One question we ask ourselves a lot is, "Why do we need more Churches of the Nazarene in the city?" and the answer we constantly come back to is because of who we are and why we exist. The message of the Church of the Nazarene needs to be received in the city; but in order to preach it, teach it and practice it, we have to first KNOW and AGREE with it. Any congregation in the city should be teaching it's members about who we are and why we exist as the Church of the Nazarene. But, don't re-invent the wheel, because many great resources exist to help you.
Sometimes it feels like there are a lot of numbers to understand when it comes to the Church of the Nazarene. But don't throw your hands up in the air and resign yourself to not seeing how they all fit together. Below you will find a simple glossary and quick definitions of the important Nazarene "numbers", but dig a bit deeper and read more about the Nazarene Essentials. Don't miss the sermon outlines and videos - in fact, use them to start a GENESIS this weekend and teach your congregation, Sunday School class or small group about who we are and why we exist!
Glossary (click on any highlighted word to receive more information):
- Core Values - Key principles of the Church of the Nazarene
- Articles of Faith - The doctrines, or beliefs, of the Church of the Nazarene
- Nazarene Characteristics - Distinguishing features or qualities of every Church of the Nazarene and it's members
16 Articles of Faith
3 Core Values
- The Triune God
- Jesus Christ
- The Holy Spirit
- The Holy Scriptures
- Sin, Original and Personal
- Atonement
- Prevenient Grace
- Repentance
- Justification, Regeneration and Adoption
- Christian Holiness and Entire Sanctification
- The Church
- Baptism
- The Lord's Supper
- Divine Healing
- Second Coming of Christ
- Resurrection, Judgement and Destiny
- We are a Christian people.
- We are a Holy people.
- We are a Missional people.
7 Nazarene Characteristics
- Meaningful Worship
- Theological Coherence
- Passionate Evangelism
- Intentional Discipleship
- Church Development
- Transformational Leadership
- Purposeful Compassion