Our History

The Renewal Christian Centre was founded in 1972 by David and Molly Carr from the original service where four people were committed to the work.

Over many years the Church continued to grow moving from venue to venue until it eventually found its home on Lode Lane in Solihull. It has since grown to 1500 Partners and has in excess of 50 leaders with over 30 ministries. Through the dedication and committment of those that have served the vision of so many years Renewal continues to grow each week and is still writing its own history.

After being affiliated to the Elim pentecostal Church for many years Renewal was led to join a charismatic Methodist movement founded in the USA known as Free Methodists. Renewal's administration and headquarters are based at the central church in Solihull which is the resource centre for all Renewal's activities. There are currently eight other congregations - Alcester, Birmingham City Centre, Chelmsley Wood, Coventry, Lichfield, Redditch & Bromsgrove, Stratford Upon Avon and Warwick & Leamington. The vision of the church is to open satellites throughout Central England.

Renewal is committed to a relational discipleship programme enabling the leadership to equip the Partners for the work of the ministry. The church has its own Bible Training Centre and a Community Care Programme which provides food, clothing and furniture to those in the community who are facing difficult times.

Renewal is affiliated to the Free Methodist Church of North America and the UK, part of the Solihull Fellowship of Churches and is a member of the Evangelical Alliance.

A little about the Free Methodist Church.

People with a Rich Heritage

As the name implies, Free Methodists trace their heritage back to original Methodism as led by its founder, John Wesley. When Methodism came to America, churches and annual conferences spread across the land. In 1860, in western New York and Illinois, the Free Methodist Church came into being. In New York a group of 1,000 Methodist laymen held several conventions and were joined by evangelical Methodist pastors.

On August 23, 1860, the new denomination came into being. Issues that were important to them included slavery in America. While the mother church did not take a stand, those who took the name "Free" Methodist opposed slavery. Another issue in that time was the widespread practice of renting and selling church pews, thus relegating the poor to benches in the back of the sanctuary. "Free" Methodists called for free seats for all and emphasized tithes and offerings to support the church's ministries.Freedom in worship, in contrast to deadening formalism, was also important to "Free" Methodists. As a result, the newly named Free Methodists sought to maintain the heritage of original Methodism with its warm-hearted, biblical message and lifestyle.

Students of the Bible

The inspired, authoritative Word of God is the basis of faith for Free Methodists. They endeavour to live their lives according to its teachings (James 1:22-25). Their churches offer Bible classes for all ages, preschool through adults, so that all may grow in grace and faith.

Devoted to Christ

Free Methodists are among those who have experienced spiritual birth through faith in Jesus Christ, as explained by Jesus to Nicodemus in John 3:1-17. John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, described his own conversion by saying that when Christ came into his life, "My heart was strangely warmed." The life-changing miracle of spiritual birth makes a Free Methodist, or any other believer, "a new creation" (2 Corinthians 5:17). A personal relationship with Jesus Christ and an obedient walk with Him characterize Free Methodist Christians.

Seeking to Live Holy Lives

As a people, Free Methodists seek to be filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18), exhibit the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and live disciplined lives in accord with the Bible's teachings. The Bible speaks of being "sanctified," which has two meanings: set apart and cleansed. Being set apart unto Christ and cleansed and filled by the Holy Spirit is more than a goal. It is a way of life taught in the Scriptures.

Worshipping Christians

Free Methodists seek to worship God "in spirit and truth" (John 4:23). From church to church, and in multiple services of some local congregations, varieties of worship styles may be found. Yet, the heart of worship is to glorify God and receive biblical instruction.

Witnessing Christians

The goal of Free Methodists is to represent Jesus Christ in their daily living. They do this both through the way they live and in sharing the gospel's good news with others. Not known to be "hard sell" in their witness, they seek to be humble and winsome in showing forth Christ through their lives and lips.

A Belonging People

Free Methodists have planted the church and its Christian witness across the North American continent and around the world in nearly 50 countries. As a Christian denomination, Free Methodists belong to the Lord and to each other, even though they speak many world languages. They also belong to various evangelical interdenominational associations.

Global Christians

Taking seriously the Great Commission of Jesus (Matthew 28:18-20), Free Methodists have gone across the street, into the inner city and around the world with the saving gospel of Jesus Christ. Local churches, followed by the denomination's Christian colleges, universities and seminary programs, train and equip men and women for Christian ministry at home and abroad.

People with a Mission

"The mission of the Free Methodist Church is to make known to all people everywhere God's call to wholeness through forgiveness and holiness in Jesus Christ, and to invite into membership and equip for ministry all who respond in faith."
Written by Bob Haslam

Why the Free Methodists?

Renewal Christian Centre under the leadership of Senior Pastor, Dr. David E Carr became affiliated to the Free Methodist Church of North America and the UK. Dr. David E Carr had served many years with the Pentecostal Church and ministered at various conferences both nationally and internationally. After hearing a word from God which directed David to 'open up old wells' David began to embark on a journey of rediscovering real Christianity as practiced by John Wesley. The Free Methodist Church embraced Scriptural Holiness that focused on character and a sense of Christian social responsibility.

Want more information?

If you would like more information about the Free Methodist Church you can visit their UK web site on http://www.theuk.fm.