What is the United Methodist Church?

Historical Origins and Foundational Roots

The beginnings of what is now called the United Methodist Church trace back to the ministry of John Wesley (1703–1791). He was an Anglican clergyman whose emphasis on personal faith, holiness, and disciplined Christian living gave rise to the Methodist revival within the Church of England. Over time, Methodist societies grew and set the pattern for a movement that would influence the broader Christian tradition.

The official formation of the United Methodist Church took place in 1968. This new denomination emerged from a merger between The Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church in the United States. This unification drew together millions who embraced Wesley’s teachings on grace, the pursuit of holiness, and active care for the needs of others.

Wesleyan Theological Emphases

Wesley taught the importance of a heart “strangely warmed,” reflecting a personal relationship with God. His approach was summarized in what became known as the “Wesleyan Quadrilateral,” which values (1) Scripture, (2) Tradition, (3) Reason, and (4) Experience in understanding faith and practice.

From Scripture, passages such as “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16) consistently guide the core of Methodist theology. United Methodist teaching highlights God’s universal prevenient grace (the grace that goes before), the necessity of justification by faith (Romans 5:1), and the work of sanctification leading believers into ever-deepening holiness (Hebrews 12:14).

Organizational Structure and Governance

The United Methodist Church organizes itself through a connectional structure, reflecting Wesley’s belief in the importance of local congregations being linked under a broader network of leadership. Bishops provide spiritual oversight and administrative guidance. Clergy appointments, conferences, and congregations are bound together through a system of Regions, Annual Conferences, and the General Conference.

• The General Conference serves as the denomination’s top decision-making body, meeting every four years to discuss and vote on policies and doctrinal positions.

• Bishops, elected from among the clergy, preside over conferences and oversee assignments of pastorates.

• The Book of Discipline, updated after each General Conference, outlines doctrinal standards, social principles, and the rules for church organization.

Core Beliefs and Doctrines

Grounded in historic Christianity, the United Methodist Church affirms:

1. The Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19).

2. The divinity, humanity, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (John 1:1–14; 1 Corinthians 15:3–4).

3. Salvation by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8–9).

4. The authority of Scripture: “For the word of God is living and active…” (Hebrews 4:12).

Although these broad affirmations are standard, the United Methodist Church includes a range of theological perspectives. Many uphold a traditional, orthodox understanding of the faith as historically practiced. Others take more progressive attitudes regarding social, ethical, and doctrinal matters.

Sacraments and Worship

Methodists typically recognize two sacraments: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper (Holy Communion). Worship styles can range from traditional liturgy with hymns to more contemporary services with modern music, reflecting varied congregational preferences. Yet constant themes include prayer, the reading of Scripture, the preaching of God’s word, congregational singing, and communal participation in the sacraments.

• Baptism is open to individuals of all ages—infants, children, and adults—viewed as a sign of God’s covenantal grace.

• Holy Communion is offered as a table of grace for all, emphasizing that Christ invites every repentant person to come and partake.

Emphasis on Holiness and Service

Guided by John Wesley’s pursuit of “scriptural holiness,” the United Methodist Church encourages believers to grow in love for God and neighbor (Matthew 22:37–39). Traditionally, holiness was understood not as legalism, but as the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit that transforms attitudes, relationships, and actions.

Beyond personal transformation, there is a longstanding emphasis on caring for the marginalized, the poor, and the oppressed. This commitment to social justice and mission can be seen in the denomination’s humanitarian initiatives, disaster relief, healthcare ministries, and educational endeavors worldwide (James 2:14–17).

Worldwide Influence and Recent Developments

Today, the UMC spans the globe, with significant membership in the United States and growing communities in Africa, the Philippines, and other regions. In recent years, the church has confronted disagreements over issues such as human sexuality and marriage, resulting in internal debates and proposed changes to the Book of Discipline. These debates have led to restructuring in certain areas, reflecting the diversity of viewpoints within the denomination.

Despite these challenges, many congregations continue to focus on local and global mission efforts, evangelism, and discipleship training, aiming to “go and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:19).

Biblical Considerations and the Broader Christian Context

From a biblical vantage point, discussions in Methodist circles around doctrine, social positions, or ethical matters often revisit the foundation that “God is not the author of confusion but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33). The pursuit of unity amid theological diversity remains a hallmark of Methodist heritage.

In harmony with the broader Christian faith, Methodist teachings laud the life-changing resurrection of Christ as the cornerstone for salvation (1 Corinthians 15:17–20). Members emphasize the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in the believer’s life, upholding a call to faithfulness, obedience to God’s Word, and loving service to the world around them.

Conclusion

The United Methodist Church stands as a major expression of the historic Wesleyan tradition that began in 18th-century England. Though diverse in practice and outlook, its congregations generally share a commitment to grace, holiness, and social engagement. Centered in Scripture, the UMC’s structure and doctrine have evolved to address contemporary realities, yet they continue to reflect John Wesley’s enduring call to love God wholeheartedly and care for all people as part of living out the gospel in the modern world.