Methodism is a Protestant denomination of Christianity that derives its name from the methodical style of devotion and practice observed by its first followers. The Methodist movement was founded by John Wesley, an Anglican priest who travelled around the United Kingdom, preaching a reformed kind of Christianity.
Methodism would only separate from Anglicanism, becoming a denomination in its own right, following Wesley’s death in 1791. These Methodists splintered into different groups, each with their own churches, style, and leaders, until in 1932 the groups united to constitute The Methodist Church in Britain. By this point Methodism had become widely practiced in other parts of the world too, and The Methodist Church in Britain came to be considered the mother church of the Methodist faith.
Given the Methodist movement grew out of the Church of England, Methodism incorporates a lot of the same theological teachings and practices as Anglicanism. Many of the differences between the two denominations relate to their structure and organisation.
For example, The Methodist Church in Britain does not have any bishops. Instead, the Methodist Conference, the governing body of The Methodist Church in Britain, has an elected President and Vice-President, who serve for one year. The President and Vice-President will usually choose a particular emphasis or theme for their term and guide the Methodist community in the UK. Nonetheless, some Methodist churches in other countries, such as in the United States, do have bishops.
Whilst not differing greatly theologically from Anglicanism, Methodism does emphasise different aspects of Christian teachings. Methodist teachings are popularly summarised as the “Four Alls.” These are: all need to be saved, all can be saved, all can know they are saved, and all can be saved to the uttermost. The essence of the “Four Alls” is a belief that everyone, regardless of their sin, can experience the forgiveness and love of God during their lives.
Methodists are well-known for their singing during services, which they see as crucial to sharing and celebrating their faith. John Wesley’s brother, Charles, also an early Methodist leader, authored thousands of hymns during his lifetime, many of which are still in use today. Methodists also commonly use non-alcoholic wine or grape juice during communion, a practice that originated in the 19th century temperance movement.
From its origins in the ideas of John Wesley, Methodism has become one of the most significant Protestant denominations of Christianity today, with tens of millions of followers around the world, and forms a distinct part of the UK’s religious landscape.