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Methodism
Who are the Methodists?
Methodists try to reflect in their lives the love that God wishes to share with all people. In worship Methodists give thanks to God who loves us and has set us in this world of possibilities. They give thanks for one another. They pray that God will continue to sustain and enable everyone to live fulfilled lives. Methodist worship is characterised by a lively tradition of hymn singing and a passionate regard for preaching the love and justice of the gospel of Jesus.
There are around 6,100 Methodist Churches in Britain. These churches have a total membership of about 330,000 people.
There are around one million people in Britain who in one way or another have a connection with the Methodist Church. There are 70 million such people across the world.
So how did Methodism come about?
Methodism has at its roots one person whose vision, determination and faith inspired fellow seekers to re-assess their lives and renew their relationship with God. John Wesley (1703-1791) challenged the religious assumptions of his day, urging those to whom he preached to 'trust in Christ, Christ alone for salvation' for the assurance that we are all forgiven through Christ.
When John Wesley was at Oxford University, he was part of a small group of students who held regular meetings for Bible study, prayer and Communion. This earned them the nickname 'The Holy Club' or 'Methodists'.
Wesley became a priest in the Church of England, but in 1738 had a spiritual experience that he described as God working in his heart through faith in Christ. He launched a hugely influential preaching ministry and had a flair for organising people into small groups. These he named classes, with locally appointed preachers and leaders, which studied the gospels and prayed together. Wesley's new movement became a separate Church which grew rapidly throughout the 18th century and afterwards.
How does Methodism fit into the rest of the Christian Church?
The Methodist Church is the fourth largest Christian Church in Britain after the Anglican and Roman Catholic Churches and the Church of Scotland. It has close spiritual links with these and the United Reformed Church and other free churches.
All the Christian Churches share in common a belief that God is the creator and sustainer of all life and that the death on a cross of God's son Jesus Christ was an act of total love which through his resurrection offers a new start beyond our wildest dreams. We share this belief because of the presence of God the Holy Spirit, who continues to move and inspire in the world today.
Methodism encourages links between its churches, recognising the significant benefits in being part of a national movement. This, in Methodism, is called the Connexion. The Church is governed by the Methodist Conference - a democratically elected body that meets annually.
Local churches are grouped in circuits, which organise worship for congregations. Pastoral care is also provided. Two thirds of all Methodist services are conducted by a local (lay) preacher. Stewards and a number of other members of the church council are elected by the General Church Meeting. At every level up to the Methodist Conference itself, lay people share in making decisions alongside ordained ministers and deacons. Every individual can play a part in influencing church policy.
Methodists invite you to take a journey of faith
You may be asking all sorts of questions about where life is taking you.
You are not the only one.
You may still have doubts or concerns about Christianity and the Church. Don't let that put you off.
Do think about coming along to a Methodist church - perhaps for Sunday worship. You will be most welcome.
The calling of the Methodist Church is to respond to the Gospel of God's love in Christ and to live out its discipleship in worship and mission. Methodists encourage you to discover what it is that makes the Church both special and challenging.
For more information on Methodism visit www.methodist.org.uk
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