History of Methodism

United Methodism is a direct descendant of the Wesleyan revival that transformed 18th century England. John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement, was a devout Anglican (Church of England) Priest. He did not intend to start a new church, but rather a revival movement within the Church of England. It was the American Revolutionary War of 1776 that caused one of our predecessor denominations, the Methodist Episcopal Church, to be formed in the United States. It became a separate church after the Church of England priests abandoned America and returned to England. Methodist societies in the United States were left with no clergy leadership. American Methodism was born in Baltimore, Maryland on Christmas Day, 1784, when the American Methodist societies gathered to officially organize the Methodist Episcopal Church, with John Wesley's blessing.

Wesley did not demand rigid allegiance to his own set of religious doctrines. Instead, he asked, "Do you love and serve God? It is enough. I give you the right hand of the fellowship." John Wesley was concerned that informed faith and practical theology should go hand-in-hand, developing throughout our lifetime journey of faith, which is both individual and corporate.

Wesley similarly emphasized ministry to disenfranchised persons of society, which led to ministries of outreach for the poor and needy. This outreach led to building hospitals and clinics, starting educational institutions, beginning ministries in prisons, and nurturing other ministries of justice and peace. Today, many of the countries oldest hospitals, colleges, universities and social service agencies have ties to the United Methodist Church and her predecessor denominations.

Indeed, one of Wesley's historic maxims reflects our involvement in the world. He said, "The world is our parish."

The United Methodist Church has gleaned four major guidelines for formulating our theology, which are taken from John Wesley's writings and sermons. These four guidelines are called the "Wesleyan Quadrilateral". They are: Scripture, Tradition, Experience, and Reason.

We always begin with the Bible being our primary foundation for formulating our theology. Then we incorporate experience, tradition, and reason into the rest of the picture to develop our understanding and relationship with God. Wesley in Scripture, illuminated by tradition, vivified in personal experience, and confirmed by reason.

We are an open, mainline protestant tradition that accepts a broad understanding of Christ's teachings. We celebrate open communion, allowing persons from all walks of life and tradition to receive the Sacraments of Holy Communion and Baptism.

The current United Methodist Church was formed in 1968, in Dallas, TX, when the former Methodist Church and Evangelical United Brethern Churches united into one.

The United Methodist Church currently has 11 million members throughout the world. The largest number of United Methodists live in the United States. The fastest number of new United Methodist Churches is growing throughout the African and Asian continents. We are also a part of the World Methodist Council, which has over 55 million members in denominations throughout the world with Wesleyan roots, heritage and traditions.