Getting ready to learn!

Over the next few weeks we will be exploring the Five Marks of a Methodist. Rev. Catherine Nance gave us a glimpse of what to expect during last week's worship services. Here is the "syllabus" she has provided for a taste of what's to come.

SYLLABUS - METHODISM 101

PURPOSE

The mission of the Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Local churches provide the most significant arena through which disciple-making occurs (The Book of Discipline, Paragraph 120).

TEXTBOOKS

Holy Bible – any translation (modern one preferred such as New Revised Standard or Common English Bible) containing both Testaments (Old and New)


Book of Discipline (new one will be published Summer, 2016; the 2012 version is available online.


United Methodist Hymnal (noting well Charles Wesley’s hymns)

CLASS FEES

No dues or payments; only offerings stemming from thanksgiving. We believe in the Biblical mandate of the tithe (giving ten per cent of resources) and trust that all members are working towards that. Our church administrator is only person who has knowledge of amounts given.

CLASS RULES (FROM JOHN WESLEY’S ORGANIZATION OF “CLASSES”)

1.Do no harm

2.Do good

3.Attend to the ordinances of God (worship, prayer, study)

TOOLS FOR CLASS: WESLEYAN QUADRILATERAL

1)Scripture

2)Tradition

3)Reason

4)Experience

PRE-REQUISITES FOR CLASS: A DESIRE TO BE A FOLLOWER OF JESUS CHRIST.

All are welcome: those who have been here since “cradle roll” and those who have just shown up; those who have all of the books of the Bible memorized and those who have no idea what that means. All are welcome and we meet each one where he or she is in the journey of faith.

EXTRA CREDIT

We do not believe in extra credit; however, we do emphasize a balanced curriculum. If you are heavy into “good works” we suggest Bible study and personal devotion. If you are heavy into “personal piety” we lovingly suggest you get involved in outreach opportunities.

GRADING SCALE

There are no grades. You cannot earn an A-plus. God deals in grace. It is all a gift. However, your classmates are there to keep you accountable as you grow in grace!

COURSE COMPLETION

You will never be finished. We believe in sanctifying grace which pushes us to ‘move on to perfection.’ Perfection is achieved when our will and God’s will are perfectly aligned; there is always room to grow!