Menu
The Holy Scriptures (both Old and New Testaments) are the true rule and guide for faith and practice. Whatever is not revealed in or established by the Holy Scriptures is not to be taught as essential to salvation.
“I want to know one thing, the way to heaven–how to land safe on that happy shore. God himself has condescended to teach the way: for this very end he came from heaven. He hath written it down in a book. O give me that book! At any price give me the Book of God! I have it. Here is knowledge enough for me. Let me be homo unius libri [a man of one book].” – John Wesley
The Wesleyan Tradition holds fast to our understanding of three types of grace: (1) Prevenient grace, grace that goes before salvation [John 6:44], which is God’s active presence in people’s lives before they even sense the divine at work in their lives; (2) Justifying grace, grace that saves, grace through which all sins are forgiven by God [Romans 3:22-24]; and (3) Sanctifying grace, grace perfecting us in holiness of heart and life, grace which allows people to grow in their ability to live like Jesus [2 Corinthians 5:17].
In John Wesley’s Plain Account of the People Called Methodist, classes and bands (small groups) were the structures that defined the people called Methodist. They were essential in early Methodism. All Methodists gathered in classes to “watch over one another in love.”
John Wesley found a way to emphasize God’s sovereignty that also preserved the role of human freewill. This is a cornerstone of Wesley’s theology as he affirmed the grace of God at work in the lives of all, he too believed in the free will response from each individual.
Wesleyan–Arminianism developed as an attempt to explain Christianity in a manner unlike the teachings of Calvinism. Arminianism is a theological study conducted by Jacobus Arminius, from the Netherlands, in opposition to Calvinist orthodoxy on the basis of free will.
The Holiness Movement within Wesleyanism was the first introduce ordination for men and women. The Wesleyan Methodists led the way in the 1840s, followed by Free Methodists and Nazarenes. Mainline Methodism embraced the ordination of women in the 1950s.
All followers of Jesus are called to share the love of God through service, for the glory of God and for the good of all people. We are to be active advocates for (witnesses to) the good news of Jesus Christ (the Gospel); every layperson is to be on mission with Jesus.
For John Wesley, Christians being in connection with each other in their local church and with other Christians was given: “The gospel of Christ knows of no religion but social; no holiness but social holiness.” For Wesley, the Christian faith was very personal but was never intended to be privatized. We are to worship together, study scripture together, pray together, care for one another, confess our sins to one another and serve the world together with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
This document exists to articulate the core doctrines (what we believe) and our polity (how we do church).
This document exists to articulate the core doctrines (what we believe) and our polity (how we do church).
Wondering where to go when on campus? When are services? What do I wear? Find out here!
Learn about opportunities to Connect, Grow, and Share at Chapin Christian!