About Us
the Bible Methodist Connection of Churches
Our Identity
The Bible Methodist Connection of Churches is a fellowship of churches deeply rooted in the Wesleyan-holiness tradition, a Methodist revival movement founded by John and Charles Wesley. We are Bible-centered, Christ-focused, Spirit-empowered, and mission-driven. Our calling is to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, disciple believers in holy living, and plant and nurture churches that reflect the character and compassion of Christ.
We believe the Bible is the inspired, authoritative Word of God and the foundation for all faith and practice. Our theology is Wesleyan-Arminian, emphasizing God’s prevenient grace, the possibility of full salvation through Jesus Christ, and the believer’s ongoing transformation by the Holy Spirit. Central to our message is the doctrine of entire sanctification—a work of God’s grace that cleanses the heart from sin and empowers the believer for a life of holy love and obedient service.
The term “Connection” reflects our belief in mutual accountability and voluntary partnership among churches and leaders. Our structure allows local congregations to thrive with freedom and responsibility, while staying united in doctrine, mission, and mutual support. We are committed to maintaining a balance between local church autonomy and interdependence within the broader Body of Christ.
As Bible Methodists, we uphold a way of life shaped by holiness of heart and life, humble service, and faithfulness to Scripture. We value vibrant worship, biblical preaching, heartfelt prayer, Spirit-led revival, and strong community rooted in grace and truth.
John Wesley
John Wesley (1703–1791) was an Anglican priest and theologian whose revival preaching and emphasis on personal holiness gave birth to the Methodist movement. His legacy of disciplined discipleship, Spirit-filled living, and practical love for others continues to shape Wesleyan-Holiness churches around the world.
Our History
The Bible Methodist Connection of Churches was born out of a desire to preserve the message and method of early Methodism—a Spirit-filled life grounded in Scripture, personal holiness, and mutual accountability among believers.
In 1967–1968, several churches and ministers withdrew from the Wesleyan Methodist Church in response to its impending merger with the Pilgrim Holiness Church—a union that would form the Wesleyan Church. While many embraced the merger, others expressed concern over what they perceived as growing centralization of authority and a shift away from local congregational freedom. These withdrawing churches united to form the Bible Methodist Connection of Churches, committed to preserving the Wesleyan-Holiness doctrine, biblical fidelity, and a more connectional yet congregational approach to church governance.
From those early beginnings, the Bible Methodist Connection has remained faithful to its founding mission: to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, teach entire sanctification, and promote Christlike living through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Over the decades, the Connection has grown steadily through church planting, discipleship, and partnerships. Significant moments in our development include:
In 1994, the United Holiness Church joined the Connection, uniting under shared beliefs and spiritual values.
In 2019, the Pilgrim Nazarene Church was also received into the Connection, marking another step in the growth and unity of the Wesleyan-Holiness movement.
Through these efforts, our fellowship has grown to over 70 churches across the United States and approximately 100 affiliated congregations overseas.
The Connection now includes four regional conferences—the Heartland, Southern, Southwest, and Great Lakes—each working together in unity while maintaining a degree of local autonomy. Internationally, Bible Methodist Missions supports church planting, theological training, and community development in places like the Philippines, Mexico, Papua New Guinea, South Africa, and other nations.
In all these things, we remain committed to our heritage:
Upholding the authority of Scripture
Proclaiming salvation through Christ and the experience of entire sanctification
Living out biblical holiness in practical, Spirit-empowered ways
Fostering connectional unity without hierarchical control
We give thanks for God’s faithful leading from our founding in the late 1960s to today—and we look forward with hope as we continue to “spread scriptural holiness across these lands.”
Our Beliefs & Theology
Our theological foundation includes:
A high view of Scripture as the final authority
Wesleyan-Arminian theology, centered on prevenient grace and human response
A strong emphasis on entire sanctification, or Christian holiness, as a second work of grace
Our Structure
We are organized into four regional conferences—Southern, Southwest, Heartland, and Great Lakes. These groups participate in an open, connectional system governed by our quadrennial General Conference. This approach preserves local church autonomy while fostering unity and cooperative mission.
What We Do
Partner in local church ministry, youth programs, men’s and women’s ministries, and family discipleship
Host annual regional and youth camps and conferences
Support worldwide missions, theological training, and church planting
Publish the Bible Methodist Magazine
Learn More
- Discover our spiritual heartbeat on the Core Values page
- Get to know our Leadership Team
- Explore each Regional Conference—Southern, Heartland, Southwest, and Great Lakes
Join Us
Whether you’re new to the faith, seeking a church home, or exploring Wesleyan-Holiness teaching, we invite you to connect with our churches. Use the Church Directory to find a congregation near you, or fill out our CONNECT form to get in touch.