Representative governance; elected general superintendents; Scripture supreme
The Church of the Nazarene is governed by a representative democracy that combines elements of episcopal and congregational polity. Local churches are led by pastors and elected boards. District assemblies, led by district superintendents, provide oversight and fellowship at the regional level. The General Assembly — meeting every four years and composed of elected ministerial and lay delegates from around the world — is the supreme governing body of the denomination.
General superintendents (elected by the General Assembly) provide spiritual leadership and doctrinal oversight for the denomination, similar to bishops in Methodist polity. However, they do not have the sacramental and unilateral authority of Catholic or Orthodox bishops. Their authority is exercised collegially and within the framework of the General Assembly's decisions.
The ultimate authority in all matters of faith and practice is Scripture, as interpreted through the Wesleyan theological tradition and the common deliberation of the denomination's representative bodies. The Nazarene Manual — containing the Articles of Faith, constitution, by-laws, and covenant of Christian conduct — is the denominational document that guides church life at every level.
Key Distinctions
- Governance model:
- representative; district assemblies and General Assembly; superintendents
- Apostolic succession:
- not claimed; governance by elected representatives
- Women in ministry:
- fully ordained since founding (1908); Phoebe Palmer as theological influence
- Doctrinal authority:
- Scripture primary; Manual of the Church of the Nazarene
Scripture References
Sources
- Church of the Nazarene Manual, Constitution and Church Government sections