60-second overview
A large worldwide Methodist denomination with Wesleyan doctrinal standards, bishops and conferences, infant and adult baptism, and a broad range of theological expression.
History and identity
The UMC officially teaches the Trinity, salvation through Christ, Scripture, grace, Baptism, and Holy Communion within a Wesleyan framework. It experienced a major twenty-first-century separation as many conservative congregations joined or formed other bodies. Remaining regions and congregations vary significantly in doctrine, ethics, and evangelical emphasis.
What the group says about itself
What this group teaches and practices
Wesleyan grace and sanctification. Bishops, conferences, and appointed clergy. Infant and adult baptism. High regional and congregational diversity after major separation.
Core teachings and practices
- Wesleyan grace and sanctification.
- Bishops, conferences, and appointed clergy.
- Infant and adult baptism.
- High regional and congregational diversity after major separation.
Variation across churches
High variation within the groupWhat it shares with the Reformed Baptist Base Beliefs
This group is within historic Nicene Christianity, with broad agreement on the Triune God and Jesus Christ’s full deity and humanity. Other important differences may still remain.
Important differences from the Reformed Baptist Base Beliefs
UMC’s official Wesleyan standards affirm the Trinity, salvation through Christ, Scripture, grace, and justification by faith. Wesleyan soteriology, infant baptism, sacramental practice, and denomination-wide theological variation are important qualifications; bishops and conferences alone do not make it substantially more distant, and a local congregation may vary.
How it relates to historic Nicene Christianity
Inside historic Nicene ChristianityThis group is within historic Nicene Christianity.
Boundary guideImportant distinctions
- The United Methodist Church and the Global Methodist Church are separate Methodist denominations.
Related groups with separate profiles
Related groups
Sources
The group’s own sources come first, followed by outside context and the guide’s comparison.
- The United Methodist Church — What We BelieveVerifiedOfficial doctrine
- The United Methodist Church — By Water and the SpiritVerifiedOfficial doctrine
- Discipleship Ministries, UMC — This Holy MysteryVerifiedOfficial doctrine
- The United Methodist Church — Book of Discipline 101: General Book of DisciplineVerifiedOfficial doctrine
- The United Methodist Church — Foundational DocumentsVerifiedOfficial doctrine
- The United Methodist Church — Articles of ReligionVerifiedOfficial doctrine
- The United Methodist Church — Ask The UMC: Holy CommunionVerifiedOfficial doctrine
- The United Methodist Church — Spiritual GiftsVerifiedOfficial doctrine