The United Methodist Church has five basic resources that serve as our unchangeable written doctrine.  Because of the foresight of "restrictive rules," these doctrinal standards may not be changed.  People will sometimes disagree on the meaning of words. The doctrine still serves as a strong tie that binds United Methodists together.  Like any community, we are linked by common beliefs and interests.   As long as the United Methodist Church continues to exist, these documents will continue to serve as one core bond of fellowship.  It is through these doctrines that we can learn to be more sensitive and receptive to ever-increasing unmerited favor from God.  The restrictive rules, study of the doctrine, and obedience, are tools to keep the "Old Methodist doctrine" functioning as a meaningful guide for godly transformation in a broken and ever-changing world.

The Holy Bible -- The primary source of all United Methodist doctrine is The Holy Bible.  It includes those books commonly found in the mainline protestant Bibles.  There are various translations, and rewordings that can be suitable for a variety of uses based on education or age.  So there are other resources that help us to understand several of the main themes found in the Bible.  There are several resources from many different viewpoints through the many centuries on the internet to help you in your study of the Bible .  Links to some of these Bibles and study aids can be found near the bottom of the The Connexion page.

The Articles of Religion -- These articles were written by John Wesley to briefly explain the grand doctrines found in the Holy Bible.  They are written plainly and authoritatively, and most protestants would agree with most, if not all, of the statements in it.  Written in the 18th century, there are some references to our differences with Catholics.  If you have studied John Wesley, you know that he felt very kindly toward Catholics, and did not question their salvation.  He did, however, feel strongly about certain teaching of the Catholic Church of that time.  Methodists are not in the business of antagonizing members of the Catholic Church, or the Catholic Church itself.  Yet, by the restrictive rules, the Articles of Religion may not be altered, even by unanimous decree.  Likewise, we should understand that John Wesley wrote these for the Methodist Episcopal Church which was being founded in the United States of America.  Since United Methodism has become global in scope,  references to the United States government are judged to refer to the law of the land in which the believer resides.

The Confession of Faith -- This document was doctrine for the Evangelical United Brethren when they merged with the Methodist Church in 1968.  Both of these denominations were founded on Wesley's teachings regarding Christianity and the Bible, but they were separated by a language.  The Evangelical United Brethren grew out of a German-speaking population in the United States, while the Methodist Episcopal Church grew in the English-speaking population.  In 1968, with few members who used German as their native tongue, these denominations finally merged.  The Confession of Faith and the Articles of Religion were considered to be Christian, in the Wesleyan tradition, and essentially identical.  As a result of the merger, both documents became unalterable doctrine.

The Sermons of John Wesley -- With 141 sermons of record John Wesley gives us much insight into his views.  Coupled with historical records, his journal and publishing enterprises, we find many insights into the man and his efforts to return Christianity to its primitive roots, prior to the influence of Roman Emperor Constantine.  Allow John Wesley to show you the Scriptural Way, A More Excellent Way, The Way of the Kingdom, to be an altogether Christian rather than an Almost Christian.  Seek Salvation by Faith, and ready yourself for The Great Assize by putting On the Wedding Garment.  Be disposed to the Witness of the Spirit so that you will have Circumcision of the Heart, The First Fruits of the Spirit, The Marks of the New Birth and The Great Privilege of Those that are Born of God.

John Wesley's Notes on the New Testament -- Here we can read the plain 18th century words of a man who was willing to personally abide by whatever he might learn from the Holy Scripture.  Read Wesley's comments on the Bible to get the plain meaning of the words.  But careful, you may find yourself obligated to reach for greater holiness, and find yourself on the receiving end of even greater grace from God.

Other important writings by John Wesley - These documents have not been determined by the General Conference as constituting doctrine, yet they are often easier to read, more specific, and more meaningful to the reader.

Advice to a people called Methodist -- October 10, 1745

The Character of a Methodist

A Plain Account of Christian Perfection -- January 27, 1767

What is an Arminian?

A Blow at the Root

A Short History of Methodism

Thoughts Upon Slavery -- 1774

How to Read the Scripture -- April 25, 1765

Advice on Singing Hymns -- 1761