General Notes

In the opening sentences of his gospel, the Apostle John aptly declared Jesus to be “full of grace and truth.” And John was able to be so certain of Christ’s commitment to truth because of His personal testimony before Pontius Pilate; He said that He had come “… into the world to testify to the truth” (John 18:37 nlt).

Linked to such a strong declaration is Jesus’ description of God’s nature in his prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, as He noted to His Father, “… Your word is truth” (John 17: 17). Finally, as if we needed an exclamation point, Jesus literally described the Holy Spirit as “Th e Spirit of Truth,” affi rming that He would be a “guide into all truth” (John 16:13).

In that light, it is an understatement to say that truth is important.

Th e Evangelical Methodist Church came into being in 1946 out of a desire to stand on the side of truth in an era when modernism was rampantly eroding the Methodist church’s commitment to Scriptural Truth. While celebrating the EMC’s 25th anniversary, founder, Dr. J. H. Hamblen spoke to the Conference in 1971, noting that he was often asked, “Why an Evangelical Methodist Church?” When giving his answer, he consistently centered on a relentless desire to defend the truths of Scripture. He affi rmed that he was not angry at anyone, nor did he hold any of the men trying to change his mind as enemies. But God’s truth must be nonnegotiable.

Dr. Hamblen knew that many in his beloved denomination were rejecting the authority of the Bible as God’s inspired Word, and he felt he could no longer tolerate it. Soon after his decision to exit, he heard from others around the country who were feeling the same resolve, and an assembly gathered to discuss the formation of a new, theologically conservative church that would stand for truth upon the authority and inspiration of Scripture. Th e historical section of our Discipline includes this brief notation:

“On May 9, 1946, in the city of Memphis, Tennessee, a small group of preachers and laymen met together for consultation and prayer, endeavoring to cope with the growing apostasy of the church. After long hours of waiting before God in prayer, they felt de nitely led of God to organize the Evangelical Methodist Church.” ~ EMC Discipline ¶11

Th is year, the Evangelical Methodist Church celebrates its 75th anniversary. Th is issue of “Th e Connection” is dedicated to our heritage, our history, and our unswerving commitment to God’s truth.

Th e question of whether we will revere the Scripture as God’s inspired truth has not become less critical. In the 75 years since our founding, most mainline denominations have not tightened their stand on Scriptural authority. Th e reality is fewer and fewer hold an orthodox view, which is why our conservative witness and voice is vital. Truly, the Evangelical Methodist Church is not best described by listing things we are against. Our non-Christian culture does not primarily need a list of sins to avoid - - that’s like giving a dead person a to-do list. No, the most important thing we can do for this dark culture is to ensure that when a person is ready to seek for truth, we have true truth ready to share, not some watered-down version of the gospel that is devoid of the kind of costly discipleship that Jesus modeled and taught by saying that unless we are prepared to take up our cross, we cannot be His disciple. (Luke 14:27)

Th e Evangelical Methodist Church should be known for what we stand for! We believe that Jesus Christ is THE SON OF GOD; that He is indeed the world’s ONLY HOPE; and that just as He said, He is “THE WAY, THE TRUTH, and THE LIFE” (John 14:6); and therefore His Word “IS TRUTH” (John 17:17). Jesus is the founder of the New Testament church, of which we are a small part. Together we have one purpose and vision, that

When Truth is the Critical Issue

is to be faithful disciples and ambassadors of his, carrying the pure Gospel with us into the world.

Th roughout our seventy-fi ve years of history, faithful lay-persons, church leaders, pastors, and denominational leaders have ensured that the denomination has remained faithful to its initial calling, and its commitment to an orthodox view of Scriptural authority.

In this issue, you’ll fi nd an article from Dr. Hamblen’s desk, passionately pressing the issue of truth. He writes, “Th e real battle of Christianity today is whether the Bible is the infallible Word of God …” Sixty-fi ve years from the publishing of those thoughts, our long-time General Superintendent, Dr. Ed Williamson wrote an article for “Th e Connection” in which he makes the very same point: “… Th e public arena does not have a point of reference for truth outside itself [and] when people live like there is no constant, unchanging truth then evil and tyranny fi ll the vacuum. Truth is hijacked by relativism, and destroys churches, cultures, and nations.”

From Dr. Hamblen’s words in 1947 to Dr. Williamson’s in 2012, clearly the issue of truth remains a critical point of commitment for us. And here in 2021, we declare that we will not waver. As you read through the articles of this issue, please celebrate with us our 75 years of commitment to truth. But also celebrate women and men who have faithfully advocated for a vibrant church that isn’t afraid to get its hands dirty … who exemplify a spirit of humble service, loving God and loving people.

Celebrate our being EVANGELICAL. We know that sharing the gospel is mission-critical.

Celebrate our being METHODIST. Without apology, our theology and soteriology is WesleyanArminian. We believe in salvation by faith through grace, and that a sanctifi ed life is accessed by faith as well, not by works, but is the natural outgrowth of a true and inward faith.

Celebrate our being the CHURCH. Th e ekklesia is an organism, not primarily an organization. We are each called to give our time, talent, and treasure as our reasonable service. Th e church is only as alive as its members. Jesus is the head of the church, and we are the body! His work is too critical for us to be lazy about our mission.

Rev. Max Edwards

International General Superintendent