The Church of the Nazarene has ordained women to the ministry since its founding in 1908, a longstanding commitment that reflects the Wesleyan tradition's affirmation of women's calling to preach and pastor. The denomination affirms the priesthood of all believers but also recognizes ordained ministers — elders and deacons — who are called, equipped, and examined for specific ministerial roles.

The order of elder in the Church of the Nazarene corresponds broadly to the pastoral-teaching office: elders preach, administer the sacraments, and provide spiritual oversight. Deacons serve in supportive ministry roles. Both orders may be filled by men or women. The ordination process involves examination by district ordination committees and is conferred at the District Assembly by a general superintendent.

There is no sacerdotal priesthood in the Catholic sense: ordained Nazarene ministers do not mediate between God and the people in a sacramental way. Ordination recognizes calling and gifting, and ordained ministers serve under the authority of the congregation and the denomination's representative structures rather than possessing independent ecclesiastical authority.