The polity of the Church of the Nazarene is representative -- neither purely episcopal nor wholly congregational. Local churches are organized into districts, which are organized into regions, which together comprise the Global Church of the Nazarene. Most ministry decisions in a local church are made by representatives elected and entrusted with those responsibilities. Some decisions must also be submitted to a district board for approval, such as prior to taking on significant financial obligations. (For more information about governance in the Church of the Nazarene, click here.)
In partnership with local churches, district leaders assist churches in a variety of ways, such as overseeing pastoral searches, offering trainings, coordinating camps and retreats, assisting with development of sabbatical plans, helping churches in crises, maintaining a list of potential preachers for pulpit supply, etc. For more information about such resources, contact the district office.
- Requesting to Hire Pastoral Staff (doc)
- Requesting Continuation of Pastoral Staff (doc)
- Requesting Approval to Borrow Money (doc)
- Requesting Approval to Refinance a Loan (doc)
- Requesting Approval to Purchase Land (doc)
- Requesting Approval to Sell (doc, pdf)
- Requesting Approval to Lease Property (doc)
- Requesting Approval to Lease Church-Owned Property (pdf)
- Requesting Approval to Remodel (doc)
- Requesting Approval to Build: Conceptual Phase (doc)
- Requesting Approval to Build: Construction Phase (doc)