What is an Evangelical Methodist Church?

by Ruth Ashton

Overview

John Wesley founded the Methodist church in 18th-century England. During the early 20th century, the founders of the Evangelical Methodist Church (EMC) were disturbed by changes in the Methodist Church's teachings. They believed that true Methodism must be preserved.

What is an Evangelical Methodist Church?
History

The EMC is a denomination formally organized by Dr. J.H. Hamblen in 1946 in Memphis, Tennessee.

Basic Tenets

EMC has several basic teachings (see link in Resources). These include the beliefs that the Holy Bible is the inspired word of God, that people must be "born again," people go to heaven or hell when they die and that Jesus will return to earth to redeem his church.
Sacraments

The EMC requires two sacraments, baptism and Holy Communion. The method of baptism is left up to the believer.
Church Governance

The EMC uses the congregational-connectional system of church government. This allows each church the freedom to set its own budget, make final decisions about choosing pastors and operate with no "coercive hierarchical pressure." The denomination exists as an "umbrella, resource, encouragement and stimulus" for local churches (see link in Resources).
Statistics

EMC has 8,615 members in 106 churches located in 27 states and 20 countries (see link in Resources).
Mission

The EMC currently has 30 missionaries stationed in 15 countries. Its main mission projects are located in Mexico and Myanmar and include plans for church repairs and construction and a new conference center.