A Wesleyan-Holiness denomination that emphasizes entire sanctification and practical holy living.
The Church of the Nazarene is one of the largest denominations in the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition, formed in 1908 by the merger of several Holiness bodies that wanted to preserve John Wesley's doctrine of entire sanctification in an organized denominational structure. With congregations in over 160 countries, it is a genuinely global denomination with particular strength in the developing world.
The Nazarene theological center is entire sanctification — the belief that after conversion, God can cleanse the heart of its inward tendency toward sin in a definitive work of grace, enabling the believer to love God and neighbor with undivided devotion. This is not sinless perfection in the sense of being incapable of error, but a purification of the will and affections so that sin is no longer the ruling principle of the believer's life. Nazarenes also hold to Arminian theology: God's grace is available to all, and individuals freely respond to or resist that grace.
Fayetteville has 1 Church of the Nazarene congregation in the directory. Nazarene worship typically features expository preaching, congregational singing (often a blend of traditional and contemporary), and regular altar calls inviting response to the Spirit's work.
The Church of the Nazarene is distinguished by its Wesleyan-Holiness theology, particularly the doctrine of entire sanctification, and its Arminian conviction that God's grace is genuinely available to all people. It differs from Pentecostal Holiness bodies in not requiring speaking in tongues as evidence of Spirit baptism.
Earnest and participatory, with expository preaching, congregational singing, and altar calls. Blends traditional and contemporary worship depending on the congregation.
Pilot Point, Texas, 1908.
Its global missionary presence and strong emphasis on practical holiness in everyday life.