What is the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church?

Historical Roots and Development

The Christian Methodist Episcopal Church traces its formal beginnings to December 16, 1870, in Jackson, Tennessee. Originally known as the Colored Methodist Episcopal Church, it was formed by formerly enslaved believers and African American members separated from the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. This separation was partly due to the social and racial context following the American Civil War. In 1954, the denomination officially adopted the name “Christian Methodist Episcopal Church” to reflect its Christ-centered mission and broader membership base.

Throughout its history, this denomination has emphasized both spiritual renewal and social uplift. Early leaders established schools and colleges in cooperation with philanthropic groups to assist communities affected by the hardships of slavery and its aftermath. Many of the church’s earliest congregations were instrumental in advancing education, literacy, and vocational training, continually pointing back to the scriptural call to care for those in need (cf. James 1:27: “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and undefiled is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress…”).

Name and Identity

“Christian” underscores a commitment to faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. “Methodist” reflects the Methodist heritage rooted in the theology of John and Charles Wesley, emphasizing personal holiness, social morality, and an active response to grace. “Episcopal” designates a form of governance led by bishops. This name change in 1954 also broadened the church’s self-understanding, highlighting its inclusivity and desire to serve believers of all racial and ethnic backgrounds, while honoring its strong African American heritage.

Core Doctrines and Beliefs

The Christian Methodist Episcopal Church holds firmly to the authority of Scripture as central for faith and practice. Drawing on the Wesleyan emphasis of “Scripture first,” it stresses the critical place of biblical teaching for guiding Christian living (2 Timothy 3:16: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness…”).

Like other Wesleyan bodies, the CME Church teaches the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—as one eternal God (cf. Matthew 28:19: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit…”). It upholds that salvation is wrought by faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 10:9) and affirms the historic doctrines of the Christian faith, including the bodily resurrection of Christ (Luke 24:6–7) and the hope of eternal life for those who believe.

Worship Practices and Liturgy

Worship in the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church typically follows a structured, Methodist-style liturgy. Congregations often use hymnals inspired by John and Charles Wesley’s legacy of hymn-writing and feature sermons grounded in biblical exposition.

Two sacraments are celebrated as ordained by Christ in Scripture:

• Baptism, signifying entrance into the church and the washing away of sin (Matthew 3:13–17).

• The Lord’s Supper (Holy Communion), commemorating Christ’s sacrifice and serving as a means of grace (1 Corinthians 11:23–26).

Music and preaching are central elements of corporate gatherings, reflecting a blend of traditional Methodist patterns and vibrant expressions of faith rooted in African American heritage. Services often end with an invitation for prayer and response, reflecting the belief that every worship gathering should be a time of spiritual renewal.

Polity and Governance

The church follows an episcopal structure. Bishops lead Annual Conferences, which oversee local congregations’ administrative and spiritual health. The General Conference, meeting every four years, establishes policies, governs doctrinal matters, and sets direction for denominational ministries.

This structure allows broader accountability and unity among congregations, mirroring the organizational pattern seen in the early church’s collaborative leadership (cf. Acts 15:1–2). Pastors are typically appointed to their congregations by bishops, who consider the needs of both church and clergy.

Missional Focus and Community Involvement

From its inception, the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church has demonstrated a strong commitment to outreach, education, and social empowerment. Many local CME congregations sponsor community programs such as literacy initiatives, tutoring for youth, health clinics, and fellowship meals, following Christ’s call to serve (Matthew 25:35–36).

Additionally, the denomination continues to invest in colleges, theological institutions, and scholarship programs. In each ministry area, church members strive to respect the dignity of every individual as created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). This emphasis on both spiritual growth and social uplift remains a defining hallmark.

Scriptural Foundation and Theological Emphasis

The Christian Methodist Episcopal Church’s teachings reflect the broader Wesleyan-Arminian tradition, underscoring God’s grace, human free will, and the believer’s responsibility to respond to divine grace. Leaders regularly encourage congregants to grow in sanctification—a process of maturing in love and holiness—consistent with passages such as 1 Thessalonians 4:3 (BSB: “For it is God’s will that you should be holy…”).

The CME Church affirms Scripture to be consistent and historically reliable—backed by a plethora of manuscript traditions and documented textual evidence. This emphasis on biblical authority is viewed as indispensable for guiding believers in righteous living, growing in personal devotion, and spreading the gospel message as Christ commanded (Matthew 28:19–20).

Conclusion

The Christian Methodist Episcopal Church stands as a vibrant denomination marked by its Wesleyan heritage, episcopal governance, and strong commitment to spiritual renewal and social uplift. From its 1870 origin among formerly enslaved believers to its present-day focus on global missions, the CME Church maintains Scripture as its bedrock, testifying to God’s saving grace through Jesus Christ.

By celebrating the sacraments, honoring the call to both personal holiness and active service, and placing Christ’s love at the center of all ministry endeavors, this denomination continues to serve communities with a hopeful message that echoes the unity and mission entrusted to the church from the earliest days (Ephesians 4:4–6).