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WHO ARE
FREE METHODISTS
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Written by
BobHaslam
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Weekly Church
Activities
Sunday Worship 9:30 A.M.
Sunday School 11:00 A.M.
Sunday School 6:00
P.M. Bible
Studies:
Seniors Thursday 10:00 A.M.
Regular Thursday 7:00 P.M.
Youth Fridays at 8:30 P.M.
Other Programs: Contact Church Office 9AM to 1PM |
People sometimes ask, "What's the
difference between Free Methodists and Methodists? Why are
we called Free Methodists? What are Free Methodists like? As you read the
following paragraphs, we hope you'll know better who Free Methodists are
and what they are about. |
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People with a Rich Heritage |
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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 wide spread 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 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 the original Methodism with its warm-hearted, biblical message
and lifestyle.
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Devoted to Christ
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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. |
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Seeking to Live Holy Lives
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| "The heart of worship is to glorify God and receive
biblical instruction" |
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. |
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Worshiping Christians
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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.
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Witnessing Christians
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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. |
" Free Methodists have gone across the street, into the
inner city and around the world with the saving gospel of Jesus
Christ" |
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Generous Christians
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Year after year, Free Methodists are at or near tile 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. |
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A Belonging People
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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. |
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Global Christians
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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. |
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People with a Mission
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"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." |
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There's a
place
for
you in
the
Free
Methodist
Church! |
For More Information:
The
Free Methodist Church - Theologically
The
Free Methodist Church - Historically
The
Free Methodist Church - Currently
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Basic
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