What if the rafters shook with joy? That’s what they said happened when a small group merged with the Church of the Nazarene in 1907. Before that, around the turn of the 20th century, 32 New Yorkers dreamed big. They wanted to preach holiness evangelism. Their focus was on a new and fast-growing part of the city.
Today, the Metro New York District Church of the Nazarene impacts lives globally. More than 120 churches spread across the New York metro area. These churches represent many cultures. They live out their holiness experience. It happens in their homes, jobs, and churches. We celebrate this diverse church. We also dream about future possibilities.
The Church of the Nazarene identifies as Christian. It joins believers to proclaim Jesus Christ’s Lordship. The church embraces historic Trinitarian beliefs. It values its Wesleyan-Holiness heritage. This heritage guides their understanding of faith. They consider Scripture, reason, tradition, and experience.
The Church of the Nazarene is a holiness people. They believe God calls them to a holy life. The Holy Spirit does a second work of grace within them. This cleanses them from all sin. It renews them in God’s image. They gain power to love God fully. They also love their neighbors as themselves. This produces the character of Christ within them. They see this as Christlikeness.
The Church of the Nazarene also defines itself as missional. They respond to Christ’s call. The Holy Spirit empowers them. They go into the world. They witness to Christ’s Lordship. They participate with God. They help build the Church. They extend His kingdom. Their mission starts with worship. It ministers through evangelism and compassion. It encourages Christian maturity through discipleship. It prepares people for Christian service via faith-based education.
The Manhattan Initiative supports the Metro New York District. It provides resources and financial investments. It manages the sales of church properties. It also writes grants for local churches.
The Manhattan Initiative started with The Lambs Club. It was on West 44th Street in Times Square. The church bought it in 1975. It was once an actor’s studio and clubhouse. The Lamb’s Church of the Nazarene resided there until 2005. The Lambs Club was a Stanford White building. It housed America’s first professional theatrical club. The building’s design showed the “American Renaissance.” It became a landmark in 1974.
The Church of the Nazarene bought the building for $500,000. They renovated it into a small theater. It hosted off-Broadway shows. It was a Sunday gathering place. It offered services to the homeless. It became the central hub for the Church of the Nazarene in New York City.
By the late 1990s, maintaining the historic building became too costly. The District secured a long-term land lease with a hotel developer. In 2005, the deal was done. The Chatwal Hotel and Lambs Club restaurant opened.
The District created “The Manhattan Initiative.” It oversees investment income from the land lease. It continues its relationship with The Chatwal Group. It seeks ways to develop Manhattan properties for non-profit and religious work.