One of the most common questions we receive from visitors to our church is “just what is the Church of the Nazarene?" That is a very good question!

The Church of the Nazarene is a Protestant Christian church in the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition, tracing its roots to an anniversary date of 1908. The spiritual vision of early Nazarenes was derived from the doctrinal core of John Wesley's preaching. John Wesley was an 18th century evangelist and founder of the Wesleyan Tradition. These affirmations include salvation by grace through faith, entire sanctification as an inheritance available to every Christian, and the witness of the Spirit to God's work in human lives.

The Church of the Nazarene is a Great Commission church. We believe that God offers to everyone forgiveness, peace, joy, purpose, love, meaning in life and the promise of heaven when life is over by entering and experiencing a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. We are called to take this message to people everywhere.

The Church of the Nazarene is also a holiness church. We believe that Christians can experience a deeper level of life (entire sanctification) in which there is victory over sin, power to witness and serve, and a richer fellowship with God, all through the infilling of the Holy Spirit.

With over 18,000 congregations, our vision and mission embraces the entire world. Today over 60 percent of Nazarenes and 80 percent of the church's 425 districts are outside the United States. Each local congregation of the Church of the Nazarene is a faith community ready to greet you in Jesus' name. There you will discover opportunities not only to encounter Jesus as your Savior and Lord but also to grow as a follower of Christ. Local churches offer worship, opportunities for serving others, fellowship, and training.

The Nazarene church in San Antonio began in 1911. That summer, Mr. and Mrs. C.H. Griswald organized a Sunday school in their home at the Golden Rule Grocery Store at 452 North Flores. With God’s help, on April 16, 1912, the First Church of the Nazarene was organized with 16 charter members. In the 96 years since then, First Church has met at 11 different locations. This current property was purchased and dedicated in 1977, and has as its mission to share the life changing gift of Jesus Christ.

I hope this page helps to answer your questions about the Nazarene church. For more information, you can go to www.nazarene.org, or contact me through my email mattrice@safnaz.org.

- Pastor Matt Rice