General Superintendents move to clarify Nazarene mission The Goal Is Christlikeness for Everyone--To Do All He Commands
Kansas City--The Church of the Nazarene is facing some of the most significant generational and cultural changes in 60 years as it approaches its Centennial in 2008. Accordingly, the Board of General Superintendents voted unanimously in its December 2006 meeting to update language used to define the denomination's mission.
To make Christlike disciples in the nations is the new seven-word statement of mission for the 1.6 million member denomination.
This mission is built on the Church of the Nazarene's core values of being Christian, holiness, and missional.
While the primary motive of the church is to glorify God, the Board believes the church is also called to actively participate in His mission of reconciling the world to himself.
"The seven words in the statement of mission embody the historical essentials of Nazarene mission-evangelism, sanctification, discipleship, compassion, and equipping all who respond in faith," noted Jerry D. Porter, current Board chair. "The essence of holiness is Christlikeness."
"The Church of the Nazarene is blessed with some of the most dedicated disciples of any denomination. Our goal is to build on this strength," Porter emphasized.
Jesse C. Middendorf, vice chair of the Board, added, "We're also moving from a 'sending' to a 'sent' church. The responsibility is to be a witness, helping make Christlike disciples, in whatever nation we happen to be. And missionaries are now sent from all regions of the world."
The Board recognizes that thousands of statements have been created by Nazarene churches, districts, regions, and educational institutions since the denomination last revised the wording of its statement of mission in the early 1980s.
Nina G. Gunter, Board secretary, said the general superintendents believe there is a reason to have a clear, over-arching statement of mission now more than ever. "Since the denomination has a presence in 151 world areas the need is for something succinct and translatable.
"After 10 years of review the decision was made in part to try to capture what is now taking place in the church--a renewed desire to lift up Christ and be more like the Savior. This is especially so among the church's youth and young adults," observed Gunter.
The Board's decision was based on the following:
