglicans and even Lutherans. It's good to see some Nazarene churches having a traditional service also. I think it's possible to have the spirit of revival along with the traditions of the past. I've never been to a Nazarene traditional style service. Has anybody here gone to one? What's it like?