What do Methodists believe?

Methodists hold the historic Christian faith with a Wesleyan accent: God's grace reaches out to everyone, salvation comes by grace through faith in Christ, and believers are called to grow in holiness of heart and life, expressed in personal devotion and love of neighbour.

Who founded Methodism?

Methodism grew out of the eighteenth-century revival led by John Wesley, an Anglican minister, and his brother Charles, the great hymn writer. It began as a renewal movement within the Church of England before becoming its own tradition.

Are Methodists Protestant?

Yes. Methodism is a Protestant tradition, rooted in the English Reformation and the Wesleyan revival. It holds Scripture as authoritative and salvation by grace through faith, with a strong emphasis on holy living.

Christian Traditions

What Is Methodism?

Methodism is a worldwide Protestant tradition that began in the eighteenth century through the revival ministry of John and Charles Wesley in England. Its name came from the 'methodical' way early members pursued holy living and works of mercy. Methodists treasure the grace of God that reaches out to everyone, a warm and personal faith of the heart, and a life of holiness expressed in both personal devotion and active love of neighbour. They are known for heartfelt hymns and a strong tradition of service to the poor.

What they believe and treasure

Methodists treasure grace above all: they speak of God’s grace going before us to awaken faith, justifying grace that forgives, and sanctifying grace that makes us holy. John Wesley’s own heart was 'strangely warmed', and Methodism has ever since prized a living, felt trust in Christ rather than a merely formal religion. They believe God’s saving love is offered to all, not a limited few.

Holiness, for Methodists, is both personal and social. They pursue growth in Christ through the means of grace, Scripture, prayer, worship, and communion, and they carry that faith into the world through care for the poor, justice, and service. Charles Wesley’s hymns still teach and shape their faith. They are connectional, ordering church life together across many congregations.

What they share with all Christians

Methodists confess the faith of the whole Church. They worship the one God and hold to Jesus Christ, crucified and risen, as Saviour of all who trust him.

“But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.”

1 Corinthians 8:6

“Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.”

1 Corinthians 15:3-4

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”

Romans 10:9

These are the words of the one faith the Nicene Creed puts on the lips of every Christian: one God, one Lord Jesus Christ, crucified and risen. On this the whole family stands together.

What is distinctive

What is distinctive is the Wesleyan emphasis on grace for everyone and on holiness of heart and life. Methodists hold that God’s grace is freely offered to all and can be received or resisted, and many speak hopefully of growing toward Christian perfection, a heart wholly given to love of God and neighbour. This warm, grace-centred, works-of-mercy spirit is the Methodist signature.

On the reach of grace, Methodists differ from strongly Reformed Christians who stress God’s sovereign election. Both treasure grace; they understand its working differently, and hold their views in good conscience within the one family.

What to expect if you visit

A Methodist service is usually warm and accessible, with a blend of order and freedom: hymns (often the beloved Wesley hymns), prayers, Scripture, and a sermon. Holy Communion is celebrated regularly and is typically open to all who love Christ. Some churches are more traditional, others contemporary. Visitors are warmly welcomed and easily included; you can follow the order of service and join in as much as you like.

Find a congregation near you

If a warm, grace-filled church with a heart for service appeals to you, a Methodist congregation is worth a visit. The surest way to understand any tradition is to go and see, to sit with the people, hear the Scriptures read, and meet the Christ they gather around. You are welcome.

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Come and see

Behind every tradition is the same living Person. Denominations are the many rooms of one house; the door into all of them is Jesus Christ himself, and he still draws near to everyone who comes with an open heart. The Gospel of John is a gentle place to begin, and it costs you nothing but a little quiet and an honest look.

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Jesus Christ is Lord.

Frequently asked questions

What do Methodists believe?: Methodists hold the historic Christian faith with a Wesleyan accent: God's grace reaches out to everyone, salvation comes by grace through faith in Christ, and believers are called to grow in holiness of heart and life, expressed in personal devotion and love of neighbour.
Who founded Methodism?: Methodism grew out of the eighteenth-century revival led by John Wesley, an Anglican minister, and his brother Charles, the great hymn writer. It began as a renewal movement within the Church of England before becoming its own tradition.
Are Methodists Protestant?: Yes. Methodism is a Protestant tradition, rooted in the English Reformation and the Wesleyan revival. It holds Scripture as authoritative and salvation by grace through faith, with a strong emphasis on holy living.

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