WHAT WE BELIEVE
NEW TO FIRST CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE?
Welcome! Whether you're exploring faith for the first time, returning to church, or looking for a new church home, we're so glad you're here. Our church has been part of this community for over 120 years—and we’d be honored to walk with you on your journey.
HARLAN HUMISTON
LEAD PASTOR
I’m so glad you’re here! Whether you’ve been part of a church for years or are exploring faith for the first time, we want you to know there’s a place for you at First Church of the Nazarene. Our church has been part of this community for over 120 years, and while much has changed in the world around us, our mission remains the same: to love God, love people, and share the hope we have in Jesus Christ. At First Church of the Nazarene, you'll find a warm and welcoming church family, Christ-centered worship, biblical teaching, and a heart to serve. We believe church should be a place where everyone can grow—no matter their background or story. If you’re considering a visit, we’d love to meet you in person. And if you have questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. This is a place where you can belong, believe, and become all that God has created you to be.
WHAT TO EXPECT
You can expect friendly and authentic people, engaging and relevant music and worship, compelling preaching from the Bible, and an opportunity to encounter God. You can expect to find a place where creativity and fellowship come together to worship God in new and exciting ways. You can expect to be encouraged, challenged, convicted, excited and, most importantly, welcomed.
THE ESSENTIALS OF WHAT WE BELIEVE
ABOUT GOD
We believe that God is the creator and ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three personalities: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God.
Genesis 1:1, 26, 27, 3:22; Psalms 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14
ABOUT JESUS CHRIST
We believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God; He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on the cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to heaven’s glory and will return again someday to earth to reign as King of kings, and Lord of lords.
Matthew 1:22, 23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5; 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14,15; 1 Corinthians 15:3,4; Romans 1:3,4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14,15; Titus 2:13
ABOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT
We believe that the Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son of God. He's present in the world to make us aware of our need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. As Christians, we seek to live under His control daily.
2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13, 14:16,17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:18
ABOUT SANCTIFICATION
We believe that after being born anew, we need the fullness of God’s spirit in our hearts. When we make a complete commitment to Him, He cleanses our spirit and gives us the power to live victoriously.
Matthew 3:11, 22:37-40; 1 John 4:17-18; Romans 6, 7, 8; Galatians 5:16-26; Acts 1:4-8
ABOUT THE CHURCH
The Church is the active body of Christ in the world today. It is called together by the Holy Spirit, through the Word, for the purpose of fulfilling God’s plan for the world until Christ returns which is the Great Commandment and the Great Commission.
I Corinthians 12:12-31; Ephesians 5:25-28
ABOUT THE BIBLE
We believe that the Bible is God’s Word to us. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living, giving us all we need to know about how to be saved.
2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20, 21; 2 Timothy 1:13; Psalms 119:105,160, 12:6; Proverbs 30:5
ABOUT HUMAN BEINGS
We believe that people are made in the spiritual image of God to be like Him in character. People are the supreme object of God’s creation. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called “sin”. This attitude separates people from God and causes many problems in life.
Genesis 1:27; Psalms 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1, 2
ABOUT SALVATION
We believe that salvation is God’s free gift to us, but we must accept it. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin’s penalty. When we turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith, we are saved, the old record of sin is wiped clean, and we are born anew.
Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 14:6, 1:12; Titus 3:5
ABOUT ETERNITY
We believe that people were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life. Heaven and hell are real places of eternal existence.
John 3:16; John 14:17; Romans 6:23; Romans 8:17-18; Revelation 20:15; 1 Corinthians 2:7-9
ABOUT OUR PRACTICE
- The Bible is the sole authority. 2 Timothy 3:15
- Every believer is a minister. Revelation 1:6
- We have a commitment to tithing. Leviticus 27:30
- We practice dependence on God’s Spirit. John 15:5
- We tell others about Christ. 1 Peter 3:15
SERVICE INFORMATION
At First Church of the Nazarene, you’ll find a warm, family-friendly community with a rich spiritual heritage. Whether you're new to church or looking for a place to call home, we invite you to come just as you are.
Our Sunday services last about 90 minutes and include heartfelt worship, biblical teaching, and a welcoming atmosphere for all ages.
We prioritize the safety and care of every person who walks through our doors. All staff and volunteers working with kids and youth undergo thorough background checks, and we have a dedicated church safety team on site to help ensure a secure and comfortable environment for everyone.
We’re excited to walk alongside you on the life-changing journey of knowing and following Christ.
Service Times
Sunday Mornings
Sunday School @ 9:30 am
Worship @ 10:30 am
Sunday Evenings
Small Groups @ 6:00 pm
Wednesday Evenings
Small Groups @ 7:00 pm
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