This episode tells the complete story of how Free Methodism was born from Methodist revival, shaped by the holiness movement, and influenced by major cultural upheavals including slavery, women’s rights, and Pentecostalism.
Bishop Mannoia traces the path from Wesley’s circuit riders in America to the Methodist Episcopal Church’s institutional decline. He introduces key figures like Phoebe Palmer (the “mother of the holiness movement”), Ellen Stowe, and Benjamin Roberts, showing how their passion for holiness and social justice led to conflict with the established church.
The “burned-over district” of western New York becomes the backdrop for understanding why Free Methodists care about issues like abolition, women in ministry, free pews, and opposition to secret societies. Kevin explains how the word “free” started as an adjective describing desired reforms before becoming part of the denomination’s name in 1860.
Note: This content is part of Bishop Mannoia’s forthcoming book “Living Our Name: Free Methodist Identity.”
He also covers the complex relationship between holiness and Pentecostal movements, including the Azusa Street Revival led by William Seymour and how Free Methodists navigated between spiritual vitality and organizational control. This episode helps you understand why Free Methodists have always connected personal holiness with social transformation.
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
