Stockton Methodist Circuit

The Methodist Church is a Protestant Church founded in the eighteenth century by John Wesley, his brother Charles and friends in Oxford. They met regularly for Bible study, prayer, Holy Communion and discussions about their faith. It was this ‘methodical’ approach that gave rise to the name 'Methodists'.

John Wesley, who started the movement that eventually became the Methodist Church, believed that faith should come truly from the heart, and that it had to make a difference to how you lived your life. And this remains true today.

With millions of Methodists all across the world, you’ll find Methodist or Partner Churches in countries from Antigua to Russia, and from Australia to Zimbabwe all as part of the wider and greater Methodist family.

Methodists are part of the universal Church of Christ, and bring our own special witness to it. We have always been clear that no-one is beyond the reach of God's love. That love and forgiveness are there for everyone who turns to God, and not just for a chosen few.

​

Through Jesus' death on the cross, and his resurrection, Methodists (along with all Christians) believe that God broke the power of all that is evil, both in the world and in ourselves.

Methodist services are led by a minister, a local preacher or a worship leader. They can range from the formal to the very informal, depending on those leading worship and on the practice of the local church.

However, worship is likely to include:

• enthusiastic singing of hymns and songs (both old and new).

• readings from the Bible in a modern easily understood translation.

• heartfelt prayers which relate to what is going on in the world.

• preaching which applies the gospel (good news or message) of Jesus to life today.

• an opportunity to reflect on our relationship with God.

​

Some services also include Holy Communion (or the Lord's Supper) which recalls Jesus' last supper with his friends on the night before he was crucified. The bread is shared and the 'wine' is drunk, although the 'wine' in a Methodist church is non-alcoholic.