The Methodist Forces Board

The Methodist Church has long offered ministry to the Armed Forces. In the mid-19th Century the people of God called Methodists responded to a national appeal to build places of worship for soldiers in the garrison town of Aldershot, Hampshire and the Home Missions Department convened the first meeting of the Army Committee – which continues to this day as the Methodist Forces Board (MFB).

For many years Methodist ministry to the Armed Forces was organized by local congregations and by a valiant group of soldiers and sailors who had trained as local preachers. Building on a history stretching back to 1881, the Church continues to send ordained Methodist ministers to serve as Armed Forces Chaplains. There are also opportunities for lay and ordained ministry in local contexts with the Cadet Forces or full-time or reserve Service personnel. In each context the aim is to offer critical pastoral care and help individuals to address the ethical issues raised by military service.

150 years of ministry to the Armed Forces

In 2010, the MFB produced a booklet to commemorate the 150th anniversary of two foundational events: the establishment of a trust to buy land and construct a Methodist church in the garrison town of Aldershot, and the formation of the Army Committee, whose work continues today as the Methodist Forces Board. The booklet details the history of Methodist Ministry to the Armed Forces through times of peace and war. It can be viewed here.