84%
Confidence
Belief overview
Mission to transform persons and society
The tradition unites evangelization, discipleship, compassion, and moral and social reform.
4
Supportive
0
Contrary
0
Neutral
What it is: Methodism understands its mission as the formation of disciples and the transformation of human life in personal, communal, and social dimensions.
How the tradition understands it: Evangelization, sanctification, education, justice, mercy, and public action can go together. Personal conversion does not eliminate social responsibility; on the contrary, it tends to broaden it.
Basis and context: This synthesis between interior renewal and social impact is an important part of the Methodist legacy.
Debates and variations: Methodist churches differ in political and missionary emphases, but generally maintain strong public vocation.
Documentary evidence
Supportive
Galatians 5:6
Faith working through love.
Reference: Galatians 5:6.
Content: Paul speaks of faith working through love.
Use in debate: It is very fitting for the Methodist language of sanctification and active love.
John Wesley, General Rules
The General Rules summarize Methodist discipline in avoiding evil, doing good, and attending upon the ordinances of God.
Reference: John Wesley, General Rules.
Content: The text directs Methodists to do no harm, do good, and attend upon the ordinances of God.
Use in debate: It is foundational for social holiness, discipline, and Methodist practice.
UMC.org, The Wesleyan Means of Grace
An official text on the means of grace and their division into piety and mercy.
Reference: UMC.org, The Wesleyan Means of Grace.
Content: The material explains works of piety and works of mercy as practices through which God strengthens faith.
Use in debate: It is a central source for the means of grace and social holiness.
William Booth and the Wesleyan Social Legacy
Though connected to a later movement, Booth expresses a social unfolding of the Wesleyan ethos.
Reference: The historical development of social movements with a Wesleyan matrix.
Content: The Methodist ethos strongly influenced works of mercy, urban evangelization, and social reform in many contexts.
Use in debate: It functions as a broader historical support for social holiness and public mission.