I just recently received a copy of the "2007 Book of Discipline" of the Free Methodist Church. Yes, I know...you're thinking
"oooh, that sounds so exciting!" But, you know...it is. It is a good practice to revisit this wonderful manual that
is 296 pages of our history, mission, doctrine and polity. It declares our identity of why we claim to be "Free" Methodists. I was particularly struck by some of the distinct principles of our Wesleyan-Armenian heritage that have guided us since
August 23, 1860. Beyond the depth of our theological emphasis on entire sanctification, is the freedom and simplicity of just being committed to
"raising up a holy people" and establishing worship that is
"characterized by simplicity and freedom of the Spirit" that is
"untrammeled by elaborate ritual." As Free
Methodists we also focus on our
"special obligation" to preach the gospel to the poor and to keep modesty at the forefront that commits itself to
"the New Testament ideals of simplicity and modesty as a style of life." A whole lot of this mind-set is one that provides us freedom...freedom to do what is necessary to put all the attention on the Lord Jesus Christ and not upon ourselves. It isn't supposed to be "about us" anyway. It is taking the attitude that "the best way to keep worldliness from invading the church is for the church to invade the world with redemptive purpose." We are free...we are simple...we are focused...we are committed...to Jesus Christ and His redemptive love for all. A liberating way to live...in freedom.
I just recently received a copy of the "2007 Book of Discipline" of the Free Methodist Church. Yes, I know...you're thinking "oooh, that sounds so exciting!" But, you know...it is. It is a good practice to revisit this wonderful manual that 
is 296 pages of our history, mission, doctrine and polity. It declares our identity of why we claim to be "Free" Methodists. I was particularly struck by some of the distinct principles of our Wesleyan-Armenian heritage that have guided us since August 23, 1860. Beyond the depth of our theological emphasis on entire sanctification, is the freedom and simplicity of just being committed to "raising up a holy people" and establishing worship that is "characterized by simplicity and freedom of the Spirit" that is "untrammeled by elaborate ritual." As Free Methodists we also focus on our "special obligation" to preach the gospel to the poor and to keep modesty at the forefront that commits itself to "the New Testament ideals of simplicity and modesty as a style of life." A whole lot of this mind-set is one that provides us freedom...freedom to do what is necessary to put all the attention on the Lord Jesus Christ and not upon ourselves. It isn't supposed to be "about us" anyway. It is taking the attitude that "the best way to keep worldliness from invading the church is for the church to invade the world with redemptive purpose." We are free...we are simple...we are focused...we are committed...to Jesus Christ and His redemptive love for all. A liberating way to live...in freedom.
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