Scriptural Innerancy: an open letter by C.S Cowels from PLNU

This is an amazing piece of work and a MUST read, for too long our peopl have misunderstood the churches position. I belive this letter helps point us in the right direction!
See Link Below!!!

http://www.naznet.com/inerrant.htm

What is the best theory of Atonement for Nazarenes, and does it even matter?

Anyone want to step up to the plate and give their personal views that we can discuss? and does it even really matter how we view the atonement?
I will post several views another time.
Peace

Is the Church of the Nazarene in danger of losing its 'Wesleyanism'?

I for one love the 'Big Tent' image thatn is often portrayed in the church of the Nazarene. We have a more inclusive approach to church and ministry. This is evident in how the church of the Nazarene came to be over 100 years ago (only just). But in recent times i have been having more and more conversations with church people, and hearing some interesting views on our district assembly floors, that leads me to think something is missing.

So, Are we (Australian nazarene church) in danger of losing our 'Wesleyanism' when it comes to our understanding on issues such as Bibilcal Innereancy, the Atonement, Sin, Baptism just to name a few?
With the ever increase of people from other denominations joining the CotN(which is a great thing, not a bad thing and i welcome it) we increasingly have people 'objecting' or 'misunderstanding' our churches view and stance on MANY issues which can and does divide communties of faith and puts pastors and preachers in difficult positions.

Do we, the Australian church of the Nazarene, need to educate our people about our 'Wesleyan 'views of scripture, missions and the world?

The CotN position on Scripture:
We believe in the plenary inspiration of the Holy Scriptures, by which we understand the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments given by Divine inspiration, inerrantly revealing the will of God concerning us in all things necessary to our salvation, so that whatever is not contained therein is not to be enjoined as an article of faith."

What are your thoughts? Are we in danger? Have we come across this in our ministry? What are the ways forward? Do we as pastors need to be 're-deucated'?
Many have 'dissagreed' with our Theological college, however, we are in desperate need (in my opinion) of some deep discussions with our people and the support and teaching from our college (which they are more than happy to help with if we pick up the phone) in our Local churches if we are to remain 'Wesleyan' at the Local church level.
Peace

Should Nazarenes be 'allowed' to drink the dreaded 'A' word called Alcohol?

Well here it is people, another biggie. Hopefully this will stimulate some discussion amoung us.
What are your thoughts relating to this?
Is it time for this issue to be brought out into the public spotlight and debated/discussed/worked through? What are our congregations view towards drinking alcohol?
Should we change our position as a church? Should we decide as a denomination to be more 'biblical' when it comes to alcohol consumption? Feed me some points of view...
Which view should we hold:
1. Prohibitionsist and teach that all 'drinking' is a sin and that alcohol is an 'evil'?
2. Abstentionist and teach that drinking is not sinful but christians should avoid it out of Love for others and a desire not to cause anyone to stumble, is this 100% biblical?
3. Moderationists and teach that drinking alcohol is not a sin and that each person must let christian concience guide them without judging others, for 'wine' is neutral and can be used in both good and bad ways.

If i was to recieve an honest response from people in our church across Australia, i would bet (if is was a betting man) that we would see and average of at least 30-35% or 1/3 of our people have consumed alcohol of some sort in the past 12 months. Is that a fair call? what do you think the figure would be?
So what does this mean for us? How do we respond to this issue? Does it mean these people are no longer 'holiness' people?
I am interested in some honest and up front discussion here....anyone?
look forward to your responses.
Peace

Resolutions Booklet (its unofficially leaked)

If you want to find some of the resolutions that will be before the assembly here are 2 links:

http://nazareneresolutions2009.wordpress.com/

and....

http://www.gacorlando.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4&Itemid=8

I know, i know, not everybodies cup of tea, but hey, if some of these resolutions get put forward and pass we will be joining the fudamentalist view on the innereancy of scripture! Now that would make for some interesting discussion across the globe.
Peace people

A New Manual for the Church...

Hi People,

I know some of you may be aware of this so for those who are not....

http://nazareneresolutions2009.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/international-church-committee1.pdf

There has been much discussion around the church developing a 'New Manual' for the next century (lets hope it continues to change during this next 100 years). This report is from the international church committee.

Its not a bad read, some good changes have been suggested, what are your thoughts?