Discovering Christian Holiness
translated to German
The book tackles theological distortions,
legalism surrounding holiness message. It will contribute to theological understanding in the wider Christian community of Germany.With great enthusiasm, the German Literature Committee released the translation of the book Discovering Christian Holiness by Diane Leclerc in March 2018.
The German title is Völlig verändert – Was Heiligung heute bedeutet (Completely Transformed – What Sanctification Means Today). The book release offers an overdue and needed tool for the ministry of the Church of the Nazarene in the German District, according to superintendent Ingo Hunaeus.
“An inadequate understanding, distorted presentations and a tendency toward legalism regarding the Wesleyan theology of sanctification have led many German Nazarenes and other Christians to either reject the doctrine of entire sanctification or to remain silent about it,” Hunaeus said. “I am convinced that the availability of Diane Leclerc’s book, Discovering Christian Holiness, in German helps us to once again become enthusiastic about this important biblical concept and also enable us to communicate it well.”However, the book translation is not only a great opportunity to raise awareness for holiness among German Nazarenes. It also makes a theological contribution to the larger Christian community in the German-speaking world, according to Klaus Arnold, rector of European Nazarene College (EuNC), based near Frankfurt, Germany.
“The German translation of Diane Leclerc’s book comes at a high time for Wesleyan theology in German-speaking Europe,” he said. “We need it desperately for the theology courses at EuNC, and we know that other Wesleyan denominations will be using it.
Nothing comparable is available at the moment. I know that the Methodists appreciate it as well as the Salvation Army and the German branch of the Church of God (Anderson). This shows how the literature committee of the Germany District is serving a wider audience than the Church of the Nazarene.”
The book release has been welcomed by various denominations in the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition. Pastor Rainer Klinner from the Church of God (Anderson) in Germany said the book makes a valuable contribution.
“I feel that Leclerc has a sincere concern: She does not merely want to be right or dig out a forgotten issue. She is longing for a spiritual renewal among Christians,” Klinner said. “And she expects it in those situations when discipleship is taken seriously, when there is high confidence in God’s capabilities, and when deliberate attention is given to our world and its realities.”
The book can be purchased internationally in print (€ 24.90) and e-book (€ 17.99) format.
Written by Wolfgang Köhler and published in the2018 June edition of Where Worlds Meet.Read the full story.
Theological education is not limited to learning about God. It must include developing relational intimacy with God.
Education — and especially theological education — is a core value of the Church of the Nazarene denomination. It is why we have founded more than 50 institutions of higher learning around the world.
Yet, theological education is not limited to learning about God. It must include developing relational intimacy with God.
There can be two ways to approach knowledge about God: “objective knowledge” and “relational knowledge.” Depending on our goal, we may draw more heavily on one or the other.
In theological education, the challenge we face is that, since the Western culture puts such an emphasis on objective knowledge, we have to find ways to shift this focus toward relational knowledge.
When we are drawing on objective knowledge, we rely on the use of our reason and logic. Success is related to the degree of control of the object reached, and the accuracy of future predictions. This approach, which is at the root of hard sciences (like mathematics or physics), is vigorously promoted in Western education, sometimes even disparaging other approaches as ‘not objective.’ In such a setting, the expression ‘you are being subjective’ is a pejorative statement.
This approach is very valid for studying objects, but reaches many limits as soon as we consider living beings. And this includes God.
Relational knowledge is grounded not in reason but relationships. Here, success is measured by the peace and joy that the different persons or beings find in their interactions. In the domain of relational knowledge, if one person considers the other as an object, it significantly increases the risk of conflicts and problems. In relational knowledge, the goal is not to control the other, but to learn to love him or her and to interact harmoniously.
When asked what the most important commandment of God is, Jesus answered: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and strength. And the second is: love your neighbor as yourself.” It reminds us that the path of a disciple of Jesus leads to a focus on relational knowledge. Objective knowledge is necessary, only so long as it helps us to reach a better relational knowledge of God and our neighbor.
Already more than two decades ago, Nazarene theological education worldwide initiated a vital shift through the focus on Outcome-based education, highlighting not only Content but also Context, Competence, and Character (The 4 Cs). It is a good start, but we still have ways to go.
A successful minister of the Gospel is not first a person who masters areas of Christian knowledge (objective knowledge), but preferably one who loves God and her/his neighbor and knows how to help others to develop such a love — a disciple and disciple-maker.
One of the pathways to help us move from an objective to a relational knowledge of God is to give training in what we sometimes call “intimacy with God.” Here, we speak of prayer. The problem is that our understanding of prayer is sometimes so influenced by “objective knowledge” that we can quickly forget that prayer is not only about speaking to God but also learning to enter His presence and listen to Him.
The approach of “intimacy with God” covers the development of such a relational interaction with God. It involves two-way communication with God: speaking, listening and obeying. Intimacy with God has to be developed not only in times of private prayer or devotion, but as a way of life.
One aspect of such intimacy is a dialogical relationship with God. Henri Nouwen once wrote: “Although it is important and even indispensable for the spiritual life to set apart time for God and God alone, prayer can only become unceasing prayer when all our thoughts — beautiful or ugly, high or low, proud or shameful, sorrowful or joyful — can be thought and expressed in the presence of God. Thus, converting our unceasing thinking into unceasing prayer moves us from self-centered monologue to a God-centered dialogue… It is not hard to see how a real change takes place in our daily life when we find the courage to keep our thoughts to ourselves no longer but to speak them out, confess them, share them, bring them into the conversation.” (Spiritual Direction, chap 5: What is prayer?)
To move toward a relational knowledge of God, such “intimacy with God” will be crucial for the future of Christian theological education, and is at the heart of Scriptural holiness.
As the 4th-century theologian, Evagrius of Pontus wrote: “A theologian is one who prays.”
Written by Stéphane Tibi – Eurasia Region Education Coordinator
Previously published in the 2018 June edition of Where Worlds Meet.
Read the story.
Finding freedom
A pastor's wholistic, discipleship approach helps a couple experience Christ's freedom from spiritual bondage.
Editor’s note: The following story is a good example of how Nazarene churches minister to those who are in spiritual bondage. In many places people not only have to turn to Christ, but in doing so they also have to turn away from all other spiritual powers. Yet, some discover that they are overpowered and need to be set free by the authority of Christ. Prayer, fasting, counselling and discipling go hand in hand. Multiple testimonies show the power of Christ to bring freedom and true transformation.
DEHLI, INDIA — Dharmendar was born and brought up in a very poor family. Due to poverty he wasn’t able to get much education.
When he was 12 years of age, his family decided to migrate to Delhi in search of jobs for better earning.
A pastor's wholistic, discipleship approach helps a couple experience Christ's freedom from spiritual bondage.
Editor’s note: The following story is a good example of how Nazarene churches minister to those who are in spiritual bondage. In many places people not only have to turn to Christ, but in doing so they also have to turn away from all other spiritual powers. Yet, some discover that they are overpowered and need to be set free by the authority of Christ. Prayer, fasting, counselling and discipling go hand in hand. Multiple testimonies show the power of Christ to bring freedom and true transformation.
DEHLI, INDIA — Dharmendar was born and brought up in a very poor family. Due to poverty he wasn’t able to get much education.
When he was 12 years of age, his family decided to migrate to Delhi in search of jobs for better earning.
Dharmender has two brothers and two sisters. To be able to help the family meet their needs, he started working in a tea shop as a child laborer.
Dharmender met a girl from Odhisa and married her in 2010. After marriage, his wife started exhibiting strange behaviors. He realized that she was tormented by an evil spirit. In seeking a remedy for her, he went deep into financial debt. He became depressed by his entire life situation.
One day, Dharmendar’s older sister suggested that he take his wife to a local church. Dharmender had no clear idea of what the church was all about, other than that it was a Christian temple. He had never been to one before. Thinking that he had tried everything else he knew to do for his wife without success, Dharmender took her to a local church.
As soon as they entered the church, his wife started yelling and shouting, “Why am I brought here? I will kill myself!” Dharmender was shocked by her violent reaction.
The pastor prayed for his wife, and she calmed. But after they returned home, she was again tormented by the spirit.
“I was so saddened by this and kept on wandering here and there and even wanted to take her to various temples,” Dharmender said. “But my sister insisted that I should continue to take her to the church for prayers.”
A few months later, Dharmender moved to a different rented house in the city. There he searched for a different local church and found a Nazarene church. He reached out to the pastor, Amar Singh (photo above).
The pastor took a holistic, discipleship approach. Before praying for his wife, Dharmender recalled, “Pastor Amar Singh counseled with me first and then with my family as well. He started visiting our family with other church members and constantly prayed for my wife and my family until she got totally free from the demon.”
Dharmender has become a regular member of the Nazarene church, along with his family. As a family they are growing in the Lord Jesus Christ. Pastor Singh is constantly discipling them. They view him as a member of their family, now.
The Lord has blessed Dharmender and his wife with two children. His family life is totally changed. With peace in his home, Dharmender has been able to devote his time and attention to launching a cooking gas supply business of his own.
Dharmender requests continued prayers for his family and their future.
According to the promise of Jesus in Matthew 11:28, He provides rest to the heavy laden. He continues to fulfill his promises in every aspect of life for those who trust him and go to him.
Written by Rev. Akash Singh and previously published in 2018 June edition of Where Worlds Meet.
Dharmender met a girl from Odhisa and married her in 2010. After marriage, his wife started exhibiting strange behaviors. He realized that she was tormented by an evil spirit. In seeking a remedy for her, he went deep into financial debt. He became depressed by his entire life situation.
One day, Dharmendar’s older sister suggested that he take his wife to a local church. Dharmender had no clear idea of what the church was all about, other than that it was a Christian temple. He had never been to one before. Thinking that he had tried everything else he knew to do for his wife without success, Dharmender took her to a local church.
As soon as they entered the church, his wife started yelling and shouting, “Why am I brought here? I will kill myself!” Dharmender was shocked by her violent reaction.
The pastor prayed for his wife, and she calmed. But after they returned home, she was again tormented by the spirit.
“I was so saddened by this and kept on wandering here and there and even wanted to take her to various temples,” Dharmender said. “But my sister insisted that I should continue to take her to the church for prayers.”
A few months later, Dharmender moved to a different rented house in the city. There he searched for a different local church and found a Nazarene church. He reached out to the pastor, Amar Singh (photo above).
The pastor took a holistic, discipleship approach. Before praying for his wife, Dharmender recalled, “Pastor Amar Singh counseled with me first and then with my family as well. He started visiting our family with other church members and constantly prayed for my wife and my family until she got totally free from the demon.”
Dharmender has become a regular member of the Nazarene church, along with his family. As a family they are growing in the Lord Jesus Christ. Pastor Singh is constantly discipling them. They view him as a member of their family, now.
The Lord has blessed Dharmender and his wife with two children. His family life is totally changed. With peace in his home, Dharmender has been able to devote his time and attention to launching a cooking gas supply business of his own.
Dharmender requests continued prayers for his family and their future.
According to the promise of Jesus in Matthew 11:28, He provides rest to the heavy laden. He continues to fulfill his promises in every aspect of life for those who trust him and go to him.
Written by Rev. Akash Singh and previously published in 2018 June edition of Where Worlds Meet.
Read the story.
JESUS Film ministry leads Bangladeshi man to explore mission call
Through the new life in Christ this man is exploring his call through M+Power.
They travelled by bus, van, car and motorcycle to the Bangladesh Mission Center. It was the sight of what will be seen in years to come as an historic gathering.
Believers from all five districts of Bangladesh committed multiple days to participate in volunteer missionary training. This the first step for Bangladeshi Nazarenes to participate in Kingdom-building as a sending church.
One young trainee, Samuel*, shared his reason for attending:
“We were so poor, we got our water from relatives. We were dishonored in many ways. In the midst of our struggle, a JESUS Film Harvest Partners team member came to our home. He shared with us about the hope of the Lord and the chance to change our lives for good. He talked with my father for two days before my father agreed to allow the film to be shown in front of our home.
“When the nails went in to the hands of the Lord, I was filled with deep sadness. We all wept. My father was crying in a way I never before had seen. When we saw the Lord resurrected, we were filled with joy! My father was encouraged. He said we should be free from our sin. He became a believer and encouraged my mother to do the same. I was 8 years old. That was 15 years ago.
“To my dismay, our extended family, of another religious belief, was angry about our decisions. I could not understand how our own family could treat us so badly. They would block our path to prevent us from passing by. They no longer gave us water, forcing us to travel great distances for drinkable water.
“Through God’s blessings, our home became a fellowship gathering with my father serving as the leader. In the first year, 22 joined the church. Our community was transformed. Following the example of those who helped transform my family, I serve as a JESUS Film team member. I go to communities to help people find forgiveness of their sins and become followers of Jesus. When I see the crowds cry as the hands of our Lord are pierced, I remember my own family.
“I am here today because of the change in the life of my family, I want to help others know about Jesus Christ. I also have an interest in cross-cultural mission service. The M+Power training is helping me to learn more about these options.”
M+Power, which stands for mission power, is an opportunity for short-term volunteer service in the Eurasia Region of the Church of the Nazarene. Service locations and opportunities vary in Europe and Asia, but may include coffeehouse ministry, youth and children’s ministries, finance work, and education. Volunteers of any age are invited to learn more.
Samuel’s missionary journey is still in process. After completing M+Power training and the interview process, volunteers who wish to continue submit five references and must receive approval from the district superintendent and the field strategy coordinator. One of the 24 volunteer attendees may well be the first Bangladeshi Nazarene missionary sent to another country to share Christ.
*Name changed for security reasons
Written by Diane Robbins and previously published in 2018 June edition of Where Worlds Meet.
Through the new life in Christ this man is exploring his call through M+Power.
They travelled by bus, van, car and motorcycle to the Bangladesh Mission Center. It was the sight of what will be seen in years to come as an historic gathering.One young trainee, Samuel*, shared his reason for attending:
“We were so poor, we got our water from relatives. We were dishonored in many ways. In the midst of our struggle, a JESUS Film Harvest Partners team member came to our home. He shared with us about the hope of the Lord and the chance to change our lives for good. He talked with my father for two days before my father agreed to allow the film to be shown in front of our home.
“When the nails went in to the hands of the Lord, I was filled with deep sadness. We all wept. My father was crying in a way I never before had seen. When we saw the Lord resurrected, we were filled with joy! My father was encouraged. He said we should be free from our sin. He became a believer and encouraged my mother to do the same. I was 8 years old. That was 15 years ago.
“To my dismay, our extended family, of another religious belief, was angry about our decisions. I could not understand how our own family could treat us so badly. They would block our path to prevent us from passing by. They no longer gave us water, forcing us to travel great distances for drinkable water.
“Through God’s blessings, our home became a fellowship gathering with my father serving as the leader. In the first year, 22 joined the church. Our community was transformed. Following the example of those who helped transform my family, I serve as a JESUS Film team member. I go to communities to help people find forgiveness of their sins and become followers of Jesus. When I see the crowds cry as the hands of our Lord are pierced, I remember my own family.
“I am here today because of the change in the life of my family, I want to help others know about Jesus Christ. I also have an interest in cross-cultural mission service. The M+Power training is helping me to learn more about these options.”
M+Power, which stands for mission power, is an opportunity for short-term volunteer service in the Eurasia Region of the Church of the Nazarene. Service locations and opportunities vary in Europe and Asia, but may include coffeehouse ministry, youth and children’s ministries, finance work, and education. Volunteers of any age are invited to learn more.
Samuel’s missionary journey is still in process. After completing M+Power training and the interview process, volunteers who wish to continue submit five references and must receive approval from the district superintendent and the field strategy coordinator. One of the 24 volunteer attendees may well be the first Bangladeshi Nazarene missionary sent to another country to share Christ.
*Name changed for security reasons
Written by Diane Robbins and previously published in 2018 June edition of Where Worlds Meet.
Founded in 1908, the global Church of the Nazarene denomination is the largest in the classical Wesleyan-Holiness tradition, with 2.3 million members, in 29,000 churches, sharing Christ’s love with their communities in 162 world areas.
Learn more at www.nazarene.org.
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Our mailing address is:
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