#Values: Values are definitions of what we hope will characterize us. These articles are primarily intended for those who wish to join us in this project—whether through prayer, donations, or collaboration.
We value unity in Christ above denominational differences, emphasizing what unites us, while also appreciating our identity as part of the Free Methodist Church.
Beta Values #16: Collaborative Work
As we have mentioned in the explanation of these values, there are three key elements that unite us as Christian communities. The first of these is the Trinity, which represents the portrayal of the God revealed in the Scriptures. This God is a loving being, deeply interested in a relationship with us. He not only creates us, but seeks us out despite our repeated rejection—so much so that He walks among us and even dwells within and among us.
By pointing to Jesus as the center, we affirm that in His incarnation, life, death, resurrection, and care for humanity lies the climax of history, of our lives, and of our churches.
Thirdly, the Scriptures are what narrate this story of God coming to our rescue, giving meaning, purpose, and redemption to our existence. They are the means through which we come to know this God who has revealed Himself and invites us to walk with Him.
These three foundational elements—the Trinity, Jesus as the center, and the Scriptures—are what should truly unite us. Along with the Canon, we have the Creed, an ancient text that predates our divisions and offers guidance on the essentials of our faith. As has been said many times throughout history: “In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, love.” This is what we must remember. Despite our differences, these three essential foundations unite us, and in that diversity, we can enrich one another, learning from each other in the plurality of the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12).
For this reason, we also deeply value our identity as part of a historic Christian tradition. Being part of this tradition allows us several things. First, it places us in a family of faith where we support one another in the shared goal of glorifying Christ. Second, it lends seriousness to our community, as we are not self-appointed individuals but have been recognized as fit for this service. And third, it allows us to contribute with the emphases we believe are beneficial to the Body of Christ, helping to build it up.
Free Methodists are, above all, a people of the Kingdom. However, throughout the history of the Church, God has raised up various movements like ours to enrich the Body of Christ.
— Book of Discipline, Free Methodist Church, 2023
We believe in one God,
the Father Almighty,
Maker of heaven and earth,
of all things visible and invisible.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ,
the only-begotten Son of God,
begotten of the Father before all ages;
Light of Light,
true God of true God,
begotten, not made,
of one substance with the Father,
through whom all things were made;
who for us and for our salvation
came down from heaven,
and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary,
and became human;
who for our sake was crucified under Pontius Pilate,
suffered, and was buried,
and rose again on the third day
in accordance with the Scriptures;
and ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father;
and he shall come again in glory
to judge the living and the dead;
his kingdom shall have no end.
And in the Holy Spirit,
the Lord and giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father;
who with the Father and the Son
together is worshiped and glorified;
who spoke through the prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen.
— Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed (AD 381)
