BGS Official Statements
BGS OFFICIAL STATEMENTS
Recent media coverage of cases of clergy sexual abuse has heightened our awareness of the delicate nature of the relationships that clergy and other Christian workers have with the people to whom they minister, whatever their age, gender, or circumstance.
The Emergent Church
"We Believe," the statement issued by the Board of General Superintendents, clearly articulates the position of the board in completely embracing the Articles of Faith, the values, and the mission stated in the Manual of the Church of the Nazarene. The board neither endorses nor affirms “emergent churches” or leaders who are not orthodox in their theology. We believe it is possible to move beyond mischaracterizations, embrace what is legitimate, and reject any unorthodox positions without hesitation.
Human Sexuality
The Church of the Nazarene believes that every man or woman should be treated with dignity, grace, and holy love, whatever their sexual orientation. However, we continue to firmly hold the position that the homosexual lifestyle is sinful and is contrary to the Scriptures. Related: Human Sexuality and Marriage (Manual Par. 31), Pastoral Perspectives on Homosexuality
We Believe
The church revealed a level of genius a century ago when it expressed the nonnegotiable elements of biblical faith in eight beliefs in the Manual of the Church of the Nazarene. In these days of theological experimentation and inquiry, it seems prudent to the Board of General Superintendents to lay special emphasis on some of these agreed beliefs.
BGS MESSAGES TO THE CHURCH
Reflections on the post-pandemic church
The Board of General Superintendents has prayerfully reflected on the characteristics of a post-pandemic Church. While some things will likely never be the same again, we also recognize things that were first perceived as obstacles have become opportunities and open doors for our mission to be refined and renewed.
28 May, 2021
Difference Makers
In the Book of Numbers, Chapter 13, we read that Moses sent 12 spies to check out the real estate of Canaan.
30 Apr, 2021
Do not lose heart
We suffer with those who are suffering, and we cry out on behalf of our world, for we desire for all people to see God's salvation, and we hope to see transformation in our world. Do not lose heart. Consider the full picture!
31 Mar, 2021
Under His eye, we learn
All over the world, COVID-19 is imposing changes to many ways of life. Undoubtedly, our learning is one of those places where we are able to notice the pandemic's altering power.
28 Jan, 2021
Enjoy good health
This year will go down in history for several things in different parts of the world but mainly as the year of global panic over coronavirus. COVID-19 has caused many uncertainties, including a new level of stress and anxiety. The effects of this will be with us for a long time.
05 Nov, 2020
Love and appreciation
In 1 Peter 3:8, Peter encourages the church of the diaspora to love one another. It is this love that should define the Christian community.
15 Oct, 2020
Learning through the storm
This year brought a “perfect storm” that reminds us of the story narrated in the eighth chapter of the Gospel of Luke. It helps us learn some relevant lessons for the times we are living now.
11 Sep, 2020
Back to basics
Wilderness seasons like COVID-19 are opportunities for reviewing our core identity as a church – our denominational DNA, as it were. Getting back to basics helps refocus our missional purpose.
14 Aug, 2020
The great I AM
Today, many people are anxious, worried, and concerned about the future. We wonder when or if things will ever get back to normal. In Exodus 3:7, we are reminded that God reveals Himself to us in the time of our greatest need.
17 Jul, 2020
Board of General Superintendents statement on 30th General Assembly
The Board of General Superintendents has determined that current global conditions, including health risks, restricted mobility, and lack of financial resources, create limitations for a truly global representation to attend the General Assembly as scheduled in 2021.
24 Jun, 2020
United together in the mission of God
For several weeks now, despite social distancing, the church has made creative provisions for our unity. Only God can keep us together in this way as we focus on the mission of Jesus Christ.
19 Jun, 2020
The purpose of Pentecost
The Church was born to give witness to the good news of Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit gives the Church a voice to share the gospel to every generation, even to the ends of the earth.
29 May, 2020
We are in this together
There may be days when we think that what we are facing is something that the world has never encountered in the past. While the circumstances may be different, every generation has had to face rough seas.
22 May, 2020
Hope for restoration and transformation
Thank you for the many ways in which you have been a godly presence during this difficult time of our history.
14 May, 2020
Lessons learned in the wilderness
Some have compared COVID-19 to a shared, global wilderness experience. The analogy seems appropriate.
01 May, 2020
There is nothing to fear
The fear that the disciples experienced after the crucifixion is not unlike the fear and questions that many are experiencing because of the coronavirus.
24 Apr, 2020
Shifting our focus
The COVID-19 lockdown, as well as restrictions on travel, has had some unexpected consequences, including a decrease in pollution around the globe.
17 Apr, 2020
Sing a new song
Whenever the Israelites experienced a season where God did something momentous in their midst, they sang a new song.
08 Apr, 2020
The Prince of Peace arrives
This weekend we celebrate Palm Sunday, remembering Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem just a few days before His passion, death, and resurrect
03 Apr, 2020
Hope and prayer
Even though these are challenging times, this past weekend was a blessing in the Church of the Nazarene, as worship services from around the world
27 Mar, 2020
A pastoral letter to our global Nazarene family
To our global Nazarene family,
20 Mar, 2020
Board of General Superintendents statement on coronavirus
To our global Nazarene family,
13 Mar, 2020