Our beliefs

Our church has much in common with the faith of our founders. We share Wesley’s personal faith, which he summarised in his journal, “I felt my heart strangely warmed. I felt I did trust in Christ, Christ alone for salvation, and an assurance was given me that he had taken away my sins, even mine, and saved me from the law of sin and death.”

We share his his convictions regarding the heart of true Christian faith and his concern that religious rituals can sometimes be a barrier to spiritual growth:

I am not afraid that the people called Methodists should ever cease to exist. But I am afraid, lest they should only exist as a dead sect, having the form of religion without the power. And this undoubtedly will be the case, unless they hold fast both the doctrine, spirit, and discipline with which they first set out. What was their fundamental doctrine? That the Bible is the whole and sole rule both of Christian faith and practice… that religion is an inward principle; that it is no other than the mind that was in Christ; or, in other words, the renewal of the soul after the image of God, in righteousness and true holiness… that this can never be wrought in us, but by the power of the Holy Ghost… That we receive this, and every other blessing, merely for the sake of Christ… And that whosoever hath the mind that was in Christ, the same is our brother, and sister, and mother. (Thoughts on Methodism)

Like Wesley, we believe that the truths explored in the stories, poems, hymns and letters of the Bible point us to Jesus as God’s self-revelation, as the mediator between God and all humans, and as “The Way, the truth and the life.” (John 14:6)

Like Wesley we believe that each of us is in need of renewal and transformation away from our self-centered-ness and towards a less selfish identity. As Paul put it, “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5), and “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2)

Like Wesley we recognise that this change requires the power of the Holy Spirit who breathes God’s life into us. Jesus put it this way when talking to a religious leader, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.” (John 3:5-6)

Like Wesley we believe that we are being built into one human family, where jealousy and tribalism fall away. This was what Jesus instructed, “By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one for another.” (John 13:35). It was what Paul preached: “[Christ’s] purpose was to create in himself one new humanity… You are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens … you are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.” (Ephesians 2) And it was what led the Roman historian Tertullian to note, “See how these Christians love one another and how ready they are to die for each other.” (Apologeticaus 39:7)

Nevertheless, much has changed since Wesley’s day. Science provides us with new insights into the wonders of the world around us. Economics provides a different lens upon our society, and globalisation produces new challenges and opportunities. We believe it is our calling to continue to respond to the gospel of God’s love today. This must involve new ways of exploring discipleship, of thinking about human relationships, of gathering to worship and of reaching out to those around us.