ABOUT
At First Church of the Nazarene, we believe that our highest calling is to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. That love overflows into how we care for one another—loving our neighbors as ourselves, building authentic relationships, and walking together in grace and truth. But our mission doesn’t stop there. We are also called to be the hands and feet of Jesus in the world: serving with humility, responding to the needs around us, and working for justice, peace, and hope in our communities and beyond.
Our desire is to be a church where worship is passionate, people are valued, and lives are changed by the love of Christ. We gather to grow in faith, scatter to serve, and live each day as part of God’s mission to redeem and restore the world.
LOVE GOD
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart...” (Matthew 22:37)
We are passionate about cultivating a deep and personal relationship with God through worship, Scripture, prayer, and spiritual formation. Everything begins and ends with our love for Him.
LOVE PEOPLE
“Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mark 12:31)
We are called to love one another as Christ has loved us—sacrificially, compassionately, and without judgment. In community, we support, encourage, and challenge one another to grow.
SERVE THE WORLD
“Go and make disciples of all nations...” (Matthew 28:19)
We believe faith is active. Whether across the street or across the globe, we serve with open hearts, generous hands, and a commitment to justice, mercy, and reconciliation.
OUR LOCAL HISTORY
The story of our church began in 1904, when a small but passionate group of believers came together with a vision to live out and share the message of holiness found in Jesus Christ. That early group laid the foundation for what would become Abilene First Church of the Nazarene—a faithful, welcoming community rooted in love, service, and spiritual growth.
In those early years, worship gatherings were held in one of our first church buildings located at 8th and Chestnut Street where the church began to take shape, both in structure and in spirit. Those were formative years, filled with the energy of revival and a deep commitment to the message of sanctification.
As the congregation grew, so did the need for more space. A newer and bigger building was acquired on South 14th and Vine, where the church continued to thrive. This season was marked by strong community outreach and expanding ministries for youth and families.
In time, we quickly outgrew those facilities, and God led the church to relocate and build a new building where we currently call home located at 2849 Beltway South. The church entered a time of renewal and vision, embracing both tradition and innovation to reach new generations with the gospel. Today, we remain focused on our mission to make Christlike disciples in our community and beyond.
Across more than 120 years, our church has experienced seasons of growth, transition, and transformation. Through every chapter—every sermon preached, every baptism celebrated, every child dedicated—God has proven Himself faithful.
We honor the legacy of those who have come before us, and we look to the future with hopeful expectation. Whether you’re new to our story or have been part of it for decades, you are welcome here.
The Church of the Nazarene is a global Christian denomination in the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition, centered on the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We are part of a worldwide family of believers who seek to live lives of holiness, love, and service through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Founded in 1908, the Church of the Nazarene has grown into a global movement with over 2.5 million members worshiping in more than 160 world areas. We are committed to making Christlike disciples in the nations—both locally and around the world.
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