[Centenary's Heritage]
[Methodist History & Beliefs]
Methodist History and Beliefs
The United Methodist Church has a rich heritage rooted in biblical Christianity and reform movement within the Church of England during the eighteenth century. Methodism's founders were two brothers, John and Charles Wesley, whose parents were devout Christians. John was a gifted preacher, teacher, and administrator while Charles is best known for over 6,000 hymns he wrote. Among them are O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing, And Can It Be That I Should Gain, Hark the Herald Angels Sing, Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus, and Christ, the Lord, is Risen Today. The term "Methodist" was coined by the Wesley brothers' critics, who ridiculed the methodical way they pursued the Christian life.
Although Wesley never intended for his followers to leave the Anglican Church, the American Revolution necessitated the organization of a separate denomination in 1784. Preachers Thomas Coke and Francis Asbury were ordained as the first bishop of American Methodism.
Methodists have always believed that the Bible is God's Word, the primary source for Christian belief. Through Scripture we encounter our living Lord and receive his grace. We are convinced that Jesus Christ is the living Word of God in our midst whom we trust in life and death. With Christians around the world, we also confess belief in the Triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The United Methodist insignia, "the cross and the flame," reminds us of God's gift of salvation and the Spirit's power to live changed lives.
United Methodists also believe that God's grace surrounds all humanity, preceding our choice to know and love him. We call this prevenient grace. Saving or justifying grace puts us right with God when we personally trust Jesus Christ for our salvation. This is often referred to as conversion. Such a change may be sudden and dramatic, or gradual and cumulative. United Methodists also believe that we can know we are Christians, "For his Holy Spirit speaks to us deep in our hearts and tells us that we are God's children "(Romans 8:16).
Although justifying grace is essential to salvation, it is not an end in itself.  It marks a new beginning as part of the ongoing process of growth in faith and in the likeness of Christ. This reality is commonly referred to as sanctifying grace. Consequently, United Methodists place a high priority on living in community with other Christians as we worship, study, and serve together! Centenary's logo and mission statement reinforce this basic belief: we are church that is renewed through worship, rooted in the word, renewed through worship, and reaching into the world.
Methodists believe there are two sacraments of the church, baptism and the Lord's Supper (or Holy Communion). Both are signs of an inward work of grace. Adults who confess personal faith in Jesus Christ are baptized by one of three modes: sprinkling, pouring, or immersion. Infants or the young children of believing parents may also be baptized after counseling with the pastor. During adolescence, baptized children are enrolled in confirmation so that can make a profession of faith on their own. As Ephesians 4:5 teaches, "There is only one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and there is only one God and Father, who is over us all ..." Therefore, United Methodists recognize and accept the baptism of other Christian denominations.
Regarding Holy Communion, Methodists believe that when we come by faith to the Lord's Supper, we receive grace, sharing in the blessings and benefits of Christ's sacrifice (1 Corinthians 10:16). It is a meal open to anyone who desires to be with Jesus.
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