Methodism is a unique animal in the world of church formation.  Most churches are formed out of some theological disagreement.  One church believes “x” while a group in that church believes “y”, and so the “y” group breaks off to form a new church.  It’s the story for almost every church, but it’s not the story of the beginning of Methodism.  John Wesley never intended to form a new church.  He was an ordained pastor in the Church of England and saw his role as reformer.  His passion was not to carry the banner for a new theological movement, but to transform the practice and ministry of the Church of England.  He had no theological disagreements with the church, but instead saw the church as having lost it’s passion and focus.  The church had become a social club and was failing to have personal impact in people’s lives or making any impact on the society around it.  He began to preach outside to the masses, sharing the gospel with those who were not welcomed in church buildings.  He formed groups to study the bible and took seriously the idea that Christians should not only live differently, but should seek to become Christlike in all ways.  Wesley began reaching out to those in need and fully intergrated charity to those in need within the life of the church.  All the while he held firm in the traditional, orthodox beliefs that have been held by the church for centuries.

Wesley was good friends with people who disagreed with him theologically.  George Whitfield, the great evangelist of the First Great Awakening, was a close friend.  Wesley’s passion was not for pushing a particular theological bend, but for helping people discover Christ and begin to live the life He intends.

The Methodist church continues today to be a church dedicated to transforming lives.  Some would say that our lack of theological focus has led to the church falling away from Wesley’s teaching.  The Confessing Movement is a movement within the UM church dedicated to restoring and protecting the church theologically to the orthodox foundation that Wesley taught.  Within that foundation there is great freedom to serve God in a variety of ways.  But above all the church has a focus of transforming personal lives for Christ.  In the essentials of faith we have unity.  In the non-essentials we have charity.  In all things we live to love and honor Christ.