People with a Rich
Heritage
As the name implies, Free Methodists trace their
heritage back to original Methodism as led by its
founder, John Wesley. When Methodism came to America,
churches and annual conferences spread across the land.
In 1860, in western New York and Illinois, the Free
Methodist Church came into being. In New York a group of
1,000 Methodist laymen held several conventions and were
joined by evangelical Methodist pastors. On August 23,
1860, the new denomination came into being.
 Issues
that were important to them included slavery in America.
While the mother church did not take a stand, those who
took the name "Free" Methodist opposed slavery. Another
issue in that time was the widespread practice of
renting and selling church pews, thus relegating the
poor to benches in the back of the sanctuary. "Free"
Methodists called for free seats for all and emphasized
tithes and offerings to support the church's ministries.
Freedom in worship, in contrast to deadening formalism,
was also important to "Free" Methodists.
As
a result, the newly named Free Methodists sought to
maintain the heritage of original Methodism with its
warm-hearted, biblical message and lifestyle.
Students of the Bible
The inspired, authoritative Word of God is the basis of
faith for Free Methodists. They endeavor to live their
lives according to its teachings (James 1:22-25). Their
churches offer Bible classes for all ages, preschool
through adults, so that all may grow in grace and faith.
Devoted to Christ
Free Methodists are among those who have experienced
spiritual birth through faith in Jesus Christ, as
explained by Jesus to Nicodemus in John 3:1-17. John
Wesley, the founder of Methodism, described his own
conversion by saying that when Christ came into his
life, "My heart was strangely warmed." The life-changing
miracle of spiritual birth makes a Free Methodist, or
any other believer, "a new creation" (2 Corinthians
5:17). A personal relationship with Jesus Christ and an
obedient walk with Him characterize Free Methodist
Christians.
Seeking to Live Holy
Lives
As a people, Free Methodists seek to be filled with the
Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18), exhibit the fruit of the
Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and live disciplined lives in
accord with the Bible's teachings. The Bible speaks of
being "sanctified," which has two meanings: set apart
and cleansed. Being set apart unto Christ and cleansed
and filled by the Holy Spirit is more than a goal. It is
a way of life taught in the Scriptures.
Worshiping Christians
Free Methodists seek to worship God "in spirit and
truth" (John 4:23). From church to church, and in
multiple services of some local congregations, varieties
of worship styles may be found. Yet, the heart of
worship is to glorify God and receive biblical
instruction.
Witnessing Christians
The goal of Free Methodists is to represent Jesus Christ
in their daily living. They do this both through the way
they live and in sharing the gospel's good news with
others. Not known to be "hard sell" in their witness,
they seek to be humble and winsome in showing forth
Christ through their lives and lips.
Generous Christians
Year after year, Free Methodists are at or near the top
in per capita giving of tithes and offerings. Because of
their love for the Lord, they follow His example in
caring and in generosity. Their track record of
compassionate outreach to those in need is seen not only
in local congregations, but also in institutional
ministries for those with needs Christians can help to
meet.
A Belonging
People
Free Methodists have planted the church and its
Christian witness across the North American continent
and around the world in nearly 50 countries. As a
Christian denomination, Free Methodists belong to the
Lord and to each other, even though they speak many
world languages. They also belong to various evangelical
interdenominational associations.
Global Christians
Taking seriously the Great Commission of Jesus (Matthew
28:18-20), Free Methodists have gone across the street,
into the inner city and around the world with the saving
gospel of Jesus Christ. Local churches, followed by the
denomination's Christian colleges, universities and
seminary programs, train and equip men and women for
Christian ministry at home and abroad.
People with a Mission
"The mission of the Free Methodist Church is to make
known to all people everywhere God's call to wholeness
through forgiveness and holiness in Jesus Christ, and to
invite into membership and equip for ministry all who
respond in faith."
-Written by Bob Haslam |
Pleasant
View Free Methodist Church
