Where did Free Methodists actually come from? If you’ve ever wondered about the historical path that led to our denomination, this episode maps out the journey from Jesus to today.
Bishop Mannoia uses the family tree metaphor to trace Free Methodist lineage through major church history moments. He starts with Jesus (the trunk of all Christian denominations), walks through the Council of Jerusalem, the expansion under persecution, the Council of Nicaea, and the Great Schism of 1054 that split Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches.
This isn’t a dry history lesson. Kevin shows how understanding our lineage helps you grasp why Free Methodists think and act the way we do. When someone asks what makes your church different, you’ll have the full story behind your brief answer instead of just memorized phrases.
Note: This content is part of Bishop Mannoia’s forthcoming book “Living Our Name: Free Methodist Identity.”
Whether you’re new to ministry or been around for years, this foundation helps you engage confidently with other denominations and understand where Free Methodist distinctives actually came from. Dr. Mannoia keeps it accessible while covering centuries of church development that shaped our theological DNA.
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
