FM History & Polity – Assignment 2

Post a reflection on your reading of B.T. and Ellen Roberts and the First Free Methodists by Howard Snyder and Abridged by Daniel V. Runyon.  Don’t for to come back by Friday to post comments on at least three of your fellow classmates posts.

20 Responses to “FM History & Polity – Assignment 2”

  1. Shawn Pierce says:

    It’s kinda cool to find out that the free Methodist church was birthed right in our own back yard. What is now known as Gowanda New York. I’ve been through there and only recently learned about all this. But I’m also noticing the pattern between this book and the last and how Weslyan principals were inter weaved into the Free Methodist Church and why they are still practiced today. Then Mrs. Roberts and her convictions, preaching, and organization and how God also used those as an important role into the movement as well! There is so much here that I may have to read it a second time to make sure I didn’t miss anything.

    • Dan Robinson says:

      We actually talk a lot of about this! It is amazing to me that this isn’t something that is well known. I had no clue until Rich spoke about it on a ride to Gowanda Harley for our microchurch. Very neat to see that this type of history and shaping happened in our “backyard”. I also find it interesting following faith that formed within our area. Religion and those who shaped it always seems so “far away” and unrelatable but seeing that its right outside the door is very interesting.

    • Pamela Truesdale says:

      I agree that it is pretty cool that all of these events took place so close to home.

    • Tom Werstler says:

      I was also amazed by the “closeness” of all these things leading to the birth of the Free Methodist Church. A revival service in Portville, NY really brought it home how close to us this all happened.

  2. Sue Palz says:

    I was impressed how B.T.Roberts opposed and stood his ground against the New School Methodists teachings to the point of being expelled from the denomination. They changed from “faith to works” and sanctification to justification.” He fought against the corruption and greed, how they were favoring certain demographics, and still participating in slavery.
    Historically “the Free in free Methodist stood for freedom from slavery, oppression and racial discrimination.” It went on to include “free seats and freedom of the Spirit.” Roberts mirrored John Wesleys teachings and “old school Methodists” open worship and the presence of the Holy Spirit. I love the fact he went back to the first century type church! I also think its pretty cool that this happened in our own backyard,

    • Pamela Truesdale says:

      I too was impressed at Roberts boldness and bravery at standing against those who opposed him. He chose to fear the Lord rather than man. It’s my prayer to stand for God no matter the cost and reading this book is inspiring and encouraging.

    • Shawn Pierce says:

      Definitely very bold, faithful, and God fearing individuals! Free to me spells out to me when Christ said love each other as I have loved you.

    • Tom Werstler says:

      When I read about the people in the church adorned in feathers and jewelry, I wondered if they had even read how Jesus lived life on earth? My heart was saddened to see how much of a struggle it was to develop a “free” church. The Scripture reference to white washed tombs came to mind. Help me Lord to never been given to pride and haughtiness.

  3. Dan Robinson says:

    I had to re-write this after my first copy did not save well and file said it was corrupt…so here is another try!

    B.T. and Ellen Roberts were instrumental in the founding of the Free Methodist Church in the mid-1800s. B.T. Roberts, in particular, was a key figure in the movement, serving as the first bishop of the denomination. He was known for his strong beliefs in the importance of holiness and the need for social justice within the church. Ellen Roberts, on the other hand, played a significant role in the early growth and development of the Free Methodist movement, supporting her husband in his ministry and serving as a strong advocate for women’s rights within the church.

    This book highlights the struggles and challenges faced by B.T. and Ellen Roberts as they sought to establish a church that upheld their beliefs in holiness and social justice. The book explores the various theological and practical issues that the couple encountered in their efforts to create a church that was true to their convictions. It also delves into the societal context in which the Free Methodist movement emerged, showing how the principles of the movement were shaped by the cultural and social realities of the time.

    Overall, this book provides a comprehensive overview of the lives of B.T. and Ellen Roberts and their contribution to the Free Methodist movement. Through their dedication and commitment to their beliefs, the couple paved the way for the development of a church that has continued to uphold the principles of holiness and social justice to this day. Their story serves as a reminder of the importance of standing firm in one’s convictions and working towards positive change within the church and the wider society.

    • Shawn Pierce says:

      It was definitely interesting to see how they both ministered in the church in their own ways. We see a lot of that today with husbands and wives co leading ministry, and it definitely warms the heart.

    • Pamela Truesdale says:

      I appreciated that the book also talked about the struggles they faced and how they turned to God to get through those struggles, particularly in the loss of two of their children. I have wrestled with how I would handle losing one of my children, particularly because they are older and not following Christ. Their story helps reiterate the fact that God always gives the amount of grace we need in whatever we face. It is a story of faith being possible even in the most difficult of circumstances.

      • Tom Werstler says:

        I found Ellen’s honesty about her struggles refreshing. Reading books where everyone just seems to have it all together make me wonder about my own faith. The diary entries and letters reinforce that we all struggle now and again.

        • Sue Palz says:

          I also admire her honesty about her struggles. They were faithful followers that still turned and depended on the Lord.

  4. Pamela Truesdale says:

    One of the things most impactful to me in the book B.T. and Ellen Roberts and the First Free Methodists was their commitment to wholeheartedly serving God, holiness, and dying to self. I really enjoyed reading this book and following their lives. I liked that they put excerpts from their journals and you got to really see who they authentically were. Their heart for righteousness makes me excited and motivates me to seek to follow Christ even more closely. I have been praying for the Spirit of the Fear of the Lord to fall upon us and that the members of our churches would have a hunger for righteousness. I see the lukewarmness and just the unhealthiness of the body in general and I desire to see revival within the body. I honestly did not know much about the history of Free Methodists, but I’m excited to see that I align very well with their desire for holiness and to reach the lost and downtrodden.

    • Shawn Pierce says:

      I struggled getting into this book at first. But about half way through was when I really started connecting with it. It’s neat to see how we get to praise and worship as we do today just because someone stood up for the “little guys!” I would like to read their other book as well to learn some more!

    • Dan Robinson says:

      I apologize for the tardiness of my reply!

      Hi Pam,

      I felt the same way about how they were 100% committed to God no matter what that looked like or what came along with it. I often feel sometimes we, as people who serve, get caught in the corporate machine and forget about truly doing those things for God rather than to make church happen. I find that i do most of my learning and growing in the home churches i attend during the week because I am unplugged and not “doing church” rather experience the Holy Spirit.

  5. Sue Palz says:

    I understand your struggle. I’m also struggling with the lukewarmness and the worldliness that is present today in churches. I’m in agreement with you that we need to see revival. Like Wesley and Roberts maybe we have to be the catalyst! That’s been on my heart.

    • Tom Werstler says:

      The struggle is real! Sometimes I look around me at work and think “Am I the only Christian here?” Then God reminds me of the filthy pit he drew me out of. It then gives me a different perspective on the people I meet every day.

  6. Tom Werstler says:

    BT and Ellen Roberts

    Reflections

    1.) Surprised by Ellen’s insecurity regarding her level of Faith, many examples of her “grieving” her lack of “closeness” to God.
    2.) Both Ellen and B.T’s concern over schooling affecting their relationship with God. – I have sometimes struggled with the “churchiness” of being a member of a denomination.
    3.) Amazed at the frequency of B.T’s preaching, 5 or 6 days a week. Unsure whether this was a common practice.
    4.) The resistance in trying to build a “free” church in Buffalo and the subsequent closure and demolition of the Niagara Street church. The influence and power of “secret societies” in that church coupled with a “minority” that prevented it from happening.
    5.) B.T. Used the derogatory term “safe men” referring to pastors/leaders who valued expediency over doing what was right. Seems to be a lot of that still going on in the church today.
    6.) Reading about B.T. and his admiration of President Lincoln reminded me why he was my favorite president. You could feel the loss in his words at the assassination.
    All in all, the tenacity, boldness, and never back down attitude of B.T. makes me embarrassed by the times I’ve remained silent instead of speaking up. Last but not least, Ellen’s commitment and partnership with her husband is a great example of what a Christian marriage should look like.

    • Sue Palz says:

      I do admire the boldness of Roberts. I wish that I could be bolder about speaking out about my faith. That’s something I pray for. I really don’t understand it because I’m generally an outspoken person and that is a struggle

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