Church surpasses one million members in World Mission areas
Kansas City
Friday, February 15, 2008
Growth of the Church of the Nazarene in World Mission areas has been accelerating over the past 3 decades. In 1980, 181,000 members were in these areas. With God’s help, one million members are now listed for a total membership in World Mission areas of 1,077,822.

The million-member milestone was surpassed this year, with a net gain in membership of 108,553. Previously, the largest net gain in a single year was just under 70,000, occurring in 2005. Growth in the six World Mission regions for 2007 set a single year record for new Nazarenes with a total of 136,888. The previous record was set in 2005 with 104,034.

The six World Mission regions include Africa, Asia-Pacific, Caribbean, Eurasia, Mexico and Central America, and South America.

This level of growth represents a 10 percent increase in total membership over last year. A 10-year perspective reveals a 73 percent growth in membership in World Mission areas.

Accompanying the membership growth, the denomination has exceeded the 10,000 mark for “organized churches” and over 5,000 for “other churches.” World Mission Department continues to develop and refine Church planting strategies in the context of prayerful concern for global revival.

General Superintendent James H. Diehl states, "Seldom in the history of an organization are there truly momentous moments to celebrate. For the first time in our 100 year history, the one million member mark was exceeded, a record gain in membership was recorded, and a single year record of New Nazarenes was received into church membership. In addition to giving God the glory, we express deep appreciation to World Mission director, Louie Bustle, the World Mission team, the six regional directors, and every leader at every level in the church around the world.

"It's a day of rejoicing in the Church of the Nazarene!"
--World Mission