The method of United Methodism

Series by United Methodist Communications

"The World is My Parish" is inscribed at the base of a statue of John Wesley located in the courtyard outside Wesley's Chapel and John Wesley's house at 49 City Road in London. Photo by Kathleen Barry, United Methodist Communications.

The mission of the Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Local churches and extension ministries of the Church provide the most significant arenas through which disciple-making occurs.
(United Methodist Book of Discipline 2016, ¶ 120)

The disciple-making mission of The United Methodist Church has been part of us since the very beginning. This three-part series traces a brief history of our method from the days of John and Charles Wesley to today.

A room at Lincoln College, Oxford, is decorated as John Wesley would have had it. Wesley served as a fellow at Lincoln College from 1726 until his marriage in 1751. Photo by Kathleen Barry, United Methodist Communications

The method of early Methodism: The Oxford Holy Club

Part 1: A disciple-making group was at the heart of John and Charles Wesley's vision while they were still in college. Learn about their student "Holy Club" that helped them grow in their love for Jesus and their neighbors.

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John Wesley first formed Methodists into a society at the New Room in Bristol, England. Photo by Kathleen Barry, United Methodist Communications.

The method of Methodism expands: Societies and the New Room

Part 2: When the Wesleys and their colleagues left Oxford to pastor in other places, they replicated the Holy Club in their churches. See how the small group model shaped and grew the Methodist movement.

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Being part of a Covenant Discipleship group can link you as PFFs - Prayer Friends Forever, as this group of girls calls themselves. Photo courtesy of Melanie Gordon, Discipleship Ministries.

The method of United Methodism today: Covenant Discipleship

Part 3: The disciple-making, small group model continues to shape United Methodism today. Explore how United Methodists of every age continue to watch over one another in love.

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