A historical and descriptive introduction. Local practice varies; the examples below are not a judgment of a community’s faithfulness.
When and how it began
The Free Methodist Church formed in 1860 after controversies within the Methodist Episcopal Church’s Genesee Conference. B. T. Roberts was a leading organizer. Early concerns included holiness, opposition to slavery, and free seating rather than rented pews.
Beliefs and practices
Free Methodists emphasize salvation in Christ, sanctification, care for people facing poverty, and Wesleyan discipleship. Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are part of church life.
A typical worship service
Worship may include hymns, prayers, Scripture, preaching, and Communion, with either liturgical or contemporary forms.
What the worship space looks like
An altar or Communion table, pulpit, font, and cross are common; meeting spaces vary widely.
Branches and differences
Conferences and bishops link congregations. Free Methodist is a particular denominational name; it does not mean a congregation has no governing relationships.
Explore related profiles
Sources & further reading
Historical overviews support the account of origins. Official church documents describe the community’s own beliefs and practice.
- Official history or denominational archives ↗
- World Council of Churches · historical overview ↗
- United Methodist Church · John Wesley ↗
- Pew · Denominational classification ↗
- African Methodist Episcopal Church · History ↗
Reviewed September 24, 2026. Broad family descriptions do not settle local policies or every contested point of history.