About the United Methodist Church
The United Methodist Church is a global community of faith committed to making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. We embrace a rich theological heritage and an extensive network of people and communities, striving to live out Jesus's teachings and enact positive change globally.
Mission Statement
"The mission of the Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world." This mission encapsulates our dedication to spreading the love and teachings of Jesus, emphasizing actions that support disciple-making through vibrant, inclusive, and service-oriented communities.
What We Believe
The United Methodist Church is grounded in the Wesleyan tradition and is deeply rooted in Scripture. We believe in the triune God — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We uphold the Bible as God’s Holy Word and strongly emphasize God’s grace, which is available to everyone. Here are key aspects of our theology:
Grace: We talk about God’s grace as prevenient (coming before we know it), justifying (God’s forgiveness through Christ), and sanctifying (the process of growing in faith).
Sacraments: We recognize two sacraments instituted by Christ: baptism and the Lord’s Supper (Holy Communion). Baptism symbolizes new life, a sign of God's love and forgiveness of our sins. Communion is a memorial of Christ's suffering and a celebration of his resurrection.
Salvation: We believe salvation involves the redemption of the whole being and is offered freely to all who accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Salvation is a transformative process that seeks the renewal of our nature by the Holy Spirit through faith in Jesus Christ.
Social Justice: John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement, taught that we pursue our faith in community and action with others. We practice a social holiness and insist that personal salvation always involves Christian mission and service to the world. The United Methodist Church has a long history of action and advocacy for social justice.
Holiness and Faithful Living
Influenced by our founder, John Wesley’s teachings, we stress the importance of pursuing holiness and living faithfully. This involves a continuous journey of spiritual growth and ethical living, striving to embody Jesus's love and teachings in every aspect of life.
Ecumenism and Interfaith Relations
The United Methodist Church values and promotes unity among all Christians and respectful dialogue with other faith traditions. It recognizes that all humanity is created in God’s image and deserves dignity and respect.
Inclusivity
We are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all. Every person is a beloved child of God, and we strive to reflect Christ’s love in everything we do.
We welcome and celebrate the diversity of God’s creation, including people of all ages, races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, gender identities, abilities, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Our community is a place where everyone is invited to participate fully in the life of the church, from worship and fellowship to service and leadership.
As followers of Jesus, we are called to love our neighbors as ourselves. This means we actively work to break down barriers of discrimination and exclusion, seeking justice and equity for all. We affirm the dignity and worth of every individual, and we are committed to being a church where all people can experience the transformative power of God’s grace.
Join us as we journey together in faith, love, and service, creating a community that embodies Christ's inclusive and unconditional love.
Governance and Doctrine
The United Methodist Church (UMC) operates under a structured governance system maintained by the General Conference, the denomination's highest legislative body. The General Conference convenes every four years and is the only body to speak officially for the Church. It comprises delegates from all over the world, reflecting the global nature of our Church.
The Role of the General Conference: The General Conference reviews and votes on proposed legislation and sets official church policy. This assembly ensures that the UMC remains responsive to the needs of its members worldwide while maintaining doctrinal consistency and operational integrity.
Annual Conferences: The annual conferences are held by regional bodies governed by bishops, which support the general conference. These conferences handle the day-to-day administrative and pastoral needs within their jurisdiction. The annual conference is a vital link between the local congregation and the Church's global mission.
Leadership Structure: The UMC’s leadership structure includes bishops who provide spiritual and administrative oversight within their assigned episcopal areas. District superintendents administer the pastoral appointments within their districts, facilitating the Church's mission locally.
Bishops and Their Roles: Bishops are elected by jurisdictional conferences and are charged with upholding the discipline and order of the Church, appointing pastors to local churches, and providing spiritual leadership to their area. They play a crucial role in the UMC's connectional system, ensuring that the Church's mission, to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world, is effectively carried out.
FAQs
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Apportionments are assessed contributions that local United Methodist churches pay to support regional, national, and global ministries. They facilitate shared responsibility and connectional support among all United Methodist congregations.
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UMC pastors practice itineracy, moving from one congregation to another, to promote pastoral diversity and adaptability. This method allows pastors to serve in various settings and communities, bringing fresh perspectives and fostering church vitality.
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Bishop Sue Haupert-Johnson is the resident Bishop of the Richmond Area, Virginia Annual Conference. Elected by the 2016 Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference and consecrated on July 15, 2016, Bishop Sue originally served the North Georgia Episcopal Area and was assigned to the Virginia Conference in 2022. A native of Florida, she holds degrees from the University of Florida in Business Administration and Law and a Master of Divinity from Candler School of Theology at Emory University. Before her ministry, she worked as a federal law clerk and a litigator.
Recent Decisions and Actions
The General Conference, as the top decision-making body of The United Methodist Church, addresses critical issues impacting the denomination. Recent sessions have demonstrated a solid commitment to inclusivity and global representation. Key actions include:
Regionalization
This initiative restructures the denomination to enhance contextual ministry across global regions, reducing the U.S.-centric focus and promoting equal footing among all regions.
Inclusivity Measures
Significant steps have been taken towards LGBTQ inclusivity, including the removal of discriminatory language from the United Methodist Book of Discipline and the elimination of barriers to the ordination and marriage of LGBTQ individuals.
Social Principles Update
The first major overhaul in nearly 50 years addresses contemporary issues such as human dignity, environmental care, and social justice, reflecting the church's response to modern societal challenges.
Detailed Insights: For those seeking in-depth information about specific decisions and discussions, comprehensive resources and official documents from the latest General Conference are available here.
Global Impact and Outreach
Foster Unity and Global Partnerships: The church continues to advocate for global missions, interfaith dialogue, and ecumenical relationships, emphasizing the worldwide nature of our mission.
Promote Justice and Reconciliation: Actions are directed towards social issues such as racial equality, environmental sustainability, and global health, underscoring the church’s role in addressing global challenges.
Stay Connected
Stay connected and informed about ongoing changes and discussions within The United Methodist Church. For the latest updates, resources, and detailed information, visit vaumc.org. Your engagement helps us continue our mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.