The mission of The United Methodist Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
Who are United Methodists?
A United Methodist is someone who joins in that mission by putting faith and love into action. We believe that God loves all people, and that we share in expressing that love. So, The United Methodist tradition emphasizes God's grace and in serving others. We believe that Jesus Christ is the fullest expression of God's love--showing us the fullness of God's care through Jesus' teachings, death and resurrection.
John Wesley started the Methodist movement in 18th century England. His teachings on practical divinity (living out our faith) and appeals to reason and experience form important aspects of United Methodist practice today.
Who are the people of the United Methodist Church?
The United Methodist Church is a worldwide connection of more than 12 million members in Africa, Asia, Europe and the United States. We are the person next door, the church on the other side of the country, and the worshiping community across the globe. Together, we share a legacy of living as disciples of Jesus Christ, sharing God's love both in what we say and how we serve our neighbors.
The United Methodist Church is a member of the World Methodist Council — which ties together Methodist denominations worldwide.
What do United Methodists do?
John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement, taught that we pursue our faith in community and action with others. We practice social holiness. We insist that personal salvation always involves Christian mission and service to the world. The United Methodist Church has a long history of action and advocacy for social justice.
United Methodists are active in their communities and in the world through a variety of ways, including:
Participating in local mission projects and service initiatives
- Supporting global mission efforts through the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) and other mission organizations
- Advocating for social justice and working to address issues such as poverty, hunger, and inequality
- Providing educational and vocational training opportunities
- Offering counseling, support groups, and other forms of pastoral care
- Creating and supporting community development programs
History of The United Methodist Church
The United Methodist Church was created on April 23, 1968, when the Evangelical United Brethren Church and The Methodist Church merged at General Conference in Dallas, Texas.
Click here for a timeline of the United Methodist Church.
-From the United Methodist Handbook, 2016
