"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"
What Methodism isn't;
Obsessed with not drinking alcohol Mention Methodism to many people and they will say something like: "You're the ones who don't drink aren't you"This is not true! There has never been a ban on Methodists drinking alcohol ~ although the temperance movement was closely involved in Methodism early in the last century. The real meaning of temperance is "moderation". Methodists do believe that all things should be done in moderation ~ this can include the drinking of alcohol.
Against gambling Methodist people in their quest for Social Justice have in the past campaigned that people should not spend money gambling ~ this is because families often have to go without when a member of the household is addicted to gambling. In recent years the rules on gambling have been reviewed. The church encourages people to find other leisure pursuits.
Against Raffles Like alcohol, the Methodist Church has long been branded anti-raffles. This was closely linked to the teaching on gambling. Sadly some people saw this as an excuse not to support good causes. In the review of gambling individual churches can choose to raise money by raffles at the discretion of the Church council. Those who feel they cannot buy a raffle ticket on conscious grounds are encouraged to make a donation instead! HMC took the decision to allow raffles on its premises as part of a larger event.
A Sect
The Methodist Church was and is known as non-conformist; that is,we do not conform to the rules and authority of the state backed (Anglican) Church. However it is not a sect. The church is recognised by all the Christian Churches in Britain. We don't do weird ceremonies and never ask people to leave home to follow Jesus. We believe Jesus loves us where we are.
oooOOOooo
"Do all the good you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
In all the places you can,
At all the times you can,
To all the people you can,
As long as ever you can.
Having first gained all you can, and secondly saved all you can, then give all you can."
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John Wesley
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What we do believe
In common with other Christians, we believe in one God who created everything, including humankind.
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T
The Bible is authoritative and inspired by God.
| God's nature is one of universal, everlasting and unlimited love. |
Humankind was created so that this love could be expressed and shared.
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As God's only son, Jesus shares His father's authority.
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We will be forgiven for our sins and have everlasting life if we acknowledge our need for forgiveness, accept Jesus's sacrifice and choose to follow Him and commit ourselves fully to loving, obeying and serving Him.
-We cannot earn this everlasting life through our own merits; it is a gracious gift from God.
 | The Holy Spirit is God at work in the world and in people. |
-We can communicate with God through prayer.
-Jesus will eventually judge our lives.
-Because of our love for Jesus, and in obedience to him, we regard worship, prayer and Bible study, both individual and communal, as essential parts of the Christian life. We regularly celebrate the Lord's Supper.
-We are called to love and serve God, and to love other people by respecting them and furthering their best interests. We strive to be compassionate, gentle, forgiving, patient, courageous and charitable.
In Methodism, lay people ( in assisting ordained ministers) take a major role in the leading of worship, in pastoral care, and in administration of the church. Methodists believe in the doctrine of the 'priesthood of all believers'. Every member of the church has gifts and abilities which can and should be used in God's service. We also welcome all believers to our Comminion table regardless of denomination.
Methodist worship may follow set forms (liturgy), as in Holy Communion and the Covenant Service; but more often it is spontaneous, arising from the needs and inspirations of the moment. Prayers are generally extemporary, and the preacher may select his/her own choice of lessons from scripture.
Methodists believe that God's grace is offered to every person, irrespective of social or economic standing or life style. Each person is free to accept or reject what God offers. Nobody is predestined to salvation or damnation.
Methodism insists on the personal nature of Christianity. Each of us is invited as an individual person into the Kingdom of Heaven; we must make a personal choice to enter or stay out.
Methodism has always placed great emphasis on social concern. Following John Wesley's fierce opposition to slavery, Methodists have devoted much energy to the elimination of social evils and the promotion of human rights.
Supreme authority within the Methodist Church is held by the Methodist Conference which meets annually. Unlike the Archbishop of Canterbury, the President of the Conference holds office for one year only. Each district operates under the leadership of a Chair (equivalent in many respects to a Bishop in the Church of England).