In the eighteenth century a group of friends in Oxford became the first 'Methodists'. These people were serious about their faith in God and met regularly for Bible study, prayer and Holy Communion. One of these people was John Wesley who started the movement that eventually became the Methodist Church.

In John Wesley's time many people went to church out of habit but he believed that religion should come from the heart, and that had to make a difference to how you lived your life. They met together to try and get a 'method' of making sure this happened. They soon got the nickname 'method-ists'

Initially all Methodists were Anglicans and worshipped in the Church of England ~ but after John Wesley's death the movement broke away and formed their own church. Moving away from the structure of the Church of England, Methodists developed the theology of The Priesthood of all believers ~ that we are all equally close to God, both lay and ordained are called to minister to one another.

Over the years the Methodist Church has been an important force for change. It has often taken up the cause for social justice and changes in our understanding of faith and theology to make the church more inclusive.

Today Methodist worship is quite varied, but you should always find:

· Enthusiastic singing of hymns and songs both new and old
· Readings from the Bible in a modern, easily understood translation
· Heartfelt prayers which relate to what is going on in the world
· Preaching which applies the good news of Jesus to life today.

Why don't you try it to find out more?

Also see: What Methodism isn't!