(1) They were born in revival. More specifically they were born in a revival of calling the church back to Christ like living (holiness) and mission (holiness)! Looking back it would seem pretty self evident that Christians ought to act like Christ. The early Nazarenes had roots in Methodism, Presbyterian backgrounds, Baptist influences, and many others. What unified them was their desire to live out a holy life... the possibility. That was the revival (or some call 'awakening') from which the Church of the Nazarene was born.
(2) They were against "tobacco" before everyone realized that tobacco was bad. Before Hollywood started campaigning against tobacco and the government started placing "sin" taxes on cigarettes; the Church of the Nazarene was boldly proclaiming the "tobacco weed" as a vice on our society. They didn't get much support early on, but our culture has finally caught on to the negative effects of tobacco (wish society would come along on some other issues).
(3) They believe in getting the Good News out. The Church of the Nazarene is a strong missions oriented church. We really take seriously going into all the world. That includes places that are dangerous, countries that are anti-Christ, and post-Christian cultures. Nazarenes will go anywhere to tell people about Jesus. Not only will they go, but they will give. Those that are unable to travel to other places are cheerfully willing to give to make sure someone is able to go.
(4) They were tough and determined. Since the Church of the Nazarene was/is such a young denomination (compared to Presbyterians, Episcopalians, Baptists, Catholics, or Methodists) they typically don't have big financial budgets, vast properties, long established trusts, or large overheads of administration. Many of the early Churches of the Nazarene started in rented store fronts with volunteers pastors. But they were tough and determined and they made it! They sacrificed the meager earnings they had from low paying jobs to give to Jesus' work. (They also saved a lot of money by not smoking, drinking, going to movies, taking the Sunday newspaper, etc.)
(5) Budgets. Yeah, I know. Some Nazarene churches do not like paying their "budgets" but I'm glad, as a denomination, that we do not have such a narrow perspective that we forget about the rest of the world. Budget allotments are what are expected from local church to give outside of their 'local' context. We believe in working together with our brothers and sisters from other local churches to send out missionaries, plant churches, support existing churches, train pastors and laity, as well as provide for the physical needs of the communities we find ourselves in.
(6) "Articles of Faith." It's what I believe. I'm glad we are clear about what we believe as a church!
(7) They cared about the disenfranchized, poor, hurting, widows, orphans, and imprisoned before anyone knew anything about social justice. We never called it social justice, we called it the Great Commission. The truth is, the early Church of the Nazarene placed the priority on sinners coming to know Jesus as the Savior and Lord of their life regardless of their social status. We were working on the 'other side of the track' before it was cool to do so. Caring for the physical needs of people was a natural outflow of a real concern for the spiritual needs of people.
(8) They didn't mind rocking the boat. They take a stand. "Holy Rollers" "Nois-arenes" and other names were frequent with the early Church of the Nazarene. Many of the early Nazarenes were "rejects" from other churches for their stand on social issues, moral issues, and passionate preaching. "Woe to them that are at ease in Zion".... the only solution to ease is to keep the boat rocking. Taking on controversial issues, preaching on strong convictions, and being unconcerned about what the polls were saying kept the early Nazarenes rocking the boat.
(9) They have expectations. Ever heard of the "Covenant of Christian Conduct?" It means that if you are a member its because you have committed to more than your name on a roll in the secretary's office. You have agreed to participate in the shared convictions of a body of believers. Sure, some people misunderstand and think it is just a bunch of rules. I'm just glad to be part of a church that has done the difficult work of trying to make the "rubber meet the road." So we are defined not only by our theology but also our lifestyle.
(10) Holiness. It is the greatest need of the church today. It is the only thing that can meet our deepest need. It is the will of God. It is the only way to Heaven. It is preached, taught, experienced, lived out, and given priority to in the Church of the Nazarene. (If we walk away from this Truth, we walk away from our reason for existence.)
(11) Last, but not least, I was born-again and baptized in a Church of the Nazarene. It was Lafayette Church of the Nazarene in Lexington, KY to be exact. While that may not mean much to you, it has changed the course of my life (as well as where I will spend eternity). I am so thankful that the King of kings and Lord of lords extended an unwarranted gift of forgiveness and redemption to me so that I might now be called a child of the Living God.
What reasons might you add?
Also check out similar blog posts...
Why I like Roman Catholics.
Why I like Independent Fundamental Baptists.
Why I like Conservative Holiness Churches.
Why I like Small churches.
Why I like Snake Handling Churches.
Good stuff. Thanks for the optimism of your Christian witness for Christ and His church, His holy bride. Thank you for calling the Church of the Nazarene to her historical roots. I appreciate you, my friend.
ReplyDeleteRemember when we thought that Nazarenes were the only ones who would make it to heaven, and if there were others, they would be very few?
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
ReplyDelete