About First Free Methodist Church

Our local church has been in the Twin Cities since 1907 and in this neighborhood since 1923. Our vision is to be an equipped, outward-focused, culturally diverse fellowship using our resources to demonstrate the love of Christ to our neighbors. Our desire is that each person feel welcome and have opportunities to believe in Jesus for salvation, worship him as God of the universe, and live for him as Lord of our life.

We are part of the Free Methodist Church of North America denomination, whose world ministries center is in Indianapolis, Indiana. The mission of our denomination is "to make known to all people everywhere God’s call to wholeness through forgiveness and holiness in Jesus Christ, and to invite into membership and to equip for ministry all who respond in faith."

Free Methodists trace their heritage back to original Methodism as led by its founder, John Wesley. Methodism spread from England to America in 1784. In 1860, in New York, a group of 1,000 Methodist laymen held several conventions and were joined by evangelical Methodist pastors to form a new denomination. Issues that were important to them included slavery in America. Those who took the name "Free" Methodist opposed slavery. Another issue in that time was the widespread practice of renting and selling church pews, thus separating those who could afford from those who could not. "Free" Methodists called for free seats for all and emphasized tithes and offerings to support the church’s ministries. Freedom in worship, in contrast to deadening formalism, was also important to "Free" Methodists.

Free Methodists strive to be:

Devoted to Christ—we are among those who have experienced spiritual birth through faith in Jesus Christ as explained by Jesus to Nicodemus in John 3:1-17. A personal relationship with Jesus Christ and an obedient walk with Him characterize Free Methodist Christians.

Students of the Bible—The inspired, authoritative Word of God is the basis of faith and we endeavor to live our lives according to its teachings (James 1:22-25).

Seeking to live holy lives—We seek to be filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18) and to exhibit the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

Worshiping Christians—We seek to worship God "in spirit and truth" (John 4:23). Varieties of worship styles may found from church to church, yet, the heart of worship is to glorify God and receive Biblical instruction.

Witnessing Christians—Our goal is to represent Jesus Christ in our daily living. We do this both through the way we live and in sharing the good news of Christ with others.

Global Christians—We take seriously the Great Commission of Jesus (Matthew 28:18-20). Local churches and the denomination’s colleges, universities and seminary programs train and equip men and women for Christian ministry at home and abroad.