United Methodists are...

A covenant people


When you join a United Methodist congregation you become a member of the total United Methodist connection. Members promise God and the congregation to uphold the church with their prayers, presence, gifts and service.

A diverse community


United Methodism was formed when the Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church merged in 1968. United Methodists trace their spiritual heritage back to 18th-century leaders including John and Charles Wesley, Jacob Albright, Philip Otterbein, Martin Boehm and Francis Asbury.

All persons are welcome in The United Methodist Church. We are firmly committed to inclusiveness. We celebrate a diversity of people, ideas and cultures and are enriched by our broad history. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, . . . “ Matthew 28:19a

Biblical in faith


United Methodists trust free inquiry in matters of Christian doctrine. Scripture, tradition, experience and reason guide our faith. Of paramount importance is Scripture. For United Methodists, the Bible is the record of God’s people living out God’s promise.

Mission-oriented, socially conscious


United Methodists are mission-oriented and socially conscious. This is important to our faith. We are aware of world events and strive to help those in need. United Methodists are one in faith and tradition with Methodist Christians around the world.Through the World Methodist Council, Methodists from 68 member churches cooperate in support of ecumenical, educational, evangelical and other ministries.

Ecumenical


For generations, United Methodists have cooperated with other churches to spread the gospel, care for those in need, and alleviate injustice and foster peace. In national and interfaith groups, United Methodists reach beyond our own churches and our own communities to express concern and to share God’s love with people of many faiths.

Involved


For more than 200 years, The United Methodist Church and its predecessor bodies have expressed concern for the worker, the sick, the poor, the orphaned, the aging, the impaired, the oppressed and the imprisoned.

Evangelical


The United Methodist Church continues its strong evangelical heritage. Within each congregation is a vital center of biblical study and evangelism--a blending of personal piety and discipleship.