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
Where Does Our Family Fit? | Free Methodist Identity Series Episode 3, Part 1
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
