Free Methodists are committed to the task of understanding the most
important needs of persons, institutions, and varying cultures so that
it may minister meaningfully and redemptively to them. In the high priestly
prayer of Jesus Christ, He called upon believers to live in this world
actively and intelligently in order that the world might be led both
to "know" and to "believe."
Free Methodists are aware of the demonic forces in the world which debase
men, pervert the good, and lead men and institutions to ruin. They attempt
to help men by restoring personal meaning in a time of depersonalizing
developments.
Free Methodists openly rebuke anything in law, persons, or institutions
which violates the dignity of persons created in the image of God. They
are committed to taking advantage of opportunities where as individuals,
local churches, conferences, and denomination they can minister healing
and redemptive helpfulness in the world.
Free
Methodists seek to express the concept of the church of Jesus Christ,
their historical perspective, and the needs of persons in specific principles
and commitments.
Free Methodists today seek to continue the mission of first-century
Christianity which was recovered by John Wesley and the early Methodists
who declared they existed "to raise up a holy people."
Free Methodists are a fellowship of Christians in earnest to get to
heaven and committed to working in the world for the salvation of all
men. They place their commitment to Christ and His church above all
others. They keep themselves free from alliances which would compete
for their highest loyalty and from all which would encumber and compromise
their effective witness to the Trinitarian faith and man's dependence
upon the grace of God. The Christian denies himself, takes up his cross
daily, and follows Jesus. He conforms to all the will of God as made
known in His Word, and believes the conditions of salvation are the
same now as they were in the days of the apostles.
In doctrine, Free Methodists' beliefs are the standard beliefs of evangelical,
Arminian Protestantism, with distinctive emphasis on the scriptural
teaching of entire sanctification as held by John Wesley.
In experience, Free Methodists stress the reality of an inner cleansing
and power that attests the doctrine of entire sanctification, both in
the inward consciousness of the believer and in his outward life.
Their worship is characterized by simplicity and freedom of the Spirit,
untrammeled by elaborate ritual.
Free Methodists maintain a life of daily devotion to Christ that springs
from inward holiness and separates the Christian from the world, even
while he/she lives in the world. They believe the best way to keep worldliness
from invading the church is for the church to invade the world with
redemptive purpose.
They practice a complete consecration of every power and possession
to the service of God and man. They believe so strongly in the mission
of the church that they are committed to responsible stewardship in
finance. Therefore they do not need to resort to commercial efforts
to support the cause of Christ.
Free Methodists recognize that God gives spiritual gifts of service
and leadership to both men and women. Since male and female are both
created in the image of God, that image is most fully reflected when
both women and men work in concert at all levels of the church. Therefore,
all positions in the church are accessible to any whom God has called.
Free Methodists sense a special obligation to preach the gospel to the
poor. The provisions of the gospel are for all. The "glad tidings"
must be proclaimed to every individual of the human race. God sends
the true light to illuminate and melt every heart. Jesus set the example.
Of His ministry it was reported, "The blind receive their sight,
and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead
are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them."
This preaching to the poor was the crowning proof that He was the one
who should come. In this respect the church must follow in the footsteps
of Jesus.
Free Methodists are committed to the New Testament ideals of simplicity
and modesty as a style of life. They wish to call attention, not to
themselves, but to their Lord.
These distinctives of the Free Methodist Church from its origin are
still living issues. In every era and every land these distinctives
are the witnesses of the church, needing utterance clear and strong
that they may be heard and heeded amidst the world's confusing and misleading
voices.
