The United Methodist Women unit is organized for mission and serves the local church, the community, and the world through its mission education, advocacy, and direct service through the Board of Global Ministries. Spiritual development of members, mission education and support are primary functions of the local unit

Historically, the United Methodist Women organization is the successor of missionary societies which were formed over 134 years ago and of the Ladies Aid societies. More recent predecessor organizations include Women’s Society of Christian Service and Wesleyan Service Guild in the Methodist Church and Women’s Society of World Service in the Evangelical United Brethren Church