"The Church of the Nazarene is a Protestant Christian church in the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition, tracing its roots to an anniversary date of 1908. It was founded to spread the message of scriptural holiness (Christlike living) across the lands. Today the Church of the Nazarene is located in 156 world areas.

The Church of the Nazarene is a Great Commission church. Our mission is to make Christlike disciples in the nations. We believe that God offers to everyone forgiveness, peace, joy, purpose, love, meaning in life, and the promise of heaven when life is over by entering and experiencing a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. We are called to take this message to people everywhere.

The Church of the Nazarene is also a holiness church. We believe that Christians can experience a deeper level of life in which there is victory over sin, power to witness and serve, and a richer fellowship with God, all through the infilling of the Holy Spirit."

                                                             -From nazarene.org, the Church of the Nazarene's Official Website


Each church in the Church of the Nazarene is uniquely different, yet we are one body, just as we are one body with all believers around the world in Christ!  An often used phrase in the early days of the Church of the Nazarene was, "In essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty."  This means that as a church we do not prefer one mode of Communion, Baptism, service structure, etc. as more "right" than another.  We stand, we exist to proclaim the message of Holiness.  That is, God calls us to be transformed into the likeness of Christ.  That we would/could be free from the oppression of sin, brokenness, shame, guilt, addictions.  We profess a faith of radical optimism, in which, the Holy Spirit does this work in response to our obedient response to His grace.  Praise God!

Theologically we align ourselves with the church universal, that which has been believed and confirmed in the Apostles' Creed...

    the Maker of heaven and earth,
    and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord:

Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost,
    born of the virgin Mary,
    suffered under Pontius Pilate,
    was crucified, dead, and buried;

He descended into hell.

The third day He arose again from the dead;

He ascended into heaven,
    and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty;
    from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Ghost;
    the holy catholic church; (meaning all believers)
    the communion of saints;
    the forgiveness of sins;
    the resurrection of the body;
    and the life everlasting.

Amen.

I would love to talk to you about any questions you have about the Church of the Nazarene or Elmdale Church of the Nazarene.  We have regular membership classes for more information. BUT all are welcome to come belong before you believe!

Grace and Peace in Christ,

Pastor Nate Gray