Many aspects of Methodism are not necessarily positions or practices other denominations or traditions would reject.
Instead, they are particular emphases the movement was founded on or have developed over time.
They are subtle, less tangible differences to other Churches which, in some ways, must be experienced to be fully understood.
There are many differences between Methodists and Methodist churches. But we do have common DNA – such as our commitment to inclusion and justice, our belief that all people can be saved, and our understanding that God is at work in us even before we know it.
For some Methodists, these are very influential factors in why they choose to live out their faith in a Methodist context. Other Methodists will be unfamiliar with the finer historical or theological differences but have simply found a loving spiritual home in a local Methodist church.
If you’re wondering whether the Methodist way is the way for you, here are some snippets of helpful info and places to explore if you want to find out more.
Our Calling and A Methodist Way of Life
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.
The Church does this through: Worship, Learning and Caring, Service, and Evangelism.
A Methodist Way of Life explores these four areas in more detail, exploring what it means for each of us to live them out in our day to day lives.
Connexion and community
The structure and governance of the Methodist Church in Britain is both a reflection, and a shaper, of its beliefs and practices.
Many of these structures have their roots in processes developed by Methodist founder John Wesley in the 18th century. At this time, Methodism was still a movement within the Church of England, rather than a fully-fledged institutional denomination. Methodism today still retains this distinctive character.
Central to the Methodist Church’s identity is the idea of the Connexion. This is the connected body of individual Methodists and local churches, organised into geographical groups of churches called circuits and districts. No local church operates alone.
Representatives of all districts attend the annual Methodist Conference where Methodist doctrine (principles, beliefs, and teachings) and policy are agreed and adopted. In this sense, authority is fairly decentralised and democratic.
How decisions are made, and how local churches relate to the body as a whole, is how denominations (a name for an established group of churches) often differ the most.
In comparison to some denominations (e.g. the Church of England and the Roman Catholic Church), Methodist authority is less hierarchical and more distributed. Whereas some churches rely heavily on leadership of the ordained minister, in Methodism practical and spiritual leadership is shared between the minister and members of the church. The church members (lay people) are involved in decision-making at every level alongside ordained ministers.
Methodists practise something called conferring; talking and listening carefully with others, seeking God’s guidance together – expecting God to speak through the Holy Spirit.
Anyone is welcome to worship in a Methodist church without any obligations.
However, people who want to be part of or support a church community are encouraged to become members. This is a way to respond to God’s love and grace.
Becoming a member means stating that you belong to and support your local Methodist Church. Members promise to follow Jesus, support the church and live out their faith in daily life.
Our beliefs and practices
Methodists particularly emphasise God’s prevenient, justifying, and sanctifying grace, which you can learn more about here.
The Methodist quadrilateral is an interpretation of the way Methodists do theology, reading Scripture in the light of Reason, Tradition and Experience.
Methodists have always been clear that no one is beyond the reach of God's love. Salvation is there for everyone who turns to God, and not just for a chosen few. Methodists summarise John Wesley’s teaching on grace and salvation in the ‘Four Alls’:
- All need to be saved
- All may be saved
- All may know they are saved
- All may be saved to the uttermost
Our commitment to inclusion and justice
The Methodist Church is committed to being a growing, evangelistic, inclusive and justice-seeking Church.
This can be seen, for example, in our commitments to Justice, Dignity and Solidarity and in the decision in 2021 to acknowledge two understandings of marriage, allowing both to be practised in the Church.
We are committed to safeguarding as an integral part of the Church’s life and ministry, and desire to welcome everyone into our buildings and our communities. Methodist beliefs about grace, holiness, and the Kingdom of God have tended to result in a particular passion and emphasis for social justice.
Methodists believe in ‘social holiness’: our relationship with other people is a critical part of how we love God and love our neighbour.
Methodists have always been attentive to both meeting people’s immediate needs (from medical dispensaries in the 18th century to food banks today) and challenging structures that prevent flourishing (Methodists were central in the founding of the trade union movement).
