There are Nazarenes (some former members) on social media who like to complain about the Church of the Nazarene. “The denomination is dying,” they say.  Read too much of it and you’d think the grim reaper is knocking on the Global Ministry Center’s door. Call me overly optimistic (aren’t Wesleyans supposed to be radically optimistic?), but there is a lot to like about the Church of the Nazarene. 

• I like that Nazarenes are in 160+ countries in the world.
• I like that Nazarene churches number 30,000+
• I like that Nazarene clergy number 30,000+ too.
• I like most all of the 2,419,219 members of the Church of the Nazarene. I haven’t met all of them (obviously) but I would probably like most all of them (there’s probably a few stinkers in the bunch that I’d avoid, not many, just a few). 
• I like that Nazarenes in Africa or Bangladesh or the United States are just as “Nazarene” and just as valuable as any other Nazarene in the world.
• I like that the Nazarene leadership team of General Superintendents include an African, a Central American, a South American, one born in Germany and two others from the United States. 

I like that the Church of the Nazarene is a global church.

• I like that Nazarenes baptizes babies or dedicates them.
• I like that Nazarene churches have accountability through Nazarene Safe. 
• I like Nazarene Bible quizzing for children and youth.
• I like Nazarene Youth Conference where so many students’ faith grow. 
• I like that Nazarene Child Sponsorship helps so many boys and girls around the world. (Karla and I sponsor two kids. One in Panama. One in Jordan).

I like that the Church of the Nazarene cares about the next generation.

• I like that Nazarene Compassionate ministries are helping when the world hurts
• I like that Nazarene “boots are on the ground” in most places when tragedies strike.
• I like that Nazarenes historically have sided with those that culture has rejected.

I like that the Church of the Nazarene cares for the least of these.

• I like that Nazarene Bible colleges and universities are around the globe.
• I like that Nazarene publishing, the Foundry, is on solid footing. Printing quality holiness materials still matters (maybe more than ever). 
• I like the Nazarene periodical, Holiness Today and read it cover to cover.
• Shameless plug alert: I like that the Nazarene Sunday School paper, Standard, allows me to write a monthly article; sometimes Reflecting God puts me down for a week of devotions too and The Foundry Publishing (back when it was Beacon Hill Press) published my first book Chronic Pain: Finding Hope in the Midst of Suffering. 

I like Nazarene emphasis on learning.

• I like that Nazarene theology is Biblical, Wesleyan and steeped in church history.
• I like that Nazarenes emphasize holy living.
• I like that Nazarenes ordain women.
• I like that Nazarenes don’t have to agree on everything (i.e. details of the Second Coming; creation accounts; modes of baptism; etc.) to still be sisters and brothers in the faith. 

I like that Nazarenes are deeply theological.

• I like that Nazarene gatherings like General Assembly or next year’s M-25 conference feel like a family reunion.
• I like that Nazarenes are dependable and available. I feel like I could be practically anywhere in the world and, if in trouble, I could call the local Nazarene church and they would help.

I like that Nazarenes are family.

There are probably plenty of other things to like too, but what I like most about the Church of the Nazarene is my local Nazarene church. It is filled with godly people who love Jesus, their neighbors and each other. Jesus and my local church family’s love for Him make me wanting to come back week after week. My local congregation inspires me and shows me that Nazarenes are good people. I see it every week (every day practically) in old and young alike. Moreover, I like the team of women and men pastors I am privileged to work alongside– they are the best of the best. The Nazarene family at my local church is the best part of being a Nazarene.

Am I a Nazarene Pollyanna for listing such things? I don’t think so (you might disagree). I don’t wear rose colored glasses. I know the Church of the Nazarene has issues (show me a church that doesn’t). We’ve got some dysfunction (show me a family that doesn’t). We’ve got our share of strange relatives in our family (again, who doesn’t). We don’t all agree on all things (clearly). There have been decisions made that I found questionable. There are conversations that need to be safely had. I get it. We aren’t perfect.

Still there is a lot to like in the Church of the Nazarene. 

Edited to Write: Sorry this was a longer blog than normal, but if you can’t tell, I think there is a lot to like in the Church of the Nazarene.