In the eighteenth century a man called John Wesley started a movement that eventually became the Methodist Church. He and a group of friends met together regularly for Bible study, prayer and Holy Communion.

John Wesley (1703–91) in his “Rule of Conduct,” said: Do all the good you can, By all the means you can, In all the ways you can, In all the places you can, At all the times you can, To all the people you can, As long as ever you can.

A lot of people went to church out of habit, but the “Methodists” believed that religion should come truly from the heart, and that it had to make a difference to the way you lived your life.

When Methodists are 'confirmed' and become full members of the church, they make promises similar to all Christian churches. These are the same promises that are made when someone is baptised:

To turn away from evil and all that denies God
To turn to God, trusting in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, and in the Holy Spirit as helper and guide

The Church exists to:

Increase awareness of God's presence and to celebrate God's love
Help people to grow and learn as Christians through mutual support and care
Be a good neighbour to people in need and to challenge injustice
Make more followers of Jesus Christ

Methodist worship is quite varied, but generally there will be:

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 of Jesus to life today

You will be very welcome in a Methodist church, whoever you are and however life has treated you.

Don't worry if you have a lot of doubts and questions about God and Christianity. You will find that all people who go to church have a mixture of joy and pain, struggles and achievement in our lives.

Christians find church a place where we can be honest with God and with ourselves, and get support from others as we face the demands of everyday life.

We are all on the same journey of faith – none of us is perfect.

If you are not sure but think you would like to be then click here to find out how.