United Methodists trace our roots back to two priests who served in the Church of England in the 18th century, John and Charles Wesley.
The Wesley brothers, part of a small group of Oxford University students, earned the nickname “Methodist” from their peers for their methodical, disciplined approach to seeking Christian holiness in every part of their lives.
The term Methodist was initially used mockingly, but later they decided to claim the name proudly. The Wesleys and other early Methodists spread their message by preaching in England and America in unlikely places like street corners and in open fields, hoping to reach those on the margins of society who weren’t always welcomed into the lofty, high-class churches.
After these revivals and camp-meetings, new Methodists were put into small groups called “classes,” where they encouraged one another to seek holy living through daily prayer, reading Scripture, and giving to the poor. Social justice has long been central to Methodists, who connected their faith to the issues of their time, from the abolition of slavery in early America to issues of economic and racial justice today.
Although John Wesley never intended to start a new denomination, at the onset of the Revolutionary War he approved American Methodists to ordain their own clergy so as to keep up with the rapid spread of Methodism in the colonies, and the Methodist Episcopal Church was born. Some of these early clergy were known as circuit-riders because they would ride many miles on horseback to preach and offer Sacraments for a “circuit” of churches. Over the years, the church has splintered a number of times, and in 1968, a merger of several Wesleyan denominations led to a new name: The United Methodist Church.
Today, United Methodists maintain many of these core beliefs from our founding. We focus on God’s unconditional love for every person, and on God’s grace, which spurs us to seek holiness in our lives and justice in our world. We have grown into a global church of more than 12 million members, with a strong presence in several African and Asian countries as well as the United States.
We have a rich “high church” liturgy from our Anglican roots, but also have a strong “low church” tradition of lively preaching and singing. Thus, one United Methodist church might feature a pipe organ with clergy presiding at Holy Communion in elaborate vestments, while another church might feature a contemporary gospel ensemble and a pastor in casual dress.
Worship styles may differ, but most United Methodists continue to strongly emphasize social justice and service to others, so you will often find our churches engaged in ministry alongside those in need.
As we seek to grow alongside a changing world, many Methodists today use a tool called the Wesleyan Quadrilateral, which is based on John Wesley’s teaching. This tool encourages us to use our own life experiences and reasoning alongside church tradition and Scripture to answer theological questions. This means that we don’t have to fear advances in science or an evolving culture, because God’s love and grace are revealed in new, fresh ways every day.
For example, here in New England, many United Methodist churches have joined the Reconciling Ministries Network, which seeks to include, affirm, and celebrate LGBTQIA+ persons in our churches and leadership. Our denomination isn’t perfect, but United Methodists are at our best when we learn to celebrate differences and work together to love our neighbors.
This Easter Sunday, many Christian churches will sing or hear the words of Charles Wesley’s famous hymn, “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today,” which celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, as “earth and heaven in chorus say, Alleluia!”
By this holy mystery we remember that even though our world might seem to be ruled by hatred, violence, or exploitation, ultimately God’s love is victorious over every force of evil and injustice, even death itself. As we raise our Easter song, we also rejoice with those of other faiths who celebrate holidays such as Passover and Ramadan at this time.
As the pastor at First Church of Winthrop, United Methodist, my Easter prayer is that we will continue to celebrate our differences as we join together to work for a resurrection world — a world of liberation, peace, and abundant life for all.
Rev. John Melick is pastor of First Church of Winthrop United Methodist in Winthrop.