Course Description

A study of the history and polity of the Church of the Nazarene, with attention given to practical administration of the local church, the Articles of Faith and Covenant of Christian Conduct, and accountability structures to assist integrity.

The course includes how to use correct accounting procedures, making budgets, fund raising, using designated income, and expenses. A brief history of the Church of the Nazarene will be included, including the history of the denomination in the student’s own country. The course will cover the Local, District, and General structures, nature, and purpose as well as how they are funded. Students will role-play practice the various boards and positions found in our Nazarene government at the three levels (with a strong focus on the local level structures). Student will also role-play practice training others to take over various administrative tasks. The structures of the Church of the Nazarene will be compared with other church structures currently used around the world.

Course Rational

Administration is a weekly experience for pastors. They may write a research paper a few times during their ministry, but they will turn in expenses, run meetings, count members, and turn in reports every week, month, and year for their whole ministry. Many pastors prefer to teach and preach, but the Church of the Nazarene places the administrative burden directly on the pastor. The only staff member at most small churches is the pastor. They are often the most highly educated member of their congregation. Members expect them to be able to handle administration with integrity and skill. The way a pastor handles administration often sets the trust level of a congregation in other areas as well. Many local church conflicts can be avoided by using well-run transparent systems.

Intended Course Outcomes through Engagements

Students will show growth in the following ways:

  1. Character Formation: Live and lead with moral integrity and in accordance with the tenets of doctrinal affirmations and code of conduct of the Church of the Nazarene.
  2. Content Processing with Peers: Explain the history and polity of the Church of the Nazarene to the members of the congregation and those who are interested about the denomination.
  3. Ministry Capability Development: Apply the ethos and policies of the Church of the Nazarene in ministerial responsibilities such as preaching, administration, counseling, and managing resources.
  4. Application in Mission and Community: Integrate the doctrinal affirmations and denominational emphases of the Church of the Nazarene in all the missional endeavors of the local congregation.

Resources

  • Syllabus
  • Asia-Pacific Module Handbook