The United Methodist (UM) church is in the process of splitting. The largest number who have left the UM are those who have formed the Global Methodist (GM) Church. The main “dividing line” between the UM and GM is that the GM holds to a traditional view of marriage, like the Church of the Nazarene (CotN). In fact, many statements made about the new Global Methodist church could end with the phrase “like the Church of the Nazarene.” So the question becomes, if the Global Methodists and the Nazarenes are so much alike, should these two groups seek to merge into one bigger, stronger denomination?
The Global Methodists are still forming as not every church disaffiliating with the UM has done so. As such, the membership numbers are a little difficult to pin down. There are approximately, 4500+ GM churches and 4,417 CotN churches in the United States. When the dust has settled the CotN might not be able to claim to the be the “largest holiness church.” The GM may have those bragging rights (in a sanctified manner, of course) in the United States, at least.
The GM has some groups from outside the United States, the CotN is in 164 world areas. Globally, the CotN is positioned to welcome the GM churches and give structure, guidance to a truly a worldwide mission effort.
The educational institutions were a sticking point in the some of the merger discussions with the Wesleyan Church/Church of the Nazarene in years past. The close proximity between colleges raised questions of viability and sustainability. That would not be an issue with a GM/CotN merger. The GM has a few “recommended” colleges but none that are specifically “GM” universities. Again, the CotN has eight universities in the United States and Canada and over 50 educational institutions around the world. Instantly the GM would have colleges of its own and education points around the world.
Historically, the Church of the Nazarene is a church of mergers. Part of its DNA has been to find like-minded holiness people and come together for greater affectedness in reaching the world for Jesus. A GM/CotN merger would provide the greatest application of this mindset in its history. Instantly, the new church would have influence and a greater awareness across the United States and world.
The new church, a Nazarene/Methodist Church, would provide a freshness to the CotN that has been lacking in these challenging times. A Pilot-Point-like excitement could develop with new brothers and sisters coming together. With more voting delegates, it would eliminate the “good old boy” network of familiarity and nepotism that at times has plagued the CotN. Leaders from both groups, would rise to the top forging a fresh glory for a global outreach. It would provide more preaching points and greater opportunity for evangelism. A united holiness effort could infuse a Holy Spirit empowered energy and be exactly what is needed today.
Certainly there are obstacles to a Global Methodist/Nazarene merger. But what better time to discuss such a move than before the Global Methodists church is fully established and when the Church of the Nazarene could use a renewed vision. This might be the best time to form a new, united holiness church called to make Christ-like disciples in the nations.
My Two Cent Offering 
I love this suggestion Rob. But if we haven’t been able to merge with the Churches of Christ and Christian Union or the Wesleyans, or any other holiness group, there’s not a chance we could merge with the Global Methodist Church. I’m afraid politics and egos trump mission in these cases.
I am afraid you are correct. The heart for mission and unity is sometime usurped by other motivations and less than lofty reasons.
Global Methodist is not a holiness church and does not want to be. That are packed with moderate UMC pastor with little Biblical foundation. Personal, I found they are still hurting from the separation and do not trust anyone outside the old UMC circle.
Rob, I love the conversation. I suggest you call for a roundtable discussion of some Naz and GM theologians and some clergy to discuss if this is worth considering. My experience as one who has steeped in the rich tradition of the Church of the Nazarene and now serving as an elder in the GM Church, I think apart from the practical and polity-related points of contention (not the least of which is how pastors/churches receive/select pastors), there are at least 2 theological sticky points: The work, person and gifts of the Holy Spirit and Entire Sanctification. While the 2 denominations use similar terms I have experienced vastly different interpretations. I think it’s worth discussing there.
I think one of the biggest hindrances would be in fact the Nazarene denomination owns all church properties. The Global Methodist group just got rid of their “Trust Clause” and I don’t believe they would ever go that route again.
Rob, I think it’s a fantastic idea, but I do not think the global Methodist Church would accept the trust clause that we have in the Church of the Nazarene. There are a few other minor differences all of which could be adjusted and made to work. I do believe the denomination owning the property would be a non-starter with the global Methodist Church, since this was a major contention as they were leaving Methodist Church, I think your premises a great idea
This is true. But…I believe the deeper issue was not the trust clause but a mistrust in leadership that used the trust clause in ways that were contrary to its design. I’m not saying my church would want to go back but I do think one’s trust in the leadership of the denomination is a greater factor.
I don’t believe the Global Methodist Church will merge with the Church of the Nazarene in the end. It’s great that true disciples of Jesus Christ respect a traditional and Biblical view of heterosexual marriage, but the Church of the Nazarene has its own unique history and superb colleges separate from the conservative Methodist GMC and the Wesleyans. It will take God’s mercy to bring sinners to repentance and restoration through Holiness, not endless battles over church nepotism (Titus 3:5-6).
Pingback: GMC Links – People Need Jesus
Sorry, Rob, but the fundamental error (though a common one) is the notion that a conservative former UM must be Wesleyan-holiness as well. That is not the case, and emphatically not the case. The conservatives in the UMC comprised three distinct groups: Wesleyan-holiness, the charismatics, and a third group I call the Augustinian pessimists. Wes Tracy always talked about the Wesleyan way as characterized by the “optimism of grace,” but this group is dominated by the pessimism of sin. The early 20th century battle over holiness in the Methodist Episcopal Church, South wasn’t between conservatives and liberals but between two different types of conservatives. That third group descends from those conservatives who fought the holiness movement and considered it fanatical. Individuals, perhaps even some individual congregations, might be a good fit, but only on a case by case basis. We have no business merging with anyone else until we can merge first with the Free Methodists and the Wesleyans, who actually share the same basic culture as us.
Stan, you know far better than me on this topic. If pushed I don’t think a merger would ever work, your theological reasons for sure. Even more, the human nature that “big fish in little ponds” don’t want to be “little fish in big ponds.” I would hope that an agreement could happen regarding our educational institutions (as GM have no colleges) and possibly publishing.
I love your blogs and read all of them often. I mentioned you to my cousin, Gene Tanner, and he said he knows you well from the cruises. I was raised Nazarene and went to ONU, husband, also. [His major = Theology] However, his career was AF, so we moved often and lived all over the US, including Europe twice. That meant we had to really do our research getting plugged into a Bible preaching church, sooner rather than later. Since Nazarene churches aren’t on every corner, we have experienced wonderful Godly churches to serve in, to include Baptist and EV Free. We have currently been serving in a Global Methodist Church. We will never go back to a church that preaches sinless perfection. We currently serve alongside such Godly servants truly filled with the Holy Spirit. If I told them that they still needed a second specific work of grace, they would look at me as if I had horns protruding from my head. Sorry, I certainly spouted off, but I did want to tell you how wonderful your blogs are. Don’t ever stop!!!