In a world of denominations where the divisions seem minor or perhaps even pointless, we often find ourselves asking what it means to be a Christian. Was Jesus’ message really so complicated that we cannot agree on what being a disciple of Jesus Christ means and what that looks like?
We Methodists believe it is possible to answer that question: because of our human nature, we cannot agree. And yet, at the core of Methodism is the hope that we need not agree on issues of theology and doctrine and forms of worship. Our task is to seek to live more fully like Christ. That, essentially, is a journey and an adventure.
We ask, then, what does it mean to be a Methodist? We believe that John Wesley encouraged a life lived in the means of grace, of living a life of “discipline,” in terms of prayer, Scripture, Eucharist, etc., to more fully encounter the presence and love of God and live more fully like Christ. Wherever we go, there the presence and grace of God is. As Methodists, we intend to live by some form of a “method,” to pray without ceasing, attend the ordinances of God (especially the sacraments), to do good, read our Holy Scriptures, believing that these are the means by which we open ourselves to the experience of God’s grace. God’s grace is such that we need not engage in means of grace, but they are a means.
Our first hope here at JesusVenture is to answer the question, ‘what does it mean to be a Methodist?’ Because of the core nature of Methodism, a trek through the many and diverse aspects of Christian life will show that the opinions “allowed” within Methodism are, indeed, many and diverse. Such is the brilliance of Methodism. We do not seek to defend Methodism or convert anyone to Methodism. We only seek to reengage the origins of Methodism, within the context of contemporary complexities and the sea of theological opinions, as a worthwhile, powerful, and perhaps inspirational style and method of life for all people trying to live more fully like Christ.
In that same vein, we also dearly hope that non-Methodists see hope in living a Methodist style of life. Looking back on Methodist history, we cannot deny that what later came to be termed “Wesleyan Methodism” is not the only form of Methodism. Many theological and denominational opinions can live within Methodism; one need not agree with John Wesley to be a Methodist, in its original understanding. Methodism is simply the means by which one lives life. Whatever “type” of Christian you claim to be, you can join us on the adventure of living our Christian lives.
