Conservative Holiness Movement
Encyclopedia
The conservative holiness movement is a term that loosely defines a group of conservative
Christian denominations that trace their origin back to Methodist roots and the teachings of John Wesley
.
by one who has received salvation from God
through the confession of sins, repentance and faith. This belief is also called entire sanctification or a "second work of grace" that enables one to live a life set apart from the world.
Differences between conservative holiness churches and mainstream holiness churches include, but are not limited to, standards of dress, fashion, and entertainment. A distinctive of the CHM is what are called "standards." The term "standard" is a label that is applied to a large number of restrictions on activities, styles of dress and types of entertainment. Some of these restrictions that are typical of many, but not all, conservative holiness churches include prohibitions or restrictions on television, movies and popular music. Bible Missionary Church
es, and some Bible Holiness Churches, in recent years, prohibited use of the internet inside their homes for all members. Some churches also have various standards for the way women dress and style their hair. Many conservative holiness churches also have restrictions on activities that can be performed on Sunday. Most of the standards maintained by the CHM are addressed directly in Scripture, while some are maintained out of an attitude of carefulness towards God.
During rapid cultural shifts in the United States
, the conservative holiness movement has largely been successful at remaining unchanged, especially in regards to outward appearance. The movement holds to the belief that regardless of cultural shifts, its message of a conservative holiness lifestyle should not change or deviate from its original intent. The churches believe that the experience of "holiness of heart and life" will be the answer to holding to the doctrine and teachings of scripture. These churches teach that Christians who have experienced entire sanctification will withstand changes which are contrary to the word of God. Most people in the holiness movement still agree that to live a holy life one must be "separate" from the world.
Because of strict adherence to their beliefs, these members and churches have often been alienated from other mainstream holiness groups. Some efforts to bridge the gap still continue between the two groups.
Another distinction of the conservative holiness movement is the structure of worship. Worship services are often "led of the Spirit" and may not follow a systematic approach.
During the early 1950s, there were significant cultural shifts taking place in United States. The Post-World War II era brought many changes to American culture, and as a result, the conservative element of the holiness movement sought to separate its people from the trend of "worldliness" they felt was becoming more prominent. Because of these societal changes, many conferences or districts took the initiative to adopt resolutions within their bodies to specifically list items of prohibition within their discipline
. The list of prohibitions included the wearing of gold (which included a wedding ring), specific prohibitions against watching television, women cutting their hair and various fashion restrictions or following other pursuits that would identify itself with the current trends.
In 1963, the Pilgrim Holiness Church of New York seceded from the Pilgrim Holiness Church
to become an independent organization. Meanwhile, in 1966, the Wesleyan Methodist Church and the Pilgrim Holiness Church proposed a merger to form the Wesleyan Church
. This merger was finalized in 1968. After the merger, a group of conservative holiness Christians separated over issues of church polity, government and the growing concern over "worldliness". The Wesleyan Church aligns itself today with the mainstream holiness movement and is similar in doctrine and polity to the Church of the Nazarene
.
After the merger, the Bible Methodist Connection of Churches, the Allegheny Wesleyan Methodist Connection of Churches, the Bible Methodist Connection of Tennessee (Tennessee Bible Methodists), the Bible Methodist Connection of Alabama (Alabama Bible Methodists), Pilgrim Holiness Church (Midwest Conference), International Conservative Holiness Association, Pilgrim Nazarene, Wesleyan Nazarene, Emmanuel Missionary Church, Bible Missionary Church
, Bible Holiness Church, Wesleyan Holiness Association were all organized. Many of these new churches seceded from much larger and established mainstream holiness churches.
, South Africa
, Ukraine
, Haiti
, Peru
, Mexico
, Asia
, Eastern Europe
, India
, and South Korea
. Listed below are a few of the mission organizations affiliated with the conservative holiness movement. Most of the denominations listed above also maintain their own missions boards and departments for both Home and Foreign Missions.
Conservative Christianity
Conservative Christianity is a term applied to a number of groups or movements seen as giving priority to traditional Christian beliefs and practices...
Christian denominations that trace their origin back to Methodist roots and the teachings of John Wesley
John Wesley
John Wesley was a Church of England cleric and Christian theologian. Wesley is largely credited, along with his brother Charles Wesley, as founding the Methodist movement which began when he took to open-air preaching in a similar manner to George Whitefield...
.
Doctrines and distinctives
The beliefs of the conservative holiness movement vary slightly from group to group. The common thread between them is the belief that the carnal nature (or the sinful nature) can be cleansed through faith by the power of the Holy SpiritHoly Spirit
Holy Spirit is a term introduced in English translations of the Hebrew Bible, but understood differently in the main Abrahamic religions.While the general concept of a "Spirit" that permeates the cosmos has been used in various religions Holy Spirit is a term introduced in English translations of...
by one who has received salvation from God
God
God is the English name given to a singular being in theistic and deistic religions who is either the sole deity in monotheism, or a single deity in polytheism....
through the confession of sins, repentance and faith. This belief is also called entire sanctification or a "second work of grace" that enables one to live a life set apart from the world.
Differences between conservative holiness churches and mainstream holiness churches include, but are not limited to, standards of dress, fashion, and entertainment. A distinctive of the CHM is what are called "standards." The term "standard" is a label that is applied to a large number of restrictions on activities, styles of dress and types of entertainment. Some of these restrictions that are typical of many, but not all, conservative holiness churches include prohibitions or restrictions on television, movies and popular music. Bible Missionary Church
Bible Missionary Church
-History:The Bible Missionary Church bases its teachings on the Biblical book of Acts of the Apostles when a small group of Jesus' followers were filled with the Holy Spirit and empowered for evangelism. The BMC was also strongly influenced by the teachings of Jacobus Arminius, John Wesley; Phoebe...
es, and some Bible Holiness Churches, in recent years, prohibited use of the internet inside their homes for all members. Some churches also have various standards for the way women dress and style their hair. Many conservative holiness churches also have restrictions on activities that can be performed on Sunday. Most of the standards maintained by the CHM are addressed directly in Scripture, while some are maintained out of an attitude of carefulness towards God.
During rapid cultural shifts in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, the conservative holiness movement has largely been successful at remaining unchanged, especially in regards to outward appearance. The movement holds to the belief that regardless of cultural shifts, its message of a conservative holiness lifestyle should not change or deviate from its original intent. The churches believe that the experience of "holiness of heart and life" will be the answer to holding to the doctrine and teachings of scripture. These churches teach that Christians who have experienced entire sanctification will withstand changes which are contrary to the word of God. Most people in the holiness movement still agree that to live a holy life one must be "separate" from the world.
Because of strict adherence to their beliefs, these members and churches have often been alienated from other mainstream holiness groups. Some efforts to bridge the gap still continue between the two groups.
Another distinction of the conservative holiness movement is the structure of worship. Worship services are often "led of the Spirit" and may not follow a systematic approach.
History
The conservative holiness movement is a part of the broader holiness movement and is often referred to as the same.During the early 1950s, there were significant cultural shifts taking place in United States. The Post-World War II era brought many changes to American culture, and as a result, the conservative element of the holiness movement sought to separate its people from the trend of "worldliness" they felt was becoming more prominent. Because of these societal changes, many conferences or districts took the initiative to adopt resolutions within their bodies to specifically list items of prohibition within their discipline
Discipline
In its original sense, discipline is referred to systematic instruction given to disciples to train them as students in a craft or trade, or to follow a particular code of conduct or "order". Often, the phrase "to discipline" carries a negative connotation. This is because enforcement of order –...
. The list of prohibitions included the wearing of gold (which included a wedding ring), specific prohibitions against watching television, women cutting their hair and various fashion restrictions or following other pursuits that would identify itself with the current trends.
In 1963, the Pilgrim Holiness Church of New York seceded from the Pilgrim Holiness Church
Pilgrim Holiness Church
Pilgrim Holiness Church is a religious denomination associated with the holiness movement that split from the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1897. It was first organized in Cincinnati, Ohio as the International Holiness Union and Prayer League...
to become an independent organization. Meanwhile, in 1966, the Wesleyan Methodist Church and the Pilgrim Holiness Church proposed a merger to form the Wesleyan Church
Wesleyan Church
"Wesleyan" has been used in the title of a number of historic and current denominations, although the subject of this article is the only denomination to use that specific title...
. This merger was finalized in 1968. After the merger, a group of conservative holiness Christians separated over issues of church polity, government and the growing concern over "worldliness". The Wesleyan Church aligns itself today with the mainstream holiness movement and is similar in doctrine and polity to the Church of the Nazarene
Church of the Nazarene
The Church of the Nazarene is an evangelical Christian denomination that emerged from the 19th century Holiness movement in North America with its members colloquially referred to as Nazarenes. It is the largest Wesleyan-holiness denomination in the world. At the end of 2010, the Church of the...
.
After the merger, the Bible Methodist Connection of Churches, the Allegheny Wesleyan Methodist Connection of Churches, the Bible Methodist Connection of Tennessee (Tennessee Bible Methodists), the Bible Methodist Connection of Alabama (Alabama Bible Methodists), Pilgrim Holiness Church (Midwest Conference), International Conservative Holiness Association, Pilgrim Nazarene, Wesleyan Nazarene, Emmanuel Missionary Church, Bible Missionary Church
Bible Missionary Church
-History:The Bible Missionary Church bases its teachings on the Biblical book of Acts of the Apostles when a small group of Jesus' followers were filled with the Holy Spirit and empowered for evangelism. The BMC was also strongly influenced by the teachings of Jacobus Arminius, John Wesley; Phoebe...
, Bible Holiness Church, Wesleyan Holiness Association were all organized. Many of these new churches seceded from much larger and established mainstream holiness churches.
Denominations
- Wesleyan Methodist Church (Allegheny Conference)Wesleyan Methodist Church (Allegheny Conference)Wesleyan Methodist Church is a holiness denomination in the United States. It traces its origin to the Wesleyan Methodist Church which was a Methodist denomination in the United States organized on May 13, 1841...
- Bible Holiness Church
- Bible Methodist Connection of Churches
- Bible Missionary ChurchBible Missionary Church-History:The Bible Missionary Church bases its teachings on the Biblical book of Acts of the Apostles when a small group of Jesus' followers were filled with the Holy Spirit and empowered for evangelism. The BMC was also strongly influenced by the teachings of Jacobus Arminius, John Wesley; Phoebe...
- Central Yearly Meeting of FriendsCentral yearly meeting of friendsCentral Yearly Meeting of Friends is a yearly meeting of a small group of Friends churches, located in Indiana, Arkansas and Ohio. Central Yearly Meeting of Friends is part of the Conservative Holiness Movement, and subscribes to the Orthodox branch of Quakerism...
- Church of God (Holiness)Church of God (Holiness)The Church of God is an association of autonomous holiness Christian congregations. It is an outgrowth of the 19th-century holiness movement.-History:...
- Faith Missionary Association
- God's Missionary ChurchGod's Missionary ChurchGod’s Missionary Church is a Protestant denomination within the tradition of Wesleyan Methodism. It is part of the conservative holiness movement. It was organized in 1935 as a result gospel tent meetings throughout central Pennsylvania, held by evangelists, Rev. William Straub and Rev. Daniel...
- Independent Conservative Holiness Churches
- International Conservative Holiness Association
- Pilgrim Holiness Church (Midwest Conference)
- Pilgrim Holiness Church of New York
- Pilgrim Nazarene Church
- United Holiness Church (Southeast Indiana)
- Wesleyan Holiness Association of Churches
- Wesleyan Nazarene Church
Educational institutions
Listed below are colleges and schools affiliated with the conservative holiness movement:- Union Bible College (Westfield, IN)
- Allegheny Wesleyan College (Salem, OH)
- God's Bible School (Cincinnati, OH)
- Hobe Sound Bible CollegeHobe Sound Bible CollegeHobe Sound Bible College is a Christian college in Hobe Sound, Florida, United States, located 25 miles north of West Palm Beach, Florida on U.S. Route 1. It is a part of the conservative holiness movement.- History :...
(Hobe Sound, FL) - Bible Missionary Institute (Rock Island, IL)
- Penn View Bible InstitutePenn View Bible InstitutePenn View Bible Institute is a Christian training center for missionaries, ministers, educators and laymen in the holiness world since its beginning 40 years ago. It is located in Penns Creek in the central part of the U.S...
(Penns Creek, PA) - Faith Bible School (Mitchell, SD)
- Northwest Indian Bible Institute (Alberton,MT)
- Free Gospel Bible Institute (Export, PA)
Missions
A number of mission endeavors exist within the conservative holiness movement with active mission fields in the PhilippinesPhilippines
The Philippines , officially known as the Republic of the Philippines , is a country in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. To its north across the Luzon Strait lies Taiwan. West across the South China Sea sits Vietnam...
, South Africa
South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
, Ukraine
Ukraine
Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It has an area of 603,628 km², making it the second largest contiguous country on the European continent, after Russia...
, Haiti
Haiti
Haiti , officially the Republic of Haiti , is a Caribbean country. It occupies the western, smaller portion of the island of Hispaniola, in the Greater Antillean archipelago, which it shares with the Dominican Republic. Ayiti was the indigenous Taíno or Amerindian name for the island...
, Peru
Peru
Peru , officially the Republic of Peru , is a country in western South America. It is bordered on the north by Ecuador and Colombia, on the east by Brazil, on the southeast by Bolivia, on the south by Chile, and on the west by the Pacific Ocean....
, Mexico
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
, Asia
Asia
Asia is the world's largest and most populous continent, located primarily in the eastern and northern hemispheres. It covers 8.7% of the Earth's total surface area and with approximately 3.879 billion people, it hosts 60% of the world's current human population...
, Eastern Europe
Eastern Europe
Eastern Europe is the eastern part of Europe. The term has widely disparate geopolitical, geographical, cultural and socioeconomic readings, which makes it highly context-dependent and even volatile, and there are "almost as many definitions of Eastern Europe as there are scholars of the region"...
, India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
, and South Korea
South Korea
The Republic of Korea , , is a sovereign state in East Asia, located on the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula. It is neighbored by the People's Republic of China to the west, Japan to the east, North Korea to the north, and the East China Sea and Republic of China to the south...
. Listed below are a few of the mission organizations affiliated with the conservative holiness movement. Most of the denominations listed above also maintain their own missions boards and departments for both Home and Foreign Missions.
- Bible Methodist Missions
- Evangelical Bible Mission
- Evangelistic Faith Missions
- Hope International Misions
- Worldwide Faith MissionsWorldwide Faith MissionsWorldwide Faith Missions is a non-governmental international Christian relief and development church missionary organization based in the United States of America with mission branches in India, Burma , and Thailand. It is a part of the worldwide missions church movement.- History:Worldwide Faith...
- Pilgrim Missions
- Society of Indian Missions
- ICHA Ministries