Methodist churches

Where it came from

Founded in 18th-century England by John and Charles Wesley, first as a renewal movement inside the Church of England and later as a separate body. The nickname 'Methodist' came from their methodical devotional life. It became influential across Britain and America and spread widely through missions.

What it holds

• Authority: Scripture first, with tradition, experience and reason
• Salvation: people may freely accept or refuse God's grace (an Arminian position rather than predestination)
• Sanctification: believers can grow in love throughout life — Wesley's most distinctive emphasis
• Baptism: infants are baptised; mode is not prescribed
• Communion: Christ is truly present, without philosophical definition
• Governance: conferences, with superintendents or bishops above the local church

What a service is like

Between liturgical and free: ordered but not elaborate, with an exceptionally strong hymn tradition — Charles Wesley wrote thousands. Preaching and practical service carry equal weight, and most congregations are active in social work.

How it relates to others

Grew out of Anglicanism and still shows it in worship. Shares evangelical convictions with Baptists but differs on baptism and on how grace works. Holds the opposite position to the Reformed tradition on predestination.

Common questions