The Methodist Way of Life

From earliest times of the movement started by Wesley, now known as Methodism, was based upon a regular daily time of devotion and this has been part of what it means to be a Methodist across the intervening years. The name Methodist was ascribed to Wesley and his compatriots, as their "Holy Club" started in November 1729 when John Wesley and  three of his friends agreed to spend three or four evenings together, every week to meet for prayer, Bible study, and pious discipline. This was also extended in practical out working through ‘good works’

Over the centuries, there have been a number of spiritual initiatives, whereby, through disciplined daily devotion and living groups of like minded people have lived according to an order; Ignatius, Benedict, Franciscan and in the 20th Century, the Northumbria Communities Celtic Daily Office are examples.

“A Methodist Way of Life” is an attempt by the 21st Century to enable today’s Methodist to capture afresh a Methodist Way of Life as a way of living. It is how we try to live our lives in response to God’s love, made known to us in Jesus.

Throughout the month of July we will take each bullet point over a two day period. Day 1 to explore what this means theologically, and biblically, with Day 2 understanding what this can mean for us in practice.  Here is an overview 

A Methodist Way of Life

The calling of the Methodist Church is to respond to the gospel of God’s love in Christ and to live out its discipleship in worship and mission.

 

As far as we are able, with God’s help:

Worship

• We will pray daily.
• We will worship with others regularly.
• We will look and listen for God in Scripture, and the world.

Learning and Caring

• We will care for ourselves and those around us.
• We will learn more about our faith.
• We will practise hospitality and generosity.

Service

• We will help people in our communities and beyond.
• We will care for creation and all God’s gifts.
• We will challenge injustice.

Evangelism

• We will speak of the love of God.
• We will live in a way that draws others to Jesus.
• We will share our faith with others.

May we be a blessing within and beyond God’s Church, for the transformation of the world. 

A Prayer:

Remember, O Lord, what you have wrought in us and not what we deserve, and as you have called us to your service, make us worthy of our calling; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Leonine Sacramentary (6th century)