Except for the two years as a seminarian when I served as a youth director at a Presbyterian church, the only church I have ever regularly attended is the Church of the Nazarene. All of my siblings and their spouses have attended Nazarene colleges. All of my parents’ grandchildren and most of their grandchildren’s spouses have also attended Nazarene colleges. As a baby, I was wheeled in a stroller to be dedicated in a Church of the Nazarene, and they’ll probably roll my casket into one when I die. The only way we Princes could be more Nazarene is if we were born in Pilot Point, Texas and named our dogs “Phineas,” “Schmelzenbach,” and “Wynkoop.”
My loyalty does not mean that I think the Church of the Nazarene is perfect. It clearly isn’t perfect. It can’t be perfect because every four years we have a General Assembly where there are over 200 proposed changes for our manual and by-laws. It can’t be perfect, because I know of too many leaders (pastors and laypeople) who have failed. It can’t be perfect, because I am credentialed elder in the Church of the Nazarene and I am not perfect.
My loyalty does not mean I view the Church of the Nazarene through rose colored glasses. Clearly, we have work to do. Our numbers in the USA/Canada are headed in the wrong direction. Our clergy are old and getting older (myself included). Many churches are staring at financial crises as older, tithing members die off while their younger counterparts aren’t giving at the same level. Every district has several churches in hospice, ready for last rites. There are too many hypocrites, bullies and carnal members filling the pews and pulpits. Our methods don’t work like they once did. Our views are too partisan. Our love is too conditional. Our mission too convoluted. Our comfort with the world is too cozy. I get it. I’m not oblivious to the challenges we face. To modify astronaut James Lovell’s famous quote, “Lenexa, we have a problem.”
Loyalty in response to these and other challenges means not grumbling, quitting or sticking our heads in the sand. Instead, it means it’s time to roll up our sleeves and get to work. Love God and our neighbor. Proclaim the Good News. Make Christ-like disciples. Reach the unreached. Serve the troubled. Be the church that P.F. Bresee and so many others dreamed we could be— the church that wears well the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene!
Rob Prince's Blog 
Older pastors do have a lesser role. We have a great opportunity…….a mandate actually…..to mentor.
Yes! And we all should be looking to be mentored as much if not more to mentor. As an older rookie, I covet the wisdom out there.
Do NOT have
Thanks Rob, well said! You’re right, we are not perfect but thank God, He still loves us in spite of that!
My sister and I were just saying the same things in our conversation on Saturday. Oh, and only thing different between our family and yours is that we had a cat named Phineus! 😊
oh that the younger generation would have the same deep love for our Nazarene roots and church as we boomers have. regardless of how so many would change our truths, we have been so blessed by the LORD. We MUST keep teaching holiness………..it is the only KEEPING GRACE that sustains.
The story goes, as a child, my father introduced himself as Nelson Nazarene Kunz to the evangelist holding Revival at Bay City Church of the Nazarene !
I must admit, for our little neck of the woods, Campmeeting this year encouraged my heart ! The messages that came were optimistic, examples included many good stories of Nazarene people who cared and made a difference. Young families filled the.camping area, large groups of children and teens were so involved in all that was going on in praise to our Lord.
Not perfect people, but people who were together worshipping the Lord.
Your honesty is refreshing!