What is distinctive about Methodism?

The Methodist Church is a mainstream Christian Church. It works in partnership with other denominations whenever possible. But there are certain emphases in the Methodist culture which make it distinctive.


	'All can be saved' Methodists hold an inclusive theology; no one is beyond the reach of God's love.			Assurance John Wesley became aware of an immense sense of 'blessed assurance' at his conversion..


	Living a holy life Methodists are asked to surrender our lives to God's will. 'Social holiness' is important.			A grassroots movement Ordinary lay people have always played a major part in running the Church.


	A Covenant with God Methodists celebrate a special Covenant service annually, usually at the new year.			'Born in song' Singing our faith has always been important to Methodists. Charles Wesley wrote hundreds of well-loved hymns.


	Small groups Methodism began in the context of small groups of Christians seeking to take their faith seriously and apply it to their lives.			Methodists and the Bible The Methodist founding documents emphasise a call to 'scriptural holiness'


	The Methodist 'quadrilateral' Methodists reflect using scripture, reason, tradition and the experience of God in our lives.			The Connexion Methodists belong to local churches, but also feel part of a larger connected community, the Connexion.

'The Methodist Church claims and cherishes its place in the Holy Catholic Church which is the Body of Christ. It rejoices in the inheritance of the apostolic faith and loyally accepts the fundamental principles of the historic creeds and of the Protestant Reformation.'
Methodist Deed of Union