We are a Free Methodist Church, part of a global movement committed to preaching and living in the truth and freedom found in Christ. We value our heritage and traditions, and are thankful for the strong biblical foundations and passion for freedom in Christ that the Free Methodist Church represents.
We Value Seven Contemporary Expressions of our Historic Freedoms:
- Freedom of all races to worship together in unity.
- Freedom for the poor to be treated with dignity in the church and with justice in the world.
- Freedom for women and men to be treated respectfully and use their gifts equally in the church, in the home, and in the world.
- Freedom for laity to be fairly represented in the governing bodies of the church.
- Freedom from spiritual, political, social or conceptual alliances that compromise or subvert the exclusive allegiance we profess to Jesus Christ.
- Freedom to engage in worship that is moved and inspired by the Holy Spirit.
- Freedom from sin’s power through full surrender to God.
We Are Deeply Rooted in Historic Methodism.
The Free Methodist Church was birthed in 1860 when Benjamin Titus Roberts, a pastor in the Methodist Episcopal Church, could no longer serve in harmony with their practices. B.T. Roberts observed that no church could support slaveholding, rent seats in the church, withhold women from full service in the church, and quench the movement of the Holy Spirit in public worship. Therefore he promoted freedom for all people from slavery, free seats in every house of worship, freedom for women to serve in all roles in the church including pastoral ministry, and freedom for the Holy Spirit to move in public worship.
What We Believe
Willard Renew Church aligns with the historic Christian faith and the core beliefs summarized here. A few foundational points include:
- God — We believe in one God, eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
- Jesus Christ — We believe that Jesus Christ is fully God and fully human. Through His life, death, and resurrection, He offers salvation to all who believe.
- The Holy Spirit — We believe the Holy Spirit works actively in the world today, guiding, convicting, empowering, and transforming believers.
- The Bible — We believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God, the trustworthy authority for our faith and daily living.
- Salvation — We believe salvation is a gift of God’s grace, received through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.
- The Church — We believe the Church is the Body of Christ, called to worship God, nurture believers, and serve the world.
- Living Faithfully — We are called to live lives of love, holiness, and service, demonstrating Christ’s presence in every part of life.
For a deeper look at our shared faith, explore more here: What the FM Church Believes. We would love for you to join us this Sunday and explore your next step on your journey of faith, hope, and renewal!