Message from the Pastor

What Is a Methodist? A Look at Our Roots

 

Upcoming Series

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Have you ever wondered what it really means to be a Methodist? This May, we're diving into that very question with our new series, What Is a Methodist? and we couldn't think of a better place to start than with John Wesley himself.

 

This series actually grew out of something that happened in our confirmation class. As we worked through the material together, I realized our kids didn't know who John Wesley was or where the Methodist tradition even came from. That moment stuck with me and I thought, why not go on this journey together as a whole church?

 

Now, as many of you know, we made the decision to move away from the United Methodist Church and that was absolutely the right move for many reasons. But here's the thing: John Wesley's principles remain the deep roots of who we are. We may have changed our denominational home, but the foundation Wesley laid still shapes how we worship, how we serve, and how we live out our faith.

 

Let's make this May, Methodist Month at McKendree! All throughout May we will be exploring our Wesleyan roots together as a church family, and we cannot wait to go on this journey with you.

 

Three Simple Rules

At the heart of Wesley's teaching are Three Simple Rules: Do No Harm. Do Good. Stay in Love with God. Simple enough to memorize, but deep enough to shape an entire life. Do No Harm calls us to guard our actions and words carefully. Do Good pushes us beyond avoiding wrong and into active service showing mercy, caring for others, and pursuing justice. And Staying in Love with God reminds us that all of it flows from our relationship with Him, nurtured through worship, prayer, Scripture, and the sacraments.

 

Faith That Works in the World

Wesley also famously said there is "no holiness but social holiness" meaning faith was never meant to be a private matter. It must be lived out in community and in service to others. He advocated for the poor, opposed slavery, and believed the Church had a responsibility to bridge the gap between rich and marginalized alike.

 

This balance of personal devotion and social action is what makes the Wesleyan tradition so distinctive and so relevant today.

 

Join Us

We hope you'll be part of this series as we rediscover together what it means to follow Christ the Wesleyan way. Come ready to be challenged, encouraged, and rooted more deeply in the faith we share. Let's make this May, Methodist Month at McKendree and dig in together!

 

Kickoff May 3rd for our five part series!