Free Methodist vs. Nazarene

Attribute	Free Methodist	Nazarene
Founding Year	1860	1908
Founder	B. T. Roberts	Phineas F. Bresee
Beliefs	Arminian	Arminian
Church Government	Connectional	Connectional
Worship Style	Varies	Varies

History

The Free Methodist Church and the Church of the Nazarene are both Protestant Christian denominations that have roots in the Holiness movement of the 19th century. The Free Methodist Church was founded in 1860 by B.T. Roberts, who sought to create a church that emphasized the importance of holiness and social justice. The Church of the Nazarene, on the other hand, was founded in 1908 by a group of ministers who wanted to promote the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition within the Methodist Church.

Beliefs

Both denominations share similar beliefs in the authority of the Bible, the Trinity, the divinity of Jesus Christ, and the importance of salvation through faith in Christ. However, there are some differences in their beliefs as well. The Free Methodist Church places a strong emphasis on the doctrine of entire sanctification, which teaches that believers can experience a second work of grace that cleanses them from sin. The Church of the Nazarene, on the other hand, emphasizes the doctrine of Christian perfection, which teaches that believers can live a life of holiness through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Worship

Both denominations have a traditional approach to worship, with services typically including hymns, prayers, scripture readings, and a sermon. However, the Free Methodist Church tends to have a more informal style of worship, with a focus on personal testimonies and spontaneous expressions of worship. The Church of the Nazarene, on the other hand, tends to have a more structured approach to worship, with liturgical elements such as responsive readings and the Lord's Supper.

Organization

Both denominations have a connectional form of government, meaning that individual churches are connected to a larger governing body. The Free Methodist Church is organized into conferences, which are overseen by a general conference that meets every four years. The Church of the Nazarene is organized into districts, which are overseen by a general assembly that meets every four years. Both denominations have bishops who provide spiritual leadership and oversight to the churches within their jurisdiction.

Missions and Outreach

Both denominations have a strong emphasis on missions and outreach, with a commitment to spreading the gospel both locally and globally. The Free Methodist Church has a long history of mission work, with a particular focus on social justice and community development. The Church of the Nazarene also has a strong emphasis on missions, with a focus on planting churches and training leaders around the world.

Education

Both denominations place a high value on education, with many of their churches and institutions of higher learning offering programs in theology, ministry, and other related fields. The Free Methodist Church has several colleges and seminaries, including Seattle Pacific University and Asbury Theological Seminary. The Church of the Nazarene also has several colleges and seminaries, including Point Loma Nazarene University and Nazarene Theological Seminary.

Conclusion

While the Free Methodist Church and the Church of the Nazarene share many similarities in their beliefs and practices, there are also some key differences that set them apart. Both denominations have a strong commitment to holiness and mission, but they approach these values in slightly different ways. Ultimately, both denominations seek to glorify God and make disciples of all nations, each in their own unique way.