Global Celebration

In June, the 26th General Assembly and Conventions will convene in Indianapolis. The global family of Nazarenes will gather to celebrate, worship, and transact legislative business toward the purpose of greater missional effectiveness. Our core values keep us on course, reminding us that we are: first, a Christian church; secondly, a holiness church; and finally, a missional church. Holiness Today takes its cue from this triad of values. Diversity and cultural sensitivity are important features of living in the 21st century. We recognize the critical need for respect, collaboration, and empowerment that encourages justice as we work in the "present-and-coming-kingdom" of God. We will not forget, however, that we are guided by the mission statement found in the Manual of the Church of the Nazarene:

The mission of the Church of the Nazarene is to respond to the

Great Commission of Christ to "go and make disciples of all

nations" (Matthew 28:19). The primary objective of the Church

of the Nazarene is to advance God's Kingdom by the

reservation and propagation of Christian holiness as set forth in

the Scriptures.

The critical objectives of the Church of the Nazarene are "holy

Christian fellowship, the conversion of sinners, the entire

sanctification of believers, their upbuilding in holiness and the

simplicity and spiritual power manifest in the primitive New

Testament Church, together with the preaching of the gospel to

every creature." This issue of Holiness Today reviews what general assembly means to the life of the church. Stan Ingersol walks us through the legislative processes. Dale Jones reflects on the denomination's diversity. Hans Deventer, a lay worker from the Netherlands, recalls his first experience at a general assembly and how such gatherings reflect on the church at large. Tributes to two great men, retiring general superintendents Jim L. Bond and W. Talmadge Johnson, by Ron Kirkemo and Stan Toler remind us that the church is comprised of dedicated men and women who have been, and will continue to be, servant leaders. John A. Knight examines the timeless topic of legalism, and examines how legalism's burdens can be overcome by God's freeing grace. We understand that not everyone can attend the upcoming quadrennial gathering of the church. However, this is a season for all Nazarenes to reflect on who we are, where we have been, and how we intend to continue on the journey before us. —David J. Felter, editor in chief Holiness Today, May/June 2005

 

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