The years of civil war in Lebanon have temporarily closed the Nazarene Bible School building in Beirut. But the training for ministry goes on. Eastern Mediterranean Nazarene Bible College is continuing Nazarene education begun in the Middle East almost half a century ago. The year 2000 arrived in a symphony of change - social and technological change that becomes more global by the minute. When Holiness Today asked for key challenges faced by the Church of the Nazarene in the 21st century, globalization emerged near the top of the list.
Globalization is no longer an option.
It is to be managed, not rejected. Christian faith transforms us internally and profoundly and, in so doing, effects change in our daily lives. Our worship must go beyond praying, singing, tithing, taking part in the sacraments, or even fasting if we expect God's blessings on our lives. Compassionate churches develop as Christians gather to worship and remember the overwhelming needs of the community within arm's length of the church building. While we may prefer different styles, and while we worship in a variety of cultural settings and languages, building styles and locations, and church sizes, Holiness people are committed to keeping life and worship in tandem.