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United Methodist Church

What is Methodism?

Methodism, as it is currently known, began as a movement in the Anglican Church in 18th Century England. The movement was started by John Wesley, a renowned Anglican theologian and Oxford professor. Taking a lead from Luther's reformation in Germany, with its emphasis on the "priesthood of all believers," Wesley preached a message emphasizing personal sanctification and holiness against the backdrop of the cool, formal rites of the Church of England. His followers were nicknamed "Methodists" after their methodical rituals of prayer, worship, and small group meetings where they continually challenged one another in their journeys of faith.

The Methodist movement grew slowly until Wesley journeyed to the colonies in the American South. Over time, in one of the most dramatic evangelical feats in history, Methodist churches sprung up throughout the South and West, gaining thousands upon thousands of members. There were so many churches and so few clergy that most clergy were forced to serve multiple churches, a practice which eventually evolved into the current itinerant system of ministry in the United Methodist Church. From these beginnings, Methodism has grown to become one of the largest mainline Protestant denominations in the United States, and now has millions of members in churches and missions in dozens of countries around the world.

You can find out much more about Methodism at the United Methodist Church Homepage. If you are particularly interested in what Methodists believe, link to the section on United Methodist Beliefs.

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