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Who We Are

Lay Leader, Vi Bautista (choir robe) and Rhonda McDonald greet each other between services at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Fremont, Calif. Photo by Kathleen Barry, United Methodist Communications

The United Methodist Church is a worldwide connection of approximately 10 million members in Africa, Asia, Europe and the United States. We are the person next door, the church on the other side of the country, and the worshiping community across the globe. Together, we share a legacy of living as disciples of Jesus Christ, sharing God's love both in what we say and how we serve our neighbors. 

In the sections below you can explore our history, discover how we are organized, find congregations and offices near you and read our latest press releases.

We are the people of The United Methodist Church.

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God is at work in our lives before we know it, often through the love others show us. Photo by Kathleen Barry, United Methodist Communications.

What We Believe

United Methodists affirm the faith shared by all Christians, with particular emphasis on God's grace and on Christian living. These introductory pages will help you discover what it means to be a United Methodist. Read More

Seminary students ask questions of the Rev. Adam Hamilton during the seminary students briefing at the 2016 United Methodist General Conference in Portland, Ore. Photo by Kathleen Barry, United Methodist Communications.

Ask The UMC-FAQs

Have questions? We have answers! Here you can find our responses to many of the questions we're asked most often and a place to submit your question. Read More

Methodism in the U.S. dates back to 1736, when John and Charles Wesley came to the New World to spread the movement they began as students in England. Photo by Kathleen Barry, UM News.

Our History

We trace our history back to the Methodist movement started in 1700s England by brothers John and Charles Wesely. Learn our rich heritage. Read More

Celebrating after a long day of work in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Our People

Learn how the people of The United Methodist Church are responding to God's call and living out their Wesleyan heritage. Read More

Ann Jacob, reserve delegate from the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, ask to speak during the 2016 United Methodist General Conference. Photo by Maile Bradfield, United Methodist Communications.

Our Structure

The United Methodist Church does not have a single leader, but is governed by a structure that values both clergy and lay leadership. Read More

Find the definition of United Methodist terms in our glossary.

Glossary

Find definitions of terms, names and other United Methodist words in our glossary. Read More

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