Independent Methodist Connexion
Encyclopedia
The Independent Methodist Connexion is a British group of Non-Conformist
congregations that have their roots in the 18th century revival.
. Annual Meetings and exchange of preachers constituted the only tangible link between the churches for many years. Of the early leading figures, the most prominent was Peter Phillips of Warrington; he is generally regarded as the denomination’s founding father. By trade he was a chairmaker, but as an unpaid minister and preacher he travelled a wide area of the country and was instrumental in the affiliation of many churches to the Connexion during a period of over 50 years.
Though some of the early congregations used the title Independent Methodists
, there were many other names: for example, Free Gospel Church, Christian Lay Church, Christian Brethren, Gospel Pilgrims and Quaker Methodists. It was not until 1898 that the Annual Meeting finally chose the name Independent Methodist.
influence was prevalent among some early Independent Methodist, many of whom adopted the Quaker plainness of speech and dress. The absence of any distinction between clergy and laity in the denomination owes much to the Quaker view of church and ministry.
The ‘independent’ or ‘congregational’ concept of government, whereby the local church is autonomous of a central body and responsible for its own affairs, also played a part in the formation of the denomination. During the 19th century, the denomination expanded, though mainly remaining in the North of England. Its churches were often located in industrial areas amongst the poorest of the population. They became very active in education, temperance work and the relief of poverty.
Today, though the denomination is smaller than it once was, many churches continue to have a vigorous witness in the communities where they are found. Often they are involved with other churches in local evangelistic work and some have sent out missionaries to serve overseas.
At he beginning of 2005 the Independent Methodist Connexion and the Baptist Union of Great Britain
entered into a partnership.
Nonconformism
Nonconformity is the refusal to "conform" to, or follow, the governance and usages of the Church of England by the Protestant Christians of England and Wales.- Origins and use:...
congregations that have their roots in the 18th century revival.
Origins
Their first chapels came into being in the north-west of England and met together for the first time in 1806 at ManchesterManchester
Manchester is a city and metropolitan borough in Greater Manchester, England. According to the Office for National Statistics, the 2010 mid-year population estimate for Manchester was 498,800. Manchester lies within one of the UK's largest metropolitan areas, the metropolitan county of Greater...
. Annual Meetings and exchange of preachers constituted the only tangible link between the churches for many years. Of the early leading figures, the most prominent was Peter Phillips of Warrington; he is generally regarded as the denomination’s founding father. By trade he was a chairmaker, but as an unpaid minister and preacher he travelled a wide area of the country and was instrumental in the affiliation of many churches to the Connexion during a period of over 50 years.
Though some of the early congregations used the title Independent Methodists
Methodism
Methodism is a movement of Protestant Christianity represented by a number of denominations and organizations, claiming a total of approximately seventy million adherents worldwide. The movement traces its roots to John Wesley's evangelistic revival movement within Anglicanism. His younger brother...
, there were many other names: for example, Free Gospel Church, Christian Lay Church, Christian Brethren, Gospel Pilgrims and Quaker Methodists. It was not until 1898 that the Annual Meeting finally chose the name Independent Methodist.
Denominational Distinctiveness
In addition to their Wesleyan heritage, QuakerReligious Society of Friends
The Religious Society of Friends, or Friends Church, is a Christian movement which stresses the doctrine of the priesthood of all believers. Members are known as Friends, or popularly as Quakers. It is made of independent organisations, which have split from one another due to doctrinal differences...
influence was prevalent among some early Independent Methodist, many of whom adopted the Quaker plainness of speech and dress. The absence of any distinction between clergy and laity in the denomination owes much to the Quaker view of church and ministry.
The ‘independent’ or ‘congregational’ concept of government, whereby the local church is autonomous of a central body and responsible for its own affairs, also played a part in the formation of the denomination. During the 19th century, the denomination expanded, though mainly remaining in the North of England. Its churches were often located in industrial areas amongst the poorest of the population. They became very active in education, temperance work and the relief of poverty.
Today, though the denomination is smaller than it once was, many churches continue to have a vigorous witness in the communities where they are found. Often they are involved with other churches in local evangelistic work and some have sent out missionaries to serve overseas.
At he beginning of 2005 the Independent Methodist Connexion and the Baptist Union of Great Britain
Baptist Union of Great Britain
The Baptist Union of Great Britain, despite its name, is the association of Baptist churches in England and Wales. -History:...
entered into a partnership.
Further reading
- John A. Dolan (2005) "The Independent Methodists", James Clark & Co (The Lutterworth Press), 320pages, ISBN 0 227 67983 0.