As we look forward to General Assembly in a few months, I’ve been thinking about what makes us One as Nazarenes. The following are some reflections on the importance of—and differences between—our doctrine, our covenant, and our polity.
Doctrine
The Manual section titled “Church Constitution” contains our 16 Articles of Faith, Agreed Statement of Belief, Covenant of Christian Character, and Articles of Organization and Government. These constitute the doctrine of the Church of the Nazarene—the summary of our theology and essence of our belief. We expect ministers (as well as members) to believe and embrace our doctrine as the expression of our deeply and commonly held faith. We believe our doctrine to be faithful to the Scriptures and the primary Creeds that form the Christian faith.
It is often said that our church has a “big tent,” due to there being room for differing opinions about such things as which theory of the atonement, or which view of the Second Coming, is best. But even though it is a big tent, with lots of room on the inside, it is still possible to be outside the tent. This possibility is one reason why the ordination process is so important.
The church ordains only those who have been approved for spiritual leadership—those whose call to ministry has been authenticated, and who have affirmed their belief in the church’s doctrine. Doctrinal fidelity is of extreme importance, lest individuals and churches be led astray.
Occasionally, ministerial candidates express that they are willing to “submit” to our doctrine. When asked to clarify, they indicate they don’t personally believe the doctrine, but are willing to teach it, while keeping their personal beliefs suppressed. They express their love for the mission of the Church of the Nazarene, but not the doctrine (as though the two can be separated). We would not and must not ask anyone to minister among us who harbors such dissonance. Those who so depart from the historic faith of the church thereby disqualify themselves from leadership in it. To be truly “Nazarene" means both to believe the church’s doctrine and engage in its mission. You really can’t have one without the other.
Most young clergy don’t want to change our doctrine – our theological position. They would, however, like to see our posture become more grace-filled. I concur. We need them to show us how to better love our neighbors—all our neighbors.
Changes to the doctrine of the church do not happen easily or often. Nor should they. When changes are made, they are usually related to updated language and nuances of expression. Amendments to our doctrine, if recommended by the appropriate General Assembly Committee, must be approved by 2/3 of the delegates, and then ratified by 2/3 of all Phase 2 and Phase 3 district assemblies. (District approval must also be by a 2/3 vote.) Additionally, if the General Assembly believes proposed changes to the Articles of Faith are worthy of consideration, they are referred to the Board of General Superintendents for review by a Study Committee over the next four years, before being eligible for approval by the following General Assembly and subsequent ratification by the district assemblies.
Covenant
We actually have two covenants. First, the Covenant of Christian Character is found in the Constitution of the Church, and is therefore considered doctrine. Second, the Covenant of Christian Conduct answers the question, “In light of our doctrine, how then shall we live?” This Covenant is the sacred pledge we make when we join the church—the promise we make to each other about how we will live out our beliefs. When new members are welcomed into the church’s fellowship, they publicly state their willingness to conform their lives to this Covenant. We expect no less of church leaders.
We believe the doctrine. We embrace the Covenant—as a way to bear witness to our faith, voluntarily aligning our lives to fulfill the pledge we have made.
The Covenant reflects our call to a Kingdom that is often counter-cultural. Our values are different from those of the world, and we believe we are under a different and higher authority—the Lordship of Jesus Christ—than worldly powers and authorities.
The Covenant of Christian Conduct can be changed by General Assembly action, but it takes a 2/3 favorable vote (rather than a simple majority) to do so.
Polity
Sections 100 though 800 in the Manual contain our “polity.” This is how we govern ourselves, the way we “do church.” Our polity addresses the operation of the local, district, and general church; higher education; ministry and Christian service; rituals; and how Nazarene Discipleship International, Nazarene Youth International, and Nazarene Missions International function.
Most of the resolutions each General Assembly considers address our polity. Such resolutions can be approved by a simple majority vote, after being considered and recommended by the respective General Assembly committee. There are many opinions about our polity, but once resolutions are duly approved by the General Assembly, they become our mutually-agreed-upon government as a global denomination.
Our doctrine flows out of our understanding of the Bible and the primary Creeds of the Christian faith. Our Covenant proceeds from our doctrine and is our understanding of what it means to live a holy life. Our polity flows from our doctrine and covenants and is our agreed understanding of our government.
We believe the doctrine of the church. It is the expression of our deeply and commonly held faith.
We embrace the Covenant of the church, aligning our lives to the pledge we have made.
We submit to the polity of the church, yielding our preferences to the wisdom of the global church.
Let’s pray that God will bless the global gathering of Nazarenes this summer as we celebrate our Oneness—"one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of us all.”
