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Free Methodist Church
Description
The roots of the Free Methodist Church can be found in the Anglican spiritual-awakening movement of 18th-century England. John Wesley, who founded the Methodist movement, was a key player in the spiritual revival. He focussed on preaching to his congregation, but he also felt that the world was a congregation and that a message of hope needed to be spread. In 1860, a group of Methodists in the United States began to spread the word of Wesley’s philosophies and the benefits that come from embracing God. This group, the Free Methodists, was led by B. T. Roberts.
Methodism spread rapidly in Canada. By 1880, after two mergers, there were five different branches of the faith: the Methodist Church of Canada, the Methodist Episcopal Church, the Primitive Methodist Church, the Bible Christian Church and the Free Methodist Church. The first four merged into one Methodist Church in 1883. In 1925 that Church merged with Congregationalists and most of the Presbyterian congregations to become the United Church of Canada. In 1927, Free Methodist congregations of central and eastern Canada were united by federal charter. In 1959, the corporation merged with the Holiness Movement Church, and in 1990, this alliance was established as the Canadian General Conference of the Free Methodist World Conference. In 1993, two districts in the west, formerly associated with the US Pacific Northwest Conference, merged with the Canadian General Conference.
One major factor in the rapid spread of Methodism was that since teaching the Word of God was done one on one or in small groups, those who sought to understand or embrace Methodism attained a better understanding. This traditional approach to teaching the faith continues today.
Free Methodists believe in the Trinity — three Persons under the Godhead: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ died and then was resurrected from the dead; he ascended into heaven, where he mediates on behalf of humans. In the Wesleyan tradition, the mission of the Free Methodists is to conduct evangelism and find new believers and then to educate them in the knowledge of God. Free Methodists should live their lives theologically and celebrate God’s power, which made things the way they are. People can become members after they go through Christian baptism and confess to feeling they have been regenerated; as well, they must accept the Articles of Religion, the Covenant and the authority of The Book of Discipline. Finally, they must be accepted as members by the church board and declare their membership publicly.
Religious Elements
Scriptural and Doctrinal Sources
Old and New Testaments. Historic Apostles’ Creed and Nicene Creed. Formula of Chalcedon. The 39 Articles of Religion of the Church of England. The 25 Articles of the Methodist Episcopal Church of 1784. The Manual of the Free Methodist Church in Canada.
Sacraments
Baptism: Infant baptism is preferred, as the Church teaches that in baptism, God imparts his divine grace to the receiver; thus, the personal faith that could come only in adolescence or adulthood is unnecessary for this sacrament. For new members who come to the Church from traditions that practise only adult baptism (stressing personal volition and faith as a prerequisite), the Church offers an alternative of infant “dedication” in which the minister prays that God will bring the infant to personal faith. The Lord’s Supper: This takes place monthly (or more often in some congregations).
Moral Code
The Ten Commandments and the teachings of Jesus Christ are central to the faith. The Free Methodists emphasize seven core values. These are personal values, Church values, team values, “connectionalism”, integrity, learning and growth:
- Personal values include the understanding that all humans are created by God and have an inherent value, that humans need to know Jesus Christ, and that all have unique gifts to share with the Church.
- Church values focus on the Christian community and its importance in humans lives. Believers develop within the community, and it is their responsibility to serve and worship God.
- Team values include the recognition that each individual’s gift strengthens the Christian community.
- Connectionalism defines the state wherein Free Methodists share a common theology and are connected to other Christian Churches through the common goal of spreading the Word of God.
- Integrity is a guiding force in living and in managing life and relationships.
- Ongoing learning increases the development of skills and creativity; it also increases faithfulness to God.
- Personal growth and growth of the Church are both important.
Houses of Worship
Houses of worship vary in architectural style from early Canadian wood structures to neo-Gothic and modern buildings of stone and brick. The interior layout is similar to that of other Protestant churches and consists of a narthex (vestibule); a nave (large space for the congregation); and a chancel, or sanctuary (space around the Communion table for clergy, choir, acolytes), which is separated from the nave by a rood screen or railing. The size of the building generally reflects the size of the congregation. Churches commonly have a bell tower or a steeple bearing a cross.
Devotional Practices and Services
Worship takes place at weekly church meetings, where there is a sermon, songs and prayer. The reading of Scriptures is an act of worship. Prayer may include a balance of adoration, confession, thanksgiving and supplication (making requests), as these are all recognized ways of approaching God.
Clergy, Organization and Government
Four Canadian Annual Conferences form the Canadian General Conference, which provides a headquarters in one central location for the denomination ministry. The executive includes two superintendents, two directors, and a bishop, who heads the Church. The General Conference elects the bishop. Ordained ministers lead congregations. Congregations are found from Quebec west to British Columbia.
Propagation of the Faith
Evangelism is carried out by members, who discuss their faith with potential newcomers and encourage the newcomers to open their minds to the faith. The Canadian Church maintains missionaries abroad in participation with Free Methodist World Missions (USA). Church planting also spreads the faith.
Major Celebrations and Observances
Dates on which events are celebrated may vary from year to year according to variations in the liturgical calendar.
Days of Regular Observance
Free Methodists observe standard Christian holidays:
Every Sunday (day of rest and worship). Advent (preparation for Christmas): begins four Sundays before Christmas Day. Christmas Day: 25 December. Epiphany (manifestation of Jesus; visit by the Magi): 6 January. Baptism of the Lord: third Sunday after Christmas. Transfiguration of the Lord. Ash Wednesday (beginning of Lent) Lent (period of fasting): 40 weekdays. Palm Sunday (Jesus enters Jerusalem): Sunday before Easter. Maundy Thursday (the Last Supper). Good Friday (Jesus’ crucifixion). Easter Vigil, or the first service of Easter. Easter Sunday (Jesus’ resurrection): first Sunday of the first full moon after the vernal equinox. Ascension Thursday (Jesus’ ascension). Pentecost (birth of the Christian Church). Holy Trinity Sunday. All Saints’ Day: 1 November.
Dress Requirements
Dietary Requirements
Medical and Health Requirements
Death and Burial
The Church follows common practices for Christian funerals and burials. Funeral services in church comprise prayer, scriptural readings, hymns and a sermon. Ministers also officiate at burial services.
Sources of Additional Information
http://www.fmc-canada.org/ — official website of the Free Methodist Church in Canada.
The Free Methodist Church in Canada
4315 Village Centre Court
Mississauga, ON L4Z 1S2
Phone: (905) 848-2600
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