Our Faith
Methodists are heirs to the renewal ministry of JOHN WESLEY, an 18th century priest in the Church of England. While he was heir to the catholic (universal) tradition of the church, his was a distinctive ministry that involved a “method” for personal and social holiness. Wesley established a network or “connection” of local societies and small groups that sustained a vibrant Christian revival in England and eventually led to the founding of the Methodist Church.
John Wesley believed that the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ could and should make a difference in the world. His urgent, evangelical message to early Methodist preachers was: “Spread Scriptural holiness over these lands.” At heart, it was a missionary movement, spreading the gospel not only for conversion of hearts, but also for the healing of the nation.
Methodists – both pastors and lay people – must study the scriptures in order to interpret them. In fact, every time we open the Bible to read the scriptures, seeking understanding for today, we are involved in the church’s theological work. It is the task of drawing out truth for Christians today, in today’s circumstances, facing today’s reality. We must decide how our sacred scriptures and the time-honoured doctrines of the church can relate to our contemporary scene.
The People Called Methodists: The Heritage, Life and Mission of The Methodist Church in Singapore
Methodists are proud inheritors of the rich legacy of JOHN WESLEY, an influential 18th-century priest in the Church of England. Wesley’s ministry was characterized by a distinctive approach to personal and social holiness, which he referred to as the “method.” This method involved a systematic approach to spiritual growth and transformation.
Wesley’s vision gave rise to a network of local societies and small groups, forming a vibrant Christian revival throughout England and ultimately leading to the establishment of the Methodist Church. At the core of Wesley’s teachings was the belief that the Gospel of Jesus Christ has the power to bring about positive change in the world. His message to early Methodist preachers was clear: “Spread Scriptural holiness over these lands.” Thus, Methodism emerged as a missionary movement, seeking not only the conversion of hearts but also the healing of the nation.
In order to faithfully carry forward Wesley’s mission, Methodists, both clergy and laity, must engage in the study of scriptures. Every time we open the Bible to seek understanding for today, we actively participate in the church’s theological work. It is our responsibility to discern how our sacred scriptures and the timeless doctrines of the church can be relevant and meaningful in our contemporary context.
By delving into the scriptures, we draw out truths that resonate with Christians today, enabling us to navigate the complexities of our modern world. We seek to understand how the teachings of Jesus Christ and the wisdom of our faith tradition can address the challenges and realities we face today. This ongoing theological reflection allows us to bridge the gap between ancient wisdom and present circumstances, leading us towards a deeper understanding of God’s will and a more faithful and impactful expression of our faith.
As Methodists, we have the opportunity to build upon the foundation laid by John Wesley and continue his legacy of vibrant faith, social engagement, and transformative ministry. By embracing the method of personal and social holiness, and actively engaging in the theological work of interpreting scriptures for our time, we can contribute to the betterment of our communities and the world at large.
The People Called Methodists: The Heritage, Life and Mission of The Methodist Church in Singapore
Here are some additional aspects of Methodism that you might find interesting:
Emphasis on Personal and Social Holiness: Methodism places a strong emphasis on personal and social holiness. It teaches that salvation is not just an individual experience but also involves transforming society. Methodists are encouraged to pursue a life of holiness, characterized by love for God and neighbor, ethical conduct, and active engagement in addressing social injustices.
Connectional System: Methodism is known for its connectional system, which emphasizes the interdependence and collaboration of local churches. Methodists are organized into a hierarchical structure, with bishops overseeing larger geographic areas, and conferences serving as gatherings of local churches. This system allows for shared resources, collective decision-making, and coordinated mission and ministry efforts.
Theological Diversity: Methodism encompasses a broad theological spectrum, ranging from conservative to progressive perspectives. While there are core beliefs that unite Methodists, such as the centrality of Jesus Christ and the authority of scripture, there is room for diverse interpretations and theological dialogue within the tradition. This diversity is often seen as a strength that fosters intellectual engagement and spiritual growth.
Social Engagement and Activism: Methodism has a long history of social engagement and activism. From its early days, Methodists have been involved in efforts to address social issues such as poverty, inequality, and injustice. Methodists have played significant roles in movements advocating for abolition, workers’ rights, civil rights, gender equality, and more. Social justice and compassion for the marginalized are seen as integral to living out the Gospel.
Worship and Sacraments: Methodism embraces a variety of worship styles, ranging from traditional liturgical services to contemporary expressions. The sacraments of baptism and Holy Communion hold a central place in Methodist worship. Methodists believe in the real presence of Christ in the sacraments and view them as means of grace through which believers encounter God’s transformative love.
Education and Scholarship: Education and intellectual engagement have been important aspects of Methodism since its early days. Methodists have established numerous colleges, universities, and seminaries around the world, fostering a tradition of academic excellence and theological inquiry. Methodism encourages the pursuit of knowledge, critical thinking, and the integration of faith and reason.
Global Presence: Methodism is a global movement with a presence in various countries and cultures. It has spread beyond its British origins and has been shaped by diverse contexts and traditions. Methodists around the world share a common heritage and a commitment to Wesleyan theology and practice while also incorporating local expressions of worship and ministry. These are just a few highlights of the Methodist tradition. Methodism continues to evolve and adapt to contemporary challenges while remaining rooted in its historical foundations. It is a tradition that values spiritual vitality, social engagement, intellectual rigor, and a deep commitment to living out the love of Christ in the world.
Emphasis on Personal and Social Holiness: Methodism places a strong emphasis on personal and social holiness. It teaches that salvation is not just an individual experience but also involves transforming society. Methodists are encouraged to pursue a life of holiness, characterized by love for God and neighbor, ethical conduct, and active engagement in addressing social injustices.
Connectional System: Methodism is known for its connectional system, which emphasizes the interdependence and collaboration of local churches. Methodists are organized into a hierarchical structure, with bishops overseeing larger geographic areas, and conferences serving as gatherings of local churches. This system allows for shared resources, collective decision-making, and coordinated mission and ministry efforts.
Theological Diversity: Methodism encompasses a broad theological spectrum, ranging from conservative to progressive perspectives. While there are core beliefs that unite Methodists, such as the centrality of Jesus Christ and the authority of scripture, there is room for diverse interpretations and theological dialogue within the tradition. This diversity is often seen as a strength that fosters intellectual engagement and spiritual growth.
Social Engagement and Activism: Methodism has a long history of social engagement and activism. From its early days, Methodists have been involved in efforts to address social issues such as poverty, inequality, and injustice. Methodists have played significant roles in movements advocating for abolition, workers’ rights, civil rights, gender equality, and more. Social justice and compassion for the marginalized are seen as integral to living out the Gospel.
Worship and Sacraments: Methodism embraces a variety of worship styles, ranging from traditional liturgical services to contemporary expressions. The sacraments of baptism and Holy Communion hold a central place in Methodist worship. Methodists believe in the real presence of Christ in the sacraments and view them as means of grace through which believers encounter God’s transformative love.
Education and Scholarship: Education and intellectual engagement have been important aspects of Methodism since its early days. Methodists have established numerous colleges, universities, and seminaries around the world, fostering a tradition of academic excellence and theological inquiry. Methodism encourages the pursuit of knowledge, critical thinking, and the integration of faith and reason.
Global Presence: Methodism is a global movement with a presence in various countries and cultures. It has spread beyond its British origins and has been shaped by diverse contexts and traditions. Methodists around the world share a common heritage and a commitment to Wesleyan theology and practice while also incorporating local expressions of worship and ministry. These are just a few highlights of the Methodist tradition. Methodism continues to evolve and adapt to contemporary challenges while remaining rooted in its historical foundations. It is a tradition that values spiritual vitality, social engagement, intellectual rigor, and a deep commitment to living out the love of Christ in the world.
Methodism places a strong emphasis on personal holiness as anintegral part of the Christian life. The concept of personal holiness in Methodism refers to the process of being transformed by God’s grace and growing in conformity to the image of Christ. It involves both inward transformation and outward expressions of righteous living.
Here are some key aspects of how Methodism approaches the concept of personal holiness:
- Justification and Sanctification: Methodists understand personal holiness within the framework of justification and sanctification. Justification is the initial act of God’s grace by which a person is forgiven and accepted into a right relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ. Sanctification is the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in the believer’s life, gradually transforming them into the likeness of Christ.
- The Means of Grace: Methodism teaches that God’s grace is mediated through various means, known as the “means of grace.” These include prayer, scripture reading, participation in worship, receiving the sacraments, fasting, Christian fellowship, and acts of mercy. Engaging in these practices opens the heart to God’s transforming grace, nurturing personal holiness and spiritual growth.
- Christian Perfection: Methodism upholds the idea of Christian perfection, often referred to as “entire sanctification” or “perfect love.” It is the belief that, by the work of the Holy Spirit, it is possible for a Christian to experience a complete love for God and others, free from the power of sin. While Methodists recognize that perfection is a lifelong journey, they believe that God’s grace empowers believers to grow in holiness and love.
- Pursuit of the Virtues: Methodism encourages the cultivation of virtues that reflect the character of Christ. These include love, humility, justice, compassion, integrity, forgiveness, and others. Methodists strive to embody these virtues in their daily lives, seeking to align their thoughts, words, and actions with the teachings of Jesus.
- Personal Discipleship: Methodism emphasizes the call to follow Jesus as his disciples. This involves a commitment to intentional spiritual disciplines, self-examination, and accountability. Methodists are encouraged to participate in small groups, class meetings, or accountability partnerships where they can share their faith journey, offer support, and hold one another accountable in the pursuit of personal holiness.
- Social Holiness: Methodism recognizes that personal holiness cannot be divorced from engagement in acts of mercy, justice, and social transformation. Methodists are called to actively address societal issues such as poverty, inequality, discrimination, and injustice. This commitment to social holiness extends the pursuit of personal holiness into the realm of social action and advocacy.
- The Role of Grace: Central to Methodism’s understanding of personal holiness is the concept of God’s grace. Methodists believe that personal holiness is not achieved through human effort alone but is made possible through God’s empowering and transforming grace. It is by God’s grace that individuals are enabled to cooperate with the Holy Spirit and grow in holiness.
Overall, Methodism views personal holiness as a lifelong journey of transformation and growth in love, shaped by God’s grace, and expressed in both personal devotion and social engagement. It involves cultivating virtues, participating in the means of grace, and embracing the call to discipleship in both personal and communal contexts.
There are numerous practical ways for Methodists to engage in compassionate outreach. Here are some examples:
- Community service projects: Methodists can organize and participate in community service projects that address local needs. This can involve activities such as food drives, clothing donations, volunteering at homeless shelters or soup kitchens, organizing neighborhood clean-ups, or partnering with local organizations to provide assistance to vulnerable populations.
- Mission trips: Methodists can participate in mission trips, both domestically and internationally, to serve communities in need. These trips often involve activities such as construction projects, medical clinics, educational initiatives, and community development efforts. Mission trips provide an opportunity to directly engage with those in need and build relationships across cultural and geographic boundaries.
- Support for marginalized groups: Methodists can offer support and advocacy for marginalized groups in society. This can involve partnering with organizations that focus on issues such as refugee resettlement, immigrant rights, racial justice, gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and disability inclusivity. By standing in solidarity with marginalized communities, Methodists can work towards greater justice and equality.
- Engaging in mentorship and tutoring: Methodists can provide mentorship and tutoring to children and youth in their communities. This can involve volunteering at local schools, community centers, or afterschool programs to support students academically and emotionally. By investing in the lives of young people, Methodists can contribute to their holistic development and help them reach their full potential.
- Support for those experiencing poverty: Methodists can offer support to individuals and families experiencing poverty. This can include initiatives such as organizing food pantries, hosting clothing drives, providing financial assistance for basic needs, offering job training and skills development programs, or partnering with local organizations that specialize in poverty alleviation.
- Care for the elderly and homebound: Methodists can engage in compassionate outreach by providing care and support to the elderly and homebound members of their community. This can involve visiting nursing homes or residential care facilities, offering companionship, organizing transportation for medical appointments or grocery shopping, and ensuring that homebound individuals have access to necessary resources and support.
Mental health support: Methodists can play a vital role in promoting mental health and supporting those struggling with mental illness. This can involve hosting support groups, providing resources and education on mental health, partnering with mental health organizations, and creating a compassionate and inclusive environment within the church where individuals feel safe to seek help and support.
These are just a few practical examples of how Methodists can engage in compassionate outreach. The key is to identify the specific needs of the community and find ways to address them with love, care, and practical assistance. By living out the call to love one’s neighbor, Methodists can make a positive difference in the lives of those in need and bring about meaningful change in their communities.
