Bethel Methodist Church of Irving

Amidst the vibrant tapestry of Dallas, Texas, stands the Bethel Methodist Church of Irving. It’s a place where faith and history intertwine. The Bethel Methodist Church of Irving isn’t just a building. It’s a testament to the enduring power of belief. It’s located at 32.8201287 latitude and -96.9763953 longitude, nestled at an elevation of 152 feet. The Bethel Methodist Church of Irving is a Methodist denomination deeply rooted in the Wesleyan-Holiness movement. Its story began in 1989, not as a new creation, but as a separation. A group of five ministers, led by Reverend Arthur Slye Jr., parted ways with the Evangelical Methodist Church. This separation stemmed from theological differences that had been simmering since the mid-1970s. These disagreements centered around fundamental beliefs concerning God, humanity, sin, and salvation. The theological disputes culminated in what some called a “heresy trial” involving Reverend Slye. After much deliberation, these five ministers decided to establish their own church, the Bethel Methodist Church of Irving. The official incorporation took place in Texas on February 27, 1989. The first services were held on Easter Sunday, March 24, 1989, marking a new chapter in their spiritual journey. The Bethel Methodist Church of Irving embraces core Wesleyan-Holiness doctrines. They believe in the possibility of backsliding and uphold the Arminian view of free will. Interestingly, they extend this concept of free will to God, asserting that God has the power to lie but chooses not to due to his divine nature. The church prefers baptism by sprinkling or pouring, rejecting both immersion and infant baptism. The Bethel Methodist Church of Irving’s governance is primarily congregational, while adhering to a denominational constitution and bylaws. It’s a vibrant community, bound by shared beliefs and a commitment to their faith.