What It Means to be Part of the United Methodist Denomination

The Wesleyan movement began as a renewal movement. Wesley's intent was to "reform the Church of England" by making committed disciples and "spread scriptural holiness across the land" -- the twin poles of inward, lively faith and social action, love of God and love of neighbor. The United Methodist Church inherits this movement legacy, and as such, its structure has grown to support its mission: to "make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world." (The Method of Our Mission, Warner, p. 18.)

What do we mean by "church?"

The Mrthodist Articles of Religion and the EUB Confession of Faith (pp. 15-16) defines "church" as:

  • a community of believers
  • where the Word of God is proclaimed
  • and the sacraments are celebrated
  • so that disciples are made and grow, loving God and neighbor
  • for the transformation of the world.

What do denominations do for us?

These are some of the functions of a denomination:

  • training and ordaining clergy and holding them accountable for their theology and behavior (that is, church discipline)
  • deploying clergy, or providing a framework for deploying them
  • organizing and sending missions to evangelize and plant new congregations
  • providing accountability for, and the efficient use of, funds raised (church discipline)
  • creating church institutions (hospitals, schools, and charities)
  • providing training and resources for members' ministries (such as Lay Academy)
  • handling pension funds for clergy and lay employees
  • continuing the theology and culture of the denomination through resources for practicing the faith: books, hymnals, liturgy, Sunday school materials, web resources, publications, etc. (church discipline)
  • providing a sense of unity around shared mission, theology, and culture
  • marketing -- or at least creating an initial expectation, as people move into a new community, that a church will be similar to others in its denomination in theology, practice, and culture
  • presenting an identity -- a face to the wider culture --  with hoped-for influence
  • opportunities for assembly, inspiration, and fellowship (conferences.)

Reflection Questions

  • How is the United Methodist Church doing in fulfilling these functions?
  • Are there things we do really well? Are there other areas where the denomination is struggling?
  • Do you feel a connection to the larger denomination?
  • Are you personally proud of being a United Methodist? Why or why not? Share your thoughts with the Leadership Team and your pastors.