CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE
An appreciation for the spiritual value of the Christian year is emerging in the Church of the Nazarene, despite a history of general antipathy toward it typical of Holiness groups. Many local pastors, with the encouragement and aid of denominational resources, are rediscovering the traditional observances as a means of building up the congregation in the essentials of the faith.
For decades the Christian year was ignored or deemed ritualistic by many pastors in the Church of the Nazarene. Christmas, Palm Sunday, Easter, and Pentecost were often given recognition in worship, but the view that the use of the Christian year symbolized formality and destroyed the freedom of the Spirit was widespread. If one subscribed to the use of the Christian calendar, it was done quietly within one’s own parish.
Context for Preaching Christ
In a random survey of a cross-section of Nazarene pastors conducted for a doctor of ministry project, I discovered that 20 percent gave no place to the Christian year and 55 gave little place, using only major days such as Christmas and Easter. Only 8 percent indicated they observed the Christian year in its entirety, and 25 percent observed portions of the Christian year. However, a new enthusiasm for the Christian year is slowly emerging as education regarding it breaks down reservations. Many pastors are beginning to realize what they have missed these many years and are becoming convinced that the preaching of “Christ and him crucified” is best done in the context of the Christian year.
The congregation where I serve as the pastor had never celebrated the Christian year. We chose Advent as the season to introduce it. We focused on the fact that the Christian year follows the theme and substance of early apostolic preaching and that its use is part of the rich heritage of our Christian forbears. We displayed an Advent wreath, lighted by groups and families in the congregation. Many in the congregation commented that they had never heard of Advent before, and their response to this “new” practice was positive.
We then went on to observe Epiphany, Lent, Pentecost, and the Time of the Church. Members are coming to understand that faithful observance of the Christian year involves worshipers with the essentials of the Christian faith and brings the community of faith into a dynamic relationship with Christ.
Denominational Resources
Many other Nazarene pastors and congregations are pursuing a similar course. Worship and Preaching Helps, developed by the Director of Pastoral Ministries for the Church of the Nazarene and published quarterly, has strongly promoted the observance of the Christian year. Pastors contributed to the publication, and the response to the help has been very positive. A Pastor’s Worship Resource, edited by James Spruce, also encourages and provides guidance for worship based on the Christian year.
As time goes by, those within the Holiness tradition are becoming more and more aware that the Christian year is a tool to enable more effective worship of God. It will structure worship in an increasing number of Nazarene congregations in coming years.