Since the announcement of its formation in March of 2022, the Global Methodist Church has proclaimed that its mission is “to make disciples of Jesus Christ who worship passionately, love extravagantly, and witness boldly.” In just fourteen words, the challenging and joyful statement is rooted in Scripture, practiced by Christians down through the ages, and grounded in the preaching, teaching, and life of John Wesley and the people called Methodists.
In the Great Commission, Jesus told his followers to “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” But what kind of disciples?
The psalmist calls God’s disciples to “Worship the LORD with gladness,” so our mission calls us to gladly bring our bodies, minds, and souls to the experience of worshipping God passionately! In the Gospels, Jesus calls us to love others extravagantly when he commands us to “Love [our] enemies, and do good to those who hate [us].” And in the New Testament Church, Peter and Paul, and so many other disciples, courageously proclaimed the Gospel to people from all walks of life, setting an example for us to boldly bear witness to the love of God poured into our hearts and minds by the power of His Holy Spirit!
Down through the centuries great leaders of the Church have, by exhortation and example, reminded Christians of their mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ who worship God, love their neighbors and enemies, and bear witness to the life-giving message of the Gospel. When leaders of the Church of England flagged in their zeal for this mission, the Lord raised up Wesley and the people called Methodists.