Mission and Ministry
United Methodists affirm, "The ministry of all Christians consists of service for the mission of God in the world" (United Methodist Book of Discipline 2016, ¶133).
We seek to live lovingly and justly as servants of Jesus Christ by healing the sick, feeding the hungry, caring for the stranger, freeing the oppressed, being a compassionate presence, and working to develop social structures that are consistent with the gospel.
The General Board of Global Ministries is the worldwide mission, relief and development agency of The United Methodist Church, working with partners and churches in more than 115 countries to equip and transform people and places for God’s mission. Learn more by clicking the button below.
Advocating for Justice
The United Methodist Church has a long history of advocating for social justice.
During university, John & Charles Wesley and their Oxford 'Holy Club' visited the local prison and tutored neighborhood children.
The early Methodists expressed their opposition to societal ills such as slavery, smuggling, inhumane prison conditions, alcohol abuse, and child labor.
Today United Methodists work, march and pray for racial justice, environmental care, and fair treatment for everyone.
Promoting Health and Wellness
Because we care about the holistic well being of all people, mental, physical and spiritual health is a major focus of the work of The United Methodist Church. Together, we combat diseases of poverty such as malaria, HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis; we provide health education, advocacy and infrastructure; and we continue our more than 160-year history of being a key provider of healthcare through the hospitals, clinics and mission centers we have operated across Africa.
Racial Justice
The United Methodist Church proclaims the value of each person as a unique child of God and commits itself to the healing and wholeness of all persons.
The United Methodist Church recognizes that the sin of racism has been destructive to its unity throughout its history. Racism continues to cause painful division and marginalization.
The United Methodist Church shall confront and seek to eliminate racism, whether in organizations or in individuals, in every facet of its life and in society at large.
The United Methodist Church shall work collaboratively with others to address concerns that threaten the cause of racial justice at all times and in all places.
from The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church 2016, ¶5
Our racial justice ministries are led by the General Commission on Religion & Race (GCORR).
Social Issues
Learn how the people of The United Methodist Church are responding to many of the issues in today’s society.
Find stories about church leaders and members putting faith into action, along with official positions of the church, resources and news stories about these topics.
-From UMC.ORG