‘Methodism’ Catholic and Evangelical

Catholic and Evangelical- Does British Methodism succeed in balancing the two? Discuss with reference to one or more of the following: hymns, preaching, the sacraments, evangelism or social action.

One- Holy- Catholic- Apostolic

Some thoughts- early Methodism was enthusiastic, no doubt evangelistic, and conversion was a major part in this. There was always a strict eye on ‘scripture’ and when the ‘main stream Church’ attacked Wesley as turning away from Doctrine and walking with the Devil , John would counter- that the Methodist movement held to the true marks of the true Church- it carried out Baptism, Doctrine true to Scripture and the sacraments.

The Hymns of Charles go along way to show this, are they not some of the most highly theological, doctrinal, catholic and Evangelical hymns the christian church has.  Sung in many churches, including the newer ‘fringeChurches’ that are bannered as ‘alternative worship’  that would argue the same as Wesley once did they they too are true to  a ‘Apostolic church’ movement.

What about 2009- has Methodism managed to balance….???? 

I had a conversion in a field and some time later realised that in that moment I had prayed the covenant prayer. Then after a road travelled and time to digest all that I had seen in life and learnt to that point about Methodism I wrote this, in answer to a question: Why be a Methodist? 

1. Consecrated in humanity, Love for all held, pure Immortality, We but a fallen, human race, Re-deemed by faith, through Gods sustaining grace. The Inseparability of Gods full grace,  To you and I and a fallen human race, Salvation comes by grace of God and our response Is to grow in love.

 2. So Unfathomable the grace of God, that which we can know and hold and trust.  And so assured of our personal salvation to perfect love we grow in aspiration, A Love to each other and others souls, Emancipated, centred on you, Lord,  Social holiness is our call. The catholic spirit is there for all.                                                      

3.Now so closely bonded by each other’s love, Do we acclaim in anticipation, Divinely appointed we have been commissioned, to spread scriptural holiness  Is our mission, so do we see you Lord in all we do, We must recognise the Holy Spirits work.

 4. That can pour forth in this very hour, Sanctification must be in all and through. Jesus gave us this way of redemption,  No more we lay in condemnation. Oh we know thy immortal power, To be eternally perfected in your love and Grace. The gift you gave sealed to a human race. The gift of your love given from upon the cross. The gift of your love given once and all for us.

 Copyright © 2007 Words and music arranged:  Jason  Vinyard