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It is expected that prospective members have professed the Christian faith and been instructed in the doctrine and practices of the Church of the Nazarene. They may come forward to stand before the congregation and the pastor shall address them as follows:

Dearly Beloved: The privileges and blessings that we have in community together in the Church of Jesus Christ are sacred and precious. There is in it such hallowed fellowship, care, and counsel as cannot otherwise be known apart from the family of God.

There is the godly care of pastors, with the teachings of the Word and the inspiration of corporate worship. And there is cooperation in service, accomplishing that which cannot otherwise be done.

*Today we affirm again the doctrines and practices of the church.

We believe in one God— Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

We believe that human beings are born in sin; that they need the work of forgiveness through Christ and the new birth by the Holy Spirit; that subsequent to this there is the deeper work of heart cleansing or entire sanctification through the infilling of the Holy Spirit, and that to each of these works of grace the Holy Spirit gives witness.

We believe that our Lord will return, the dead shall be raised, and that all shall come to final judgment with its rewards and punishments.

*NOTE: The minister may use the Agreed Statement of Belief (Manual paragraph 20) as an alternative.

Today we affirm again the Agreed Statement of Belief of the Church of the Nazarene:

That there is one God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; that the Old and New Testament Scriptures, given by plenary inspiration, contain all truth necessary to faith and Christian living; that human beings are born with a fallen nature, and are, therefore, inclined to evil, and that continually; that the finally impenitent are hopelessly and eternally lost; that the atonement through Jesus Christ is for the whole human race; and that whosoever repents and believes on the Lord Jesus Christ is justified and regenerated and saved from the dominion of sin; that believers are to be sanctified wholly, subsequent to regeneration, through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; that the Holy Spirit bears witness to the new birth, and also to the entire sanctification of believers; and that our Lord will return, the dead will be raised, and the final judgment will take place (Manual paragraphs 20.1–20.8).

Do you heartily believe these truths? If so, answer, “I do.”

Do you acknowledge Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, and do you believe that He saves you now?

Response: I do by faith.

Desiring to unite with the Church of the Nazarene, do you commit to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength and your neighbor as yourself as expressed by the Covenants of Christian Character and Conduct? Do you commit to the mission of God as expressed in the doctrine, fellowship, and work of the Church of the Nazarene? Will you support the teachings of the Church of the Nazarene and strive, with God’s help, to grow in your understanding and practice of the same in a way that enhances the witness of the church? Will you endeavor in every way to glorify God, by a humble walk, godly conversation, and holy service; by devotedly giving of your resources; and by faithfully participating in the means of grace? Will you follow Jesus Christ all the days of your life, abstain from all evil, and seek earnestly to perfect holiness of heart and life in the fear of the Lord?

Response: I will.

The minister shall then say to the person or persons:

I welcome you into the Church of the Nazarene and the fellowship of this local congregation with its benefits and responsibilities. May the great Head of the Church bless and keep you, and enable you to be faithful in all good works, that your life and witness may be effective in care for the poor and oppressed and in leading others to Christ.