Early Catholicism and the United Methodist Church in Zimbabwe

Abstract

This study has been an analysis of the impact of Early Catholicism to the United Methodist Church. The study has employed the following exegetical approaches; social scientific criticism, historical criticism and theological comparative method. It has also used data collection methods which include the designed questionnaire and unstructured interviews. The features of Early Catholicism were elaborated namely; the fading of the Parousia hope or imminent expectation, increasing institutionalization, crystallization of faith into set forms, the preservation of apostolic traditions, formulated creeds and confessions, established worship patterns, normative Christian ethics and distinctive collection of writings. The organizational structure of the United Methodist Church was delineated. The historical background of the church was provided. The constitution of the church was outlined with the following features; general articles, organizational structure, episcopal supervision, the judiciary and the amendments of the constitution. The theological heritages of the church are highlighted namely; basic Christian affirmation, distinctive Wesleyan emphasis, justification and perfection, mission, service and nurturing. The articles of religion of the United Methodist were also elaborated namely; faith in the Holy Trinity, sufficiency of the Holy Scriptures for salvation, the original sin and free will, justification of men, the sacraments, sanctification, Holy Spirit and perfection. The doctrinal standards or methods of doing theology namely; scripture, tradition, experience and reason are elaborated. Wesley believed that the living of core of the Christian faith was reviewed in scripture, illuminated by tradition, vivified in personal experience and confirmed by reason. The study also explores the mission and ministry of the church which encompasses the ministry of all Christians, servant leadership, servant ministry, call to inclusiveness, the fulfilment of ministry and methods of organizing a new church. The United Methodist is a well organized church with social principles namely; the natural world, the social creed, the nurturing, social, economic and world communities. The duties and responsibilities of pastors, bishops and district superintendents are well defined and summarised in the fourfold ministry of sacrament, word, service and order. The study also provides the administrative committees and boards of the United Methodist Church. The liturgical calendar is also elaborated namely; advent, Christmastide, epiphany, lent, Ash Wednesday, Palm Sunday and other special Sundays. Two sacraments of the United Methodist Church are stressed, Holy Communion and baptism. The study also provides rules and regulations that deal with church property. All tittles are held in trust, the emphasis is on compliance with the law, and church’s financial books should be audited. The church has its own ways of dealing with disputes, trails and appeals through the judicial council. An evaluation of the impact of Early Catholicism to the life and ministry of the United Methodist Church in Zimbabwe is provided. It was observed that the United Methodist Church adopted many features from Early Catholicism which includes its organizational structure, creeds and confessions, worship patterns and crystallization of faith into set forms. Finally, recommendations were made focusing ways to improve the organizational structure of the United Methodist Church.