Who Are the United Methodists (Worldwide)
"Whatever you ask for in prayer with faith, you will receive." Matthew 21:22, NRSV
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 Brethren Church merged in 1968. Methodists trace their spiritual heritage back to 18th century leasers including John and Charles Wesley, Jacob Albright, Francis Asbury and others. All persons are welcom in The United Methodist Church. We are firmly committed to inclusiveness. We celebrate a diversissty of people, ideas and cultures and are enriched by our broad history.
Biblical in Faith..........United Methodists trust free inquiry in matters of Christian doctrine. Our faith is guided by Scripture, tradition, experience and reason. Of paramount importance is Scriptur. For United Methodists, the Bible is the record of God;s people living out God's promise.
Mission-Oriented, 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 Methodist have cooperated with other churches to spread the gospel, care for those in need, alleviate injustice and foster peace. In national and interfaith groups, United Methodist 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 worshiper, the sick, the poor, the orphaned, the aging, the impaired, the opressed and the imprisoned. Our church participates in the struggles of women, people with physical and mental impairments and racial - and ethnic - minority persons, helping them attain equality in the church, the economy and society.
Connectional..........United Methodism took form as an organized church in this country during the revolutionary period of our history. Its structures parallel those of the United States government. Church leadership is shared by executive, legislative and judicial branches. Representative bodies carry out church functions at locl, regional and churchwide levels.
Evangelical..........Within each congregtioon is a vital center of biblical study and evangelism - a blending of personal piety and discipleship.
...a happening people! Involved, committed, diverse, open. A people who try to be accepting, caring, hospitable and inclusive. Family- and community- oriented. A people who are concerned about those beyond their communities, around the world. Active in mission, responisve. A people who love music, church suppers and fellowship. Initiators, with a history of creating ministries related to education, employment, health and other issues. A people who like to tell the story of God's redeeming grace.