Lumber River Conference of the Holiness Methodist Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lumber River Conference of the Holiness Methodist Church |
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|---|---|
| Classification | Methodism |
| Orientation | Holiness movement |
| Theology | Wesleyan-Arminian |
| Polity | Connexionalism |
| Separated from | Methodist Episcopal Church |
| Congregations | 11 |
The Lumber River Conference of the Holiness Methodist Church is a Christian group. It is part of the Methodist family of churches. This group also belongs to the Holiness movement, which focuses on living a holy life.
Contents
What is the Lumber River Conference?
The Lumber River Conference of the Holiness Methodist Church is a "connexion." This means it's a network of churches that are connected and work together. They share similar beliefs and ways of worship. Their main goal is to help people grow in their Christian faith.
How it Started: A Brief History
The story of the Lumber River Conference is part of the larger history of Methodism in America. It began in a place called Union Methodist Episcopal Chapel.
Early Beginnings in North Carolina
Union Methodist Episcopal Chapel was a church established in 1858. It was located in Robeson County, North Carolina. This church was originally part of the Methodist Episcopal Church. For a while, it was also connected to the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. Later, it rejoined the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Forming the Holiness Methodist Church
On October 26, 1900, an important meeting happened. This meeting took place at the Union Methodist Episcopal Chapel. During this meeting, the Lumber River Mission Conference of the Holiness Methodist Church was officially formed. Its main purpose was to serve Native Americans and African Americans. However, people from all backgrounds have always been welcome. Many members of the Lumbee tribe joined this church group.
What They Believe and Do
Since it began, the Lumber River Conference has kept the original ideas of early Methodism. These ideas include special ways of meeting and learning together.
Important Traditions: Class Meetings
One important tradition they have kept is the "class meeting." In early Methodism, people would meet in small groups called classes. These meetings were for sharing their faith and helping each other. It was a way for members to support each other in their spiritual journey.
Churches and Missions Today
As of 1988, the Lumber River Conference of the Holiness Methodist Church had 11 congregations. These included eight churches and three missions. A mission is like a church plant or a place where they do outreach work.
