The name Church of the Nazarene was first recommended by Dr. J.P. Widney.  He was a former president of the University of Southern California and has been an important figure in the story of our community.   The name came to him one morning after spending the whole night in prayer. He said that the word "Nazarene" symbolized "the toiling, lowly mission of Christ. It was the name that Christ used of Himself, the name which was used in derision of Him by His enemies, the name which above all others linked Him to the great toiling, struggling, sorrowing heart of the world. It is Jesus, Jesus of Nazareth to whom the world in its misery and despair turns, that it may have hope" .   The denomination started as a mission that ministered to the homeless and poor, and wanted to keep that attitude of ministering to "lower classes" of society.  

Church of the Nazarene’s Original Mission Statement:

The year was 1895, and they were pursuant to a public announcement made from the pulpit to complete the organization of the Church of the Nazarene. A prepared statement was read from the pulpit that began as follows: “Feeling clearly called of God to the carrying of His work in the conversion of sinners, the sanctification of believers and the building up in holiness of those who may be committed to our care we associate ourselves together as a church of God under the name The Church of the Nazarene. We seek the simplicity and the power of the primitive New Testament Church. The field of labor to which we feel called is in the neglected quarters of the cities and wherever else may be found waste places and souls seeking pardon and cleansing from sin. This work we aim to do through the agency of city missions, evangelistic services, house-to-house visitation, caring for the poor, comforting the dying. To this end we strive personally to walk with God and to invite others so to do.”

Dr. Bresee once stated, “Let the Church of the Nazarene be true to its commission; not great and elegant buildings; but to feed the hungry and clothe the naked, and wipe away the tears of sorrowing, and gather jewels for His diadem.”

Biblical Reference:

1. Jesus was called a Nazarene; His boyhood home was in the town of Nazareth.   (Matthew 2:23)

2. Later, the followers of Jesus were called Nazarenes.    

3. The Apostle Paul, on trial for his life, was accused of being the ringleader of the sect of the Nazarene.   (Acts 24:5)

Of course, Jesus did not found any denomination, but we bear His name.   It is our deepest desire to be like Jesus. His teachings form the basis of our doctrine, and His life, our example.

This is our story.   It is a story that has shaped our identity at The ROC Church of the Nazarene.   We strive to be a humble, open, and honest gathering of Christ-followers.   We believe that God loves all people, no matter what your personal history might be and that He wants everyone to become citizens of His Kingdom.   We also know that God's compassion extends to those who are broken and suffering in this world.   As those who have experienced God's loving faithfulness, we are compelled to reach out to others enfolding them in His grace.   [Visit the Church of the Nazarene offical website.]

“We are not anxious about final results, but to do the service day by day, which we may be permitted to do under His leadership.” (Phineas Bresee)