CotN and the Sacraments

[SQLservant]

I read the Nazarene version of the Articles, but I see only vaguery regarding the Sacraments. I know there is a lot of leeway, being a congregational, evangelical body, and Baptist and Anabaptist ideas have made significant influence, but what is the official (as well as the in-the-pew) view of what a sacrament is and does, according to the Church of the Nazarene? Are they just symbols, or are they divinely-ordained means of grace? If the latter, are they observed with frequency (particularly the Eucharist), or is the quarterly minimum the norm?

 

[Maid Marie]

I read the Nazarene version of the Articles, but I see only vaguery regarding the Sacraments. I know there is a lot of leeway, being a congregational, evangelical body, and Baptist and Anabaptist ideas have made significant influence, but what is the official (as well as the in-the-pew) view of what a sacrament is and does, according to the Church of the Nazarene? Are they just symbols, or are they divinely-ordained means of grace? If the latter, are they observed with frequency (particularly the Eucharist), or is the quarterly minimum the norm?

You are correct that they are rather vaguely written. Unfortunately, things written by committee tend to be that way.

They are viewed by all as sacraments. We have never used the word "ordinance" like some denominations have.

For communion, it is generally viewed from the Zwinglian point of view which is that it is a "memorial". There is usually no mention of "Real Presence" like what one finds in a liturgical church. I suppose one might say it is viewed as a means of grace but gotta tell you, as one who grew up in the CotN, I never saw it explained or modeled that way. Lately, there have been some "Sacramental Nazarenes" that have sprung up. I consider myself one. These clergy [and some laypersons], have a higher view of communion with a belief that communion is a means of grace and not a mere memorial. But unless that clergy person uses the Book of Common Prayer's rite for the Great Thanksgiving instead of the CotN's Manual order of service that communion time will be Zwinglian in practice.

My pastor doesn't view it as "Real Presence" but he does have a higher respect for it than my previous Nazarene pastors. He probably would say it is a means of grace. He serves it once a month.

The only other difference I have noticed is that some who view it as a memorial and not so much a means of grace, tend to treat it as a time to wallow in sins to the point that it is depressing [to me]. I prefer the Anglicans' view which is that of Thanksgiving.

Baptism is more controversial than communion. The Manual has always allowed for infant baptism but many Nazarenes consider that insane or some such thing. I kind of suspect that many do not have a high view of baptism, but rather view it as testimony time or something that can be done more than once and it will be no big deal. And I know for me as well as for my pastor, it was not really seen as a big deal in our childhood churches. He was saved at age 8 but not baptized until aged 21. And then there is me who was baptized at age one but have been treated as if that one didn't count ? Gets annoying... So some would view it as a means of grace, but the majority not so much both by clergy and laypersons alike.

 

[SQLservant]

In other words, they are closer to Baptists than Methodists in that regard, then. Thanks for the explanation!

 

[Maid Marie]

In other words, they are closer to Baptists than Methodists in that regard, then. Thanks for the explanation!

Pretty much, especially in the area of baptism.

Although, I have never had communion in a baptist church to know how we compare.

 

[Hawkeyefan94]

As a devout Methodist, our stance on the Eucharist is that we DO believe in the REAL PRESENCE. My uncle who is a baptist said that they, like Nazarenes do not believe in the real presence and view the sacrament as merely a symbol.