—— What Is A Methodist? ——
Our History
The United Methodist Church springs from a rich tradition of studying and spreading the Gospel to every corner of society begun in 1729 in England and led by brothers John and Charles Wesley.
It all started with John Wesley, who felt his own heart “strangely warmed” nearly three centuries ago. After this experience, he was compelled to reach out to England’s poorest citizens, which he did with the help of Charles.
Their work launched a movement that spread to the American colonies and took hold with a fervor that still exists today.
Sometimes people call the United Methodist Church “the church of the warm heart” because we have a history of caring about and working to create justice for all people.
Our hearts have led us to build almost as many schools as churches. Methodists were among the first to create institutions for settlers, women and newly freed slaves. There are now 120 United Methodist institutions, including schools outside the United States.
The United Methodist Church is the result of the 1939 merger of three Methodist bodies (Methodist Episcopal, Methodist Episcopal South and Methodist Protestant), followed by the 1968 union of the Methodist churches and the Evangelical United Brethren.
Today, Methodists comprise the second-largest Protestant denomination in the U.S. The church has over 10 million members worldwide. We continue to take the lead in social, spiritual, political and moral concerns.
In the tradition of the Wesleys, our members study Scripture, encourage thoughtful debate and confront the tough issues of the day. We still lead with our hearts, keep our minds open and welcome everyone through our doors.
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Our Beliefs
We continue our devotion to creating disciples for Jesus Christ and making the Good News available to anyone who desires to hear it.
All people, regardless of race, color, national origin, status or economic condition are welcome to attend our churches, receive Holy Communion, be baptized and admitted into membership.
All preaching and teaching is grounded in Scripture, informed by Christian tradition, enlivened by personal experience and tested by reason.
Along with other Christian denominations, we believe in God expressed as Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
The heart of our Christian faith is Christ’s ministry of outreaching love. We are all called to minister wherever Christ would have us work to heal and free others.
United Methodists believe in God’s grace, the unearned and loving action of God in our daily lives. In spite of the suffering, violence and evil in the world, we assert that God’s grace exists everywhere.
Despite any circumstances, we remain creatures brought to life by a just and loving God. His reign is both a present and a future reality.
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We Are...
… a covenant people. When you join Pineville UMC, you become a member of the United Methodist Connection. We promise God and each other to uphold the church with our prayers, presence, gifts and service.
… a diverse community. All people are welcome at Pineville UMC. We’re committed to inclusiveness. We’re enriched by our history as we celebrate a diversity of people, ideas and cultures.
… Biblical in faith. As United Methodists, we trust free inquiry in matters of Christian doctrine. Our faith is guided by Scripture, tradition, experience and reason. Scripture is of paramount importance. We believe the Bible is the record of God’s people living out God’s promise.
… mission-oriented, socially conscious and involved. This is important to our faith. We’re aware of world events and strive to help those in need. Pineville UMC and the United Methodist Church are one in faith and tradition with Methodist Christians around the world. Through the World Methodist Council, Methodists from 68 member churches cooperate in support of ecumenical, educational, evangelical and other ministries.
For nearly 300 years, the United Methodist Church and its predecessor churches have expressed concern for the worker, the sick, the poor, the orphaned, the aging, the impaired and the imprisoned. We participate in the struggles of women, people with physical and mental impairments and people of racial and ethnic minorities, helping them to attain equality in the church and in society. We positively influence the world through responsible social action.
… ecumenical. For generations, United Methodists have cooperated with other churches to spread the Gospel, care for those in need, alleviate injustice and foster peace. In national and interfaith groups, United Methodists reach beyond our own churches and communities to express concern and to share God’s love with people of many faiths.
… connectional. United Methodism took form as an organized church in the United States during the revolutionary period of our history. Its structure parallels that of the U.S. government – church leadership is shared by executive, legislative and judicial branches.
The highest legislative body, the only organization that can speak for the church, is the General Conference. An assembly of up to 1,000 delegates, it is composed of equal numbers of laity and clergy and meets once every four years. Delegates are chose by regional units called Annual Conferences throughout the U.S. and in 15 nations.
Annual Conferences respond to needs in their regions by developing programs and ministries that carry out the work of Christ and support the policies set by the General Conference.
… evangelical. Pineville UMC and the United Methodist Church continue their strong evangelical heritages. Within our congregations is a vital center of Biblical study and evangelism – a powerful blending of personal piety and discipleship.
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