Why I Like Conservative Holiness Churches...

I'm talking about the tie wearing, bun sporting, ankle length dress wearing brand just to be clear...

(1) They take the call to holy living seriously. They are trying to live differently than the world. In the world, but not of the world. Holiness is not an abstract theological philosophy, but a day by day impacting way of life. For the Conservative Holiness Movement (CHM), giving everything to Jesus means he will change it before using it. Clothing, entertainment, attitudes, etc. are all going to be different. There's a thorough and holistic approach to applying Biblical truth to practical lifestyle.

(2) Heard of the coveted Millennial generation? Well after some losses in the 1970s & 80s, the Conservative Holiness Movement is making great strides among young adults. It seems that a lot of young adults are tired of trying to get Christianity to fit into their life and are trying to get their life to fit into Christianity. Of course it may also be that those that are part of the CHM are just good at raising their children to stay in the church and maintain a heart for God.

(3) They are okay with being conservative. While a lot of holiness people are off chasing the big mainline denominations to try to be like their big brother, the Conservative Holiness folks will tell you they are busy chasing after Holiness. They don't mind wearing clothing that is not in style, not going to the movies, or not owning a TV... they are just more interested in being holy than anything else. Weird? Maybe. But they're okay with it. They don't believe you make holiness relevant; they believe it already is!!

(4) Can anyone remember "Campmeeting"? They still do it and do it good! And, even though the rest of us know that they no longer work... the CHM is still seeing people born-again and sanctified wholly at camp meetings! They do it up complete with trombone players, pulpits, long dresses on the ladies, altars, waving hankeys, and some aisle running. "I never shall forget how the fire fell." They generally stick with the hymns and don't seem to keen on switching over any time soon.

(5) They preach holiness clearly and specifically and strongly! You know how Charles Stanley always manages to slip in some "once saved, always saved" in every sermon? Well, CHM folk have that impulse, but with the message of Holiness. This second work of grace or entire sanctification or baptism of the Holy Spirit is more than a doctrinal statement that they give lip service to. They preach it, shout about it, teach it, and live it! They may look like they're out of date, but they're goal is not to fit in, but be filled within by the Holy Spirit. You don't make holiness relevant... it already is!!

(6) They believe in biblical holiness education. While they may not have Bible colleges with huge enrollments, across the CHM you will find a ton of small Bible Colleges that are training men and women for pastoral ministry, missions ministry, and educational ministry. They feel strongly about people who know what the Bible says about the truth of Holiness. After all, if you don't know what the Bible says, you won't know how to preach it, teach it, or live it!

(7) They have convictions. No, I'm not talking about court room convictions, I'm talking about the fact that many of them are listening to what God may be asking them to do or to give up. While they most often get a reputation surrounding their dress, it's must larger than that. Many do not own a TV, won't go to a restaurant that serves alcohol, won't listen to secular music, don't wear makeup (male or female) and more. Listening to God about direction in life seems like a pretty Biblical idea to me.
 
(8) They still shout. They sometimes look like Pentecostals, and sometimes sound (noise level) like Pentecostals, but they are not Pentecostals. And they do not have a problem with that. They also do not mind if it gets loud while praising the Lord. Psalm 47:1 "Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with loud songs of joy!" In some corners of the CHM you'll not only hear an 'amen' during the preaching, but you might just witness a saint shouting and running the aisles in praise to God.

(9) They take criticism well. They have to, after all, all the moderate and liberal holiness people fight them more than they do the devil. Being called 'legalistic' all the time because you have convictions has to get annoying. But they do not seem to mind the name calling and constant opposition. They go right on pursuing holiness! That independent, rugged determination helps them not only survive criticism, but thrive on the mission field too.

(10) The Conservative Holiness Movement is growing in unconventional ways. Go to a Bible College, Seminary, or a  Church Growth Seminar and you will hear the 'right' way to grow a church. Most in the CHM have never heard that stuff, because they're not doing most of it... but they're still growing. They maintain a zeal for missions. While typically independent, they are almost as large as the Church of the Nazarene. We Nazarenes like to believe we are the king of the hill, but the truth is, the Conservative Holiness Movement is a growing movement and might just overtake us (especially here in the United States).

For more information check out the wiki page about the Conservative Holiness movement and the Interchurch Holiness Convention website for more info.

Also check out similar blog posts...
Why I like Roman Catholics.
Why I like Independent Fundamental Baptists.
Why I like the Church of the Nazarene.
Why I like Small churches.
Why I like Snake Handling Churches.

Why I Love the Church of the Nazarene...

It would just make sense that I write a "Why I Like..." about the group that I identify with: the Church of the Nazarene. I love my church!

(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.

Why I Like Independant Fundamental Baptists...

A few reasons I like Independent Baptists:

(1) There are lots of them. You can find them everywhere you go. Sure, sometimes you have to look on a back street, but if you look you will find and Independent Baptist Church

(2) They know what they stand for. They know the fundamentals of their faith. Ask them, they'll be glad to chat. They don't mind a hearty debate either.

(3) The no-nonsense mentality. They are not worried about being politically correct. Less sugar coating. Clear, plain, & blunt might define their communication style. You will never go away wondering what they were trying to say.

(4) They are 'independent' minded. They do not depend upon others for what they need. They do not pay much attention to that feeling that creeps over most of us when we feel like we are out on a limb alone. They secretly enjoy standing tall when no one else will.

(5) They are evangelistic. Make eye contact for more than three seconds and they'll probably hand you a tract with the name of their church on the back. You will then get to hear the plan of salvation! Get ready to make a personal decision too. You might even hear a little street preaching (kind of like what Peter did at Pentecost.)

(6) They have a love for God's Word. That is the KJV to be exact. But they love it. They will memorize, quote, and even live it (imagine that). They may like Calvin, but they don't quote him much, they quote Paul, Jesus, and the prophets.

(7) They believe in education. I know they have a reputation of being anti-intellectual, but the opposite is actually true. They like to start Christian schools, homeschool co-ops, small independent Bible colleges, and more. Their priority is on teaching God's Word (see #6).

(8) They are Biblical theologians, not Systematic theologians. Most people today lean toward being a systematic kind of Christian. We like for our faith to all fit together into a nice little system that makes sense. Not Independant Fundamental Baptists. "God said it, I believe it, and that settles it."

(9) They like big families. Dad working hard at a job, mom working hard teaching and rearing the kids, and multiple children is not a sexist, ignorant idea for them... it is normal. They raise them to love Jesus and his church. No wonder there are so many of them!

(10) They sometimes get loud during church. Pentecostals get all the credit these days for getting noisy in church, but the truth is Independant Fundamental Baptists like to throw up an "amen" here and there too.

What might you add?

Also check out similar blog posts...
Why I like Roman Catholics.
Why I like Conservative Holiness Churches.
Why I like the Church of the Nazarene.
Why I like Small churches.

Why I like Snake Handling Churches.