History of the Free Methodist Church

In the 1700s, Christianity experienced a vital and dynamic movement that swept across England. This awakening was largely the result of the labors of a few men, especially John Wesley, Charles Wesley, and George Whitefield. It was this eighteenth century English revival under the work of John Wesley that would eventually give birth to the Wesleyan movement. Free Methodism was born on August 23, 1860 in Pekin, NY. Influenced by the holiness movement, Pastor Benjamin T. Roberts and others in the Methodist Episcopal Church (the name for Methodism in America at that time) encouraged a return to the doctrines and practices of early Methodism and its founder, John Wesley. Their views were unwelcome and a new denomination was formed: the Free Methodist Church.

Several key issues of the day helped give the new denomination its name:

• “Free” Methodists opposed slavery, championing every individual’s freedom. Many Methodist Episcopal Church members were slave owners.
• “Free” Methodists opposed the renting and selling of church pews, a common practice that effectively disenfranchised the poor, relegating them to benches in the back of the sanctuary. (John Wesley had clearly demonstrated a desire to reach and include the poor and downtrodden.) Free Methodists called for free seats for all and emphasized tithes and offerings – not income collected for seating or raised through bakes sales and such – to support the church’s ministries.
• “Free” Methodists supported freedom in worship, in contrast to deadening formalism so prevalent in the Methodist Episcopal churches of the day.

The newly named “Free Methodists” sought to maintain the heritage of original Methodism with its warm-hearted, biblical message and lifestyle. Free Methodism today continues to follow in the footsteps of its founders, emphasizing faithfulness to the biblical message, personal and social holiness, a deep devotion to Bible study and discipleship, and a conservative outlook that translates into active concern for the poor and lost everywhere. 

By the end of 2003, our denomination included some 1000 U.S. churches, fellowships and church planting projects – with more than 73,000 members – and a worldwide membership of nearly 800,000.

Students of the Bible - The inspired, authoritative Word of God is the basis of our faith. Through regular study of the Scriptures we seek to grow in the grace and knowledge of God.

Living Holy Lives - As a people, Free Methodists seek to be filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18), exhibit the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and live disciplined lives in accord with the Bible’s teachings.  

Worshiping -Free Methodists seek to worship God “in spirit and truth” (John 4:23), employing a wide variety of worship styles but always devoted to the concept that the heart of worship is to glorify God and receive biblical instruction.

Witnessing - The goal of Free Methodists is to know Jesus Christ and make Him known. We do this both through the way we live and in sharing the gospel’s good news with others.

Generous - Because we love the Lord, we follow His example in caring and generosity. Our track record of compassionate outreach is seen locally, nationally and internationally.

Global-Minded - Taking seriously Jesus’ Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20), Free Methodists have gone across the street, into the inner city and around the world with the saving gospel of Jesus Christ. Local churches, followed by the denomination’s Christian colleges, universities and seminary programs, train and equip men and women for Christian ministry at home and abroad.