We choose to be United Methodist. No matter where we live, our core beliefs about how we live out our faith unite us. Our local congregations have an impact around the world when we join with other ministries.
We lift our voices in praise and celebration when we sing, “I am the church, you are the church, we are the church together! All who follow Jesus, all around the world, yes, we’re the church together.” (We Are the Church, United Methodist Hymnal #558)
A new Vision
Recently, a new denominational Vision was unveiled: “The United Methodist Church forms disciples of Jesus Christ who, empowered by the Holy Spirit, love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously in local communities and worldwide connections.”
I love this description of our shared ministry. Our mission statement remains, based on The Great Commission Jesus gives us in Matthew 28:19, to “go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” As United Methodists, we make disciples of Christ for the transformation of the world.
Our new Vision describes the disciples in our church, and how they live out their faith locally and globally. We are actively present and working in communities around the world. The United Methodist connection has about 10 million members, in more than 100 countries, on four continents: Africa, Asia, Europe and North America.
A day to unite as Christians
United Methodists traditionally observe World Communion Sunday each year on the first Sunday in October. We celebrate that we are a part of a worldwide church, a worldwide faith. Across the globe, other United Methodists are also gathering at Christ’s table. We are separated by physical distance, but united in the spirit around the table. It is one of our six special Sunday offerings, and we give to support the education of church leaders all around the world.
Beyond the local church
It can be easy to focus on what is happening in the church only in our own congregation. Maybe once a year, or more, we consider the annual conference or jurisdiction, which link local churches geographically. The denomination-wide General Conference, which is held every four years, reminds us that we are indeed a worldwide denomination.
In addition to thinking locally, it can be tempting to blend our patriotic feelings about our own country with our faith. However, that is not the nature of our faith or our denomination. The Christian faith is worldwide, and we are blessed to be in connection with so many United Methodist siblings in faith around the world. We are better together, and we are more alike than different.
Sent out in Jesus’ name
One issue that has been on my heart is the war in Ukraine. In July 2025, The Rev. Dr. Fred Vanderwerf, coordinator for In Mission Together Ukraine, heads to Ukraine with a team from Idaho, Florida and North Carolina. They are helping to lead a summer camp for eighty youth in Uzhhorod, Ukraine, which is on the western border.
Despite the war, The United Methodist Church in Ukraine continues its mission to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, care for their neighbor, and invest in the next generation of church leaders. The United Methodist Church owns a ministry site and shelter, Pid Zamkom (Under the Castle), where sixty to eighty people who have fled fighting in the East are able to live and be safe. The District Superintendent, Rev. Oleg Starodubets, and his wife, Rev. Yulia Starodubets, live there and serve alongside their neighbors.
Vanderwerf’s team involves congregations around the connection by joining them in shared mission in Ukraine. The 2020/2024 United Methodist Book of Discipline asserts that, “For our connectionalism to become a living practice, we need to carry the worldwide nature of The United Methodist Church deep into the life and mission of our local congregations.” (¶ 125)
Shared mission
Because of our partnerships, our denomination utilizes our resources to support one another. One example is The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). We are invited to join with other United Methodists to give, so that UMCOR can respond to needs and disasters across the globe. We also support our general boards and agencies, which provide resources, develop leaders and focus on certain areas of our missional work together.
Putting faces with issues helps us connect over the miles. Reading the United Methodist News Digest in my inbox helps remind me of both the good works being done in the name of Jesus Christ, and the needs across our connection and our world.
Is there a particular place or cause that tugs at your heart? Likely there is a church working in that place or for that cause, or has done something similar. We can help each other by sharing our stories, learning from one another and partnering together to serve God and all of God’s people.
Join in this prayer: God, we give you thanks for our community of Christian believers, and we praise you for opportunities to join in mission and ministry with United Methodists and our partners around the world. Help us to use our hands to serve those on the margins, our hearts to show love to all people, and our words to shine your light into the darkness. Amen
The Rev. Tiffany McDonald is an Ordained Elder in The United Methodist Church serving in the Minnesota Annual Conference. She has served as a University Chaplain, solo pastor and associate pastor, and is currently appointed to family leave. Tiffany lives in Minnetonka, Minnesota, with her husband and two daughters. Follow her blog: redheadedrev.org
This story was published on July 7, 2025. The contact is Laura Buchanan.
