WHO ARE THE UNITED METHODISTS?

The United Methodists are Evangelical Christian body who follow the teachings John Wesley; a former Anglican priest who was evicted from the Church of England for his fervent preaching on holiness.  One of my favorite quotations from this preacher is: “Do all the good you can . . .

in all the ways you can . . .

in all the places you can . . .

to all the people you can . . .

as long as ever you can.” This guy has travelled over 250, 000 miles on horseback, only to preach the message of love. The Christian body called The United Methodist Church is the result of his tireless effort. Today we have eight million (8m) United Methodists in the United States and another 3.5 million in countries around the world. Our congregations are deeply involved in their own communities and in outreach far from home. Both women and men are clergy/pastors.  We believe we are all in ministry together. Our decision-making bodies always include clergy and lay church members. We have two sacraments – baptism and communion – and our communion table is open to all (Yes, that really means everyone.), our name, Methodist, at first was a term meant to poke fun at our theological founder, John Wesley.

Who can be baptized? People of any age, from infancy through adulthood, but once is sufficient because it is God’s act, not a denomination’s. (If you were baptized in another faith and later join a United Methodist church, you can “confirm” or “reaffirm” that baptism, but God got it right the first time). How is baptism done? Ordinary water and the hands of a minister are the tools. (Most people get sprinkled, but some prefer pouring or immersion).

Communion! Just what is it? Communion is an act of worship that uses bread and wine (unfermented grape juice, actually) to open ourselves to God’s love, to remember Christ’s life and to be bound to a bigger community. Who is it for? United Methodists have an “open table.” It’s not “our” table, but the family table to which Jesus welcomed everyone and a sacred time of inclusion. (You don’t have to be a member. You don’t have to be baptized. You don’t have to be an adult. It really is open to all).

Our clergy! United Methodist pastors can be women or men, single or married. All are screened rigorously (background checks, psychological testing, the works). Ordination comes after years of full-time ministry. A church may have one or more ordained ministers or a person who is licensed for ministry.  Church staff may also include others who are schooled in music, Christian education, youth ministry and other disciplines.

After reading this don’t you think God is calling you for ministry in The United Methodist Church? If you felt called, respond to the gentle voice of the Holy Spirit! Be blessed.

 

References

1.      Wesley and the people called Methodist by: Richard P. Heitzenrater, 1995.

2.      John Wesley's sermons: an anthology by: Albert, C. et’ al, 1991

3.      Methodist Doctrine: The Essentials, 2nd Edition by: Campell, Ted A. 2011.

4.      The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church 2012.

      5. www.rethinkchurch.com