Welcome back to our membership Class.  I’m so glad you’re tuning in again as we continue exploring what makes our church family unique. Today I want to talk with you about how the Church of the Nazarene is structured.
Even though our worship styles may vary from place to place, you can be confident that the Church of the Nazarene is organized the same way, no matter where you attend. Whether you find yourself in a large city congregation or a small rural church, we all follow a consistent structure that connects us as one faith family. In this episode, we’re going to talk about how the Church of the Nazarene is organized. Now, don’t worry—I promise this won’t be a dry lecture on corporate bylaws! Think of it more like looking at a family tree or the blueprints of a house. It helps you understand how we support one another and how we stay focused on our mission.
Our structure is actually pretty simple, and it’s built on a balance of representation and unity. We operate on three main levels: the local church, the district, and the global denomination.
Let’s start right where you are: the Local Church.
This is the heartbeat of the denomination. It’s the congregation you worship with every week. The local church is led by a pastor, but here’s something important to know: we believe strongly in the involvement of laypeople—that’s members just like you who aren't clergy.
The local church is governed by a church board, which is elected by the church members at an annual meeting. This board works alongside the pastor to care for the spiritual life of the congregation, manage finances, and plan ministries. So, your voice matters here. You help choose the leaders who guide your specific church community.
Now, let’s zoom out a little bit to the District.
No local church is an island. We believe we are better together. So, local churches in a specific geographic area are grouped together into a District.
The leader of the district is called the District Superintendent, or "DS" for short. You can think of the DS as a "pastor to the pastors." Their job is to support the local churches, help start new churches, and provide encouragement and accountability for the clergy in that region.
Once a year, representatives from every local church—both pastors and lay delegates—gather for a District Assembly. It’s a time of worship, reporting on progress, and electing district leadership. It’s a powerful reminder that your local church is part of a much bigger team working toward the same goals.
Finally, let’s look at the big picture: the Global Church.
The Church of the Nazarene is an international body. We are one church, everywhere. We don’t have different "versions" of the church for different countries; we are all connected.
Our highest governing body is the General Assembly. This is a massive global gathering that happens every four years. Delegates from districts all over the world come together to worship, celebrate what God is doing, and make decisions about our manual—that’s the book that outlines our beliefs and practices.
We also elect six General Superintendents. Instead of having just one president or leader, we have a Board of General Superintendents who share the responsibility of overseeing the global work of the church. They travel the world, ordain elders, and ensure we stay true to our mission.
So, why does all this matter to you?
This structure isn't just about rules; it's about support and accountability. It ensures that no pastor or church has to go it alone. It means that when there is a crisis, resources can be mobilized from the district or global level to help. And most importantly, it keeps us unified in our mission to make Christlike disciples in the nations.
Whether you are serving coffee in the lobby of your local church or voting as a delegate at an assembly, you are participating in a system designed to help us love God and serve our neighbors more effectively.
This episode is just a quick overview to help you see the big picture. If you’re interested in all the details—how decisions are made, roles are defined, and our practices are guided—you can check out the Manual of the Church of the Nazarene. The Manual is the tool that gives you those specific details and guidelines about how we do things together as a church family.
I hope this gives you a clearer picture of how we operate. We are a connected family, from the pew to the district office to the global mission field.
Thanks for listening today. In our next episode, we’ll dive into something very close to our hearts: our Articles of Faith. We’ll explore what we believe about God, scripture, and salvation.
Until then, blessings on your journey!
Host: Welcome back. Today, we are starting a very special part of our series. Up until now, we’ve talked about history and structure—the "how" and "where" of our church. Now, we are moving into the "what" and the "who." We are diving into our Articles of Faith.
Now, I know that phrase—"Articles of Faith"—can sound a bit academic. But think of them this way: these aren't just dry statements on a piece of paper. They are the definition of who we are. They shape how we see the world, how we treat others, and how we live as disciples of Jesus.
And there is no better place to start than with the biggest question of all: Who is God?
If you look at the workbook that accompanies this course, you’ll see we are in the section titled "Who is God?".
Many people believe in God, but if you ask them what God is like, you'll often hear a wide variety of answers. These differences can be confusing and make it hard to know what—or who—to trust. That's why it's so important for us to explore and understand who the God of the Bible really is. When we have a clear picture of God's character, we can build real trust and a meaningful relationship with Him.
As Christians—and especially as Nazarenes—we strive to clear up that confusion by turning to the God described in the Bible. Truly knowing God transforms our lives. It brings us a deep peace, gives us hope in difficult times, and teaches us how to forgive and serve others.
So, how do we know He is there?
Well, look around you. The workbook mentions the beauty and complexity of nature. When I look at a sunset or study how perfectly the human eye works, it’s hard for me to believe that happened by accident. It points to a Creator.
Think about your own life. The fact that you have conscious thoughts, that you know you are alive, and that you have a built-in moral compass—a sense that some things are just right and some are just wrong—all of that points to an existence beyond ourselves. As Romans 1:20 reminds us, creation itself tells the story of His power.
But we don’t just have to guess based on nature. We have specific beliefs.
The Church of the Nazarene Manual gives us a beautiful definition. It says we believe in one God who is the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. It describes Him as "holy in nature, attributes, and purpose." It says He is "holy love and light."
That’s a lot to pack into one sentence! But let’s break it down into three simple truths that you can hold onto today.
First, God is alive.
He isn't just a force, like gravity. He isn't a distant concept. He is a living being. He has characteristics and a personality. He interacts with us.
Second, God is holy.
This is a big word for us Nazarenes. To say God is holy means He is pure. He is set apart. Imagine the most perfect, good thing you’ve ever seen—God’s holiness is infinitely beyond that. There is no darkness in Him, no deception, no evil.
And third, God is love.
This is my favorite part. God doesn't just have love; He is love. Think about this: God is complete. He doesn't need us. He doesn't need our money or our worship to survive. He lacks nothing. Yet, He created us. Why? Because it is His nature to love. He loves everything from the smallest atom to you and me.
We often use "all" phrases to describe Him: All-powerful. All-knowing. All-loving. He is perfect in every way.
Now, there is one more thing we need to touch on, and it’s probably the most mysterious part of who God is: The Trinity.
You’ve probably heard the terms Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It can be confusing. Are there three Gods? No.
The doctrine of the Trinity teaches us that there is one God who reveals Himself as three persons. It’s a mystery that our human brains might not fully grasp, but it’s what the Bible teaches us, and it’s essential to our faith. We see God the Father, we see Jesus the Son, and we see the Holy Spirit—distinct, yet perfectly one.
If you want to dig deeper into this—and I hope you do—take a look at your workbook. There is a list of scriptures there, like Matthew 3 and 2 Corinthians 13. I encourage you to open your Bible this week and read those passages. Don't just take my word for it; see what the Word of God says.
Knowing God isn't a one-time event; it’s a lifelong pursuit. And the more we know Him, the more we love Him.
Thanks for listening. In our next episode, we’re going to look at the second person of the Trinity: Jesus Christ. Who is He, and why did He come? You won't want to miss it.
Until then, remember: You are loved by a God who is alive, holy, and knows you by name.
(Intro music fades in and then settles into a steady, thoughtful rhythm)