WHAT WE BELIEVE
what we’re about
Our island is awash with stories of Celtic monastics establishing communities at the edges of the known world—houses of prayer and hospitality with a radical commitment to Scripture, healing and education. Similarly, the early Methodist movement—and, in particular, the work of Dr Adam Clarke here in Portrush—emphasised an unswerving commitment to holiness of heart and society; indeed, Portrush Methodist Church itself began as a school for children unable to avail of education.
So, holding fast to early Methodist theology and practice, we seek to follow in these pioneers’ footsteps for a 21st century context. The Methodist Church in Ireland has adopted a vision statement that encapsulates much of what we want to be about: “Living wholeheartedly as followers of Jesus for the transformation of the world.”
We are convinced that the gospel of Jesus Christ is genuinely good news for every person, in every place, in every time in history. It is public truth, and it envisages a world of reconciliation: between humanity and creation, one another, and ultimately, God. Come and discover abundant life.
values
-
faithful presence
We follow Jesus by being present to God and one another, even as we know that God is very present with us. We show up in our families, with our friends, at church. We are attentive to the voice of God in our midst through prayer and we practise his presence in our everyday.
-
humble curiosity
We follow Jesus through humble curiosity. We ask questions of God and one another, in Scripture and in Spirit. We foster and furnish creativity through our curiosity: with God and the world around us. We in turn evoke curiosity in the world around us.
-
generous hospitality
We follow Jesus by opening our homes and our lives. We are generous with our resources to create space for others to flourish. Our community should feel like welcome for natives and nomads alike.
-
creation
In the beginning, God created. Five words that invite us into worship, work and wonder. Where we are matters. This is about recognising our context, that we are finite beings, placed on this earth to adore the creator and steward the creation. “The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it.” (Psalm 24:1)
-
humanity
We are all created in the image of God; and, as such, we are invited to recognise the dignity of every human life. At the deepest level, this is about partnering with the Spirit of God to bring hope, healing and restoration to every divine image bearer through relationship to Jesus Christ, the creator and reconciler of all things. As Irenaeus said, “the glory of God is humanity fully alive.”
-
community
We are created in the image of a relational God—to live in community. This challengingly invites us to love one another deeply, demonstrating unity in beautiful diversity so that the world may believe. It also invites us to seek shalom (peace) and reconciliation of communities local and global, and encourages a posture of radical hospitality and advocacy.
methodist distinctives
-
word & spirit
Early Methodism exhibited a radical commitment to Scripture and to the witness of the Spirit—so much so that many Methodist followers were branded “enthusiasts” (an 18th century term for getting a little bit too excited!). The so-called Wesleyan quadrilateral: interpreting faith through the lenses of Scripture, reason, tradition and experience (with primacy given to Scripture) makes space for the supernatural alongside and in the exegetical.
-
holiness
As mentioned above, this was about holiness of the heart (personal transformation) and society (societal transformation). Early Methodists established pharmacies, schools, and micro-loan systems, as well as demonstrating a deep commitment to individual transformation through scripture, prayer and peer discipleship in small groups.
-
unity & partnership
That would be an ecumenical matter. Methodists are known to work with almost anyone to further the cause of the kingdom. Indeed, the Wesleys’ theological influences stretch from Eastern Orthodox and Jesuits to Luther, Calvin and the other Reformers, seeding Methodism’s capacity to see the good in many traditions of the Christian faith.