Our Beliefs at First Church of the Nazarene, Cumberland, MD

Welcome to the First Church of the Nazarene, where we share the foundational principles that guide our faith journey under the leadership of Pastor Barkley. Our beliefs are rooted in Scripture and shape our identity as a Christ-centered community.

The Triune God: We believe in one God, eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God’s nature is characterized by perfect love, holiness, and unity.

The Scriptures: We affirm the Bible as God’s inspired Word, providing us with guidance for faith and practice. It is our ultimate source of truth and the foundation for all our beliefs.

Salvation: We believe in the necessity of salvation through Jesus Christ. His death and resurrection provide forgiveness of sins and eternal life for all who repent and believe.

Holiness: Our pursuit of Christ-likeness is central. We believe in sanctification—a process of growth in holiness—empowered by the Holy Spirit to live transformed lives.

The Church: We see the Church as a global community of believers, united in Christ. As First Church of the Nazarene, we’re committed to being a local expression of this body, living out God’s love in our community.

The Christian Life: Our beliefs impact how we live daily. We’re called to love God and others, practice humility, engage in prayer, and serve those in need, reflecting Christ’s character.

The Second Coming: We anticipate Christ’s return, when He will establish His kingdom. This hope motivates us to live purposefully and share the Gospel.

The Sacraments: We observe two sacraments—baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Baptism symbolizes our identification with Christ’s death and resurrection, while the Lord’s Supper commemorates His sacrifice.

Led by Pastor Barkley, we are committed to upholding these beliefs and living them out in our community. We welcome all who seek to explore and grow in their faith journey, finding a home in our Christ-centered fellowship.