Is it possible for a church to love people simply and completely? The Detroit Free Methodist Church does. It is a multi-racial group of Christians. They celebrate the diversity of people. The Bible guides them. It says Jesus loved people for who they were. He asked only that they live for God. The Detroit Free Methodist Church strives to do the same.
God blessed the Detroit Free Methodist Church. It became an inner-city congregation. This church family cares for one another. They believe God is their Father. His children are sisters and brothers. There is always room for others.
The Detroit Free Methodist Church wants to serve its community. It is a welcoming church. You are welcome there no matter who you are. You don’t have to dress up to thank The Lord. He has brought you this far. The Detroit Free Methodist Church is a praying church. It has a reputation for getting prayers answered.
Let’s step back to understand the roots of this church. The Free Methodist Church started in 1860. Benjamin Titus Roberts was key. He was a pastor in the Methodist Episcopal Church. Roberts couldn’t agree with some practices. He saw issues with slavery and renting pews. He also wanted women to serve fully. Roberts wanted the Holy Spirit to move freely in worship.
Roberts promoted freedom for all people from slavery. He wanted free seats in every church. He championed women’s roles. He pushed for freedom for the Holy Spirit in worship. The Free Methodist Church was born from these ideals.
The Free Methodist Church aimed for equality. It opposed slavery. It made pews free for all. It valued freedom of worship. It stood against secret societies. The church desired freedom from abuse of authority. It wanted members to experience entire sanctification.
The Free Methodist Church spread quickly. It built churches. It established its work. The church retained the name Methodist. The founders believed they continued authentic Methodism. The word Free was added for key reasons.
In 1910, the Methodist Church acknowledged the wrong done to Roberts. They restored his credentials to his son. Some Holiness conservatives later left. They formed other churches.
The Free Methodist Church has grown. It has members in over 100 countries. The Light & Life Magazine is its official publication. The World Ministries Center is in Indianapolis.
The Free Methodist Church values freedom for all races to worship together. It seeks dignity for the poor. It supports equal treatment for women and men. The church ensures fair representation for laity. It promotes freedom from alliances that compromise allegiance to Jesus. The church encourages worship inspired by the Holy Spirit. It desires freedom from sin through surrender to God.
Today Free Methodists seek the Holy Spirit’s power. They want to see the wounded healed. They hope to see the broken-hearted encouraged. They long for the darkness overcome with Christ’s light. They desire the Kingdom of God to advance.
The Detroit Free Methodist Church embodies these values. It reflects the broader Free Methodist movement. It welcomes all to experience God’s love. It strives for a community of equals. All are free to worship. All are free to serve. The Detroit Free Methodist Church stands as a beacon of faith.