Kevin uses powerful river imagery to show how Free Methodists fit into God’s bigger story. Drawing from his family’s Amazon River experience, he explains how different Christian denominations are like tributaries flowing into one life-giving river system.
This episode helps you understand that Free Methodists aren’t better than other denominations – we’re different, with unique characteristics shaped by our circumstances. Just like rivers flowing over rocks create rapids while others meander peacefully through meadows, each stream brings life wherever it goes.
Bishop Mannoia walks through major denominational “streams” – Catholic, Orthodox, mainline Protestant, New Reformation, and Wesleyan Holiness – showing how each contributes to God’s mission. He explains why Free Methodists identify with the Wesleyan Holiness stream and what makes our “water” distinctive.
Note: This content is part of Bishop Mannoia’s forthcoming book “Living Our Name: Free Methodist Identity.”
Whether you’re trying to understand denominational differences or explain why Free Methodists approach ministry differently, this episode provides a gracious framework for seeing unity in diversity across Christ’s body.
Resources:
FMCSC Website: https://fmcsc.org/
Ministry Training: https://fmcsc.org/training/
Identity Series Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL28rnyZQWTXk_tn2mlevUIdkU_OZUA0Ir
FMCSC AC25 Ordination Service: Eight New Elders Called to Ministry of Reconciliation
Experience the sacred ordination service from the Free Methodist Church in Southern California’s Annual Conference 2025, where eight pastoral candidates were ordained as elders in a powerful ceremony emphasizing the ministry of reconciliation.
Bishop Kenny Martin delivers a compelling message on reconciliation from 2 Corinthians 5:18, calling the church to unity and revival through repentance, restoration, and reunion. His message sets the spiritual foundation for the ordination of eight new elders who have answered God’s call to shepherd His people.
📖 Scripture Foundation:
• 2 Corinthians 5:18 – The Ministry of Reconciliation
• 1 Peter 4:7-10 – Serving for God’s Glory
• Acts 2:38-39 – The Promise to All Generations
• Isaiah 6:1-8 – “Here I Am, Send Me”
• John 10:11-18 – The Good Shepherd
✨ Newly Ordained Elders:
• Elizabeth A. Cornell
• Brian Scott
• Eleitino A. Tuiasosopo
• Andrea G. Vaudrey
• Reginald C. Wadlington
• Jaime L. Winslow
• Meg Wolfgram
• Jessica Zittel
Bishop Martin’s powerful message emphasizes the “R’s” of ministry:
• Reconciliation with God
• Restoring relationships
• Repentance and renewal
• Reaching those far from God
• Revival through unity
• Reunion of God’s people
The ordination ceremony includes:
• The historic Wesley Covenant Prayer
• Laying on of hands by ordained ministers
• Presentation of Bibles as symbols of authority
• Commissioning to minister the Word, celebrate sacraments, and shepherd God’s people
“Judgment begins in the house of the Lord… It’s time for the body of Christ to come together.” – Bishop Kenny Martin
This service marks a significant moment in FMCSC history as these eight leaders commit to the ministry of reconciliation, joining the legacy of faithful servants who have gone before them.
📍 CenterPoint Church, Murrieta, CA
🗓️ May 17, 2025
#Ordination #FMCSC #MinistryOfReconciliation #FreeMethodist #ChurchLeadership
Learn more about FMCSC: https://fmcsc.org
