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Pentecostal Church of the Nazarene

Toward the close of the nineteenth century a movement developed in various parts of the United States corresponding somewhat to that of the revival period of a century previous. It manifested itself differently, so far as organization was concerned, in different sections. In the Southern states it was chiefly an independent movement, and each congregation held itself apart from every other. In the West and in the East the tendencies were toward a closer afliliation, resulting in organization.

The principle at the basis of these movements has been a belief in the power of Jesus Christ to make Christians holy in this present life, and they represent thus a renewed emphasis upon the doctrine of entire sanctification, as taught by John Wesley, the founder of Methodism. The immediate occasion was the feeling that full liberty to emphasize this doctrine, which came to be called the "full Gospel," was not allowed even in the Methodist churches.

Three movements, one in New England, one in New York city, and one in Los Angeles, were organized almost simultaneously to carry out these principles. William Howard Hoople, a business man in New York city, founded a mission in Brooklyn, in January, 1894, which, in the following May, was organized as an independent church,' with a membership of 32, and was called the"Utica Avenue Pentecostal Tabernacle." A church edifice was afterwards erected, and Mr. Hoople was called to the pastorate. The following February the Bedford Avenue Church was organized in an abandoned church building, and a little later, the Emmanuel Pentecostal Tabernacle. In December, 1895, delegates from these three churches formed the Association of Pentecostal Churches of America, adopting a constitution, summary of doctrines, and by-laws.

Meanwhile, a similar movement had begun in New England; several independent churches had been organized for the same purpose, and had united in an association known as the Central Evangelical Holiness Association. In November, 1896, a joint committee of the two associations met in Brooklyn, and united under the name of the Association of Pentecostal Churches of America.

In Los Angeles a number of persons united in October, 1895, and formed the Church of the Nazarene. They adopted a few statements of belief, and agreed to such general rules as seemed proper and needful for immediate guidance and government, leaving to future assemblies the making of such provisions as the work and its conditions might necessitate. An important feature of their doctrine was their conviction that sanctification especially involved following Christ's example of preaching the gospel to the poor. They believed that elegance and adornment of houses of worship are not representative of the spirit of Christ, but rather of the spirit of the world; that they involve expenditure of time and money that should be given to Christlike ministries for the salvation of souls and the relief of the needy.

As the two bodies came to know more of each other, it was felt that they should unite; and in the annual meeting of each body in 1906, a basis of union was prepared, and delegates were authorized to call the first convention of the Pentecostal Church of the Nazarene, the name proposed for the new denomination. That convention met in Chicago in 1907, in its first general assembly.

In doctrine this body is essentially in accord with the Methodist Episcopal Church. It accepts, in general, the Apostles' Creed, but gives special prominence to the doctrine of entire sanctification, which is expressed as follows: "We believe that entire sanctification is that act of the Holy Spirit whereby the regenerate soul is cleansed from inbred sin, and made pure in heart, enabling the believer to love God with all his heart, mind, soul, and strength, which implies that no wrong temper, nothing contrary to love, remains in the soul; that all thoughts, words, and actions are prompted by pure love; that entire sanctification does not exclude ignorance or mistake, nor an involuntary transgression of some unknown divine precept; that entire sanctification includes the baptism with the Holy Ghost. It is subsequent to regeneration. It is received, like regeneration, in an instant, by faith, not by works which we have done, but by the renewing of the Holy Ghost . We believe in imparted, not imputed, sanctification. We believe it is divinely attested by the Holy Ghost. We believe it is received as soon as the regenerate soul sees its need, makes an entire consecration to God, and trusts alone in the atoning merit of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Applicants for membership in the church are received by the pastor on confession of their faith in Christ, and of their acceptance of the doctrines essential to salvation, and their promise to observe the rules and regulations of the church. In this last respect the General Rules of the Methodist Episcopal Church have formed the basis of their rules and regulations. With regard to baptism the Methodist practice is generally accepted, though no special form is emphasized.

The ecclesiastical organization is congregational. Each church is absolutely independent in its management, being governed through a church board elected by the congregation. The churches are associated for such general purposes as belong to all alike, particu; larly for missionary activity. In general, the associations have no direct authority over the individual church, being rather for the promotion of mutual fellowship, and of organized effort in preaching the gospel. General and district superintendents, however, are appointed as executive officers.

Those who feel called of God, and who evidence their call by "grace, gifts, and usefulness," may, after examination as to their experience and comprehension of the doctrines and usage of the church, be licensed to preach. This license is granted by the church board of the church to which the applicant belongs, upon recommendation of the pastor, and is for the term of one year, but may be renewed from time to time. Further ordination is by a council of the pastors and delegates from five or more churches. Ordained ministers from other denominations may be received on the vote of the missionary committee of the church.

In each of the constituent bodies, prior to the union, missionary work had been the chief purpose, and had been carried on by the Missionary Committee of the Association of Pentecostal Churches of America and by the Home and Foreign Missionary Board of the Nazarene Church. In the combined church a general missionary board has been established, consisting of boards elected by the different districts, to which all the work of the two older boards has been transferred. There is also in each district a missionary board, the members of which are elected by the district assembly; and every church is expected to elect a missionary board of not less than four members. For the conduct of the work a general tithing system is recommended, although the tithe is considered the minimum of contribution.