Fellowship of Independent Methodist Churches
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The Fellowship of Independent Methodist Churches (FIMC) is a Methodist denomination aligned with the conservative holiness movement that is based in the British Isles, with missions around the world.[1] The history of the Fellowship of Independent Methodist Churches is a part of the larger history of Methodism in the British Isles, with the connexion forming as the result of a number of congregations departing both the Methodist Church in Ireland and the Free Methodist Church in 1973 due to what they perceived as the rise of Modernism in those denominations.[2][3][4] The connexion is theologically conservative, aiming to uphold the original ethos of early Methodism.[5] Though each congregation calls its own minister, a General Council of ministers and laypeople meets monthly to manage the work of the Fellowship of Independent Methodist Churches.[3] Local congregations use the abbreviation "IMC" after their name, e.g. Omagh IMC, representing the full name Omagh Independent Methodist Church.[6] The Fellowship of Independent Methodist Churches adheres to Wesleyan theology, teaching two dominical sacraments, Baptism and Holy Communion, in addition to observing the ordinance of headcovering.[7][8] It promulgates the Methodist doctrines of the New Birth (first work of grace) and entire sanctification (second work of grace).[8][9] A periodical called The Alert is regularly published by the Fellowship of Independent Methodist Churches.[7]
| Fellowship of Independent Methodist Churches | |
|---|---|
Lisnaskea Independent Methodist Church is a local church belonging to the Fellowship of Independent Methodist Churches | |
| Classification | Methodism |
| Orientation | Conservative holiness movement |
| Polity | Connexionalism |
| Origin | 1973 |
| Separated from | Methodist Church in Ireland and Free Methodist Church (1973) |
| Official website | http://www.fimc.info/ |