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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, NRSV |
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 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-related 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,
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. 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.United Methodists
positively influence society through responsible social action.
"Whatever you ask
for in
prayer with faith, you will
receive."
- Matthew 21:22, NRSV |
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 local, regional
and church-wide levels.
The highest legislative body -- the only organization that can speak
for the church -- is the General Conference. An assembly of up to
1,000 delegates, it is composed of equal numbers of laity and clergy
and meets once every four years. Delegates are chosen by regional
units (annual conferences) throughout the United States and in 15
other nations, Non-voting representatives come from affiliated churches
in 25 other countries.
Annual conferences respond to needs in their regions by developing
programs and ministries that carry out the work of Christ and support
the policies set by General Conference.
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. The heart of United Methodism continues to be
winning people to Christ.
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