Free Methodist Church Membership Class Session 5 Scripture
Free Methodist Church Membership Class Session 5 Scripture quotations are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved. © 2008 Light and Life Communications, Indianapolis, Indiana. Printed in the U. S. A.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is the Free Methodist Church? U. S. churches — 966 (average congregation size: 76) U. S. members — 73, 196 members Worldwide membership — 737, 963 (in 82 countries) * 2009 Yearbook
What is the difference between “United” Methodist and “Free” Methodist? § Both share a common heritage linked to the Wesleyan revival in England during the 1700 s § Very little difference in doctrine § More difference in practice and polity
What do we mean when we say the Free Methodist Church is a part of the Holiness movement? 1/2
The Holiness Movement § A broad term from the 1800 s § Christians are not only made right with God by grace through faith in Christ but they are called to freedom from the enslavement of sin and empowered by the Holy Spirit to live a life of undivided love for God and neighbor. 2/2
What is distinctive about the Free Methodist Church? § In Doctrine we are: 1/3 § Orthodox § Protestant § Evangelical § Holiness See Book of Discipline
What is distinctive about the Free Methodist Church? § In Experience we stress: § § 2/3 The reality of a clean heart before God The power to love God with all our hearts and to love others as we love ourselves See Book of Discipline
What is distinctive about the Free Methodist Church? § In Worship we emphasize: § Simplicity and Freedom § Daily devotion to Christ § Responsible stewardship in finances § Leadership from both men and women § Special obligation to the poor § Simplicity and modesty in lifestyle 3/3 See Book of Discipline
Break
The Free Methodist Church: A Connectional Church
What is a “connectional” church system? § Local churches are relationally connected to other Free Methodist churches through: § Common doctrine § Common administration/oversight § Common resources § Common events
We’re a Connectional Church Local Church People come to Christ and grow in Christ through the local church Annual Conference The Annual Conference joins local churches into a network within a geographic area
The Annual Conference § Meets every year § Provides mutual support § Appoints pastors § Equal representation
Annual Conference Boundaries
Our Conference Entire families are united in family camps. Youth and children also have specialized camping programs and many other groups are brought together in conference activities. § Special Times: § Special Places:
We’re a Connectional Church Local Church Annual Conference General Conference The General Conference is the primary legislative body of the denomination World Conference The Free Methodist World Conference joins all General Conferences
Free Methodist Church of North America Board of Bishops David Kendall David Roller Matthew Thomas
The Organizations & Ministries of the Free Methodist Church
World Ministries Center Indianapolis, Indiana § Administration and Finance § Human Resources (clergy pension) § Board of Bishops § Free Methodist Communications § Free Methodist World Missions § International Child Care Ministries § SEED § VISA Ministries § Marston Memorial Historical Center § Men’s Ministries International § Ministerial Credentialing § Women’s Ministries International
Service Organizations § Women’s Ministries International § Men’s Ministries International § Free Methodist Foundation § King Trust Company § Free Methodist Chaplains § Free Methodist Bible Quizzing § International Child Care Ministries § Parish Nursing, Inc.
Leadership Networks § African Heritage Network § Consulting Network § Free Methodist Urban Fellowship § National Student Ministries Team
Association of Free Methodist Educational Institutions § Azusa Pacific University § Central Christian College § Greenville College § Northeastern Seminary § Roberts Wesleyan College § Seattle Pacific University § Spring Arbor University
Association of Human Services Ministries § Butterfield Memorial Foundation § Clawson Manor/New Life § Deaconess Pregnancy & Adoption Services § Heritage Ministries § Life Line Homes, Inc. § LYN House 1/2 click for next
Association of Human Services Ministries § My Brother’s Keeper § Oakdale Christian Academy § Olive Branch Mission § Parish Nursing, Inc. § The Birth Connection § Warm Beach Senior Community § Woodstock Christian Life Services
The Mission of the Free Methodist Church
The mission of the Free Methodist Church is to make known to all people everywhere God’s call to wholeness through forgiveness and holiness in Jesus Christ, and to invite into membership and equip for ministry all who respond in faith.
The History of our Local Church
Leaders Programs Details § Pastor § Church Staff § Church Web Site § Church Programs
Our Local Vision
Supporting the Church § Giving of our time, talents and resources § Living in fellowship with members § Active participation in ministry § Seeking God’s glory in all things
Next Steps § Meet with the pastor about membership § Be approved by the local church board § Publicly affirm your faith and your desire for membership
End of Session
Book of Discipline Distinctive Principles, page 14 -15 In doctrine, Free Methodists’ beliefs are the standard beliefs of evangelical, Arminian Protestantism, with distinctive emphasis on the scriptural teaching of entire sanctification as held by John Wesley. In experience, Free Methodists stress the reality of an inner cleansing and power that attests the doctrine of entire sanctification, both in the inward consciousness of believers and in their outward life. 1/1 Back to main
Book of Discipline Distinctive Principles, page 14 -15 In doctrine, Free Methodists’ beliefs are the standard beliefs of evangelical, Arminian Protestantism, with distinctive emphasis on the scriptural teaching of entire sanctification as held by John Wesley. In experience, Free Methodists stress the reality of an inner cleansing and power that attests the doctrine of entire sanctification, both in the inward consciousness of believers and in their outward life. 1/1 Back to main
Book of Discipline Distinctive Principles, page 14 -15 Their worship is characterized by simplicity and freedom of the Spirit, untrammeled by elaborate ritual. Free Methodists maintain a life of daily devotion to Christ that springs from inward holiness and separates the Christian from the world, even while he/she lives in the world. They believe the best way to keep worldliness from invading the church is for the church to invade the world with redemptive purpose. 1/4 click for next Back to main
Book of Discipline Distinctive Principles, page 14 -15 They practice a complete consecration of every power and possession to the service of God and all people everywhere. They believe so strongly in the mission of the church that they are committed to responsible stewardship in finance. Therefore they do not need to resort to commercial efforts to support the cause of Christ. Free Methodists recognize that God gives spiritual gifts of service and leadership to both men and women. Since male and female are both created in the image of God, that image is most fully reflected when both women and men work in concert at all levels of the church. Therefore, all positions in the church are accessible to any whom God has called. 2/4 click for next Back to main
Book of Discipline Distinctive Principles, page 14 -15 Free Methodists sense a special obligation to preach the gospel to the poor. The provisions of the gospel are for all. The “glad tidings” must be proclaimed to every individual of the human race. God sends the true light to illuminate and melt every heart. Jesus set the example. Of His ministry it was reported, “The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. ” This preaching to the poor was the crowning proof that He was the one who should come. In this respect the church must follow in the footsteps of Jesus. 3/4 click for next Back to main
Book of Discipline Distinctive Principles, page 14 -15 Free Methodists are committed to the New Testament ideals of simplicity and modesty as a style of life. They wish to call attention, not to themselves, but to their Lord. These distinctives of the Free Methodist Church from its origin are still living issues. In every era and every land these distinctives are the witnesses of the church, needing utterance clear and strong that they may be heard and heeded amidst the world’s confusing and misleading voices. 4/4 Back to main
Free Methodist Administration & Finance § § Responsible for the financial records of the denomination Supports World Ministries Center departments and annual conferences § Processes all church property transactions § Includes the following areas: § § § Marston Memorial Historical Center Human Resources Information Technology Mailroom/Warehouse Services Maintenance Back to main
Free Methodist Human Resources § § Administers Denominational Pension Plan § Processes enrollments and contributions § Tracks salary changes § Processes retirement benefits Supports World Ministries Center § Employee payroll § Insurance and other benefits § Staffing and personnel § Supports Friendship Club (FM logo apparel) § Web Site: http: //hr. freemethodistchurch. org Back to main
Board of Bishops § § § Bishops serve as overseers with responsibilities in Word, sacrament and order, equipping leaders in the United States and emerging conferences around the world. Bishops promote the vision of the Free Methodist Church and pursue the strategic priority of multiplying disciples, leaders, groups and churches. Bishops serve as liaisons between the Free Methodist colleges and universities, the FM Foundation, the various networks and the greater Christian community. Back to main
Free Methodist Communications § n n n Denominational Web Site: www. Free. Methodist. Church. org Multimedia Web Site: www. Reel. FM. tv § Free Methodist produced videos and multimedia tips/tools Denominational magazine (bi-monthly): Light & Life Church Resources: www. wphonline. com § Online store for church resources processed through The Wesleyan Publishing House. § Customer Service: 1 -800 -493 -7539 Back to main
Free Methodist World Missions is committed to serve Free Methodists as together we make disciples among the peoples of the world. § § Web site: www. fmwm. org World Mission People magazine: Quarterly publication Missions Hotline: Weekly prayer e-mail update Mission resources: 1. 800. 342. 5531 Ministry in 82 world areas Back to main
International Child Care Ministries www. childcareministries. org 2008: 22, 000 children sponsored in 26 countries for $21 a month affiliated with FM churches empowering two generations at once — adults who serve their needy communities and children who receive food, education, medical care & the love of Jesus, their only hope for now and eternity Back to main
SEED Serving, Equipping, Encouraging, Serving, Equipping, Encouraging Discipling § The micro-enterprise and livelihood ministry of FM World Missions § Facilitates self-sustaining businesses, training in business skills and Christian discipleship § Focused on economically vulnerable members of our Free Methodist world family § Provides an international market for products produced by Free Methodist artisans § www. fmworldmarket. org Back to main
VISA Ministries the Free Methodist way of doing Short-Term Missions -------------------------------------------------§ § § Nearly 20, 000 people have served since 1964 80 countries with Free Methodist work Opportunities available for individuals, families and teams § § Training offered Personalized attention given For more info: www. visaministries. org 800 -342 -5531 fmcvisa@aol. com Back to main
Marston Memorial Historical Center The mission of the Free Methodist Historical Society is to preserve Free Methodist heritage and transmit it faithfully to each generation in order to assist the Free Methodist Church in fulfilling its mission. § § Official archive of the Free Methodist Church Museum, library, photographs, microfilm, oral histories, Disciplines & Yearbooks 1860 -present § Free Methodist Historical Society Newsletter § http: //marston. freemethodistchurch. org Back to main
Men’s Ministries International Discipling for Evangelism and Service § Discipleship and Evangelism training seminars available to each local church § Operation 2 Timothy 2: 2 — Sponsoring national evangelists and church planters throughout the world § Project Barnabas — Sending containerized shipments of materials worldwide to support FM Missions § www. MMIfm. org — Information, contacts, Bible studies and other resources (some in Spanish) Back to main
Ministerial Credentialing Services (MCS) is committed to assisting pastoral candidates in the ordination process. § § § Annual on-site classes offered in Indianapolis each January, called J-Term. These courses help candidates meet the educational requirements for the ordination of ministers in the denomination. On-going correspondence courses available for ministerial candidates http: //leadership. freemethodistchurch. org Back to main
Women’s Ministries International An auxiliary to Free Methodist World Missions § § Organized in 1889 as the Women’s Foreign Missionary Society Promotes the spiritual and personal growth of women on the international and national levels Works to broaden awareness and stimulate financial support of Free Methodist World Missions www. fmwmi. org Back to main
Women’s Ministries International An auxiliary to Free Methodist World Missions § § Organized in 1889 as the Women’s Foreign Missionary Society Promotes the spiritual and personal growth of women on the international and national levels Works to broaden awareness and stimulate financial support of Free Methodist World Missions www. fmwmi. org Back to main
Men’s Ministries International Discipling for Evangelism and Service § Discipleship and Evangelism training seminars available to each local church § Operation 2 Timothy 2: 2 — Sponsoring national evangelists and church planters throughout the world § Project Barnabas — Sending containerized shipments of materials worldwide to support FM Missions § www. MMIfm. org — Information, contacts, Bible studies and other resources (some in Spanish) Back to main
The Free Methodist Foundation Christian Stewardship Services § Planning § § § Personal Financial Analysis Investment Strategy Assessment Retirement Planning Estate Planning Investing § Investment and Loan Fund* § Personalized Investments § Retirement Savings § PHONE: 800. 325. 8975 WEB: www. fmfoundation. org EMAIL: info@fmfoundation. org Giving § Stocks and Cash § Real Estate § Other Assets *Only available in states where authorized. Some services offered through King Trust Company, N. A. Back to main
Free Methodist Chaplains Enabling quality ministries beyond the local church § Ordained elders in the church § Endorsed, approved or certified to serve as chaplains in military and civilian institutions § Accountable to home annual conference § Endorsed by the Board of Bishops Back to main
Free Methodist Bible Quizzing § A ministry combining Bible study and competition for grades 6 -12 § Establishing youth in their faith through the systematic study, application, and memorization of the Word of God § Teams of three quiz against other church teams by jumping off electronic chairs § Selected books of the New Testament (NIV) are studied throughout the school year § Annual National Bible Quiz Finals held at a FM college www. fmquizzing. org Back to main
International Child Care Ministries www. childcareministries. org 2008: 22, 000 children sponsored in 26 countries for $21 a month affiliated with FM churches empowering two generations at once — adults who serve their needy communities and children who receive food, education, medical care & the love of Jesus, their only hope for now and eternity Back to main
Parish Nursing HEALTH COUNSEL - outreach of church community EDUCATE - inter-relationship of body, soul, mind ADVOCATE - support sick people and families LIAISON - link people and resources TEACH - instruct and train volunteers re: health issues HEAL - visit and pray with sick and needy www. parishnursingfmc. org Back to main
African Heritage Network § § A network of Free Methodist churches and ministries led by African-American pastors and laypersons Supports African-American Free Methodist leaders Assists the church in understanding the societal distinctives in the African-American community Encourages the inclusiveness of all people Back to main
Consulting Network PURPOSE: § § § Provide training, coaching and resourcing for Free Methodist pastors and conference superintendents Assist local Free Methodist congregations in the development of strategic plans and relevant ministries to impact their respective ministry areas Hold an annual Consulting Network training event at the World Ministries Center in Indianapolis, IN. Network with Free Methodist leaders in evangelism and church growth in the United States http: //consulting. freemethodistchurch. org Back to main
Free Methodist Urban Fellowship The mission of Free Methodist Urban Fellowship is to encourage and support Christians committed to ministry in the city, particularly to the poor and disenfranchised. The organization sponsors the annual spring CUE conference, which brings together urban workers and supporters from around the country, and provides support for summer urban interns in city ministries. Back to main
National Student Ministries Team The National Student Ministries Team exists to equip youth leaders to lead biblical, holistic youth ministries that reflect the mission and core values of the Free Methodist Church. § § n A network of ALL Free Methodist youth leaders in the U. S, including one liaison from each annual conference and a rotating core team that casts vision and administrates the network Through the generosity of the denomination, the NSMT is able to make grant monies available to each annual conference to help train adult youth leaders and workers Oversees our International Youth Conference (IYC) Back to main
Azusa Pacific University A comprehensive, Christian, evangelical university, committed to God First and excellence in higher education § Main campus is 26 miles northeast of Los Angeles § Featured in Time magazine and ranked as one of the nation’s best by U. S. News & World Report and The Princeton Review § More than 60 areas of undergraduate study § 26 master’s degree programs § 7 doctoral programs § More than 8, 100 students Back to main
Central Christian College Renewing Minds. Changing Lives. n n n n Founded in 1884 Located in Mc. Pherson, Kansas Accredited, with 20 majors Enrollment of more than 350 students Many opportunities for involvement in fine arts, clubs, athletics and mission trips Adult degree completion program, high school dual-credit program and online classes www. centralchristian. edu Back to main
Greenville College A Christ-centered education emphasizing academic excellence n Nationally recognized Contemporary Christian Music major n Widely-acclaimed Teacher Education program n First strengths-based campus in the nation; helping students develop their strengths using Gallup’s Strengths. Finder n Located in Greenville, IL (45 minutes from St. Louis) n More than 50 majors and specializations n More than 1, 500 students n www. greenville. edu Back to main
Northeastern Seminary § MISSION § Preparing men and women for Christian ministry, both lay and ordained; rooted in classical Christian faith, the Seminary creatively seeks to equip its students for ministry to contemporary culture § ACCREDIDATION § Association of Theological Schools § Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools § NY State Board of Regents § DEGREES § Master of Divinity § Doctor of Ministry § SCHOLARSHIPS for Free Methodist students Rochester, NY | www. nes. edu Back to main
Roberts Wesleyan College § § Founded by B. T. Roberts in 1866 Listed among the U. S. News & World Report’s 2009 edition of America’s Best Colleges and ranked the nation’s #3 Best Value Private College in 2007 by the Princeton Review Nearly 1, 900 students, 50 undergraduate degrees, 3 adult time-shortened undergraduate degree programs and 10 graduate programs Mission: As a community of learners committed to historic Christianity, Roberts Wesleyan College seeks to prepare thoughtful, spiritually mature, service-oriented people who will help transform society. Rochester, NY | www. roberts. edu Back to main
Seattle Pacific University Founded in 1891, Seattle Pacific University is a premier Christian university that equips people to engage the culture and change the world. Its comprehensive academic program serves more than 3, 800 undergraduate and graduate students. Known for both their competence and character, SPU graduates are bringing about positive change in communities around the globe. Seattle, WA | www. spu. edu Back to main
Spring Arbor University § § § Founded on Free Methodist principles, Spring Arbor has been providing students with an exemplary Christ-centered education since 1873. More than 4, 000 students through traditional undergraduate, accelerated bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. Traditional undergraduate campus offers 60 majors and programs to meet demanding needs in the arts, sciences, education and business fields. Spring Arbor, MI | www. arbor. edu Back to main
Butterfield Memorial Foundation § Butterfield Memorial Foundation grants funds to Christian 501(c)(3) organizations for health and medical programs. Most grants will be limited to agencies located in Oklahoma County and the six contiguous counties, namely Canadian, Cleveland, Kingfisher, Lincoln, Logan and Pottawatomie Counties. While we may consider applications for ministry outside of central Oklahoma, only a small amount of funds is available for this purpose. § Allied Ministries: Deaconess Pregnancy & Adoption Services; Open Arms Clinic § Contact Information: (405) 608 -0517 www. butterfieldfoundation. org Back to main
Clawson Manor § A Ministry of the East Michigan Conference § Located in Clawson, MI (Detroit Metro Area) § Affordable Housing for Low Income Seniors § § 251 Independent Living Apartments: § 158 Studio Apartments § 85 One-Bedroom Apartments § 8 Deluxe Apartments Web Site: www. clawsonmanor. org Back to main
Deaconess Pregnancy and Adoption Services transforms the lives of children by embracing women in crisis pregnancies, creating families through adoption and reflecting God’s redeeming love to all. § Since 1900 § Located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma § § More than 10, 000 women in crisis have been helped and more than 5, 000 families created through adoption www. deaconessadoption. org Back to main
Heritage Ministries Mission: To serve others through Christ-centered ministries which promote hope, dignity and purposeful living. § § n n n Headquartered in Jamestown, New York Founded in 1886 as the orphanage and home of the Free Methodist Church in Gerry, New York Serves more than 600 individuals daily Rehab and skilled nursing housing and services Independent and assisted living housing and services Child daycare www. Heritage 1886. org Back to main
Life Line Homes, Inc. Assisting Free Methodist churches and other Christian organizations as they minister to children and youth n n Applications are received online, with typical grants up to $2, 000 for the purpose of helping youth go to camp, and other one-time gifts for start up ministries. In keeping with its origin, Life Line Homes provides $3, 000 to Deaconess Pregnancy and Adoption Services twice a year. These funds are used to help families in their adoption process. Back to main
LYN House demonstrates Christ's love through compassionate hospitality and transformational care. Striving to meet the educational, physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the community. § LYN (Love Your Neighbor) House § Located on the near Eastside of Indianapolis, IN § www. LYNhouse. org Back to main
My Brother’s Keeper of Genesee County seeks to serve the homeless, those transitioning out of prison or substance abuse treatment, and at-risk youth in Flint, MI and the surrounding area of Genesee County. Our primary focus is serving men who desire to transition back into mainstream society. We provide shelter, supportive services, discipleship/servant leadership classes, food pantry, clothing room and a lunch program to assist in their development. These services, along with Christ-type friendship, are provided with an air of respect for each individual. Back to main
Oakdale Christian Academy The only Free Methodist boarding school in the United States, Oakdale serves students in grades 7 -12 from across the country. Oakdale is located in Kentucky. Students choose Oakdale for a wide variety of reasons. They share a common desire for a safe place, a fresh start and an opportunity for Christian community and academic challenge. Oakdale is fully accredited through the Association of Christian Schools International and is unique in its commitment to serve any eligible applicant, regardless of finance. www. oakdalechristian. org Back to main
Olive Branch Mission A Christ-centered strategic ministry committed to and engaged in the life transformation, development and restoration of individuals, families and communities around the world. Chicago, Illinois since 1867 § Overnight Center and Family Shelter § Daybreak Counseling Services § Community Resource Center § Employment Training § Life Transformation Opportunities Program § Higher Education and Urban Studies § Volunteer Outreach § www. obmission. org Back to main
Parish Nursing HEALTH COUNSEL - outreach of church community EDUCATE - inter-relationship of body, soul, mind ADVOCATE - support sick people and families LIAISON - link people and resources TEACH - instruct and train volunteers re: health issues HEAL - visit and pray with sick and needy www. parishnursingfmc. org Back to main
The Birth Connection Mission Statement: To provide unconditional education and support to women in unplanned pregnancy. Contact us: 4421 A Street Sacramento, CA 95819 (916) 451 -9868 The. Birth. Connection@yahoo. com “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for well being, and not for harm, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29: 11, paraphrase). Back to main
Warm Beach Senior Community A Christ-centered, People-focused community Warm Beach is unique, offering residents an array of neighborhood accommodations, including health care to suit your needs and lifestyle. § Amenities that support your mind, body and spirit § Unique programs and events § Close to shopping, dining, cultural centers, and beach www. warmbeach. org | 1 -800 -652 -6302 Back to main
Woodstock Christian Life Services A charitable organization in Woodstock, Illinois founded by ministers with a mission to honor Christ by enabling all those we serve to live with dignity, hope and personal fulfillment. § n Hearthstone Senior Living Community — a continuing care retirement community that features independent and assisted living, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia care, skilled nursing care, and rehab/Medicare Certification. Woodstock Early Learning Center — provides early childhood learning, preschool, and before and after school care for nearly 150 children from age six weeks to 12 years. Woodstock Christian Life Services stress the value of Passionate Care, Responsiveness, Extra Mile Service, Integrity and being Family Oriented. Back to main
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