United Methodism - Frequently Asked Questions

What is expected of me as a member of The United Methodist Church?

You are asked to declare your commitment to follow Jesus Christ with your life…to participate faithfully in the life of the church with your prayers, your presence, your gifts and your service.

Where did the word "Methodist" originate? 

John and Charles Wesley and a few other young men attending Oxford University met regularly in the 1720s to improve themselves intellectually and spiritually and to help others become better Christians. So systematic were their habits of religious duty and their rules of personal conduct that other students began to refer to them as "Methodists."

Where can I find the basic positions and regulations of The United Methodist Church? 

Two books are helpful - The Book of Discipline and The Book of Resolutions. Both are updated every four years following General Conference. The Book of Discipline covers every aspect of church life…doctrine…guidance for Christian behavior…the procedures for becoming a church member of ministers…protocols for organizing and administering local churches, annual conferences, districts and church wide boards and agencies, as well as rules of church laws. The Book of Resolutions includes statements on social, ethical and moral concerns adopted by the delegates at General Conference.

What are the sacraments of The United Methodist Church? 

United Methodists recognize two sacraments - Holy Baptism and Holy Communion.

What special days of the Christian year does the church observe? 

With other Christian churches, The United Methodist Church celebrates the special days of Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter and Pentecost.

If I became a member does the Church tell me what to do or what to give?

Although we are a community of faith, participation and generosity are personal responses. It is our belief that if a person is truly inspired by their relationship to God through Jesus Christ then participation and generosity happens with a sense of joy and gratitude.