The Imperatives of World Methodist Evangelism

A Vision of What Binds Us Together

The reason for the hope within us ~ 1 Peter 3:15

In the context of a global contemporary culture, it is imperative that “the people called Methodists” be bound by a recognition that we are a movement of missionary people called by God, whose divine nature is missionary. We are called to join with God in a global mission to the whole of creation. Therefore, it is incumbent upon us, as World Methodists, to revisit and re-state in clearly articulate terms that which binds us together:

1. The centrality of Jesus Christ in reconciling the world to God.
  • We have confidence in and a passion for the Gospel and we affirm its urgency.
  • We hold Jesus Christ central in everything and emphasize that He is Lord and Savior.
  • We lift up the importance of “conversion to Jesus Christ” and of faithfully making disciples throughout the world. (2 Cor. 5:18-19, 1 Cor. 9:16)
2. Connectivity
  • As Methodists we are one people in all the world, connected through our Wesleyan heritage as well as through being part of one Church, holy and apostolic.
  • We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ’s commission to His Church to preach the gospel and to make disciples of all nations is the supreme business of the church.
  • In this spirit we are sent to serve others and together to engage in world missions and evangelism. (Mt. 28:19)
3. Salvation for all
  • Today more than ever, identifying needs and addressing them are crucial if we are to faithfully proclaim the Gospel and spread scriptural holiness throughout the world.
  • We affirm the “four alls of Methodism” as being distinctive: All need to be saved. All can be saved. All can know that they are saved. All can be saved to the uttermost. (Mk. 16:15; Eph. 2:8; 2 Cor. 5:14-15; 1 Tim. 2:3-4; Heb. 7:25)
4. Every Christian is called to witness to the good news of Christ Jesus.
  • This witness is incarnational.
  • The Church as a community of faith is the witness of Christ in the world.
  • All Christians are called to witness for Christ in the situation in which they live.
  • Church leaders are to equip, empower, and enable members to understand the context for witness.
  • This understanding helps believers to be confident and competent to share their faith through word, deed, and sign. (Lk 4:18-19; Acts 1:8; Romans 15:18:19)
5. Evangelism grounded in Scripture and prayer.
  • Evangelism is grounded in the Holy Bible, the foundation for doctrine, teaching, preaching, and practice.
  • Evangelism is also grounded in prayer, both personal and corporate. (Eph. 6:18-19; Col. 4:2-4)