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Our Faith Tradition

Who are United Methodist

Discover the heart of United Methodist faith, our core beliefs, and what it means to be part of our global Methodist family.

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The United Methodist Church

A Global Community of Faith

The United Methodist Church is a worldwide denomination with over 9 million members across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the United States. We are united by our mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Our church was formed in 1968 through the union of the Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church, tracing our roots back to John Wesley's revival movement in 18th-century England. We believe in God's grace for all people and emphasize both personal holiness and social justice as essential expressions of Christian faith.
United Methodist Church Community

Our Core Beliefs & Values

What We Stand For

The foundation of our faith and practice

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Grace for All

We believe that God's grace is available to all people, regardless of their background or circumstances. Salvation is a free gift from God that we accept through faith.

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Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors

Our motto reflects our commitment to being welcoming and inclusive, encouraging thoughtful faith, and creating accessible communities for all people.

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Social Justice

Following Jesus' example, we are called to work for justice, peace, and the healing of the world. Faith must be put into action through service to others.

Personal and Social Holiness

We strive for both personal spiritual growth and active engagement in making the world more just and compassionate.

Scripture, Tradition, Reason, and Experience

Our Wesleyan heritage emphasizes these four sources of religious authority, known as the Wesleyan Quadrilateral, in understanding God's will.

Connectionalism

We are connected as a global church, supporting one another through shared ministry, mission, and mutual accountability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Understanding United Methodist Faith

Common questions about our beliefs and practices

We believe that salvation is God's gift to all humanity, offered through Jesus Christ. We receive this gift through faith, and it is by God's grace alone that we are saved. We emphasize that salvation is available to everyone and that God desires all people to be saved.
United Methodist worship varies from traditional liturgical services to contemporary formats. Common elements include hymn singing, prayer, Scripture reading, preaching, and Holy Communion. We practice open communion, welcoming all people to participate regardless of church membership.
We practice both infant and adult baptism by sprinkling, pouring, or immersion. Baptism is a sacrament that marks the beginning of our spiritual journey and God's claim upon our lives. We believe baptism is a one-time event that doesn't need to be repeated.
We have a connectional system with local churches organized into districts, which form annual conferences, which in turn are part of jurisdictional or central conferences. The General Conference, meeting every four years, is our highest legislative body.
The United Methodist Church has a long history of social activism. We work on issues like poverty, hunger, healthcare, education, criminal justice reform, and environmental stewardship. Our Social Principles guide our positions on contemporary issues.
John Wesley (1703-1791) was an Anglican priest who founded the Methodist movement in 18th-century England. His emphasis on personal holiness, social justice, and the importance of both faith and good works continues to shape United Methodist theology and practice today.
Being United Methodist means being part of a global community committed to making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. It means embracing God's grace, pursuing both personal and social holiness, and working together for justice and compassion in the world.
You can become a member by taking vows to support the church with your prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. This typically happens through a membership class where you learn about Methodist beliefs and practices, followed by a public profession of faith or transfer of membership.