The Primitive Methodist is a resource for recovering the Anglican and sacramental heart of the Methodist tradition. Rooted in the evangelical faith, disciplined piety, and liturgical inheritance that formed early Methodism, we seek a renewed pan-Methodist identity—one shaped by Scripture, the historic Church, holy communion, baptismal life, and the pursuit of holiness.
In the 21st century, Methodism need not choose between evangelical conviction and catholic depth, personal conversion and sacramental grace, or mission and worship. We believe its original witness calls for all of these: a people formed at the altar, nourished by the means of grace, committed to holiness of heart and life, and sent into the world to proclaim Christ.
Recent Blog Posts
Sacramental Neglect: Do we do what we say we believe?
In the Free Methodist Book of Discipline (2023), the phrase ‘means of grace’ is used 10 times throughout, as it should be as the guiding constitutional document for a denomination in the Methodist tradition. While an actual definition is not found within the BOD (it...
What is a Second Commandment Violation (2CV)?
“You keep using that word; I do not think it means what you think it means.” It is one of the most iconic lines in modern cinema. In The Princess Bride, Inigo Montoya delivers this line in response to Vizzini’s constant use of the word “inconceivable,” a word he...
The Wesleyan Quadrilateral Needs to Stay: A Response to The Wesleyan Quadrilateral Needs to Go
Recently a friend of mine, David Wiesner wrote a fantastic article titled “The Wesleyan Quadrilateral Need to Go”, detailing past and current voices in the Methodist movement, along with his own arguments as to why the term coined by Albert Outler should cease to be a...
Silence: A Christian Movie We Need
I remember watching the movie Silence a number of years ago when it first came out in 2016. At that time in my life, I was still a part of the more fundamentalist church tradition I grew up in, and so the few others I talked to saw it in a negative light. Yet despite...
Ancient Discipleship
There is a lot of buzz in our modern world talking about discipleship. Everywhere you turn there seems to be a new video series, course, or initiative that promises to be the next big thing in discipling the people in your church! And, as often happens with this kind...
Can Christian Be Possessed?
Short answer. No. Long answer. No, and it’s complicated. One of the most fascinating discussions in practical theology is that of deliverance and exorcism. It is an area of practice that is full of fruits and nuts, who do and say kooky things. A lot of...
Never Pray Alone: the Daily Office
Have you ever had those moments when prayer feels lonely? You may be surrounded by people and still feel like you are the only one praying. At other times, the greater struggle is not loneliness but silence—seasons when life weighs so heavily that we do not know what...
A Biblical Theology of Mocking
A few months ago I was accused of mocking. In this particular instance, I would say it was a quick attempt a labeling, a response that it often utilized as a way to write off, and side skirt whatever issue is the topic at hand. In this article we are going to start...
Ep 2: What is a Pastor? (Light in Life Podcast)
Summary of the Podcast Episode This article is an AI generated summary of the Light in Life podcast, which can be listened to HERE This episode of Light in Life asks a simple but searching question: what is a pastor? It argues that pastoral ministry is not mainly...
Book Review: Journey to Reality
What is reality? And if we have lost the picture of it in the Christian context, how do we return? This question and more are handled by Zachary Porcu in this very easy to read and understand, yet deeply profound book. While coming from an Eastern Orthodox...
Hi, my names is Joel
Joel Webb is an ordained Elder in the Free Methodist Church, and as a pastor, theologian, and writer, he explores the intersection of Scripture, historic worship, and spiritual formation through a sacramental worldview. He is committed to helping the Church recover theological depth and faithful worship practices as a means of shaping disciples in a polarized age. Through his preaching, published writings, and podcasts, Joel emphasizes the importance of Scripture in its historical context, the formative power of liturgical tradition, and the call of the Gospel to transform both individuals and communities. He lives with his family and pastors in Eastern Michigan where he enjoys reading, writing, teaching, and engaging in meaningful conversations about faith and culture.
Lead Pastor – Croswell FMC
Joel is lead pastor at Croswell Free Methodist Church. A liturgical and sacramental expression of Free Methodism that seeks to bring the beauty of Christian worship to the modern world.
