Our Methodist Tradition

Background

Whitefield Methodist Church is part of the worldwide Methodist family, a Christian tradition that began through the work of John Wesley in 18th-century England. Today, there are 80 million Methodists in over 138 countries and on every inhabited continent. Whitefield Methodist Church is part of the Methodist Church of Britain.

The Reverend Mr John Wesley, a priest in the Church of England, sought to reform the church and reinvigorate Christians to focus more on Christian living by spreading God’s love and serving the poor and marginalised. John Wesley, along with his brother Charles Wesley, friend George Whitefield, and many others, began to preach in open areas across Great Britain and organise Bible groups who studied Scripture and served the poor. They were committed to ‘spreading Scriptural holiness across the land.’

At the heart of Methodism is a simple desire: to know and love God more deeply, and to share that love with others.

Methodists believe that God’s grace is available to everyone. We believe God loves us before we ever turn towards Him, that Jesus offers us forgiveness and new life, and that the Holy Spirit helps us grow and become more like Christ.

Being Methodist means seeking to live out our faith in everyday life. We believe faith is not just something we express on a Sunday, but something that shapes how we treat others, how we serve our communities and how we respond to the needs around us.

Some of the things that have always been important to Methodists are:

Worship And Prayer

We gather together to praise God, listen to His Word, pray and encourage one another in faith.

Growing As Disciples

We believe faith is a journey. Through Bible study, small groups, prayer and shared life, we help one another grow closer to God.

Serving Others

From the beginning, Methodists have been committed to practical compassion and social justice - standing alongside those in need and working for a fairer, kinder world.

Everyone Is Welcome

John Wesley famously said, “The world is my parish” and reminds us that God’s love is not just for those inside church buildings, but for everyone. We seek to be a church that is open, welcoming and connected to the community around us.

At Whitefield Methodist Church, our Methodist tradition shapes who we are: a people seeking to love God, love our neighbours and share the hope of Jesus.