Father and son walking

Jesus was called a Nazarene because his boyhood home was in the town of Nazareth. The followers of Jesus were called Nazarenes and the Apostle Paul, on trial for his life, was accused of being the ringleader of the sect of the Nazarene ( Matthew 2:23, Mark 14:67, Acts 24:5).

Of course, Jesus did not found any denomination, but because we bear His name it is held in deep respect by us who are members of the Church of the Nazarene. The supreme desire of all Christians should be to be like Jesus. His teachings form the basis of our doctrine, and His life, our example and mission.

Membership in the Church of the Nazarene should help us in this goal of Christ-likeness. The fellowship of the Church is thus very precious and cannot be known any other way. Sharing together in the ministry of the Word, the Sacraments, Common Worship, and the Great Commission should be the desire of all who know Christ. Our heart is to follow Jesus wherever He would go; to love those He loves; to serve those He serves; and to spend our lives for the sake of the Gospel.