Tag: church-of-the-nazarene

The name on the front of my jersey reads “Church of the Nazarene“

On By Rob PrinceLeave a comment

With the National Nazarene Softball Tournament approaching (sponsored by the Springdale Church in Cincinnati, Ohio on Labor Day weekend. Central church is sending a team), I started thinking about the jerseys worn. Maybe you’ve seen in a sports themed movie when a coach tells an overly selfish player, “The (team) name on the front of the jersey is more important than the (player’s) name on the back of the jersey.” It’s a lesson on the importance of the team.

The team I’ve chosen to be a part of is the “Church of the Nazarene.” Its name is on the front of my jersey.

There are other teams (churches). Good teams. Still I’m a Nazarene. In my cranky critical moments, I think being on another team could be better. For example, non-denominational churches don’t have apportionments.They can give as much or as little to world missions, local missions, retired ministers and Christian colleges as they’d like. No World Evangelism Fund for them. Bad Pun Alert: There’s not a whiff of WEF. They can have as little or as many rules as they like too. Easily change anything they want with a quick vote of their leadership, congregation or on the whim of the pastor (if that’s how their bylaws guide them). Not us. In the Church of the Nazarene, we have a Manual. It can be changed only upon the vote of the General Assembly. Some sections (the Articles of Faith) take at least two General Assemblies before the wording can be changed, and then it has to be ratified by all the districts. 

Sometimes I think it would be easier to be in a non-denominational church with its name on the front of my jersey. Less restrictive. More freedom. Sounds good.

But is it?  Non-denoms also have less accountability. While I don’t want “Big Brother” constantly looking over my shoulder, I am comforted that there are guidelines and procedures for many (not all) circumstances that might come a church’s way. I’m glad that there is a collective wisdom in place. I’m thankful for the checks and balances within the Nazarene system. The Church of the Nazarene is not like a fly-by-night dog-and-pony show. It’s been around for 117 years and still going strong. Located in over 160 countries, it’s a stable, global, team. A non-denom team can’t say that. 

It’s easy to complain (Yes, I’m looking in the mirror as I write those words). But today I am thankful. I trust that Church of the Nazarene leadership is not corrupt. I believe our church leaders when they say they are praying for the churches and its members. In any organization there is a bad apple or two, but that does not negate the thousands and thousands of hard-working, Jesus-loving, faithful  Nazarenes throughout the world. Within any organization, decisions will be made and monies spent that I wish had not been made or spent, but I still trust that the conclusions made (even where I would have landed someplace else) have not been made without prayer and consideration. Moreover, I love my local team. I tell visitors all the time, “I’m biased, but ours is a great church.”  

Is the church perfect? No. Are some actions frustrating? Yes. Are there problematic people? Of course. Can someone point to an inaccurate application of justice? Probably. Still, I am glad the team name on the front of my jersey reads, “Church of the Nazarene.“ They are my people, and I am sticking with them.

Saved and Sanctified

On By Rob PrinceLeave a comment

Back when “testimonies” were a regular part of a Sunday night church services (do you remember those?*), one of the cliché’s frequently heard in Nazarene circles was the claim, “I’m save and sanctified.” Too often, the phrase sounded like an accomplishment achieved. “Saved and sanctified” seemed more a badge of pride instead of an acute awareness of how far one has yet to go in their journey toward Christ-likeness. 

There is no boasting in the truly “saved and sanctified.” There is a humility that is averse to using such “arrival-like terminology.” To be “saved and sanctified” is not like taking an airplane to Atlanta and stepping off the jetway saying, “I’m here. I made it.” Instead “saved and sanctified” is more like a long arduous hike. There are cracks and crevasses along the way. Plenty of places, where it would be easy to fall, and sometimes one does. It can be exhausting. It’s not always fun. The life traveler learns from the rough places. In times of distress, as they call upon the Lord, and God picks the journeyer up, dusts them off, and they more carefully traverse the road ahead. In self-reflective moments, the “saved and sanctified” look back at the trail they’ve travelled and think, “Wow, the Lord has brought me a long way.” Still they realize that there is plenty of trail ahead. They are not alone, but they aren’t done either. They haven’t arrived. They continue walking upward.

An unchurched neighbor might not use “saved and sanctified” terminology, especially if not versed in “Christian-ese.” Instead they might use words to describe their truly “saved and sanctified” friend as: Honest, kind, loving, joy-filled, patient, good, merciful, gracious, faithful, gentle, and display immense self-control (unknowingly, the unchurched just described the fruit of the spirit). To the point, being “saved and sanctified” is not a claim that one makes lightly about themselves, but it’s better merited as non-churched watchers unintentionally acknowledge the identifiers of holiness and humility displayed in the person’s life.

Pray that our non-church, pre-Christian neighbors and friends will see the attributes of holiness in us more and more, as we carry the kingdom of God with us into the world.

*Please note: in spite of the random goofiness of some Sunday night testimonies, I miss them. They were good for the unsaved and young believers to hear the victories of the saints. It was good for the seasoned believers, to hear the joy and excitement of newbie Christians. I miss other elements of the Sunday night service too. We lost a bit of community that once existed in the old-time Sunday night services.

Making Holiness Great Again

On By Rob Prince1 Comment

Making holiness great again is a worthy effort. What godly person doesn’t want holiness to be great?  The pharisees in the first century attempted to “make holiness great again.” Sadly, their version of “holiness”* was a strict adherence to the law, especially the sabbath laws. This approach weaponized holiness and put them in conflict with Jesus on multiple occasions. Theirs was a haughty brand of “holiness” that in the end looked nothing like the humble holiness that Jesus exuded. When holiness disintegrates into a prideful, battle weapon it is no longer holiness. It’s a self-congratulatory enterprise that looks more like the smirking pharisees on Good Friday, than the forgiving, dying Savior on the cross. It’s no longer great.

Religious bullying in the name of God Almighty is what Jesus abhorred. Could it be that Jesus is still disgusted by anyone touting a far less than great brand of holiness. A “holiness” more intent on keeping rules and keeping out rule breakers, than it is on a welcoming, Philippians 2:5-11, selfless-love brand of holiness?

Holiness is great when smugness is swapped with the unpretentious fruit of the Spirit.
Holiness is great when pride is replaced with humility. 
Holiness is great when it’s characterized by true righteousness not self-righteousness.
Holiness is great when perfect love chases out all fear.
Holiness is great when it looks like the open-armed father and not the angry, rule keeping older brother when his prodigal sibling returned.
Holiness is great when there are less pitch forks and torches and more flames of the Spirit. 
Holiness is great when the miniscule search for specks in the eyes of offenders gives way to 
lumberjack-ian task of log removeable from one’s own optic nerves. 
Holiness is great when it looks like Jesus.

One of the core values of the Church of the Nazarene is “holiness.” It would have been one of the pharisees’ core values too. Do we look more like the pharisees or Jesus? The pharisaical brand of “holiness” is one where there are multiple boxes which need to be checked. Accordingly, if not all of the boxes are checked, then it’s not “holiness.” The Jesus brand of holiness has only one box: holy forgiving selfless love.** If it’s checked, it’s holiness. Let’s strive to check that box. Let’s make that brand of holiness great again.

*The pharisees’ “holiness” is in quotation marks, because it’s something, but whatever it is– it’s not holiness. 

**Please Note: Jesus made demands on his followers (most notably “pick up your cross and follow me”). But those demands flow from a heart of love, not out a code of ethical boundaries. Those demands reflect–  Holy. Forgiving. Selfless. Love. 

Is it time for the Silent Majority in the Church of the Nazarene to speak?

On By Rob Prince1 Comment

Most people in the Church of the Nazarene (CotN) are silent when it comes to the happenings of the church. I’m not talking about those members on the fringe that barely know they attend a Nazarene church. No, these silent folks are “in the know.” They know all about the CotN. They observe social media happenings concerning the CotN. They pay attention to the issues in the church and in the world. They hear the chatter from the conservative groups, progressive groups, charismatic influenced groups, our college happenings or things on the mission field (both good and bad). They have opinions regarding these things. They simply keep their thoughts to themselves.

This is especially true for those in leadership positions. There must be a class when one enters the Global Ministry Center (GMC) on the how to avoid making comments on social media. Don’t “like” any opinion. Don’t address any problem. Don’t offend one side or the other. Be quiet.

I can’t blame them. I’ve seen people take a position (it’s happened to me) and one side or the other goes ballistic. Their name and opinion gets dragged through the mud. Their outlook was lambasted. People assumed this or that about the person. Usually it’s not good. People they thought were their friends (not just “Facebook friends,” but real ones) write hurtful things. Any response would come across as “defensive.” They’ve learned their lesson. “Stay quiet.”

(I’m pretty sure I have the inglorious distinction of one who has offended just about everyone at one time or another with these little 500-700 word blogs. Yet here I am, blabbering on. Apparently, I have not learned my lesson). 

There is a reason why the cliché, “The squeaky wheel gets the grease,” is true. We’ve seen it happen over and over in the church. The ones who yell the loudest– get the attention. No matter if their opinions are contrary to the stated doctrines of the Church. No matter if the loudest and angriest display very un-Christlike attributes. No matter that their bullying tactics intimidate people into silence. No matter that their message of aggression and callousness is what non-believers also see. “Truth,” they say, is what they are defending. But if “truth” is conveyed in an untruthful or un-Christlike manner is it still the “Truth”? “If you can’t stand the heat get out of the kitchen,” the theological bullies tell us. That’s another truth-filled cliché which is leading the silent exodus of sound-minded people. 

I’ve heard some opinions say, “80% of Nazarenes are nice and wonderful followers of Jesus and there are 10% of Nazarenes are on either end of the bully stick.” 10% ultra-conservative bullies and 10% ultra-progressive bullies. I tend to think the percentages are not nearly that strong. My estimation is that it’s only 1% on either end. Maybe less. At least, 98% of Nazarenes are following after Jesus and striving to live a holy life. The squeaky wheels are 2% (maybe less), but those squeaky wheels get a lot of the greasy attention on social media and elsewhere.

Solomon was right. “There is a time to be silent and a time to speak” (Ecclesiastes 3:7). It should go without saying (but I’m writing about it so maybe it’s not so obvious): We can’t always be silent. There is a time to speak. Former “CBS Evening News” anchor Scott Pelley said, “The most important thing is to have the courage to speak, to not let fear permeate the country so that everyone suddenly becomes silent. If you have the courage to speak, we are saved. If you fall silent, the country is doomed.”  Substitute the words “Church of the Nazarene” for the word “Country” and there’s a lesson for my fellow Silent Majority Nazarene members (yes, I count myself in that group). There are times when we can’t be silent. We must speak. It may  upset 1% on either end of the Nazarene spectrum, but we cannot fear. Take courage. Speak. 

Do Nazarenes Truly Believe Article of Faith XI?

On By Rob Prince1 Comment

In the world of denominationalism, the Church of the Nazarene (cotn) is small. Yes, it is inching close to 3 million members worldwide. Yes, there was slight growth in USA/Canada last year. Yes, in the world of “holiness” churches, the cotn is a bigger group than most in that very small subset. Still, in the Church universal, the cotn is a small tribe. 

Being small has some benefits. Like the sitcom Cheers bar, it seems everyone knows your name. Often it’s more like family than a denomination. There is a comfortable familiarity, going into a Nazarene church on the other side of the world and seeing posters for the World Evangelism Fund or an alabaster offering. It’s easy to think, “Yes, these are my people.” 

But being small, also means when a family member leaves or is asked to leave, you know it. It hurts just a little bit. Sometimes it hurts a lot. 

People leave for a variety of reasons, I’ve had people move to a community without a cotn and have joined another church. For some, sinful choices lead them to no longer fellowship in the cotn. Others got miffed at someone (Read: often the pastor) and have joined another church. Occasionally, an elder or licensed minister has gotten sideways with a doctrine or belief and have felt, he/she needs to exit. In rare cases (very rare) an elder is asked to leave. Ordered to do so by a church trial, if necessary. Those rare instances, usually make headlines on social media. It gets the usual characters grumbling, but trials for heresy are extremely rare.

The eleventh Article of Faith in the Manual of the cotn states: The Church is a historical reality that organizes itself in culturally conditioned forms, exists both as local congregations and as a universal body. Notice the capital “C” in “Church” and the word, “universal” regarding the Church. Nazarenes recognize that there are Christians in other traditions that will likewise receive an eternal reward and hear the Master say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” One need not show their Nazarene membership card or give St. Peter the secret Nazarene handshake (we don’t have one of those, do we?) to gain entrance through the pearly gates. 

Since Article XI exists, doesn’t it make sense that when someone leaves to join another church (for whatever reason) we would not besmirch their name or in other ways cast doubt on their faithfulness or Christian standing. Instead, we would wish them well and continue to pray for their good standing before the Lord. We wouldn’t celebrate the aforementioned exit (especially on social media). We wouldn’t draw lines in the sand. We wouldn’t contact lawyers. We would say, “Brothers and sisters, we may differ on some of the finer points of our faith but we are part of the Church universal. Go and be well.” 

At times, when someone leaves, it feels like a divorce. Betrayal even. Someone has to be right and someone has to be wrong. But does it have to be that way? Can’t two things be right at the same time? Neither party is evil. Both are trying to “work out their salvation in fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12). Can’t there be a world where both the witch-hunts and the brazen, willful disregard to the Manual are out of bounds those who swore to uphold it? Moreover, can’t we refuse to resort to name calling while walking out the door or shouts of distain from inside the holy confines toward those walking away?

Being a part of the Church (capital “C”) means (in a too simplistic way) we have common beliefs regarding the primacy of Christ and the inspired Holy Bible containing all we need to know regarding salvation. After that, aren’t we all are “working it out.” If we truly believe Article XI, those exiting for another church would still feel loved. If we truly believe Article XI, we wouldn’t be so territorial. If we truly believed Article XI we would be sad, maybe even heart-broken, when one of our own sheep heads to a new pasture, but we wouldn’t be un-Christ-like. Not if we believe, Article XI. 

That ain’t holiness

On By Rob Prince1 Comment

“You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.” -Inigo Montoya, The Princess Bride.

The theological circles I run in are known for their adherence to holiness. We take serious God’s call to “Be holy as I am holy” (Leviticus 19:2 and 1 Peter 1:16). Sadly, it seems some in my tribe are confused as to what “holiness” entails. 

Allow me to offer a few tips (just “a few,” my list is not exhaustive) on holiness. Hopefully this clears up some of the muddle…

If your version of holiness is….

  • more about you than Jesus, that ain’t holiness.
  • unkind, unforgiving, unjoyful, unhumble that ain’t holiness.
  • unloving toward neighbors and enemies that ain’t holiness.
  • uncaring toward the poor and needy, that ain’t holiness.
  • focused on outward persona rather than inward purity, that ain’t holiness.
  • childish not child-like, that ain’t holiness.
  • bullying others on-line or in person, that ain’t holiness.
  • comparable to the Pharisees, that ain’t holiness.
  • hypocritical or hyper-critical, that ain’t holiness.
  • cliquish more than a welcoming, that ain’t holiness.
  • snooty and gossipy, that ain’t holiness.
  • attention seeking more than Jesus seeking, that ain’t holiness.
  • envious, greedy, lustful or prideful, that ain’t holiness.
  • rude, harsh and self-seeking, that ain’t holiness.
  • bombastic and belligerent, that ain’t holiness.
  • record keeping of wrongs, that ain’t holiness.
  • condemning the sin in others while covering up one’s sinful habits, that ain’t holiness.
  • pushing people out of the kingdom rather than inviting folks in, that ain’t holiness.
  • lacking in generosity, that ain’t holiness.
  • critical of social media mudslinging, then promptly slinging mud on social media, that ain’t holiness.
  • full of “gotcha questions” meant to trap and belittle, that ain’t holiness.
  • championing “truth” while telling half-truths and outright lies, that ain’t holiness. 
  • depicted by who you hate rather than who you love, that ain’t holiness.
  • fueling heated arguments rather than godly conversations, that ain’t holiness.
  • blind to the giant log in one’s own eye, yet judging the speck in someone else’s eye, that ain’t holiness.
  • more about legalism than charity, liberty and grace, that ain’t holiness.
  • dismissing the above list and getting defensive about the areas that reflect your own poor attitudes and behaviors, that ain’t holiness either.
  • Anything other than being like Jesus, quite simply…  it ain’t holiness. Period. 

Dear English majors, I know, “ain’t” isn’t a word. I also know the “holiness” that some folks proport to be “protecting” or “promoting” isn’t holiness. 

It’s something, but it’s not holiness. 

The Best Residence for the Aging Church of the Nazarene

On By Rob Prince4 Comments

The Church of the Nazarene (CotN) was founded on October 13, 1908. There are only three people currently living in the world who are older than the CotN: Maria Branyas born March 4, 1907;  Tomiko Itooka born May 23, 1908; and Inah Lucas  born June 8, 1908. That’s it. Just three people. Presumably none were at Pilot Point, Texas 116 years ago.

Obviously, denominations don’t age like people. Unlike people, many denominations are dead– they just don’t know it. Which got me thinking about the supercentenarian, Church of the Nazarene. If the CotN were an elderly person, what kind of care would be required for the old gal? 

The options for the elderly are:

Hospice care is mostly for people with less than a year to live. While there are those who exaggerate the demise of the CotN, no one thinks she will be dead in a year. Hospice is not the option. 

Palliative care is a treatment plan where all know the patient is not getting better, but health care providers try to make the person comfortable. It’s holding the hand and saying kind words until they pass away. It might be sooner, but it’s probably later. Is the Board of General Superintendents (BGS) simply holding the hand of a sick and probably dying denomination; offering little hope, but whispering nice (overly rosy) things in her ear? At times, it might seem like it, but there is still strong life bubbling in various places.

Memory care is provided to the patient who has forgotten who they are. Like in palliative care, the plan is to make the person comfortable–  not letting them hurt themselves or others. Some might say that the CotN has forgotten who she is and the principles on which she once stood. They conclude that  people are hurt because of her misremembering. But unlike the horrible corridors of a memory care unit, many still know, love and desire to live into the CotN’s history. Regaining those early principles is the challenge, but its history hasn’t been forgotten. 

Does anyone think the CotN is ready for Independent living? Many argue she is more divided than ever (see Jesus’ comments of feeble houses in times of division in Matthew 12). She isn’t as strong as she used to be. She needs help. Independent living seems out of the question at this contentious point.

That leaves Assisted Living as the last and best option. The church is not dead, but she needs support. Factionist’s witch hunts on the right and tantrum throwers on the left have threatened to end the via media that has characterized the church from its inception. Each far side’s critics claim the church is drifting toward the other’s extreme. They vocalize its doom on social media and try to pull her to their side. A tug-of-war has ensued for the CotN’s heart and soul. She needs assistance not a mortician. 

More than ever the CotN needs leadership. The original BGS member, Phineas F Bresee, famously said (not original to him): In essentials unity; in non-essentials liberty; in all things charity. Current BGS members, charged with giving vision and direction, must remind the church of Bresee’s words. Shout it, if necessary. Like a traffic cop on a busy intersection point us back to the via media. Silence is death. It’s time to be heard. The rest of us must then follow in assisting the church to the via media. It’s moving (or staying) in the center of the narrow road, away from the extremists on either side. 

A healthy denominational assisted living is located on the via media and it’s where the CotN best resides. I’m still hopeful that’s will be our address.

Edited to read: This is NOT a new or a negative concept. The Church has always required ASSISTED LIVING. It’s the Lamb and His Bride; a marriage made in heaven, where God’s Holy people are empowered by the Holy Spirit to do Christ’s bidding for the Father’s glory. 

Edited to also add: I wrote on the Church of the Nazarene’s need for the middle road in 2021. You can read it here: https://wordpress.com/post/robprinceblog.com/1958

What Can Be Learned from the Closure of Eastern Nazarene College?

On By Rob Prince2 Comments

When the news broke that Eastern Nazarene College (ENC) was closing last week, it felt like a friend had died. Not a friend that you see every day, or even once in a while, but a friend nonetheless. Hearing that the doors were closing for good brought a deep sense of sadness over me. The news hit me hard for someone with no real connection to the school other than my “Nazarene-nerdy-ness.”

I have friends who graduated from ENC and who have been on the faculty and staff there. I heard stories of God’s faithfulness and provision through the life of ENC. I had only been on the campus of Eastern Nazarene College one time. It was back a few years, before Covid, we went on the Sunday morning to the Wollaston Church of the Nazarene on the campus of ENC. We walked around and saw the buildings. I was surprised on how close the campus was to the ocean. I thought it had such potential. Now it’s closed. 

When a loved one that I haven’t seen in a while passes, I think, “I knew she was sick, just not that sick. I wish I had known…” Could anything have been done to help ENC if we comprehended her dire circumstances? Maybe. Maybe not. I wish we had known…

Sometimes when attending the funeral of older relatives, I peruse the room and see kinfolk that I’ve only seen at funerals, the holidays or a random reunion. When greeting the distant cousins at the wake, I think, “Who will be next?  The matriarch has died. Who will be the next family member eulogized?” ENC’s closing made me think about the other Nazarene institutions in the same manner. Are others on life support? Is ENC’s passing a harbinger of more trouble in the Church of the Nazarene or is it an anomaly?  

I want to think ENC’s demise was caused by a dwindling student and Nazarene population in the Northeast. It wasn’t helped by an over saturated higher education system in Boston and the plethora of options from which prospective New England students might choose. I’m sure there are many more factors than the ones spouted off by some of my conspiracy-first-truth-later brothers and sisters on social media. Still, was ENC’s demise the first of many deaths or the unexpected and unfortunate passing in an otherwise healthy organization?

I fear it’s the former, not the latter. If it is the former, what can we do to stop the bleeding? How can we better communicate the urgency of those in dire straights without causing my aforementioned Chicken-Little-like, brothers and sisters (these social-media-dilettantes are on all sides of the theological/political spectrums, by the way) from further miscommunicating ill-informed opinions (I’m not casting stones. I’ve been there. I’ve probably had my share of ill-informed opinions too). 

How can we help the other institutions stay afloat and not hurt them, that’s the point?

Maybe now is simply a time to mourn the passing of a dear friend, but sometime soon we must examine our reality and make the necessary adjustments so more funerals don’t follow. 

Should the Church of the Nazarene and the Global Methodist Church merge?

On By Rob Prince12 Comments

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. 

Is it too late for Revival in the Church of the Nazarene (USA/Canada)?  

On By Rob Prince6 Comments

There is no question on the necessity of the church to be revived. A quick look at the numbers reveal that in-person attendance is plummeting. Churches are closing. New churches are not being started. Young people are not being called to pastoral ministries. The clergy along with the people in the pews are aging. The writing is on the wall. It’s only a matter of time before the funeral processional begins. Something needs to happen (read: REVIVAL) or the Church of the Nazarene will die!* But is it too late for her to turn around?

Luke writes of the revival following Pentecost. It can happen. The church was adding people every day (Acts 2:47). In a short period of time, the number of believing men grew to 5,000 (Acts 4:4). In spite of opposition from within (Ananias and Sapphira) and pressure on the outside, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number” (Acts 5:14). Revival was happening. It was the work of the Holy Spirit and the believers were in “one heart and one mind” (Acts 4:32). 

The Holy Spirit is still at work, but would anyone declare the Church of the Nazarene to be in “one heart and mind”? The church seems to be more divided than ever. There’s too much “us vs. them.” There are too many labels. There are too many sub-groups and factions. Social media loudly clamors for attention on all sides. There are too many separate entities fighting for their corner of the table. The U.S.S. Nazarene is sinking, does it matter who is sitting at the captain’s table?

It’s never too late for the Holy Spirit to right the ship. But it sure seems like the window of revival is closing for the Church of the Nazarene. There are those who say, “Let her die.” I’m not one of them. She can be revived. There is resurrection hope. 

The answer seems simple to write, but hard to obtain. Quit fighting. Quit dividing. Quit weaponizing social media. Quit demonizing those with a slightly different theological bent. Quit. Just quit. This is not a call that one side or the other needs to quit, every side must quit the chatter. Jesus highly priestly prayer calls all believers to be unified (see John 17:20-21). Can’t the church live into that prayer? Can the church be on one heart and mind?

Is it too late for revival? It’s never too late. The church willing to humbly settle its differences in an age of division and angst? Are its members willing to pray along with Jesus to be one? That’s the question. 

If it is too late for a revived Church of the Nazarene, don’t mourn too long. God will rise up new groups like in the late 1800’s when the Church of the Nazarene or the Holiness Church of Christ or the Association of Pentecostal Churches of America started. These new groups will do what the current version of the Church of the Nazarene is not always doing. A united people who will proclaim holiness of heart and life and offer good news to the least of these. God isn’t impressed with brand names. If the current version of Church of the Nazarene isn’t cutting it, God will raise up a church who will. 

Is it too late? No. But it is getting late…

*Obviously, there are exceptions. There are good churches doing good things. I am super biased but I think Flint Central Church is such an exception.

Questions for the Six Nazarene Pastors who are 90+

On By Rob Prince1 Comment

Of 4,331 lead pastors in the USA/Canada Church of the Nazarene, six men or women are nonagenarians. That is not a new sect or denomination. Nonagenarian is not the same as non-denominational. Nonagenarian is a person between the age of 90-99. There are currently six pastors, 90 years or older, who are still active lead pastors in the Church of the Nazarene in USA/Canada. Wow! 

That’s impressive. I’d like to meet these nonagenarians. I have some questions for them. 

  • Have they been pastoring their whole adult life?
  • Is this a second career? A third career?
  • How do they stay relevant?
  • Do they consider those church members in their 60’s as the “youth group”?
  • Were they ordained by Hardy Powers or GB Williamson?
  • Do they ever catch themselves saying, “When I was a kid back in the Great depression…”?
  • At District Assembly do they ask to give their pastor’s report first, just in case they are in heaven before  District Assembly adjourns. (There have been times I’ve prayed to be in heaven before District Assembly adjourns). 
  • Do they call Dr. Jim Diehl to preach a revival so their people can hear from someone younger (Dr. Diehl will be 87 on his next birthday and is still preaching). 
  • The Bible is always fresh, but do they run out of new stories to tell when still preaching in their 90’s?
  • Do they consider anything written by Fanny Crosby as “contemporary music”?
  • When they read Caleb’s self-description in Joshua 14, “I am today, eighty-five years old! I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I’m just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then” (Joshua 14:10-11); do they think, “wait until he gets a little older then he will know…. Blah, blah, blah…”
  • Are they still pastoring because they can’t afford to live on their social security or meager Nazarene pastor’s pension?
  • Have they inquired about the special provision in the manual that states: “If a pastor has been pastoring since before the presiding General Superintendent was born, their church gets a free pass on paying it’s World Evangelism Fund (Note: that’s NOT in the Manual). 

My real questions are: What lessons could they share about pastoring? What’s the secret of pastoring at 90+?

Will I be pastoring when I am 90 years old? Both my parents died at 83. My odds on hitting the 10th decade of my life aren’t good. I’m not going to lie, now that I am in my 60’s I have an eye on retirement (with both boys and more importantly our only grandson living in Kansas City, Karla has her eye on that grandbaby). One day (probably long before 90), I will retire, but I hope to never stop serving Jesus. I want to serve him until he calls me home. Should God Almighty call out, “who will pastor this church?” and I’m still kicking in my 90’s, like those six Nazarene pastoring heroes and Isaiah, I hope I will say, “Here I am send me” (Isaiah 6:8).

Is the Church of the Nazarene the next Blockbuster?

On By Rob Prince5 Comments

Blockbuster and mom and pop video stores, once in every town, are now gone. Seeming overnight our viewing habits changed and today the buildings have been repurposed or sitting empty. Blockbuster couldn’t compete with new technologies and quickly became obsolete.

What does this have to do with the Church of the Nazarene? You can probably guess. Is your church like Blockbuster? Some are predicting that in the next twenty years, 100,000 churches in America will close their doors. How many of that 100,000 will be Nazarene churches? (You can read about the church emptying phenomenon here).

Unlike Blockbuster, not all the churches will close. There will still be a lot of churches in twenty years. The questions for the Church of the Nazarene are: 

  • What will the USA Church of the Nazarene look like if 25% of the churches close?  
  • What will happen to the global church which relies on the USA churches’ investment in the World Evangelism Fund (95% of WEF comes from USA/Canada)? 
  • How might the Church of the Nazarene repurpose buildings or utilize the funds from closed churches? 
  • More personal, will your church be one of those that closes its doors forever?

It’s an easy math equation. Look at everyone in your congregation, add twenty years to the ages of the folks sitting in the pews and if nothing changes you can draw your conclusion. 

“If nothing changes… “ What needs to change? Clearly, the Church of the Nazarene needs young people coming through the doors. What will it take to get younger people? These ingredients:

1)  Young people like Jesus. Preach Jesus.
2) Young people don’t need flashy. They need authentic. Young people can spot a phony a mile away. Be real. 
3)  Young people need to know you love them. Love without exception.
4) Young People need ownership. Don’t be afraid to give young people key roles and leadership. Listen to them. Help them. Teach them.
5) Young People aren’t perfect (neither are you). Don’t expect perfection. Leave room for errors, mistakes and outright failure. Keep trying. Don’t stop trying. 
6) Young People want their communities to flourish. Be the best neighbor.

I recently heard of a young alcoholic who had a Nazarene upbringing and went to a Nazarene college, then walked away from faith. Finally the prodigal made the good, hard decision to enter rehab. The Christian employers responded by telling this struggling addict not to worry about a job. It would be there after rehab. There were bigger matters at hand. “Get better” was the message from the owners (Way to go!). Blown away, the on-the-way-back-to-faith addict was grateful for their love and response. Their reaction spoke more volumes than a thousand sermons. The business owners were acting like Jesus. That’s our hope in a nut shell.

Have a church full of people who love, sacrifice, and are committed to Jesus – and one need not worry about shuttering the doors. The life-changing message of Jesus is still compelling!