Founded on Wesleyan-Holiness principles the Church of the Nazarene stands as a testament to faith and community. The Church of the Nazarene has roots deeply embedded in the Wesleyan revival of the 18th century. This revival was led by John Wesley and his brother Charles. They sought to empower individuals through faith and service to God.
This movement emphasized key theological landmarks. Regeneration by grace through faith was vital. Christian perfection or sanctification was also important. The witness of the Spirit assured grace. John Wesley emphasized entire sanctification as a gracious provision for Christians.
British Methodism spread these teachings globally. In North America the Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 1784. Its purpose was to reform the continent and spread scriptural Holiness. The Holiness Movement gained momentum in the 19th century. It renewed emphasis on Christian holiness.
Timothy Merritt and Phoebe Palmer were key figures. Merritt edited the Guide to Christian Perfection. Palmer led the Tuesday Meeting for the Promotion of Holiness. This brought together Methodist leaders seeking holiness. The holiness revival extended beyond Methodism. Leaders like Charles G. Finney and Asa Mahan promoted holiness in other circles.
In 1867 Methodist ministers organized the National Camp Meeting Association. This promoted holiness. The association sponsored camp meetings throughout the United States. New holiness churches emerged in the 1880s.
The Church of God and the Salvation Army were formed. Some Mennonites and Friends adopted the Wesleyan-holiness view. By the 1890s independent holiness entities sought union. This led to the birth of the Church of the Nazarene.
In 1895 Phineas F. Bresee and Joseph P. Widney founded the Church of the Nazarene in Los Angeles. They envisioned a denomination preaching entire sanctification through faith. They believed sanctified Christians should serve the poor. They advocated for simple churches focused on Christlike ministries.
The Church of the Nazarene adopted general rules and a statement of belief. They published a Manual in 1898. The church spread along the West Coast. In 1907 the Association of Pentecostal Churches of America merged. The Church of the Nazarene joined it. They agreed on a government balancing superintendency and congregational independence. The united body became the Pentecostal Church of the Nazarene.
In 1908 the Holiness Church of Christ united. This further solidified the denomination. By 1919 the name changed to Church of the Nazarene. The term Pentecostal had acquired new meanings.
Later accessions included the Pentecostal Mission. The Pentecostal Church of Scotland also joined. The Laymen’s Holiness Association and Hephzibah Faith Missionary Association followed. The International Holiness Mission united in 1952. David Thomas founded The Holiness Mission in London in 1907.
Extensive missionary work developed in southern Africa. The Calvary Holiness Church united in 1955. The Gospel Workers Church of Canada joined in 1958. In the 1940s a Wesleyan-holiness church in Nigeria adopted the name Church of the Nazarene. It united in 1988.
From its beginning the Church of the Nazarene had an international vision. By 1908 Nazarenes served as missionaries in various countries. Expansion into new areas continued. The church depended on national workers and missionaries.
Historically the Church of the Nazarene ministry centered on evangelism. It also focused on compassionate ministry and education. It supported famine relief and orphanage work in India. The church established schools and training institutions.
In 2005 the Church of the Nazarene had 1496296 international members. They were distributed in over 13600 congregations. Today the Church of the Nazarene continues its mission. It moves from international presence to an international community of faith. It strives to make Christlike disciples in all nations. Its core values of Christian holiness and missional focus guide its path. The Church of the Nazarene remains committed to its Wesleyan-Holiness heritage.