Our History
From 1,100 Methodists gathered in Jackson, Mississippi in 1965 to a thriving network of self-governing churches across 12 states.
How AIM Got Started
On June 20, 1965, in Jackson, Mississippi, 1,100 Methodists from every district in Mississippi met and approved the organization of an Association of Independent Methodists. This action was taken after fruitless efforts were made to cause the leadership of The Methodist Church to turn from the centralization of ecclesiastical power and the failure of the leadership to give the local church congregation a choice or decision in the matter of church policy. AIM was chartered as a non-profit corporation according to the laws of the State of Mississippi on July 13, 1965.
The founders of AIM left their existing Methodist Churches and formed new Independent Methodist Churches. Because of that great price, the founders of AIM wanted to establish an organization that:
- Holds the Bible in high regard because it is the inspired, inerrant Word of God and authoritative for faith and practice (Bible-based)
- Committed to Christ and His mission (Christ-centered)
- Churches own their own property (No trust clause)
- Methodist in doctrine and hold to historic Methodist beliefs (Methodist)
- Exists to serve and support the local church (Servant heart)
- Churches that govern themselves and do not have decisions and polity made for them (Self-governing)
- Connected to other like-minded churches for support and encouragement (Network of churches)
- No apportionments or required giving percentages (Voluntary giving)
[PLACEHOLDER] Gary's expanded narrative of AIM's founding and growth goes here.
Milestones
Key moments that have shaped AIM's story.
1,100 Methodists from every district in Mississippi meet in Jackson and approve the organization of AIM. Chartered as a non-profit on July 13, 1965.
The AIM Constitution is approved, making AIM an Association of self-governing congregations governed by member churches. Each member church is entitled to one vote.
Launch of AIM's Youth Camps with a Teen Retreat at Lake Tiak O'Kata in Louisville, MS. 83 people attend from 7 churches.
AIM establishes the formation of Wesley Biblical Center (now Wesley Biblical Seminary). Classes begin September 3, 1974.
The first Youth Camp for Juniors (ages 9–12) is held at Lake Forest Ranch near Macon, Mississippi.
Article XXVIII. Of Sanctification is added to AIM's Articles of Belief, re-establishing AIM's commitment to the Wesleyan Holiness tradition.
John and Beth Muehleisen, appointed missionaries with World Gospel Mission, depart for Kenya.
AIM begins hosting multiple youth camps each summer due to growth outside Alabama and Mississippi.
AIM becomes a recognized Endorsing Agent for the Department of Defense. Since then, AIM has also become an Endorsing Agent for the Department of Justice.
First IMC Madison — now Crosspoint Church — holds its first public worship service. AIM's first successful church plant.
A unanimous decision combines the paid Executive Director position with the unpaid President role. All elected leaders in AIM are now unpaid servant leaders.
Member churches unanimously approve adding Article XXX. On Christian Marriage to AIM's Articles of Belief.
Heart Church of Brandon — a daughter church of Crosspoint — holds its first public worship service, demonstrating AIM's commitment to church multiplication.