Evangelical Methodism began in 1946 as "a double protest against what were considered autocratic and undemocratic government on the one hand and a tendency toward modernism on the other in the Methodist Church.
"[4] The predominant body which grew out of this movement was the EMC denomination, founded in 1946 and led by Dr. J. H. Hamblen, who had previously faced mainline Methodist church-law charges after forming an independent house-based congregation during a sabbatical.
The EMC was founded as a "congregational-connectional" association of churches with a goal of restoring American Methodism to its Wesleyan and Holiness roots, as well as subsequent revivalist practices.
Disagreements over congregational power and denominational control have led to many disputes and fractures, starting with the exodus of the congregationalist Evangelical Methodist Church of America in 1952.
The small network has developed a six-step course of study for lay certification and ordination, youth missions outings, and an annual pastors and wives retreat.