Coming Home to a Church That Honors Christ in Word and Practice

Many of you know my story—and many don’t. When I moved back to Kansas from Wisconsin, I began searching for a local church where I could worship and grow. I initially chose Manhattan Church of the Nazarene because it was where my oldest daughter got married, and I was familiar with the then-pastor, Pat Weyrauch. I stayed there for a number of years until a new pastor came in. For a time, things were fine—but as I listened closely, some concerns began to emerge in his preaching. Eventually, I left.

Still committed to the Nazarene denomination and what it stands for biblically, I transferred to the Junction City congregation. Again, things were good at first, and I appreciated much of the preaching. But in time, the Holy Spirit began to tug at my heart. Something didn’t sit right. I began noticing inconsistencies between the preaching and what I understood from God’s Word.

That’s when I heard about Pastor Jay Bessmer and the renewed life at Manhattan Nazarene. I took a chance and visited. But I didn’t return blindly out of sentiment or habit. I made a list—a checklist of biblical expectations I had for any church. I wanted to be discerning, not just loyal.

Since returning to Manhattan Nazarene, I’ve taken a serious, Spirit-led look at the church’s practices. Yes, like many churches today, there are things we do that aren’t specifically outlined in Scripture—things like altar calls, Sunday school, the use of worship technology, special holiday services, and even structured church membership.

But here’s what I’ve found:

Everything here is done to glorify God.

The altar call isn’t used as a showy emotional tactic—it’s a sincere invitation for real people to meet a real Savior. Worship music here doesn’t feel like a performance. It’s reverent, heartfelt, and points us to Christ. The building is just a building—but what happens inside is sacred because the Spirit of God is truly at work among the people.

Even in areas where Scripture is silent, I’ve seen biblical principles honored. Youth and children’s ministries don’t replace parental discipleship, they support it. Church leadership doesn’t exalt titles—they model humility. Giving is taught not as a rigid 10% law, but as an act of cheerful obedience.

And let me say this from the bottom of my heart:

I was welcomed back with open arms.

No one held my leaving against me. No one looked at me with suspicion or pride. I found a warm, Christ-honoring body of believers who embraced me, challenged me, and made space for me to heal and grow again.

There is nothing I’ve seen here that dishonors the Lord. Quite the opposite—it’s helped me grow deeper in my walk with Christ. And I’m thankful beyond words to be planted again in a church that isn’t perfect, but is truly pursuing the perfect Savior.

Let this be encouragement to anyone reading: evaluate everything by Scripture. Don’t just assume that because something is “modern,” it’s wrong—or because it’s “traditional,” it’s right. The question is:

(1) Does this glorify Christ?

(2) Does this point to the gospel?

(3) Does this help me grow in holiness?

For me, Manhattan Church of the Nazarene is a resounding “yes.”

And I thank God for leading me back home.