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Christianity AtlasChurch & Denomination Guide
Group guide

Church of the Nazarene

Also known as: Nazarenes

A global Wesleyan-Holiness denomination emphasizing salvation by grace, holy living, and entire sanctification as a distinctive work of God’s grace.

DenominationInside historic Nicene ChristianityClose with important differences

60-second overview

A global Wesleyan-Holiness denomination emphasizing salvation by grace, holy living, and entire sanctification as a distinctive work of God’s grace.

History and identity

The Nazarene Articles of Faith affirm the Trinity, Scripture, Christ’s atonement and resurrection, prevenient grace, justification, regeneration, entire sanctification, the church, baptism, and Communion. The denomination has connectional governance and ordains women as well as men.

Core teachings and practices

  • Entire sanctification in the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition.
  • Arminian soteriology.
  • Infant dedication and baptism practices governed by denomination; believer baptism also practiced.
  • Strong missions and holy-living emphasis.

Variation across churches

High variation within the group

What it shares with the Reformed Baptist Base Beliefs

This group is within historic Nicene Christianity, with broad agreement on the Triune God and Jesus Christ’s full deity and humanity. Other important differences may still remain.

Important differences from the Reformed Baptist Base Beliefs

The Church of the Nazarene shares the Trinity, Scripture, Christ’s atonement and resurrection, grace, justification, and evangelical conversion. Wesleyan-Arminian soteriology and entire sanctification are important differences; polity and ministry rules receive less weight.

How it relates to historic Nicene Christianity

Inside historic Nicene Christianity

This group is within historic Nicene Christianity.

Boundary guide
Important distinctions
Related groups
Methodist/Wesleyan TraditionHoliness MovementMethodist/Wesleyan TraditionThe United Methodist ChurchGlobal Methodist Church

Sources

The group’s own sources come first, followed by outside context and the guide’s comparison.

  1. Church of the Nazarene — Articles of Faith
    VerifiedOfficial doctrine
  2. Church of the Nazarene — 2023 Manual
    VerifiedReputable secondary source