A BRIEF HISTORY OF METHODISM AND THE EVANGELICAL METHODIST CHURCH...

In 1792 two young men in England, John and Charles Wesley, while reading the Bible saw that they could not be saved without holiness of heart, followed after it, and incited others to do so. In 1737 they saw likewise that men are justified before they are sanctified; but still holiness was their object. God was about to thrust them out to raise up a people called: METHODIST. John Wesley then found what he sought, a true relationship with God that led him to the holiness of heart and life that he so desperately needed. On the evening of May 24, 1738, John Wesley under went a “heart warming experience” at a religious meeting on Aldersgate Street, in London. About a quarter of nine, while listening to Luther’s description of the change which God works in the heart through faith in Christ, he exclaims: “ I felt my heart strangely warmed. I felt I did trust in Christ alone for salvation; an assurance was given me that He had taken away my sins, even mine, and saved me from the law of sin and death.”Although John Wesley did not fully realize it at the time...THE METHODIST CHURCH WAS BORN, AND IN THE FULNESS OF TIME...THE EVANGELICAL METHODIST CHURCH.

The EVANGELICAL METHODIST CHURCH was organized on May 9, 1946 in Memphis, TN.
Dr. J. H. Hamblen of Abilene, Texas felt led of God to organize the Evangelical Methodist Church with the help of a small group of ministers and laity. Dr. Hamblen prayed, “Oh Lord, if this movement be of Thy will, bless and prosper it; but Lord, if not of Thy will, then let it die here and now.” Now, the Evangelical Methodist Church reaches from coast to coast and into Mexico. The international headquarters is located in Indianapolis, IN. The General Superintendent is Dr. Edward Williamson.

The Evangelical Methodist Church is distinctive in its government, as it is both CONGREGATIONAL and CONNECTIONAL. It is CONNECTIONAL in that the entire body of churches operate under the Constitution and By-Laws enacted by the General Conference which meets quadrennially. All churches that affiliate are governed by the Discipline which the general body has developed and regulates. The church is CONGREGATIONAL in two ways. Each local congregation is allowed to own its own property, and property rights are vested, with respect to ownership and maintenance, in the local church and held in trust by the trustees of each church. Secondly, the calling of the pastor is done by the local church. Only under certain conditions would an interim pastor be appointed by the District Superintendent. The pastor may stay in a pastorate as long as he and the congregation agree to the arrangement.

DOCTRINALLY, the Evangelical Methodist Church stands true to the historic Wesleyan interpretation of Scriptures. Man is lost by nature and can only be redeemed by faith in the finished work of Christ on the Cross. Every person must be “Born Again” to enter into the Kingdom of God. Every born again believer is entitled to his own personal filling of the Holy Spirit which is subsequent to their new birth. It is only through the Holy Spirit that a person can live a sanctified life which is useful and powerful in the service of their Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus is coming again to rapture all believers and begin to establish his reign throughout eternity. The Holy Scriptures are the absolute authority by which man lives, dies and shall be judged. Jesus is Lord of Lords, and King of Kings.