Methodist Christians are heirs to the renewal ministry of John Wesley, an 18th century priest in the Church of England. While he was heir to the catholic (universal) tradition of the church, his was a distinctive ministry that involved a “method” for personal and social holiness. Wesley established a network or “connection” of local societies and small groups that sustained a vibrant Christian revival in England and eventually led to the founding of the Methodist Church.
John Wesley believed that the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ could and should make a difference in the world. His urgent, evangelical message to early Methodist preachers was: “Spread Scriptural holiness over these lands.” At heart, it was a missionary movement, spreading the gospel not only for conversion of hearts, but also for the healing of the nation.
Methodist Christians – both pastors and lay people – must study the scriptures in order to interpret them. In fact, every time we open the Bible to read the scriptures, seeking understanding for today, we are involved in the church’s theological work. It is the task of drawing out truth for Christians today, in today’s circumstances, facing today’s reality. We must decide how our sacred scriptures and the time-honoured doctrines of the church can relate to our contemporary scene.
The Methodist Articles of Religion, like the General Rules, have remained intact in every Methodist Book of Discipline since 1808, by constitutional restriction. More…
Affirmations of faith have been recorded since the New Testament church when Thomas confessed before the risen Christ, “My Lord and my God”. More…
This historic Methodist document, taken from the Book of Discipline, serves as a reminder that the Methodist Church began as a renewal movement to “spread Scriptural holiness” throughout the land. More…
The Social Principles, approved and adopted by the General Conference of The Methodist Church in Singapore in December 2020, is a reminder of our Wesleyan concern for social as well as personal holiness. More…
Christians have organised time in light of the events of Christ’s life and ministry so that they might pattern their lives after their Lord. Christianity is no mere intellectual exercise, but the power of transformation. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds (Romans 12:2). Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus (Philippians 2:5). Thus, the church year is a tool and pattern for Christian discipleship, a means for moral and faith formation. In a region where diverse religious traditions are practiced openly, it is important that Christians also witness their faith through visible activities. While the ordering of the Christian year is not sacrosanct, its observation is one way of giving witness to our Lord and growing in our discipleship.
