OUR STORY

The Church of the Nazarene began in the early 1900s with a clear and practical mission: to follow Jesus and bring His love to people often overlooked or pushed aside. Our roots include ministry in downtown Los Angeles, where early Nazarenes served the poor, cared for the sick, and even reached out to women in prostitution—meeting real needs with compassion and dignity. We believe in a transforming relationship with Jesus that not only changes hearts, but also leads to a life of holiness, generosity, and service. Throughout our history, that has meant building hospitals, supporting education, and showing up in communities around the world with both help and hope. Today, we continue that same mission—centered on Jesus, shaped by His love, and lived out by serving others in tangible ways.

At Bend Naz, we believe God has called us to be one church, worshipping in two languages. As a diverse congregation, we are committed to following Jesus and living out His mission together. We gather each week for worship in English and Spanish, and every two months we join together for a bilingual service—celebrating the beauty of God’s multicultural kingdom and our shared calling to be visible evidence of God's love.

What is a Nazarene?

We use the name “Nazarene” because it was a name connected to Jesus Himself—He was often called Jesus of Nazareth. Early on, it was sometimes used as an insult, but the first Nazarenes chose it on purpose as a way of identifying with Jesus and the people He spent time with—the overlooked, the poor, and those on the margins. It reminds us that following Jesus means walking in His way: humble, compassionate, and close to those who need hope the most.