John Wesley founded the Methodist church after leading a movement in the Church of England. Soon after, the ideas of Wesley spread across the Atlantic and was practiced in the American colonies. Francis Asbury was an important follower who helped spread Wesley’s word. “His [Asbury] energetic devotion to the principles of Wesleyan theology, ministry, and organization shaped Methodism in America in a way unmatched by any other individual.” African Americans played a fundamental role in the Wesleyan movement.
John Wesley created three “General Rules.” Today, when United Methodists pastors are ordained, they are required to abide by Wesley’s rules. The three rules are:
- Avoid doing what you know is wrong
- Do all the good you can to everyone that you can
- Pursue the spiritual disciplines, including prayer, worship, Scripture reading, and fasting among others.
When Methodism was taking shape, followers and leaders were known as social reformers. For instance, Wesley worked to improve the society as a whole. He created a school for children, assisted the poor, opposed slavery and urged prison reform.
Unlike Baptists, Methodists do use the Nicene and Apostle Creeds. Overall, Methodists are considered ecumenical, meaning they want to work with and learn from other Christian denominations. Methodists value intellect in their faith. Intellect means, “they are not to ‘check their brain at the door’ when they enter the church.”
Empowerment is a result of passion and experience. Personal faith is encouraged and Methodists believe in free will. They do not accept the idea of predestination. Passion was encouraged through Wesley’s three passions: Change lives, transform the world and revitalize the church.
According to the Methodist Doctrine, “God is all-knowing, possesses infinite love and goodness, is all-powerful, and the creator of all things.” The doctrine also states that God has always existed and will forever exist. Methodists believe the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit are all within God. The covenant between God and humans has been broken by humans through sin; however Christ will save humans if they have faith in Him. Though a unique denomination, the Methodists viewpoint on Scripture is quite similar to those of other Protestant denominations. The Scripture is meant to be acknowledged and followed with loyalty because it is the Word of God. The doctrine also mentions Wesley’s belief of baptism and communion; both are sacraments, but also sacrifices to God.
St. Paul’s United Methodist Church states, “Wesley and the early Methodists were particularly concerned about inviting people to experience God’s grace and to grow in their knowledge and love of God through disciplined Christian living.”
United Methodist’s missionary work can also be identified as “the connection.” Through connectionalism, members of this denomination work to help the poor, improve health for those living in poverty, create new churches, help renew current congregations and provide the opportunity to develop as a Christian leader.