Methodism

A Protestant tradition emerging from 18th-century revival movements in England, founded by John and Charles Wesley. With approximately 80 million adherents worldwide, Methodism emphasizes personal holiness, social justice, and the transforming power of God’s grace.

Core Beliefs

Prevenient Grace

Methodists teach that God’s grace precedes human response, enabling all people to respond to the gospel. This opposes strict predestination, affirming that salvation is offered freely to all who believe.

Sanctification and Holiness

Beyond justification (being declared righteous), Methodism emphasizes sanctification—the process of being made holy. Wesley taught “Christian perfection”: the possibility of being perfected in love in this life, though not absolute sinless perfection.

Practical Divinity

Methodism integrates belief and practice, emphasizing “faith working through love.” Theology must transform how Christians live, love, and serve.

Social Holiness

Wesley declared “there is no holiness but social holiness.” Personal piety must express itself in compassionate service, social reform, and justice for the poor and marginalized.

Quadrilateral

Methodist theology draws on four sources: Scripture (primary), Tradition, Reason, and Experience. These inform understanding of God’s truth.

Historical Development

• 1738 - John Wesley’s “heart strangely warmed” conversion experience
• 1739 - Wesley begins open-air preaching; methodical small group societies form
• 1744 - First Methodist conference
• 1784 - American Methodism organizes as separate denomination
• 1791 - Wesley’s death; Methodism separates from Anglican Church
• 19th century - Camp meetings, circuit riders spread Methodism on American frontier
• 1939 - Major Methodist bodies unite in United Methodist Church
• Modern era - Global Methodist growth, especially in Africa and Asia

Practices

Class Meetings and Small Groups

Wesley organized believers into small “classes” for mutual accountability, spiritual growth, and discipline. This emphasis on small group discipleship continues in many Methodist churches.

Sacraments

Methodists recognize Baptism (infant or believer) and the Lord’s Supper as means of grace. Communion is offered frequently, and the table is open to all believers.

Social Action

Methodist commitment to social holiness has historically led to activism in abolition, temperance, civil rights, poverty relief, education, and healthcare.

Liturgical Worship

Methodist worship combines structured liturgy (often following Anglican patterns) with evangelical fervor, hymn singing (Charles Wesley wrote thousands), and Scripture-based preaching.

Church Structure

Methodist churches use episcopal polity, with bishops providing oversight. Ministers are itinerant (appointed by bishops rather than called by congregations). Conferences at local, regional, and denominational levels govern the church.

Geographic Distribution

Methodism is significant in the United States (United Methodist Church is second-largest Protestant denomination), United Kingdom, and has explosive growth in Africa (especially Nigeria, Kenya, Zimbabwe) and Asia (South Korea, Philippines).

Major Methodist Bodies

• United Methodist Church - Largest Methodist denomination globally
• African Methodist Episcopal (AME) - Historic Black Methodist church
• Wesleyan Church, Free Methodist - Holiness movement Methodists
• Global Methodist Church - Recent conservative split from UMC

Relation to Other Christian Traditions

Methodism emerged from Anglicanism and retains liturgical elements while embracing evangelical revivalism. Methodists have historically cooperated broadly with other Protestants in missions and social reform. The tradition influenced the Holiness Movement and Pentecostalism, though Methodists themselves don’t typically emphasize charismatic gifts. Methodist emphasis on free grace and human response contrasts with Reformed predestination.