Who We Are
Fairview Methodist Church is a member of the Association of Independent Methodists (AIM). We are a locally governed body of believers who affirm the truthfulness of scripture, and who commit themselves to “methods” that encourage growth in loving God more and loving others better.
Why Methodist?
The story of Methodism begins at Oxford University in 1729, when a small group of students formed what was called the “Holy Club.” Among them were John and Charles Wesley and George Whitefield. They gave themselves to a strict pattern of life: reading the Bible daily, praying regularly, fasting, receiving the Lord’s Supper often, and caring for the poor. Their classmates mocked them for being so rigid and called them “Methodists” because of their methods of discipline. But what was once a nickname of insult soon became a name of honor, describing people who were serious about living holy lives.
The early Methodists were devoted Anglicans who made full use of the church’s liturgy—that is, the ordered service of Scripture, prayers, hymns, and the Lord’s Supper. They believed holiness required both the shared worship of the Church and the personal devotion of the believer. Their “methods” included not only personal disciplines like prayer, fasting, and Bible study, but also liturgical practices such as frequent communion, participation in the daily offices, and singing psalms and hymns together. From the beginning, both liturgical piety (the work and practices of the people in worship) and personal piety (the work and practices of faith in daily life) were central to Methodist identity.
The goal of these methods was always holiness. Holiness means being set apart for God—living in a way that reflects His love, purity, and truth. Methodists believed that holiness is not achieved in our own strength, but by God’s grace, which He gives through His Word, His Spirit, and His Church.
At Fairview Methodist, we continue in this way. We believe that God first shapes us through His worship—the liturgy—and from there He sends us to live faithfully in our personal lives. To be Methodist means to order our lives around these methods, letting God’s grace form us into a people of holiness and love.
Truth.
At Fairview Methodist Church, our weekly sermons are more than messages—they are pathways to Christlikeness. Rooted in the rich truths of the lectionary readings, each sermon provides practical, life-transforming lessons that guide us in living out our faith. Join us as we journey through Scripture, uncovering God’s redemptive story and learning how to reflect the love and grace of Christ in our daily lives.
Meet the Pastor
Rev. Bruce Grimmet holds a B.A from the University of Carson Newman, an M.A. in Christian Education from Wesley Biblical Seminary, and is currently enrolled in the D.Min program at Knox Theological Seminary pursuing a dissertation in the field of Theological Exegesis.
His ministry calling is to preach and teach the Word of God in order to equip those who are being saved to Love God more and love others better. His life testifies to God’s resurrection power that brings life from death, restores what has been lost, and empowers to live life as God intended.
