Be Happy for Church Discipline

Recently social media has been ablaze with comments, posts, and blogs about clergy who have been disciplined and lost their credentials (along with those still in the process). Their loss of credentials is in relation to their push for the Church of the Nazarene to be LGBTQIA+ affirming. In other words they want homosexual practice to be acceptable. Their defense is that they simply want a "conversation" and, when disciplined, an insistence that the proper protocols and Manual requirements were not followed. The definition of "teaching" is debated, the definition of "doctrines" is debated, and a pharisaical "straining out the gnat" is evidenced in supporters' debate; all the while "the camel" of refuting the clear teachings of Scripture about the practice of homosexuality is ignored.

It would be easy to fall into the confusion as some educated people (at least with degrees) seem to be suddenly confused about a sexual ethic that has been around since the beginning of time and is among the clearest prohibitions in Scripture. All they really desire is for the church to capitulate truth in favor of current cultural trends of sexual immorality. They do not want conversation (that has been happening for some time), they want compromise.

A few observations in light of things taking place.

1. The baseline of the issue is a rejection of Biblical truth as the primary authority for doctrine and lifestyle. There are some who escape into denominational infrastructure and ivory towers that forget that Christianity is not a philosophy to be toyed with, but a relationship with the Creator. The goal is not development of culturally compatible social circles, but knowing the King of kings. Consistently through the history of the church, revival and reform have not taken the church farther away from biblical revelation, but called the church back to it. Those who seek to reinvent a culturally palatable religion, are actually making an idol in the image of humanism. 

2. They are advocating for the blessing of behavior that the Bible clearly says will keep people out of Heaven. In other words, these teachings have a damning impact on the individuals who would listen and follow them. Jesus came to seek and save the lost. Those insisting on gay marriage or homosexual practice are seeking to convince the lost that they are not lost. This is dangerous, antithetical to all that we should be doing, and the reason the Bible speaks so strongly against false teachers. They are not new attenders or visitors in the church. They are most often part of a multi-generational family in the life of the church. They are typically an ordained elder serving the denomination in various capacities (including Nazarene Universities and denominational infrastructure). In other words, they are not first time guests who are unaware of the teachings of Jesus on this issue. They should know better, but insists on persisting in false teachings without regard to the eternal impact it has on those who embrace homosexual practice.

3. If anyone should be clamoring for justice it is the hundreds of people who have had to leave their churches under the failed leadership of false teachers. Approving of sin, or creating a culture in the local church that will lead to approval of sin, chokes out spiritual vitality. The wages of sin is death. And those who propagate the approval of sin create a culture of death. Theology is not abstract philosophy, but our understanding of God and ultimately His plan of salvation. The practice of homosexuality needs more than a denial of its approval. Those struggling with this temptation need authentic, biblical love from their church family and the discipleship of clarity about homosexual practice. If anyone should be outraged it is the loved ones of people who have wrecked their faith on his teachings. 

4. Church discipline is a real thing. It is necessary to implement church discipline when moral practices are violated or covenants broken. Church discipline is necessary to maintain the integrity and witness of the church. For the same reason a child molester or one advocating for the demeaning of another person based on their skin color is subject to church discipline, so one who would advocate for the sinful action of homosexual practice is also subject to discipline. While there will always be things up for debate, those things clearly defined in Scripture as sin are not up for debate. How to minister to those in the LGBTQIA+ community is worthy of rigorous discussion and debate. Whether the practice of homosexuality is sin is not open for debate. Those claiming that no one can discuss these issues because their credentials will be taken are disingenuous in their communication; spinning the issue. 

5. They malign faithful leaders, pastors, and laity in the church. Those in support of homosexual practice and biblical compromise form an online rabble that seek to intimidate, malign, and coerce leadership into adherence to their agenda. Touting their devotion to "love", they spew the worst kind of vitriol via social media. Some pastors are bullied into the corner and beg for us to "agree to disagree" while seeking to remain out of the crosshairs of the mob mentality. Other leaders are named and then maligned by half truths and skewed realities that involve a questioning of their character, integrity, and faithfulness to Biblical truth. This is gaslighting to an extreme.

So what should be done?

1. Discipline of clergy and leadership who seek to promote or advocate homosexual practice.

2. Professors from the theology departments of our Nazarene Institutions need to articulate clearly, gracefully, and publicly our Scriptural stance on human sexuality.

3. Credentialing processes on every district need to hold accountable those seeking ordination to our beliefs and covenants.

4. Leadership needs to be supported as they take action to limit the harmful damage caused by these false teachers.

5. Spiritual renewal. Let's pray for the Spirit to fill us with a fresh infilling. Some things will only change when minds are renewed and hearts are cleansed. 

A way forward Part 1 and Part 2 are previous articles that highlight action for moving in the right direction.

Here are a few articles for some context. (Each of these articles comes from a source that is obviously not biblical in perspective.)

Nazarene elder has his ordination in the Church of the Nazarene revoked and is removed as pastor of his church on Aug 14, 2023.

A first appeal on the ruling is rejected.

Did he forfeit his privilege to a final appeal by speaking again at his church on November 26, 2023 after having been removed and loss of credentials. The audio of his message can be found on the site under the date 11-26-23. 

The final appeal is filed and more spin.

See these other articles:

The Africa Region of the Church of the Nazarene speaks to the issue of LGBTQIA+ Affirmation

Some Cautions for the Church of the Nazarene (Part 1)

A Way Forward for the Church of the Nazarene (Part 1)

A Letter of Accusation Against a False Teacher

Why I Love the Church of the Nazarene

Directions for Singing and Worship

Phineas Bresee gave the early Nazarenes some suggestions for their order of worship:
“We desire to suggest that our own Sunday morning hour of worship, after voluntary songs of praise, the minister should carefully and earnestly read one of the substantial hymns, and that it should be sung by the congregation, they reverently standing. This should be followed by prayer, the people kneeling. Then a verse of song or an appropriate chorus should voluntarily follow. Then the reading of the Scriptures, at least a part of which might well be a psalm read responsively. Then the offering, announcements, and if desired further song and prayer, and the preaching of the Word, with such opportunities for seeking the Lord as may be in accord with the conditions and as the Spirit may suggest.” (Phineas F. Bresee, The Nazarene Messenger 13.6 - February 11, 1909.)

John Wesley gives these seven "Directions for Singing" which were included in the 1761 "Select Hymns" for the early Methodists. Maybe these are some good insights for pastors, worship leaders, and congregants today:

"Directions for Singing.  That this part of Divine Worship may be the more acceptable to God, as well as the more profitable to yourself and others, be careful to observe the following directions.

I. Learn these Tunes before you learn any others; afterwards learn as many as you please.

II. Sing them exactly as they are printed here, without altering or mending them at all; and if you have learned to sing them otherwise, unlearn it as soon as you can.

III. Sing All. See that you join with the congregation as frequently as you can. Let not a slight degree of weakness or weariness hinder you. If it is a cross to you, take it up and you will find a blessing.

IV. Sing lustily and with good courage. Beware of singing as if you were half dead, or half asleep; but lift up your voice with strength. Be no more afraid of your voice now, nor more ashamed of its being heard, than when you sung the songs of Satan.

V. Sing modestly. Do not bawl, so as to be heard above or distinct from the rest of the congregation, that you may not destroy the harmony; but strive to unite your voices together, so as to make one clear melodious sound.

VI. Sing in Time: whatever time is sung, be sure to keep with it. Do not run before nor stay behind it; but attend closely to the leading voices, and move therewith as exactly as you can. And take care you sing not too slow. This drawling way naturally steals on all who are lazy; and it is high time to drive it out from among us, and sing all our tunes just as quick as we did at first.

VII. Above all sing spiritually. Have an eye to God in every word you sing. Aim at pleasing him more than yourself, or any other creature. In order to this attend strictly to the sense of what you sing, and see that your Heart is not carried away with the sound, but offered to God continually; so shall your singing be such as the Lord will approve of here, and reward when he cometh in the clouds of heaven."

What directions would you give to worship leaders?

Also Check out these articles:

Characteristics of True Revival

Biblical Authority and Accuracy

Cursing, Profanity, and the Tongue

Priorities in My Pastoral Ministry

I've been thinking about the things that I prioritize in my pastoral ministry. Here's what I came up with in no particular order:

1. The Message of Full Salvation. The need for heart purity and the remedy found in the baptism of the Holy Spirit will ever be a message that I emphasize in my teaching and preaching. The salvific work of God in this life does not end with justification! God's will and plan for you is to experience, before Heaven, the entire sanctification Jesus provided for in His death and resurrection! I will preach it, live it, and shout it!

2. Pastoral Care. Whatever the attendance of the church is, I believe pastoral care is important. It will always be a priority of mine. In the era of mega church emphasis and a corporate mentality in the church, I will continue to visit the sick, the prisons, and people at home. I admittedly cannot visit everyone under my care and will no doubt miss a surgery or wedding or celebration, but I plan on being with people like Jesus did.

3. High Personal Standards. I want to operate with conviction about the life God called me to live in holiness. Those called to service as leaders in the church should have high standards of ethics and morals Monday through Saturday and not only on Sunday. While some may gravitate toward the hipster preacher, I am committed to living a life pleasing to the Savior. The trust that the congregation I serve places in me is an honor and a gift that I will never take lightly. 

4. Biblical Fidelity. I've ministered in a number of contexts and appreciated the local community culture as well as the local church's culture. These things are a gift from God. The difficulty of Christians in every era of human history and geographical location is to discern the holy way without being led away by worldly influences. Faithfulness to God's plan for every area of life is the only way to maintain that fidelity. The Holy Spirit always leads us back to the revealed will of God through the Bible. In my personal life, my preaching, my church life, and ministry I will be faithful to God's Word regardless of the cost.

5. Newness of Life. The greatest joy of pastoral ministry is walking with individuals into a relationship with the Creator and witnessing, first hand, the change that takes place in their lives. Transformation happens in a moment of time and discipleship is a lifetime process. God brings real change in the lives of those who yield to His leading in their lives. The new birth and water baptism of individuals, the complete consecration and fire baptism, as well as other spiritual breakthroughs throughout the journey of individuals is the reward of diligent ministry. I will not settle for no fruit. 

What are some of your priorities in ministry?

Check out these other articles:

Why I Still Have Sunday Night Service

Characteristics of True Revival

Why I am a Holiness Preacher

How to Get "Unfriended" in Real Life

Signs of Maturity

 What does maturity look like in real life? Here are 7 signs of maturity I have noticed:

1. Receive criticism well. How you respond to criticism is an important aspect of maturity. Criticism is not all bad. It is often difficult for us each to see areas of personal growth, but criticism (even from those who do not intend to help us), can assist in helping us become self-aware in areas in which we can improve. Those who insulate themselves from critique are suffering from self-inflicted harm leading to arrested development and indicating their lack of maturity.

2. Responsibility before recreation. Certainly rest, relaxation, and even creation is an important component to a holy life, but these things have become foundational for many people. Negating responsibility or work to focus on entertainment is a plague for the immature. Maturity leads us to fulfill our obligations, responsibilities, and complete tasks assigned before participating in entertainment. Procrastination is a red flag of immaturity.

3. Long term over short term focused. Focusing on long term goals and fulfillment rather than short term urges and satisfaction is a sign of maturity. A greater level of fulfillment is realized by the mature who work diligently and often over a long period of time to accomplish a long-term goal. The immature constantly fluctuate as they seek quick, easy, and temporary fulfillment by gratifying the desires of the present moment and context. The problem is that they never see something through to completion that will take more than a week to bring fulfillment. Delayed gratification is a sign of maturity.

4. Respond instead of react. In a moment of difficult conversation, it is easy to react in emotional anger or angst. Maturity leads us to respond in ways that are appropriate rather than being dictated to by shifting emptions. This is not to say that maturity lacks emotions or their exhibition. Rather, maturity is not dictated to by emotions. Being reactionary is very often volatile.

5. Doings things you don't enjoy. Immaturity can lead to a type of hedonism that avoids perceived negative emotions, activities that are not enjoyable or immediately gratifying, and socially uncomfortable situations. Maturity mandates appropriate action even under uncomfortable settings. Eating things you don't like, doing chores that are not enjoyable, approaching social situations that are emotionally charged or even costly are difficult, but necessary in light of maturity. 

6. Action more than talk. While setting goals and determining future goals is important, immaturity keeps those goals from being realized be keeping them in the realm of conversation only. The reason why many people are frustrated by committee meeting is often because no action is actually taken or implemented. Maturity leads us to actively accomplish the tasks and goals at hand rather than simply talk about them. Anyone can dream, but maturity does.

7. Being a self-starter. Maturity does not wait until it is forced to move forward to take action. The mature are self-starters who see the need or the obstacle or the problem and began to work toward the solution. They take upon themselves the responsibility to make sure that action is taken. Immaturity waits to be forced or mandated to take action. The immature act only in an emergency or in the face of immediate problem.

What might you add to a list of "signs of maturity"?

Check out the Articles:

Some Things You Need to Know

How to Know God's Will for Your Life

Ten Books You Should Read

Is Tithing Still a Thing Today?

The Nazarene Africa Region Speaks to the LGBTQIA+ Issue

The Africa Region of the Church of the Nazarene established a committee for General Assembly 2023 which share the following:

Statement of the Nazarenes in Africa on the Issues of Sexual Orientation, Marriage Equality and Ordination of LGBTQ+

Whereas we live in a cultural milieu which advocates for and accepts the LGBTQ+, the Nazarenes in Africa, remain committed to the teachings of the Bible and the doctrines of our Christian faith and heritage. As Nazarenes in Africa, we remain guided by the denominational key source documents of reference. We remain resolute about the Bible as our source of primary guidance and to this end accept that the Scriptures, inerrantly, reveal "the will of God concerning us in all things necessary to our salvation." (Manual 2017-2021, Article of Faith IV) We also agree that whatever is not contained in Scripture us "not to be enjoined as an article of faith."

As an African Church, we do not accept nor support the practice of homosexuality or any part of LGBTQ+ as a lifestyle because it is incompatible with the teachings of Scripture and the established tradition of the church.

As we enter into the Church of the Nazarene's General Assembly 2023, we call on the membership of the entire denomination to practice restraint and work towards an approach to the gender identity and human sexuality debate in ways that continue to demonstrate dignity, value, and respect for all.

We encourage, in our dialogue and reflections, restrain in zeal and condemn any view which may contribute to any form of dehumanisation, victimisation, or violence against members of the LGBTQI+ community. Our aim as Nazarenes in Africa is to present the holy love of God that is fully redemptive and seeks to save sinners from self-destructive choices.

ON SEXUAL ORIENTATION & GENDER IDENTITY

The African Nazarenes have long been clear that they cannot accept the practices of the LGBTQ+ as any basis for a holy lifestyle reflection Christlikeness. We intend to closely follow scriptural teachings regarding God's creation of man and woman with the implication that gender is biologically determined.

ON MARRIAGE EQUALITY

We stand for the Biblical position of marriage as it only exists in a relationship involving one man and one woman (Manual 2017-2021, 31, 515.9). We agree as collectively that same-sex relationship contradict our understanding of Scripture.

ON ORDINATION

As African Nazarenes we adopt the position of the Church of the Nazarene and are not in favour of the ordination of LGBTQ+ persons to the ranks of clergy in our church.

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Check out these other related articles:

General Assembly of the Church of the Nazarene Resolutions 2023

The Disunity of the United Methodist Church

Why I Love the Church of the Nazarene

A Way Forward for the Church of the Nazarene (Part 2)

This article is the last in a series of four articles that detailed some Cautions for the Church of the Nazarene as well as a Way Forward to address these issues. 

Here are the links to the previous articles in case you need to play "catch up" thus far:

Some Cautions for the Church of the Nazarene (Part 1)

Some Cautions for the Church of the Nazarene (Part 2)

A Way Forward for the Church of the Nazarene (Part 1)

6. Promoting Unfruitful or Unfaithful Pastors.

We need to stop promoting unfruitful and unfaithful ministers. It is wearisome, unhelpful, and even detrimental when we have people speak at conferences, district events, or other denominational events about topics to which they have not been fruitful. Everyone has an opinion, not everyone has a valid opinion. Never grown a church? Don't tell others how to grow a church? If you don't have a vibrant youth group, don't teach a class on youth ministry. Been ineffective ministering to those in the LGBTQIA+ community? Don't imply that you are an expert on ministry in that area.

May our District Advisory Boards and General Board be filled with fruitful clergy who are fulfilling the Great Commission. A grand hindrance to the health of the denomination is the jealousy unconsciously acted upon by those in places of authority who exclude those with healthy growing churches or ministries. It is often those clamoring for position on the district or in the denomination that are the least qualified for the position. Leadership needs to be discerning and mindful that their responsibility is not to "fill a spot" of leadership, but find someone who is anointed to "fill the call."

What if every individual pursuing ordination in the denomination was expected to lead at least one person to Christ, plant a church, or exhibit fruitfulness in some measurable way? What if local licenses, district licenses, and ordination were not given simply because someone fulfilled the educational requirements and affirmed the Articles of Faith, but also because it was evident that the Holy Spirit was upon them?

What if pastors who simply disagree with our doctrine and lifestyle covenants were asked to leave, rather than cause division? What if leadership in our higher education theology and bible departments were expected to love the church and promote our theology rather than critique and deconstruct it? What if our Nazarene theologians and professors were the first to reject recent attempts at changing our stance on human sexuality that was pushed by some of their own rather than continue to remain silent (and, in some cases, even defending those advocating for approving of the practice of homosexuality).

Faithful and fruitful clergy, filled with the Holy Spirit, are essential for the future of our denomination (or any denomination for that matter). They are out there! They may not be the loudest or most obnoxious on social media, but they are faithfully and fruifully serving the Lord and fulfilling their calling.

7. Changing Theology.

We need to hold fast to the deposit entrusted to us. Some are claiming that theology is always changing and is not static. While there is a bit of truth in the reality that vocabulary and culture change; our theology is ultimately about an unchanging God. Theology is no more than a description of the character, characteristics, and nature of a God who is the same yesterday, today, and evermore! What we believe as individuals may change as our understanding grows, but God never changes. This is especially pertinent in light of the reality that many people are developing theology apart from Scripture and even in contradiction to the Bible. 

The Church of the Nazarene's fourth Article of Faith on Scripture actually states that "whatever is not contained therein [in the Bible] is not to be enjoined as an article of faith." We are first and foremost biblical theologians in our beliefs. There are some who would like to be philosophers who allow their minds to usurp the authority of scripture. 

There is an impetus among some that we must come up with something "new" to add to our theology. That somehow our theology is the problem of the church today. As if it is outdated and not palatable. The atonement is too gruesome and causes trauma. Repentance asks too much of people. Holiness is little more than social adaptation. The Bible, they would claim, does not present a lasting truth about the character and nature of God, but a culturally expiring snapshot of how people understood a changing god in that moment of history. This is much the same way that some would equate past prohibition on attending movies in the theater and the prohibition on homosexual practice. These two concepts are not synonymous. This is at best a misunderstanding and at worst a deception. 

Should it not be clear what things we can debate and what things we are not to debate? As we move forward we must bring clarity to those truths that are essential to the faith and non-negotiable to our Christian faith and then our Nazarene identity and particular calling. 

See Also: When did holiness theology shift to Calvinism?

8. The Experience of Entire Sanctification.

The average person in our holiness church will not experience that to which they have never be exposed. Entire Sanctification must be taught and preached in our churches again as a clear, second, definite work of grace. Growth in grace should always be encouraged, but never replace the moment of heart cleansing that takes place by the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

We need to get away from vague and general references to a generic holiness. Questions that I do not have time to answer in this article need to be answered in our churches, literature, schools, and universities. What is the need for entire sanctification? What happens in entire sanctification? How do I receive this gift from God?

Let's invite people to receive this second blessing. Let's call people to it. Let's pray for believers to completely consecrate their lives. Let's celebrate. Let's preach about it. Let's live it out.

Allow people to share their own testimony of entire sanctification publicly. Make an opportunity for people to share how God has sanctified them through and through. 

I am praying for the Holy Spirit to raise up the next Haldor Lillenas for this generation. Someone who will write sound, biblical, holiness worship songs for our churches. We need to sing songs about entire sanctification that detail the experience, the doctrine, and invite others to do the same.

God is still sanctifying completely those who give themselves completely to Him. Let's be catalysts for the work of the Holy Spirit.

9. Lack of Evangelism.

Before we realize the potential of being a holiness church, we must first be a place that sees the lost come to know Christ in the new birth! As referenced above in #7 on "Changing Theology", there is a move away from the concept of being born again. Calling people to repent of their sins and place their faith in Jesus as Savior and Lord is still essential to salvation. Varying degrees of universalism have diminished the desire of many to reach out to the lost world around them.

Let's have corporate prayer meetings in which we intercede on behalf of those who do not know Christ! In our preaching and teaching lets communicate what's at stake. Hell is real and judgement is coming. Jesus alone saves! Let's testify regularly of the glorious privilege it is to be in fellowship with God after we are born again. 

We need to bring back the evangelist. I am praying that God would raise up men and women who would boldly preach the word of God in the power of the Holy Spirit. May God raise up evangelist - church planters. Two of the churches that I have pastored were started in a tent meeting. I am not suggesting that we have to do tent meeting to start churches, but I am suggesting that the healthiest churches will begin with those who have been born-again and are spurred on to share their faith with those around them.

I am praying that we get desperate for the souls of men and women (young and old) to know a transformational Savior again. Not for institutional preservation or for numerical recognition, but because there are so many around us that have never experienced the redeeming work of God in their lives. If the denomination's preservation becomes more important than the denomination's mission, it will quickly die.

There is hope for a bright future and a new generation of people who have been rescued from sin and established in holiness. That will be a real revival that propels our denomination into the future.

10. Cultural Acceptance.

There are some who continue to insist that we have conversations about those in the lgbtqia community. The reality is that their call for "conversations" are little more than demands to affirm sinful lifestyles. This is one of many contemporary cultural issues that have driven some to quick accommodation of the culture around them.

Every generation of the church must evaluate their cultural context and identify those things that can be used to communicate the Gospel in ways that people will understand. This is a given. But every generation of God's people must also evaluate their contemporary cultural context and identify those things that are borne of the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life. These must be rejected. Many in the church use little discernment in their personal lives and then carry the lack of discernment with them into the church. 

Is our ability to fulfill the Great Commission dependent upon understanding the culture around us or the work of the Holy Spirit? Was Pentecost not evidence enough for the church that what we desperately need is men and women who have been in the upper room with God?

The most relevant need of our community today is salvation. That won't change! We need to take our ear off the ground and get our eyes fixed on Heaven. We need to stop being consumed with which way the cultural winds are blowing and start seeking a mighty rushing wind of the Holy Spirit to blow through our churches and ministries. 

We cannot bow to the whims of cultural acceptance. We must not cultural affirmation to drive our ministries and lifestyles. 

See the other articles in this series:

Cautions for the Church of the Nazarene (Part 1)

Cautions for the Church of the Nazarene (Part 2)

A Way Forward for the Church of the Nazarene (Part 1)

Other articles you might be interested in:

The Cry of My Heart

Stop Saying This at Funerals

20 Signs You Are in a Dying Church

Is False Teaching Really That Bad?

A Way Forward for the Church of the Nazarene (Part 1)

In my previous articles I offered some cautions for the denomination that I love and have served all my pastoral ministry. I broke the article up into "Part 1" and "Part 2". These cautions are in light of an obvious trend of the mainline denominations suffering a crisis of orthodoxy and division that have sent them spiraling into rapid decline and ineffectiveness.

Everyone sees this very thing playing out around us in other denominations and, I believe, has begun to play out in the Church of the Nazarene (CotN). I write, not only as a watchman on the wall, but an active participant in the ministry and life of the denomination. I intend to serve the Church of the Nazarene as long as the Lord gives me strength. But what is the way forward? Here is what I humbly propose...

1. Human Sexuality

We need to discuss the real issue. Let's stop discussing whether disobedience is acceptable practice. Instead, we need to pray and seek the face of God and begin to talk about how to reach those who are bound up in sexual sin with the Good News of the Gospel. We need individuals who will unashamedly pursue the lost with holy love and point everyone to Christ for transformation and victory. 

We need our academic institutions to help us articulate the call to holy sexuality. I am thankful for Dr Caleb Friedeman's recent response to the LGBTQIA+ Affirming book recently published. The Holiness Partnership shares a link to his response that is excellent. You can find the article here. We do not need a culturally palatable innocuous position without potency or any calls to repentance and transformation. We need a holy call of God that still believes in the transformational work of Christ, victory through Jesus, the cleansing of the Holy Spirit that brings freedom, and the Lordship of the Father in each life! We need them to be defenders of truth who equip those men and women called of God, to impact the world (and their local community) with the Good News that God loves us too much to leave us the same! This is real holy love.

We need pastors who will unashamedly and boldly proclaim from the pulpits of our local churches that Jesus has come to set captives free from their sexual immorality. That there is victory for those who come to the cross of Calvary. The message that the joy God gives is greater than anything this world has to offer (including sexual desires) must be brought to the forefront.

As a cultural issue, these particular sins are not showing signs of leaving anytime soon. Let us love those bound up in the LGBTQIA+ community with the love of God. We are not afraid of their sin but are interceding for them because the full salvation available through the atonement is greater and better! 

2. Church Discipline.

Those false teachers promoting the acceptance of sinful behavior in the church are also distracting the church from its mission. The missional question of how to reach people bound by certain sins is a very different question than that of whether or not their actions are sinful. And it is prohibitive of ministry fruitfulness (as well as faithfulness) to continue to be distracted by those who simply want to legitimize certain kinds of obvious sin.

Manual paragraph 606 states in part: "The perpetuity and effectiveness of the Church of the Nazarene depend largely upon the spiritual qualifications, the character, and the manner of life of its members of the clergy. Members of the clergy aspire to a high calling and function as anointed individuals in whom is placed the church’s trust. They accept their calling knowing that they will be held to high personal standards by those to whom they minister." This section of the Manual details the process for church discipline of an elder. 

What happens if the district or district superintendent fail to act? This was the problem of the United Methodist Church. Well, we have a Manual provision for that scenario as well. It is found in Manual paragraph 200.2. The last part of the section states:

"When in the opinion of a general superintendent in jurisdiction, a district is in crisis—financial, morale, or otherwise—and this crisis seriously affects the stability and future of the district, a district may be declared in crisis with the approval of the Board of General Superintendents. The general superintendent in jurisdiction, with approval of the Board of General Superintendents may take one or more of the following actions:

1. Remove the district superintendent;

2. Appoint an interim board for the management of the district in lieu of all existing boards, until the next regularly scheduled district assembly; and

3. Initiate such special interventions as may be necessary to restore the district’s health and mission effectiveness."

Understandably this is a "nuclear" option for extreme cases. I am not aware of it being done in the USA or Canada, but it has been done in other regions of the world. Before a declaration of sorts would be made, a serious conversation between the General Superintendent (GS) in jurisdiction and the District Superintendent (DS) would need to be had. Maybe the awareness that the jurisdictional GS was considering this action would be enough for the DS to take action on his or her district.

We must stand firmly against clergy and leaders who compromise morally or theologically. May it not be said of the CotN as it was said of the church at Thyatira in Revelation 2:20 "But I have this against you, that you tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and seducing my servants to practice sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols."

Our denomination will thrive as we remove the cancer that is false teaching. It is not loving in any way to allow teachers and preachers to propagate teachings that will prevent other people from inheriting eternal life. We need not follow the destructive disunity of the United Methodist Church if we learn to gracefully discipline those who reject the essentials of our beliefs. 

3. Unity Apart from Truth.

Unity is such an important concept in the life of the church. The body of Christ must work together. The family of God necessitates relationships of love as evidence to the world. Were it not for the unity that the disciples shared at Pentecost, they might not have experienced the baptism of the Holy Spirit! 

We must be careful how we talk about unity and specifically about what things are essential. Style preferences for worship in song is not an essential issue. Homosexual practice is clearly a soteriological issue. The attitude that we can have unity with those who advocate for sinful practices is absurd and harmful, especially for those conscientious seekers of unity. We must be unified about those things that clearly prevent people from inheriting eternal life.

If those causing division in the denomination are dealt with appropriately, it will lend itself, long-term, to a greater unity. Unity in Christ is something we constantly work toward as it does not come easily. Encouraging scholars in the church to promote our articles of faith, covenant of Christian conduct, and position of social issues through their writing, teaching, and ministry would be a great step toward adding to the spirit of unity in Christ that we so desperately need.

Unity is possible as we focus on our mission and unapologetically advocate for holiness of heart, head, and hands. God poured out His Spirit in the upper room when they were all together seeking the promises of God.  

4. Leaning into the Episcopacy. 

If there is a trend toward giving more authority to the superintendency, then what is the way forward?

Take district assembly seriously. Vote. Take the time you need to do due diligence on how you vote and what reports you are approving. Stand up and discuss issues on the floor of the assembly. Don't get in a rush to "leave" assembly so that you quench the Holy Spirit. Read the reports from the committees. Ask questions. Get to know the people who have their names on the ballots. Assembly has historically been a place of robust debate for holiness people. We believe that the best discernment happens when we come together prayerfully to seek the will of God. Do not be afraid of such things again.

At General Assembly do not vote to extend more authority to the superintendency on any level. This is not a slam on the Board of General Superitendents (BGS) or District Superitendents or any others in episcopal authority. They have more than enough responsibilities without having to oversee more committees as a result of referrals to the BGS from the General Assembly floor. The General Assembly gathers every quadrennial to make decisions; not approve decisions made by the BGS. 

The more authority that is transitioned away from the local church, the local church pastor, the district assembly and the general assembly; the weaker the denomination becomes. We fail to nurture strong local church pastors or lay holiness leadership when we shift authority up the hierarchy. The ability of individuals in the local church to lead is blunted. A healthy denomination is made up of healthy local churches and the individuals that make up that local body, not a complex bureaucracy or a few autocratic episcopal leaders.

The founders of the Church of the Nazarene intentionally moved away from an episcopacy that had all authority and sought to bridge the gap between a congregational and episcopal form of government. This is where a healthy polity lies. Over the years there have been very few times when authority has been given to the local church. That trend can change.

If we refuse to continue to shift authority and responsibility onto a small number of leaders, it will encourage laity, local church pastors, missionaries, and other leadership to develop. The Church of the Nazarene will flourish as we allow leadership to develop naturally by discontinuing the transfer of authority to the episcopacy. 

5. Institutionalism.

This is a difficult one to plot the course forward as it is actually beneficial for us to love the denomination and its institutions! I remember advocating for churches to keep "Church of the Nazarene" in their names as a public witness of their international fellowship with the denomination. 

While I love the Church of the Nazarene, we must remember that the denomination is no more than a wineskin for the use of the Holy Spirit. Every institution, if it exists long enough, can become preoccupied with its own existence. 

What we must begin to focus on again is the mission. We are a Great Commission people. Our purpose, clearly stated by our historic founders and first-generation Nazarenes, was to spread the message of Scriptural Holiness. This was our divine calling. If we fail to do these things, we fail to realize our purpose.

While the church in the United States (and other Western nations) struggles with declining worship attendance, our temptation would be to act on behalf of our institutional survival. We cannot allow panic to drive us to act for the survival of our institutions. We must set our attention back on seeking the presence of Jesus in our midst and fulfilling the Great Commission.

A church preoccupied with its own existence is destined for failure. A church on mission is vibrant and alive. Let's be less concerned about our pensions and more concerned about the harvest. Let's nurture an urgency in our midst for prayerful intercessors, passionate soul-winners, and powerful witnesses of God's gift of salvation. Let's hear testimonies of radical transformation. Let's hear testimonies of God's keeping grace. Let's hear testimonies of deliverance and victory. Let's hear testimonies of overcoming through the Holy Spirit! 

Let's be all out for souls! "Men and movements backslide in heart before they deteriorate very far in practice. What, then, is the great need in the Church of the Nazarene? Is it the enactment of more legislation? No, we have a workable system. Is it for more organization? No, we have ample machinery for much more work than we are doing. Is it for better talent, improved art in service, or better standards of ethical practice? Even these things we would allow to rest for the moment in order that we may lay our emphasis on the one indispensable point—a passion for the souls of men." J.B. Chapman

See the other articles in this series:

Cautions for the Church of the Nazarene (Part 1)

Cautions for the Church of the Nazarene (Part 2)

A Way Forward for the Church of the Nazarene (Part 2)

Other articles you might be interested in:

Why I Love the Church of the Nazarene

The Disunity of the United Methodist Church

General Assembly of the Church of the Nazarene 2023 Resolutions

What Sanctification is Worth (by A.M. Hills)

General Assembly of the Church of the Nazarene 2023 Resolutions

Here are some of my thoughts on legislation being proposed at the General Assembly (GA) of the Church of the Nazarene 2023. Some of these resolutions will die in committee, some will be edited, and some will make it to the floor of the GA and be voted either to be adopted or to be rejected by the international delegates present in Indianapolis, IN. 

They will be broken up into the categories they are listed under. You can find the resolutions to read for yourself at GA website at this link. I elaborate on each comment of every resolution proposed as I do not have the time to be that detailed. They will be listed by their identifying numbers, title of the section, and those proposing the legislation. Followed by my comment. 

CA- Christian Action

CA-700 "The Covenant of Christian Conduct" (Board of General Superintendents): Adding many more words than the original statement, but saying the same thing for the most part, places this proposal in a category I would reject, though I believe it will probably be accepted.

CA- 701 "Membership/Baptism" (SW Indiana District): Requiring baptism before membership makes sense! Strongly in favor of this one.

CA-702 "Sanctity of Life/Capital Punishment" (Florida District Resolution Committee): This resolution would add capital punishment to the list of sanctity of life issues. The main problem with this is the addition of capital punishment within the list of issues such as abortion, embryonic stem cell research, euthanasia, and the withholding of reasonable medical care to handicap or elderly. The other scenarios represent victims with no culpability. There are also various problems with the explanation of under "Reason." It would seem to contradict a number of principles from the Old Testament as well as the New. I am against this amendment. It is also hard to accept the comparison between Jesus' crucifixion and capitol punishment; this is not an appropriate comparison.

CA- 702a "Capital Punishment/Death Penalty" (East Michigan General Assembly Delegates): This resolution is similar to CA-702, but instead of adding to the section on Sanctity of Life, this one creates a new section. The explanation is extremely troubling as it is equates murder, violent crime, and the death penalty as equivalent issues. This statement is more problematic than CA-702's proposal. I am strongly against this proposal.

CA-703 "Amending the Covenant of Christian Conduct" (Brazil Amazonia District, Brazil District Superintendents Council, Brazil Noroeste Paulista District, Brazil Paulistano District, Brazil Rio Baixada 1, Brazil Rio Baixada 2, Brazil Santa Catarina District, Brazil Sao Paulo, Brazil Setentrional District): I understand the sentiment of this proposal which would be to prevent the rapid or unthoughtful changes to the Covenant of Christian Conduct. However, this proposal removes authority from the General Assembly which is the governing body of our denomination. I am against this proposal.

CA- 704 "Human Sexuality- Primary Identity in Christ" (Kansas City District): This proposal is only a couple of sentences added to our statement on Human Sexuality. The vocabulary is appealing and seems innocuous except for the phrase "primary identity in Christ and His Kingdom." In reality this makes room for those who would desire to identify themselves as a "gay Christian." I am strongly against this proposal.

CA- 705 "Human Sexuality" (Kentucky District Resolution Committee): This proposal provide a number of necessary edits to our statement on Human Sexuality. Many of these help close loop holes used by some to justify being lgbt affirming but still holding to the CotN Manual statement. You can read the "Reasons" section at the end for more details. I am strongly in support of this proposal.

CA- 706 "Current Moral and Social Issues- Creation" (South Arkansas District Delegates): This proposal eliminates unnecessary vocabulary from the statement. I am in support of this proposal.

CA- 707 "Abuse of the Unempowered" (Reference Committee; Manual requires review of this section at least every three quadrennia.): I am in favor of keeping this section.

CA- 708 "Gender Inclusive Language" (Reference Committee; Manual requires review of this section at least every three quadrennia.): I am in favor of removing this section. This statement is a rebuke to Scripture, which does not include gender inclusive language, and seems to be a bit of an unessential and irrelevant cultural issue. While gender inclusive language is not a bad thing, it does not warrant space in our Manual. 

CA- 709 "Value of Children and Youth" (Reference Committee; Manual requires review of this section at least every three quadrennia.): This statement does not seem necessary, but I am in favor of keeping it.

CA- 710 "Creation Care" (Reference Committee; Manual requires review of this section at least every three quadrennia.): I am in favor of keeping this statement.

CA- 711 "Evidence of Baptism of the Holy Spirit" (Reference Committee; Manual requires review of this section at least every three quadrennia.): I am in favor of keeping this statement. This is going to be an issue in our near future like it has been with the Wesleyan denomination.

CA- 712 "Pornography" (Reference Committee; Manual requires review of this section at least every three quadrennia.): I am in favor of keeping this statement.

CA- 713 "Gender Identity" (Board of General Superintendents): This statement sounds like a good one at first glance, but leaves a number of significant holes that will be exploited by those pushing for lgbtqia+ affirmation. One problem, for example, is the phrase "the vast majority of people are born distinctly male or female." The sex of a person is tied, throughout this statement, solely to a persons genitals. Scripture (Matt 11:4; Genesis 1:27, 5:2) and science (chromosomes identify the sex of an individual down to every single cell of their body). A eunuch is not any less male or female because their genitals are either not present at birth or because they have become a eunuch through some other means. The statement is wordy, but lacking in clarity. I am not in favor of this proposal without some important modifications. 

CP- Church Program

CP- 101 "Church Stewards" (Kansas District, Reference Committee): I am indifferent to this proposal.

CP- 102 "Elected Board Position- Outreach Direction" (Kansas District, Reference Committee): I am indifferent to this proposal. It is a good idea and can be approved for implementation by a local church from their district already. This would simply make it a mandatory position/action by a local church.

CP- 103 "Nazarene Publishing House" (Kansas District, Reference Committee): This is simply an editorial fix. The Manual editorial committee should take care of this.

CP- 104 "Creation of the Auxiliary Agency and Constitution of Nazarene Evangelism International -NEI- in the Local, District and Global Government of the Church of the Nazarene" (Guatemala North Verapaz): This is a form of CP-102 that extends well beyond the local church to the district and general levels. I'm not sure what the cost of such a move would be, but it could be very high and created more levels of administration and bureaucracy. At the same time I am in support of the idea to help keep our attention on matters of evangelism and outreach. I am indifferent to this proposal's idea, but hesitant about the creation of more denominational infrastructure and the costs associated with it.

CP- 105- "Reception of Church Members and Agreed Statement of Belief" (SW Indiana District, Virginia District General Assembly Delegates): I'm in favor of this proposal. It makes sense.

DA- District Administration

DA-200 "Business of the District Assembly- District Superintendent Message" (South Arkansas District Delegates): I am indifferent to this proposal. Not a bad idea, but not necessary either.

DA-201 "Business of the District Assembly- Election of District Superintendent" (South Arkansas District Delegates): Raising the "mandatory retirement age" of a District Superintendent is not a bad idea. I am indifferent to the proposal.

DA-202 "Renewing the District Superintendent Relationship" (MidSouth District Resolution Committee, North Carolina District Resolution Committee, Northwestern Illinois District): A review process for the District Superintendent is good, but no vote on a District Superintendent by the District Assembly is not good. This proposal brings the review/vote process of the district to be compatible with a local church-pastor review process, but the assumption that a district and a local church are similar is a big leap. I do not recall the last time a district superintendent was voted out of office (though I'm sure that it has happened). This is legislation that moves authority of the district assembly away from the people and into a small committee.     

DA-203 "District Assembly Delegate Clarification" (MidSouth District Resolution Committee, Northwestern Illinois District): I support this proposal. It brings clarity to the confusion of how many delegates a local church can have.

DA-204 "District Government" (South Arkansas District Delegates): I am in favor of this proposal. The same expectations that are applied to a local church board should be applied to district leadership.

DA-205 "Pastoral Candidate Vetting" (West Texas District General Assembly Delegates): The idea behind this proposal is a good one. District Superintendents need to actively vet pastoral candidates before bringing up their name. My only concern is that this seems to diminish the need of the local church to do the same. Does this legislation preclude the possibility of the local church board being involved in the vetting process? Vetting needs to be taken seriously and done more often. We aren't trying to "fill spots" we are attempting to discern the will of God.

DA-206 "Harmonizing Church in Crisis Paragraphs" (MidSouth District Resolution Committee, Northwestern Illinois District): I am in favor of this editorial correction.

DA-207 "Duties of the Ministerial Studies Board" (Global Education & Clergy Development): This brings the Manual paragraph up to date with previous changes.

DA-208 "District Ministerial Studies Board Duties" (Eastern Kentucky District Resolution Committee): I am indifferent to this proposal. It seems reasonable to keep these records digitally in a permanent way that will benefit potential problems decades in the future as well as their historic value down the road.   

DA-209 "District Journal" (Northwestern Illinois District): This seems a common sense approach in the digital age.

DA-209a "District Journal Quadrennial Preservation" (MidSouth District Resolution Committee, Northwestern Illinois District): Similar issue as DA-209.

DA-210 "District Advisory Board" (Eun Yup Kim, Min-Gyoo Shin, Chang Hwan Lee, Moon Gi Yoon, Won Geun Oh, Un Tea Park): I am in favor of this proposal. The only problem I would foresee is the potential confusion about "which district board" someone might be referring to.

DA-211 "District Advisory Board Meeting and Chairperson" (MidSouth District Resolutions Committee, Northwestern Illinois District): I support this proposal. There can be a time when this would be necessary or important, though rare.      

DA-212 "Integration of the District NYI, NMI, NDI, & NEI Presidents to form the District Advisory Board" (Guatemala North Verspaz General Assembly Delegates): See my comments from CP-104. This change would be significant for our denomination!  

DA-213 "Removal of District Advisory Board Member" (Northwestern Illinois District): I am in support of this legislation. I was not aware that there was no previous Manual provision to remove a district advisory board member. This is needed.

DA-214 "Transfer of Local Church to Another District" (General Board): While this is a good move in rare instances, it is not a healthy provision as there could potentially be no geographical boundaries for a district. What would prevent a church in upstate New York from joining a district in Southern California? I am a bit indifferent to the proposal but lean away as it could open up doors of other complicated problems.    

GA- General Administration

GA-300 "General Assembly Membership" (Eastern Kentucky District Resolution Committee): I'm not sure I'm in favor of this proposal as it lends itself to top heavy representation at General Assembly. General Board members already have plenty of authority they exercise between each General Assembly and I would prefer that General Assembly delegates be elected by the District Assembly rather than add to the number of those who are ex officio.

GA-301 "Month of General Assembly" (General Board): The wording may be a little vague. I am in favor of this proposal if it is to allow for some adjustment of the month of the General Assembly, but not if it is the authority to lengthen beyond the year of the General Assembly. 

GA-302 "Time of General Assembly" (North/East Texas District Resolutions Committee): This has been proposed a number of times over past General Assemblies. It is a contentious issue that is debated with the only positive as saving money. However, if COVID showed us anything it is that we need to come together regularly, not less frequently. I am against this proposal.

GA-303 "Election of General Superintendent" (Kansas City District): I am in favor of raising the age from 68 to 70 years as this proposal suggests.   

GA-304 "Ordination" (Moon Gi Yonn, Min-Gyoo Shin, Eun Yup Kim, Chang Hwan Lee, Won Keun Oh, Un Tae Park, Kyuman Kang, Se-ho Oh, Sang Chun Lee): I am in favor of this idea, but I think the proposal is unnecessary. The sentence before the proposed addition approves the action that is being recommended.

JUD- Special Judicial

JUD-800 "Article of Faith VI. Atonement" (Board of General Superintendents): I am opposed to this rewrite of our AoF VI on Atonement. The primary issue is the rewording of the first sentence from "We believe that Jesus Christ, by His sufferings, by the shedding of His own blood, and by His death on the Cross, made a full atonement for all human sin..." And the new sentence reads: "We believe that Jesus Christ, the incarnate and obedient Son of God, suffered an atoning death by shedding His blood on the cross." It seems that Jesus moves from actively pursuing atonement, through his death on the cross, to being a victim of it. The idea that the atonement is only effective for those who reach the age of responsibility when they repent and believe has been removed. This is not a rearticulation of what we believe, but a significant transition. For these reasons, our understanding of atonement would be changed so I oppose this proposal.

JUD-801 "Article of Faith X.  Christian Holiness and Entire Sanctification" (Board of General Superintendents): I am strongly opposed to this proposal. It failed at the last General Assembly for many of the same reasons it should be rejected this time. I hope the General Assembly does not refer it back to the BGS. Article of Faith X needs no revision at this time. The committee that has worked on this says that they are simply bringing clarity to the wording of our  AoF X without changing any of the meaning. However, there are some significant shifts in the proposed statement: (1) The need for entire sanctification is not directly referenced. We need to be sanctified entirely because of the problem of original sin, or depravity. AoF IV speaks of the problem, but the solution, entire sanctification, AoF does not refer to it except vaguely by its fruit: pride, self-centeredness, and idolatry. This is a serious theological departure (hopefully unintended) from our historic, biblical stance. (2) The baptism of the Holy Spirit. There is a seemingly subtle shift in how the baptism of the Holy Spirit is referenced. In the original AoF, it is clear that entire sanctification is "wrought by the baptism or infilling of the Holy Spirit" but now the baptism of the Holy Spirit is only referenced as an event from the day of Pentecost. This is another departure from our traditional teaching and can become problematic because it creates a lack of continuity from AoF IV which states that the sinful nature is cleansed by the baptism of the Holy Spirit. (3) The effects of entire sanctification is limited to purity of heart, allowing for wholehearted love to God & neighbor, and empowered to witness to Jesus in a life of victory (it is unclear in the new wording whether that means overcoming willful sin?). What about spiritual power for ministry? (4) This virtually eliminates the instantaneous work of entire sanctification trading in the crisis moment for the phrase "the point of entire sanctification." This is a dramatic shift in our theology that brings us more in line with generic evangelicalism. It seems that the proposed statement could be agreed to by Baptists, Presbyterians, or other evangelicals. I hope that our distinctive doctrine would not become a generic statement on holiness.

JUD-802 "Article of Faith XV. Second Coming of Christ" (Board of General Superintendents): I am in favor of this proposal. Some of the wording is helpful, but it retains the spirit of the original intent of the article.

JUD-803 "Dedication Ritual" (Board of General Superintendents): I am a bit indifferent to this proposal. Removing the word "fear" is a cultural push. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. I would suggest leaving that word as it is a biblical one, but I also recognize this is not an article of faith. 

JUD-804 "The Funeral Service" (Board of General Superintendents): I am in favor of this proposal.

JUD-805 "Nominations" (General Board): I am not in favor of this proposal. This seems to limit the voice of individuals in the local church and district assembly. The concern is that someone might be nominated that does not meet the Manual qualifications. On a local church level, this can be handled by having them sign a document that states they are either (1) willing to allow their name to be on the ballot and that they meet the qualifications or (2) they are unwilling to allow their name to be on the ballot. Limiting the voice of the assembly (locally or district) is not a good move.

JUD-806 "Direct Interest in Voting" (General Board): I am in favor of this proposal.

JUD-807 "Board Member Responsibility" (Northwestern Illinois District): I am indifferent to this proposal. It seems that this would be handled with JUD- 806. It could be helpful in church board integrity. 

JUD-808 "Employees as Elected Board Members" (General Board): I am in favor of this proposal. It makes sense and brings clarity.

JUD-809 "Article of Faith VII. Prevenient Grace" (Asia Pacific Regional Group and Reference Committee): Their concern is that Article VII titled prevenient grace does little to define prevenient grace. This article needs some clarity because just a few General Assemblies back the title was changed from "Free Agency" to "Prevenient Grace". I'm indifferent to their proposal, but would agree that this article needs some work.

JUD-810 "General Assembly Quorum" (East Kentucky District Resolutions Committee): I am not in favor of this proposal. It is imperative that business be conducted only with a quorum. Otherwise, important decisions can be made when certain delegates leave. We create a serious loophole for individuals to play politics with this proposal. I'm sure that is not the intent of those proposing JUD- 810, but it is a reality nonetheless.

JUD-811 "Contested Discipline of a Member of the Clergy" (Intermountain District): I am not in favor of this proposed legislation. We do not need more red tape in the process of church discipline. This is reactionary and unnecessary. A district's pastors and leaders should be able to navigate theological issues or not be ordained.

JUD-811a "Discipline of a Member of the Clergy" (SW Indiana District, Virginia District General Assembly Delegates): I am in favor of this proposal. This proposal simply codifies what the Board of General Superintendents has ruled recently about those things that are "essential" to being a Nazarene elder. 

JUD-812 "Board of Discipline Majority" (SW Indiana District, Virginia District General Assembly Delegates): I am indifferent to this proposal. I can see the benefit of requiring a 2/3rds vote instead of unanimous vote, as it only takes one person to thwart the process otherwise. 

JUD-813 "Guaranty to Rights" (Intermountain District): I am indifferent to this proposal. 

JUD-814 "Study Committee on Calling and Lay Ministry" (Eurasia Regional Advisory Council, Global Education & Clergy Development, Nazarene Discipleship International): I am indifferent to this proposal. Our denomination would probably benefit from bringing clarity to the call to lay ministry.  

JUD-815 "Creation and Humanity" (MidSouth District Resolutions Committee; North Carolina District Resolutions Committee, Northwestern Illinois District): I am indifferent to this proposal. I like the reasoning behind it, but am uncomfortable with some of the wording. For example, "created the heavens and the earth and everything in them out of nothing but love." That seems a bit problematic when we are already struggling with several erroneous definitions of love and I'm not sure what the biblical grounds for creating out of nothing but love. Maybe "but love" should be dropped for clarity's sake. This statement needs further work, but could be helpful as an addition to our Article of Faith. 

JUD-815a "Original Goodness" (Kansas City District): I am not in favor of this proposal. Article of Faith V is about sin, original and personal, not about creation. The sentence, without more context, also could be perceived to read as a contradiction of the rest of the Article of Faith on sin. It is problematic in its wording and placement in this article.

JUD-816 "Article XVI. Resurrection, Judgement, and Destiny Rewording" (Oregon Pacific District Resolutions Committee): I am strongly opposed to this proposal. This is an obvious move to redefine hell from its historic definition. The argument against "hell" being the last word of our article of faith is a weak one that lends itself more to a misguided sense of public relations than theological and biblical clarity.

JUD-816a "Article XVI. Resurrection, Judgement, and Destiny Rewording" (Board of General Superintendents): The tenor and majority of this proposal is good. The only thing that prevents my support is the subtraction of the phrase "shall suffer" from the description of the finally unrepentant in hell. In the "Reasons" section of explanation, it is written: "The finally impenitent will be separated eternally from God. Scripture talks in at least three distinct ways about what happens to those who are away from God in the final day. This is a description of the moderate or middle position." Scripture does not speak about this in "three distinct ways". These are not three different ways, but descriptions of the same reality of hell as eternal suffering apart from God. This may seem small, but is a dangerous trend in the wrong direction. I cannot support this proposal for that reason.

JUD-817 "The Administration of the Lord's Supper" (SW Indiana District): I am in favor of this common sense proposal.  

JUD-818 "Ritual for The Baptism of Infants" (SW Indiana District): I am not in favor of this proposal. It removes language from our ritual that would bring clarity that infant baptism does not negate the need for the child to be born-again. There could be very real confusion from parents on the theological/biblical nature of what takes place at infant baptism.

LA- Local Administration

LA-400 "Parent-Affiliated Congregations" (Kansas City District): I am in favor of this proposal. This is a Manual definition of a parent-affiliated congregation. 

LA-401 "Church Name Change" (Northwestern Illinois District): I am in favor of this proposal.

LA-402 "Local Church Organization, Name, Incorporation, Property, Restrictions, Mergers, Disorganization" (North/East Texas District Resolutions Committee): I am in favor of this proposal.

LA-403 "Mergers" (Washington Pacific District Advisory Board): This seems to be a common sense proposal.       

LA-404 "Termination of Local Church Membership for Ministers" (Northwestern Illinois District): I am indifferent to this proposal.

LA-405 "Removal from Membership" (Kansas City District): I support this proposal.

LA-406 "Electronic and Multi-site Meetings- Local Church" (Board of General Superintendents): I support this proposal in light of technological advances with communication.

LA-406a "Electronic Voting" (MidSouth District Resolutions Committee Northwestern Illinois District): Similar to LA-406.

LA-407 "Local Church Meeting Notice" (Eastern Kentucky District): I am in support of this proposal.

LA-407a "Meeting Notification" (Northwestern Illinois District, Reference Committee): I am indifferent toward this proposal, maybe leaning toward opposition. This is a short notice for a significant decision like a property purchase, building project, pastoral vote, etc. 

LA-408 "Local Church Meetings" (Intermountain District): I support this proposal although I believe provision is already made for a church to do this with permission from the DS and DAB. 

LA-409 "Statistical Year" (Northwestern Illinois District): I am in favor of this proposal as it gives more flexibility to districts.

LA-410 "Term of Appointment for Pastor" (General Board): I favor this proposal. It is already in practice, this just formalizes it.

LA-411 "Appointment of a Pastor" (Eastern Kentucky District Resolutions Committee): I am strongly opposed to this proposal. While it may benefit a small church to have a pastor appointed by the DS without their consent, it is unnecessary authority given to the DS and taken from a local church, for no more reason that it is simply small in attendance or young in its existence. This transfers considerable authority to the superintendency without a crisis or moral failure from the local church.

LA-412 "Criteria for the Appointment of a Pastor" (Eastern Kentucky District Resolution Committee): I am strongly opposed to this proposal as it gives an enormous amount of authority to the District Superintendent only because a local church has failed (or been unwilling) to meet their apportionments in full. This would be tragic if approved.

LA-413 "Clarification for Voting Requirements" (MidSouth District Resolutions Committee, Northwestern Illinois District): I support this proposal. It helps clarify the 2/3rds vote.

LA-414 "Relocating the Duties of a Pastor" (MidSouth District Resolutions Committee, Northwestern Illinois District): I am indifferent to this proposal. It is a clerical change.

LA-415 "Recusal During Review Meeting" (Eastern Kentucky District Resolution Committee): I am not really in favor of this proposal. This is a leadership issue and assumes that all families connected to a previous pastor will be harmful to the process. That is not necessarily the case. If a district superintendent feels that the family members may cause a problem, there needs to be a conversation before the review process begins. 

LA-416 "Renewing the Local Church/Pastor Relationship" (MidSouth District Resolutions Committee): This may be a technicality issue with which Robert's Rules of Order need to be consulted. A parliamentarian can maybe answer the question of the necessity of this proposal in light of the reasoning given.

LA-417 "Membership of Local Church Board" (Global NMI Council): I support this proposal. 

LA-418 "Church Board Vacancies" (MidSouth District Resolutions Committee, North Carolina District Resolutions Committee, Northwestern Illinois District): I support this proposal. It is probably already practiced widely, but would be codified if this proposal passes.

LA-419 "Other Vacancies Between Annual Church Meetings" (Northwestern Illinois District): Similar to LA-418. I support this proposal.

LA-420 "Pastoral Sabbaticals" (Kentucky District Resolution Committee): I am in support of this proposal. It will be beneficial for the local church pastor and ultimately the local church by encouraging longer pastoral tenures.

LA-421 "Filling Delegate Vacancies" (Northwestern Illinois District): I support this proposal. There are ways to handle the issue outside of new legislation in the Manual though.

LA-422 "Removal of Church Board Members" (Northwestern Illinois District): I am strongly in support of this proposal. See DA-213 for the district equivalent.

LA-423 "Pastoral Transition/Resignation- Childcare/School Directors/ CEOs of Subsidiaries" (MidSouth District Resolutions Committee, Northwestern Illinois District): I strongly support this proposal. This is a needed clarification and allowance.

LA-424 "Membership of Congregations" (Board of General Superintendents): I am in support of this proposal. It seems to contradict DA-214. But it makes sense to keep local churches geographically unified.  

MED- Ministry and Education

MED-500 "Use of the Title 'Pastor'" (Board of General Superintendents, General Board, Reference Committee): I support this proposal. It helps clarify "pastor" and "reverend" as well as offer some legal framework.

MED-501 "Orders of Ministry" (MidSouth District Resolutions Committee, North Carolina District Resolutions Committee, Northwestern Illinois District): I am not in favor of this proposal without some kind of study being done. A global committee needs to be appointed to explore the practical and theological issues surrounding what we believe about ordination and bring proposals back for the next General Assembly.

MED-502 "Deaconess" (Kansas City District, Reference Committee): I am not in favor of this proposal. See my comment on MED-501.

MED-503 "Ministry of Laypersons & Licensed Lay Ministers" (Virginia District General Assembly Delegates): See my comments on MED-501. This is an theology of ordination issue. 

MED-504 "Conditions & Responsibility for Renewal of District Licenses" (Global Education & Clergy Development, MidSouth District Resolutions Committee, Northwestern Illinois District, Reference Committee): This proposal seems unnecessary, but I am not in opposition.  

MED-505 "Constitution and Covenant of Christian Conduct: Distribution" (Global Education & Clergy Development, MidSouth District Resolutions Committee, Northwestern Illinois District, Reference Committee): This is an update based on technology, which would allow the dissemination of the information digitally rather than only print.

MED-506 "Pastoral Service Definition" (MidSouth District Resolutions Committee, North Carolina District Resolutions Committee, Northwestern Illinois District, Reference Committee): I support this proposal.  

MED-507 "Education for Ordained Ministry" (MidSouth District Resolutions, Northwestern Illinois District): I support this proposal.

MED-508 "Local License/Applying for District License (MidSouth District Resolutions Committee, Northwestern Illinois District, Reference Committee): I am in favor of this proposal.

MED-509 "Local Minister's Certificate/Local Minister Apprentice" (MidSouth District Resolutions Committee, North Carolina District Resolutions Committee, Northwestern Illinois District): This is another referral to a committee tasked with the theological and practical issues of ordination. See MED-501

MED-510 "District License Qualifications" (MidSouth District Resolutions Committee, Northwestern Illinois District): I am in favor of this proposal.

MED-511 Withdrawn    

MED-512 "Ministry Service Time" (Oregon Pacific District Resolutions Committee): I am indifferent to this, but lean towards support.

MED-513 "Elders" (MidSouth District Resolutions Committee, North Carolina District Resolutions Committee, Northwestern Illinois District): I support this proposal.

MED-514 "Recognition of Credentials" (Eastern Kentucky District Resolution Committee): I am in support of this proposal.

MED-515 "Annual Reporting for Retired Ministers" (Eastern Kentucky District Resolution Committee): I strongly support this proposal. It is a common sense action.

MED-516 "Changes of Terminology and Definition Related to Ministers and Ministerial Credentials" (Global Education & Clergy Development, Northwestern Illinois District): I am not in favor of this proposal. See MED-501.

MED-516a "General Regulations" (Intermountain District): I not in favor of this change. See MED-501.

MED-517 "Membership Defined" (MidSouth District Resolutions Committee, Northwestern Illinois District): I am indifferent to this editorial change.

MED-518 "Solemnization of Weddings" (Kansas City District): I strongly support this proposal. We can no longer assume that marriage, a sacred covenant, is done in a Christian context.

MED-519 "Transfer of Jurisdiction" (Virgil Askren, Kevin Compton, Roxann Peach, Stacey Fajardo, Wayla Murrow, MidSouth District Resolutions Committee, Northwestern Illinois District): I support this proposal.

MED-520 Withdrawn  

MED-521 "International Board of Education" (International Board of Education): I am uncertain of the legal ramifications of this proposal. I need to do more research before I support or oppose this proposal.

MED-522 "Approval of Change of Status of IBOE Institutions- STNP, STNS, STNCS" (International Board of Education): I support this proposal.

SF- Stewardship and Finance

SF- 600 "District Assembly Finance Committee" (Louisianna District, Northeast Oklahoma District, South Texas District): I am indifferent. A district advisory board could still appoint a finance committee for the district if they felt it necessary. This may streamline "committees and boards" that are not as essential as they once were due to technology and a change in how the local church pays its allocations and apportionments.

SF-601 "District Advisory Board Responsibilities: Contractual Agreements (MidSouth District Resolutions Committee, Northwestern Illinois District): I am not in favor of this resolution. This is a further transfer of authority from the local church to the district. The idea is a sound one and should be done in an organic way that does not need Manual provision. 

 SR- Special Resolutions

I am in support of all of the Special Resolutions in this section. 

So what are your thoughts on the upcoming General Assembly? What are some important pieces of legislation from your perspective?

Also check out the following articles:

Why I Love the Church of the Nazarene

Some Cautions for the Church of the Nazarene (Part I)

Some Cautions for the Church of the Nazarene (Part II)

A Way Forward for the Church of the Nazarene

10 Reasons I Became a Feminist

Some Cautions for the Church of the Nazarene (Part II)

I previously began to articulate some cautions I would share with the denomination that I love. You can see the previous ones in the first part of this two-part series of articles. 

6. Promoting unfruitful or unfaithful pastors. 

An emphasis on fruitfulness has been criticized lately and described as a "church growth movement." We certainly do not need more methods that trivialize the Gospel and the call to holiness of heart and life. We do not need more crowds who disappear at the first sign of rocky waters or challenging messages. But fruitfulness is a byproduct of being connected to the True Vine. 

We cannot continue to be content with no spiritual births year after year after year! We cannot accept the ongoing decline of attendance across the church in the USA-Canada region (and beyond). This is not okay. This can no longer be masked as "faithfulness in a changing world." It can no longer be dismissed with excuses of COVID, changing culture, legalism, uneducated laity, or anything else. There is still power in the blood of Jesus to radically transform the vilest offender and usher those who repent into the holy place of communion with Christ!

Some of the problems lie in the fact that there are some leaders who have been given positions of authority and leadership in the denomination who have not been fruitful or faithful. While someone's familial connections do not prohibit their promotion in the life of the denominational church, it should not be a driving force for the position given and certainly should not be a reason they get a pass for lack of fruitfulness in their ministry assignment. Even worse is when someone is ignored and given an exemption for their unfaithfulness to the church and its doctrines because of their familial ties to other leadership. If we continue to propagate unfruitful or unfaithful leadership in the life of the church, we will continue the pattern of decline in the USA/Canada Region.

7. Changing Theology. 

Obviously the Church of the Nazarene Manual allows for changes. As of late, some have began to teach that this is due to the evolving nature of theology. They would argue that their ordination vows are irrelevant since they agreed to uphold a Manual that constantly changes. Of course many of the proponents of this do not believe God is perfect and therefore unchanging. They have adopted process theology which claims God is developing and growing as he "figures out" creation. They deny his perfect power and the biblical truth that "nothing is impossible for God." Others have become disconnected from a relationship with the Redeemer and therefore view theology as a philosophical wandering open to their ideological influences. Theology, for some, is not the study of God, as revealed in Scripture, but their own form of idolatry in which they create a god in their own image. 

Changes, especially in our Article of Faith, were allowed with the recognition that language changes over time and there might be an occasion in which it is necessary to rearticulate our faith because of the evolution of language. It was never about God changing or our theology being rejected. Much like a new translation of biblical text, which does not change meaning, changes were allowed due to a common sense allowance in our Manual.

Many of the changes and pushes are by those who are seeking to promote universalism. Diminish the problem of sin so that it is non-existent. Reject any mention of God's wrath, justice, or holiness and choose only those characteristics of God to promote which can be culturally defined like "love." Indeed we need to talk about love in relation to God as He is love. But it is to reject the full Gospel when do not speak to all of the character of God.

However, it is no secret that there are some within the church who want to do away with certain components in our Articles of Faith (AoF) all together. There is a move by some to rid our AoF of any mention of a literal hell and some want to eliminate the concept, from our AoF on Atonement, that Jesus died to pay for our sin debt. 1 Peter 3:18 "For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit."

There is also a move to make "AoF X: Holiness" devoid of any crisis language or reference to the sinful nature.

8. The Experience of Entire Sanctification. 

The distinctive doctrine of the Church of the Nazarene (and the broader holiness movement) is that of entire sanctification. Make no mistake, every church of Jesus Christ believes in holiness. After all, it is a clear call to be holy throughout Scripture. However, the holiness movement along with John Wesley and others throughout church history, have emphasized the reality that God, in a moment of time, can cleanse the heart of the sinful nature. You can in fact have a pure heart that has been filled with the presence of the Holy Spirit! Love of God can be made perfect in your heart!

Unfortunately, throughout our recent history, there have been debates about whether entire sanctification is instantaneous or simply a process. While there is much to be said about growing in grace, prevenient grace, and even maturing in our walk with Christ after we are entirely sanctified, it is essential that we do not abandon entire sanctification as a moment in time when a fully surrendered life comes to God in faith and is baptized in the Holy Spirit thus being made entirely holy; body, soul, & spirit.

The need addressed in the new birth is the guilt of sin (personal sin). The need addressed in our entire sanctification is the pollution of sin (sinful nature). Both the need and the solution must be clearly taught and preached in our churches! Vague semantics and the generic use of the word "holiness" does not make us a holiness church, it actually diminishes the message and aligns us more with generic evangelicalism than the holiness movement (Wesleyan or American holiness movements).

9. Lack of Evangelism. 

This involves, but is not limited to, the diminishing influence of revivalism in the Church of the Nazarene. Camp Meetings, revival services, and even evangelists have come to be viewed as an increasingly archaic means of "doing church." Some even ridicule any form of evangelization that calls sinners to repentance and leads to conversion claiming that this is traumatizing or harmful to people. 

With a shift in soteriology by some church leaders, there has been a marked de-emphasis of evangelism. Evangelism, sharing the Gospel with the aim that the listener will be born again, has been rejected by some in favor of cultural fads of social justice and political jargon. Talk of the marginalized, critical race theory, and injustice have replaced repentance, being born again, and faith in Christ. The eternal well-being of an individual is eclipsed by their physical needs. Salvific issues have moved from personal new birth to political revolution (most often as an emphasis toward atheistic Marxism). It is not individuals who are sinful but systems some would claim. In reality, systems are only sinful, because of the people that make them up. 

Do not be confused about what I am communicating: good works and involvement in the social welfare of our culture are of utmost importance for a holiness people, but our primary calling and Commission from Jesus is that people become disciples of Christ. The church cannot allow itself to be diminished to a social services arm of society. The work of the church is primarily a response to Jesus' Great Commission. It is first and foremost the salvific work we are to commit ourselves to welcoming people into the family of God who were once enemies of Christ. Gospel proclamation has become sidelined in favor of institutional preservation and culturally palatable priorities in too many instances.

Is revivalism dead? Is evangelism outdated? There are some that would not only say yes, but actually argue that evangelism is a harmful thing. Others would simply opt for a brand of universalism that negates the significance of evangelism or spiritual awakening (after all, everyone goes to Heaven anyway). We need to be aware that the delegitimization of evangelism is brought about theologically before it is manifest practically. What I mean by that is we need to be careful what we do with articles of faith on sin, atonement, destiny, judgment, etc. There are some who would like for the denomination to become less and less evangelical in our approach.

10. Cultural Acceptance. 

While the holiness movement has had a long history of being counter-cultural, we have recently become much more interested in the approval of those around us. The early holiness pioneers who formed the Church of the Nazarene were determined to live in a peculiarly different way from the culture and world around them. They were convinced that through the power of the Holy Spirit they could transform culture. There is the constant insistence that we must listen to the youth of our church for the direction of the church. If not, they warn us, these youth will leave the church. 

But when has the church ever listened to the youth to plot the course into the future? Why did we give up on seeking God for direction, empowerment, and purity? When did chasing fads become more important than chasing Jesus? When did media outlets become more influential than scripture in the life of the church?

Alas, we now struggle to adequately articulate orthodox, biblical teachings on human sexuality. A vast number of false teachers are not promoting biblical theology, but a regurgitation of cultural morals with the label of theology. They have chosen culture over Christ in their theology. Neglecting the mind of Christ, many live almost exactly like the world around them. Marriage and the divorce rates, personal ethics, financial stewardship, personal appearance, ways of thinking about the world around us, and even ministry can so easily be influenced by these cultural voices in media, technology, news, etc.

Whatever happened to the biblical concept of worldliness?

"The danger is not that we may cease to exist as a corporate body but that we may permit some superficial and unworthy motive to assume the ascendancy in our thinking and loyalty rather than the great central issues of the gospel." (Rev Mildred Bangs Wynkoop. "Foundations of Wesleyan Arminian Theology" p. 12)

Related Articles:

A Way Forward for the Church of the Nazarene (Part 1)

A Way Forward for the Church of the Nazarene (Part 2)

General Assembly Resolution Review 2023

Check out the following articles:

A Perspective Changer

Biblical Authority and Accuracy

Characteristics of True Revival

Why I Like the Church of the Nazarene