When the Church of the Nazarene was formed in 1895, it was named after the everyday people of Nazareth among whom Jesus lived, taught, and served. In short, the name Nazarene means being of the Christian faith.
What is the Church of the Nazarene?
The Church of the Nazarene is an international Protestant denomination within the holiness tradition. In fact, the Church of the Nazarene is the largest denomination in the classical Wesleyan-Holiness tradition. Since PLNU is a Nazarene university, our relationship with the Church of the Nazarene is one characterized by a mutual commitment to the doctrine and mission. That means we strive to prepare leaders for Christian service within social, civic, business, and church communities.
Specifically, the church is firmly Wesleyan in doctrine and evangelical in mission. The doctrine that distinguishes the Church of the Nazarene and other Wesleyan denominations from most other Christian denominations is that of entire sanctification. Nazarenes believe that God calls Christians to a life of holy living that is marked by an act of God, cleansing the heart from original sin and filling the individual with love for God and humankind. As such, emphasis is given to the conversion of sinners, the entire sanctification of believers, and the spreading of the gospel to every person. The church is a member of the Christian Holiness Partnership and the National Association of Evangelicals.
What is PLNU's Affiliation with the Church of the Nazarene?
PLNU has been affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene since its founding in 1902. While it is a self-governing university, the President and most members of the Board of Trustees are active members of the Church of the Nazarene. The theology of the Church informs and guides PLNU policy and practice.