Imagine a place where you can grow in personal faith. That place is Denver First Church of the Nazarene. Denver First Church of the Nazarene welcomes everyone in Jesus’ name. The church is located at 3800 E. Hampden Ave in Englewood Colorado.
Denver First Church of the Nazarene has a clear mission. It wants to help you love God with your whole heart. The church encourages growth in faith. It helps you understand God’s Word. Denver First Church of the Nazarene inspires its members to serve in Christ’s name. This service extends to their homes, workplaces, and communities.
Denver First Church of the Nazarene provides different worship experiences. You can attend services at 9 am or 10:30 am on Sunday mornings. The 9 am service features contemporary music. A guitar-driven band leads this service. The atmosphere is casual. The Lead Pastor delivers a relevant Bible-based message. The 10:30 am service blends musical styles. It includes praise choruses, hymns, and special music. The Celebration Choir and Orchestra perform. The Lead Pastor shares the same message as in the earlier service. This service has a casual to semi-formal atmosphere. The emphasis is on comfort.
Denver First Church of the Nazarene offers programs for youth and children. These happen at the same time as the services. A nursery is available. It cares for babies through toddlers.
The Church of the Nazarene has a rich history. It began through mergers of holiness churches. These mergers occurred in the early 20th century. Key events were the First and Second General Assemblies. These took place in Chicago and Pilot Point. C. W. Ruth played a vital role in these early mergers.
The name “Church of the Nazarene” has deep meaning. It comes from the Bible. Jesus was raised in Nazareth. He was often called “a Nazarene.” The name focuses on Jesus. It highlights His humble mission. Early followers of Jesus were also called “Nazarenes.”
Dr. Joseph Pomeroy Widney suggested the name in 1895. He felt it represented Christ’s mission. It linked Jesus to the world’s suffering people. The church started by ministering to the poor. It wanted to continue helping the “lower classes.”
The First General Assembly united different groups. This meeting happened in Chicago in 1907. The Church of the Nazarene merged with the Association of Pentecostal Churches of America. The united body was named Pentecostal Church of the Nazarene.
In 1919, the church changed its name. It dropped “Pentecostal.” Some felt the term had become problematic. It was associated with practices like speaking in tongues. Nazarenes did not practice or approve of these. Since then, the name has been Church of the Nazarene.
Over time, other groups joined the Church of the Nazarene. These included churches from Scotland and Canada. The Church of the Nazarene embraced multiple denominations. It aimed to gather smaller bodies of the Wesleyan-holiness movement.
However, some groups separated from the Church of the Nazarene. These separations led to new denominations. These departures often stemmed from disagreements. Some disagreements were about church governance. Others involved social issues.
Despite separations, the Church of the Nazarene grew internationally. It expanded its mission to many countries. Today, it has a global presence. It continues to spread its message of faith and service.
The Denver First Church of the Nazarene is part of this global community. It continues to embrace its mission. The mission is to love God, grow in faith, and serve others. Denver First Church of the Nazarene invites everyone to join its unique fellowship. The fellowship embraces the world. It offers opportunities to encounter Jesus. It encourages growth as a follower of Christ.