Free Methodist Church of North America

Free Methodist Church of North America. The Free Methodist Church of North America is a Methodist Christian denomination within the Holiness movement, officially organized in 1860 in Pekin, New York. Founded by B. T. Roberts and others who were expelled from the Methodist Episcopal Church, it emphasized Christian perfection, abolition of slavery, and freedom from what it saw as spiritual and social compromise. The denomination maintains a presence primarily in the United States and Canada, with a global fellowship through the Free Methodist World Fellowship.

● History

The church's origins are rooted in the mid-19th century controversies within American Methodism, particularly the Genesee Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church. B. T. Roberts, a vocal critic of perceived spiritual decline and the rise of pew rental systems that created class distinctions, published the influential tract "New School Methodism" outlining his concerns. Following their expulsion from the Methodist Episcopal Church, Roberts and other reformers, including Joseph McCreery and Lorenzo D. Hand, formally organized the new denomination at the Pekin, New York Wesleyan Methodist Church in 1860. Key early principles included opposition to slavery, secret societies like the Masons, and a commitment to sanctification as a distinct work of grace. The church grew through camp meeting revivals and expansion into the Midwestern United States and Canada, with early leaders like John Wesley Redfield playing significant evangelistic roles. In the 20th century, it was a founding member of the National Association of Evangelicals and later helped form the Christian Holiness Partnership.

● Beliefs

Theological foundations are articulated in its Book of Discipline, which affirms core Protestant doctrines such as the Trinity, the divinity of Jesus Christ, and the authority of the Bible. It strongly emphasizes the Wesleyan-Arminian perspective on salvation and the possibility of Christian perfection, or entire sanctification, through a second definite work of grace subsequent to conversion. The church holds to traditional Methodist positions on sacraments, recognizing baptism and the Lord's Supper as ordinances instituted by Christ. It maintains a conservative stance on personal holiness, historically advocating for plain dress and abstinence from alcohol and tobacco. Social principles have historically included a strong commitment to abolitionism and continue to emphasize ministries of justice, compassion, and the sanctity of human life from a biblical perspective.

● Organization

The denomination operates under a modified episcopal polity with a connectional system, featuring an elected superintendency rather than a lifelong bishopric. The highest legislative body is the triennial General Conference, which elects a Board of Bishops and a General Conference Executive Board to oversee ministries between sessions. Geographically, the church in North America is divided into several annual conferences, such as the Light & Life and Southeast, each led by a superintendent. Local churches are governed by a Board of Administration in conjunction with the pastor. The denomination is a member of the Free Methodist World Fellowship, which connects autonomous national conferences globally, and maintains headquarters in Indianapolis.

● Worship

Worship services are typically characterized by a blend of traditional and contemporary styles, with an emphasis on heartfelt congregational singing, fervent prayer, and expository biblical preaching. Historically, music was led by choirs and pipe organs, drawing heavily from the hymns of Charles Wesley and the Methodist hymnal. Modern services often incorporate praise bands and projectors while retaining classic hymns. The celebration of the Lord's Supper is usually observed monthly or quarterly, and the practice of altar calls for prayer and commitment remains common. Camp meetings and revival meetings have been historically significant for spiritual renewal and continue in various forms, such as family camps and conference-wide gatherings.

● Ministries

Domestic and international mission work is central, coordinated through Free Methodist World Missions. Historically, the church was active in establishing schools and medical work, with significant early missions in India, Japan, and Africa. Contemporary outreach includes church planting initiatives across North America, community development programs, and partnerships with global entities like the ChildCry sponsorship program. The denomination operates several retirement communities and senior living facilities, such as those under the Kingston and Allegheny conferences. Social justice ministries address issues like human trafficking, poverty, and refugee resettlement, often working through affiliated organizations like the Free Methodist Foundation and Timothy Initiative.

● Education

The church maintains a strong commitment to Christian education through a network of affiliated institutions. Its flagship higher education institution is Greenville University in Illinois, founded in 1892 as Greenville College. Other senior colleges include Spring Arbor University in Michigan and Roberts Wesleyan University in New York, named after founder B. T. Roberts. It also supports Seattle Pacific University in Washington. For ministerial training, the Free Methodist Seminary in Tampa and various graduate theology programs at its universities prepare pastors and leaders. Numerous Bible colleges and K–12 Christian schools, such as those operated by the Southern California Conference, serve local congregations across the denomination. Category:Methodist denominations in North America Category:Holiness movement denominations Category:Christian organizations established in 1860