This episode traces the path from Protestant Reformation to John Wesley’s heart-warming experience that shaped Free Methodist DNA. If you’ve wondered why Free Methodists approach faith differently than Reformed churches, this explains the historical divergence.
Kevin walks through Martin Luther’s 95 Theses, John Calvin’s systematic theology, and King Henry VIII’s English Reformation, showing how each shaped different denominational personalities. But the real focus is on John Wesley – the Anglican priest whose failed missionary trip to Georgia led to a transformative encounter at Aldersgate Street.
Unlike Calvin’s rational defense of Christianity, Wesley sought the face of God and found a powerfully transformative experience. This experiential approach to faith, combined with outdoor preaching and small groups, created the Methodist movement that would eventually birth Free Methodism.
Note: This content is part of Bishop Mannoia’s forthcoming book “Living Our Name: Free Methodist Identity.”
Dr. Mannoia shows how Wesley’s emphasis on personal transformation rather than systematic doctrine explains why Free Methodists prioritize experiential faith, social action, and life change over propositional theology. This isn’t about right or wrong approaches – it’s about understanding your denominational 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
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