Essentials Of The Faith / Sunday Evening Bible Study / Denominations
Church of the Nazarene
It's background is with the Methodist and John Wesely. And most of it's early ministers were former Methodist clergy.
Combination of congregational and Presbyterian forms of government.
Missions oriented with a strong emphasis on evangelism.
Conservative in lifestyle. No smoking/drinking /gambling/drugs/dancing etc.
Men are ordained as pastors and elders.
Men and women can be liscensed deacons and deaconesses. Deaconness/Deaconnesses is a formal process with three levels. All dealing with benelovence. This office is for those called into full time ministry but not into the preaching ministry. Examples are ministers of worship, education, youth, and children.
Doctrine
Built around Entire Sanctification as a second definite work of grace
after salvation. All clergy and Elders must profess having this expereince.
(Baptism of the HS) Entire Sanctification for them is the eradication of the
Original sin nature received from Adam. He becomes positionally and
practically perfect. Other than this they are fundamental in doctrine.
Emphasize the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer but do not speak in tongues and do not place extra emphasis on the gifts of healing or prophesy.
Armenian postition of free will. Do not hold to eternal security
Worship
Not highly ritualistic but also not highly informal.
Free in many churches. Highly pentecostal: tongues, healing, prophesy.
Uses united audible prayer in many churches.
Sacraments
Communion: Baptistic and open
Baptism: Believers, sprinkled, pouring or most often immersion. Children
may be baptized when their parents assure they will receive religious
training.