What Does It Mean to Be Methodist?

The United Methodist Church is a global community of more than 10 million members across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the United States. We are your neighbors, the congregation down the road, and the worshiping family on the other side of the world. United Methodists are united by a shared calling: to follow Jesus Christ and to share God's love through both our words and our actions.

Methodism began as a movement in the 18th century led by John Wesley, an Anglican priest in England. Wesley sought to renew the church through small groups focused on spiritual growth, personal accountability, and service to others. His focus on practical faith—lived out in everyday life—became the foundation of the Methodist tradition.

The United Methodist Church, as it exists today, was formed in 1968 through the union of the Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church. In 2024, the denomination further clarified its identity and mission as it continues to respond to a changing world.

At the heart of Methodism is grace—the free and unearned gift of God's love. United Methodists believe that faith is not just something we think or feel, but something we live. Our commitment to social justice, compassion, and service reflects our desire to put faith into action in our communities and beyond.

Want to learn more about what United Methodists believe? Visit our denomination’s website to explore What We Believe.