What We Believe

The General Rule of Discipleship

"To witness to Jesus Christ in the world, and to follow his teachings through acts of compassion, justice, worship, and devotion under the guidance of the Holy Spirit."

The United Methodist Church is a global denomination that opens hearts, opens minds, and opens doors through active engagement with our world. The mission of The United Methodist Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.


United Methodism is a legacy of the work and thought of John Wesley (1703-1791). Wesley was an Anglican priest in England with a passion for uniting social action and inward holiness. He, and the other early Methodists, placed primary emphasis on this kind of Christian living through putting their faith and love to work in the world.  Together, they practiced a deep spiritual commitment to Jesus Christ and a meaningful social commitment to justice for others. Early followers were mocked for their rigorous and methodical practices of religious observance and social work, hence, the name “Methodists.” 


It's important to note that United Methodists do not necessarily agree on all matters of belief - we are not a "cookie cutter" church or denomination. We strive for unity, not uniformity - and while we may ultimately come to some different theological conclusions, the following list of understandings are affirmed by nearly all United Methodists:
  • Grace is Primary. The Bible teaches us that everything we have from God is given because of God's great love for us. "You are saved by God's grace because of your faith," Ephesians 2 reads. "This salvation is God's gift. It's not something you possessed. It's not something you did that you can be proud of" (Ephesians2:8-9)
  • Holiness is Personal & Social. For Wesley, social holiness meant that Christian faith is deeply personal but it is not private. Christians are responsible for building one another up in love (John 13:34-35) and for loving their neighbors as themselves (Luke 10:25-37).
  • Baptism is Blessing. Because we believe in the supremacy of God's grace, baptism shows forth God's blessing. Infant baptism shows God's loving claim on our lives; believer baptism and confirmation show forth the necessity of our human response. One baptism is sufficient. (Mark 10:13-16; Ephesians 4:4-6)
  • Communion is Open. The Lord's Supper reminds us that Jesus Christ is the host and that we participate at Christ's invitation - therefore, everyone is welcome at the celebration of the Lord's Supper. The bread and cup are not restricted by baptism or church membership - this meal is for all people at all times. (Luke 13:29-30)
  • God is Triune. We join with Christians throughout history in affirming that the one God has been revealed as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This three-in-one and one-in-three God is our Creator, Savior, and Redeemer. (Matthew 28:18-20)
  • Churches are Connected. We are linked with other United Methodists at local, regional, national, and international levels. United Methodist congregations are not isolated church units. We will always accomplish more together than we ever could apart! (1 Corinthians 12:12-28)
  • The Kansas City District of The United Methodist Church
  • The Great Plains Conference of The United Methodist Church
  • The General Conference of The United Methodist Church

Who We Are

The United Methodist Church is a worldwide connection of more than 12 million members! We are the person next door, the church on the other side of the country, and the worshiping community across the globe. Together, we share a legacy of living as disciples of Jesus Christ, sharing God's love both in what we say and how we serve our neighbors.

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About Our Beliefs

The United Methodist Church shares a great deal with other denominations.  We also have a unique heritage and areas of emphasis. Learn what we mean when we talk about grace, how we serve people around the world, and ways we grow as disciples of Jesus Christ. Explore what we believe about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, the Bible, and more.

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How We Serve

Following Jesus's call, founder of the early Methodist movement John Wesley taught us to grow in our faith by “doing good of every possible sort, and, as far as possible, to all.” United Methodists around the world are active in our local communities and around the globe - even participating in ministries thousands of miles from where we live.

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