Why the Future of Methodism Must Be Spirit-Filled [Firebrand Panel Video]
***An audio-only version of this conversation is also available on the Firebrand Podcast.***
Methodists are not cessationists. The Wesleyan revival of the 1700s that gave rise to Methodism was brimming with testimonies of the presence of the Holy Spirit moving in power among God’s gathered people. It is no coincidence that John Wesley regularly had to refute accusations of “enthusiasm.” As the Lord used Methodism to renew his church, it did not happen by mere human strategy, but rather by a surrendered posture that allowed for God’s manifest presence to do the work only God can do.
There has been much talk about the future of Methodism in recent years. In particular, with the scheduled 2024 convening conference of the new Global Methodist Church, many are both advocating for and predicting particular futures related to this denomination. I am certainly not one that has any special insight into how Methodism may take shape in the decades to come. However, I am convinced of this: the future of Methodism must be Spirit-filled. If we are to become something more than a dead sect, we must not only make room for the person and work of the Holy Spirit, we must wholeheartedly embrace it as central to our movement.
With this conviction I recently gathered some key Methodist leaders and scholars for a panel discussion on this topic. Panelists include: Dr. David Watson (Academic Dean at United Theological Seminary), Rev. Dr. Carolyn Moore (Founding Pastor of Mosaic Church in Evans, Georgia), Dr. Steve Seamands (Retired professor of Christian Doctrine at Asbury Theological Seminary), and Dr. Pete Bellini (Professor of Church Renewal and Evangelization at United Theological Seminary). All are trusted voices who have shaped the trajectory of the next Methodism, and have wisdom to offer in the things of the Spirit. I hosted the discussion with Maggie Ulmer (Director of Resourcing at Spirit & Truth and Managing Editor for Firebrand).
In this conversation I think you will find an insightful dialogue about the Spirit-filled history of Methodism, how Methodism can offer a balanced view of the supernatural to the larger church, and practical ideas on places to begin making the work of the Spirit more central in our local congregations. I pray it inspires and convicts us Methodists about the real engine of our movement. In the days ahead we cannot scheme our way into vitality. Our world is too broken, sin is too pervasive, and evil is too real for that. We will find our way into growth and vitality only inasmuch as we confess our desperation for God’s power more than our own. If there is to be a future for Methodists, it will not be dissimilar to our roots. It must be Spirit-filled.
Matt Reynolds is the founder and president of Spirit & Truth, a church equipping, resourcing, and missions ministry based in Dayton, Ohio. Firebrand is a ministry of Spirit & Truth.