United Methodists think of the local church as the visible
extension of Christ in the world today. Ordained and
lay ministers lead the local congregation, although
every United Methodist is called to minister to others.
The local church council formulates and implements plans
for:
- nurturing ministries of education,
worship, and stewardship
- outreach ministries of compassion,
advocacy, and social concern
- witness ministries of evangelism,
membership care, and spiritual formation
- leadership training for church members
- congregational organization and administration
- age-level ministries for children,
youth, young adults, adults, families, and older adults.
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Methodist Bishops are elected
for life from the ranks of the ordained ministry.
They function as both spiritual and administrative
leaders for their area.
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Conferences are made up of both clergy and laity.
The General Conference is the primary law-making
body.There are five Jurisdictional Conferences which
elect bishops and direct church programs. |
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The nine-member lay and clerical
Judicial Council is the court of ultimate appeal
in the church. The authority and basis of all decisions
is the Book of Discipline.
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These governing bodies are set up by the General Conference,
and work on the behalf of the whole denomination. They
include:
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General Boards |
These guide the church in missions,
discipleship, social concerns, higher education,
and ministry. |
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Commissions |
These work in Christian unity,
religion and race, and the status and role of women. |
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