United Methodist sacraments, rites and rituals

Learn more about some of the celebrations in The United Methodist Church. Illustration by Joe Iovino, United Methodist Communications.
Learn more about some of the celebrations in The United Methodist Church. Illustration by Joe Iovino, United Methodist Communications.

The United Methodist Church recognizes two sacraments, baptism and communion. These two acts have a special place in the church because Jesus commanded them and participated in them.

Through the years, Christians have used other sacramental acts to draw closer to God. While we do not recognize these others as sacraments, we participate in many of them in some way.

In the following articles, we explore how United Methodists understand baptism, communion, and rites and rituals other Christian churches view as sacraments.

All baptized persons are members of their local church, the denomination, and the church universal. Photo by Mary Catherine Phillips, Alabama-West Florida Annual Conference.

Renewing waters: How United Methodists understand baptism

In baptism, we reject sin and begin our journey as disciples of Jesus Christ. Learn more of what United Methodists teach about this sacrament.
READ MORE
The Rev. Tonya Elmore, pastor at Enterprise First United Methodist Church, takes communion from the Rev. Virginia Kagoro, pastor at Locust Bluff United Methodist Church during the 2015 Alabama-West Florida Conference. Photo by Luke Lucas, Alabama-West Florida Conference.

An open table: How United Methodists understand communion 

The sacrament is such a common part of our worship that its uncommon richness can get lost. Learn more about The Lord's Supper.        
READ MORE
Confirmation classes journey together toward their first profession of their intent to live as faithful disciples of Jesus Christ. Photo courtesy of Brecksville (Ohio) United Methodist Church.

Beyond baptism: What confirmation means to United Methodists

Confirmation is not a sacrament in The United Methodist Church, but an important step in our journey of faith.
READ MORE
Confession is not a sacrament in The United Methodist Church, but we do confess our sins before God and one another.

Before God and one another: United Methodists and confession

Confession is not a sacrament in The United Methodist Church, but we confess our sins in worship and small groups to receive forgiveness and strength.
READ MORE
In weddings and marriage, we celebrate love: the love of the couple, the love of God for us, and the love Christ calls us to share with the world. our sins before God and one another.

I do: How United Methodists understand Christian marriage

In weddings and marriage, we celebrate love: the love of the couple, the love of God for us, and the love Christ calls us to share with the world.
READ MORE
As people come to the end of life, United Methodist pastors offer the strength, hope, and peace of Christ in this difficult yet sacred time.

God is with us: Blessing the dying and those who grieve

As people come to the end of life, United Methodist pastors offer the strength, hope, and peace of Christ in this difficult yet sacred time.
READ MORE
What does The United Methodist Church teach about ordination? Learn more about the steps and blessings to become a deacon or elder.

Spirit empowered, church authorized: United Methodist ordination

What does The United Methodist Church teach about ordination? Learn more about the steps and blessings to become a deacon or elder.
READ MORE

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2024 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved