As we kick off a new sermon series called “Wesleyan Rooted,” I want to take a moment to unpack what that means for all of us. For some of you familiar with denominations and theological traditions, especially Methodism, the term “Wesleyan” might ring a bell. But for those who aren’t as familiar, it may sound foreign.
So, what does Wesleyan tradition mean? For the next five weeks, we’ll explore the roots, traditions, and the way we interpret the Bible that shape who we are as a church. The heart of this journey is to understand what makes our community unique—what sets us apart while still staying grounded in the teachings of Christ.
What Kind of Church is This?
I often hear people say, “I’ve never seen a church like this,” or, “I’ve never seen a church so outward-focused.” That’s one of the best compliments we can receive. We’re a church that strives to be a light in the world, acknowledging our imperfections while embracing our diversity. Here at The Gathering Place, we live and worship together with Temple Beth David, learning what it means to be children of God, even across different faiths. We’re not just about extending God’s love inside the walls of our church but into our community and beyond.
Our Mission: Extending God’s Redeeming Love
Our mission is simple: To extend God’s redeeming love. And yes, while Jesus is at the center of everything we do, we are called to share God’s love in tangible ways with everyone—no boundaries, no conditions. It’s not about winning arguments or proving who’s right. It’s about creating space for God to work in each of our lives, wherever we are in our journey.
Embracing the Tensions
We live in a world full of tensions—whether political, theological, or social. And some churches teach us how to fight those tensions. But here at The Gathering Place, we ask a different question: How can we embrace those tensions with love? How can we create an environment where people with differing views—whether progressive or conservative—can live, worship, and serve together?
We want to be a church that helps you build a faith that connects, heals, and builds trust. It’s not about avoiding the hard conversations but learning to appreciate our differences while being rooted in the love of God and love for our neighbor.
Growing in Love and Grace
As we dive deeper into this series, one thing we’ll keep coming back to is the importance of spiritual growth. Growing in love and grace is at the core of who we are. That’s why we talk about spiritual disciplines like prayer, worship, studying scripture, and Holy Communion. These practices help us grow deeper in our faith and remind us that we are continually transformed by God’s love.
Our Wesleyan Heritage
As a United Methodist church, we are heirs to a rich tradition that goes back hundreds of years. The Wesleyan movement was about more than just religious rituals. It was a movement that shaped society, calling people to put their faith into action. Early Methodists were known for their methodical approach to spiritual disciplines, and their commitment to social justice—caring for the poor, visiting the sick, and advocating for the marginalized.
Today, we continue that legacy, challenging ourselves to put our faith into action by addressing the needs of those around us—whether that’s helping the disenfranchised, advocating for the neglected, or simply being a voice of love and compassion in a world that desperately needs it.
A Lifelong Journey of Transformation
The Wesleyan tradition teaches us that transformation is a lifelong journey. It’s not about a single moment of conversion but about continually growing in grace. God’s love meets us right where we are but doesn’t leave us the same. It changes us from the inside out. And it’s a journey that involves both personal growth and social responsibility.
We believe that everyone is on a journey from brokenness to wholeness, and as a church, we’re here to walk that journey with you. Whether you’ve been hurt by the church or are questioning your faith, there’s a place for you here. No part of your life is a waste—God can use every moment, every experience for good.
Moving Forward Together
So as we move forward in this series, I want to invite you to reflect on your own spiritual journey. Are you growing deeper in God’s love and grace? What steps can you take to root yourself more deeply in the love of Christ? Maybe it’s letting go of an old way of thinking, embracing a new practice, or simply opening up to someone about where you’re struggling.
Remember, we’re in this together. There’s no judgment, only grace. And as we grow together in love, we can learn how to be more and more like Jesus, loving God and loving our neighbors without boundaries.
Stay tuned for next week as we explore how to take the Bible seriously in today’s world. Until then, lean into God’s love, and know that wherever you go, God is with you.
We gather every Sunday, 10 AM, at Temple Beth David located at 4657 Hood Rd, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418.
Join us for an uplifting message, a chance to connect with a diverse community, and find encouragement. Childcare is provided. We can’t wait to see you!