The small denomination's Book of Discipline traces this theological dispute to the mid-1970s when "a widening tolerance of many different beliefs regarding the nature of God, man, angels, sin, salvation, sanctification and heaven" began to emerge.

This raised many objections, which resulted in a "heresy trial" followed by repeated "attempts to clarify" by Slye and his supporters.

[2] On August 16, 1988, five Evangelical Methodist Church ministers met in Hico, Texas to determine a course of action.

Articles of Incorporation for the Bethel Methodist Church were filed with the State of Texas on February 27, 1989.

Emphases include the possibility of a Christian "backsliding" as well as man's free will to choose or reject God.