Ask The UMC

We invite you to Ask The UMC. And check out some recent Q&As below.

“Minutes of Several Conversations Between the Rev. Thomas Coke, The Rev. Francis Asbury and Others.” The first Book of Discipline was adopted in 1784 at the historic Christmas Conference. Photo courtesy of Bridwell Library Special Collections, Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University.

Ask The UMC: When was the first Book of Discipline created?

The first Book of Discipline was adopted in 1784 at the historic Christmas Conference, which established the Methodist Episcopal Church in America. Read More

The Adoration of the Magi tapestry dating from 1894 from the Manchester Metropolitan University, England. Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

Ask The UMC: How do United Methodists understand Epiphany and Three Kings Day?

Epiphany is the day Christians remember the coming of the Magi to visit Jesus, bringing their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Read More

Nativity set from Peru, photographed at the Upper Room Museum in Nashville, Tenn. Photo by Mike DuBose, United Methodist Communications.

Ask The UMC: Does Christmas have roots in pagan beliefs?

A look at the long history of celebrating Christmas on December 25 and how the early church arrived at that date. Read More

Photo by Alex Ramos, courtesy of Pixabay.

Ask The UMC: Why do we baptize at different ages?

United Methodists are glad to baptize people at whatever age or stage they come for baptism. There is no time too soon, and no time too late, to begin one�... Read More

Ask The UMC: How are bishops chosen in The United Methodist Church?

United Methodist bishops are ordained elders elected and consecrated for a ministry of servant leadership and supervision. Read More

Pumpkins fill the grounds of the 12th South Farmers Market in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo by Laurens Glass.

Ask The UMC: What is The United Methodist Church’s view of Halloween?

Cultural celebrations for Halloween have evolved alongside church celebrations for All Saints but these activities need not define or limit our witness to what makes for holiness. Read More

Artist Edward J. Mikula poses with the Cross and Flame emblem he had designed in 1968. This photo is from the book Keeping Up With The Revolution by Edwin Maynard. Archived Photo, United Methodist Communications.

Ask The UMC: Has The United Methodist Church always had an official symbol like the cross and flame?

Since its founding in 1968, The United Methodist Church has used a single logo: the Cross and Flame. Preceding denominations used a variety of symbols and seals over the years. Read More

Photo by John C. Goodwin, United Methodist Board of Global Ministries.

Ask The UMC: How often has there been a special called General Conference?

Since The United Methodist Church formed in 1968, only one special session of General Conference has been held outside of the normal four-year schedule. Read More

Young adults pass the collection plate during the contemporary worship at McKendree United Methodist Church in Lawrenceville, Ga. 2016 file photo by Kathleen Barry, UMNS.

Ask The UMC: What does The United Methodist Church teach about tithing?

Tithing is commonly understood as the giving of one-tenth of one’s income for God. This standard of giving comes from several passages in Scripture. Read More

What is the difference between an apostle and a disciple?

In this week's Ask The UMC, explore the differences of two Greek words and the relationship between the two. Read More

The Rev. Jerome R. DeVine (left, rear) makes the sign of the cross on the Rev. Kyland Dobbins during a reaffirmation of baptism at Facing the Future 2018, an event for clergy in cross-racial/cross-cultural appointments, in Newark, N.J. File photo by Joey Butler, UMNS.

Ask The UMC: Why don’t United Methodists make the sign of the cross? (Hint: We do!)

Why is making the sign of the cross sometimes viewed as foreign to United Methodists? The answer isn’t hard to find. Read More

A view of Kingswood School in England. Neil Phillips Photography, courtesy of Kingswood School.

Ask The UMC: What was the first school started by Methodists?

Education is a core value of The United Methodist Church that dates back to the earliest days of the Methodist movement. Read More

Sunset captured via phone camera in Carlisle, Ohio. Photo by Darby Jones, United Methodist Communications.

Ask The UMC: How did John Wesley understand original sin?

John Wesley addressed this directly, more than once. Read More

Pews and hymnals photographed inside Monroe Street United Methodist Church in historic Germantown, Nashville, Tenn. Photo by Kathleen Barry, United Methodist Communications

Ask The UMC: Why does The United Methodist Hymnal include more than songs?

The answer has to do with developments in both Methodist ritual and published resources over time. Read More

What did John Wesley mean by ‘moving on to perfection?’

The answer lies in Wesley's definition of sanctifying grace. Read More

Image of a circuit rider, courtesy of the General Commission on Archives and History for The United Methodist Church, Drew University.

Why do United Methodist pastors change churches?

The United Methodist Church’s unique system of deploying clergy has its roots in the earliest days of Methodism. Read More

More than a dozen former alcoholics and addicts carried signs telling how it felt to be in recovery during a presentation at the 2012 Oklahoma Annual Conference meeting in Tulsa. Photo by Boyce Bowdon

May United Methodists drink alcohol?

A look at how The United Methodist Church views alcohol and its role in society. Read More

Bishop Cynthia F. Harvey (right) answers questions during a press conference about The United Methodist Church's Way Forward plan to address how the denomination ministers with LGBTQ individuals. She is flanked by Bishops Bruce R. Ough (left) and Kenneth H. Carter following the Council of Bishops meeting in Chicago. Photo by Mike DuBose, UMNS.

Can you explain Way Forward plans, COB recommendation?

The Council of Bishops considered three plans developed by the Commission on a Way Forward and indicated its majority recommendation for the One Church Plan. Read More

In a Covenant Discipleship group, each member gives an account of how they are doing in their spiritual life. Mark Deshon (second from left) is the Discipleship Leadership team leader at Newark (Delaware) United Methodist Church. Photo courtesy of Mark Deshon

What does it mean to live by faith?

Faith is about having one’s life transformed by the One in whom we put our trust, not just assenting to some ideas that may comfort us in difficult times. Read More

Evangelical United Brethren Church Bishop Reuben H. Mueller (left) and Methodist Bishop Lloyd C. Wicke join hands on April 23, 1968, symbolizing the merger between the two denominations. 1968 file photo courtesy of the United Methodist Commission on Archives and History; cropped from original.

Ask the UMC: When was The United Methodist Church created?

The United Methodist Church was created on April 23, 1968, when The Evangelical United Brethren Church and The Methodist Church joined to form a new denomination. Read More

Claudia Teli N'guessan sings during worship at Temple Emmanuel United Methodist Church in Man, Côte d'Ivoire, in this 2015 file photo. Photo by Mike DuBose, UMNS.

Ask the UMC: When is Easter over? What comes next?

For Christians, Easter is a season of 50 days. The original purpose of the Easter season was to continue the formation of new Christians in the faith. Read More

Ask the UMC: Was Jesus Christ without sin?

Our historic doctrinal standards point in that direction. Read More

Portrait of Helenor M. Davisson, courtesy of Archives and History (edited from original); portrait of Anna Howard Shaw, courtesy of the Sophia Smith Collection, Smith College Libraries.

Ask the UMC: When did the church first ordain women?

Women served as preachers from the beginnings of the Methodist movement. Read More

Ask the UMC: What is the kingdom of God?

United Methodists recognize that the reign of God is both a present and future reality. Read More

Bishop Francis Burns, missionary bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Liberia, 1858-1863. Photo courtesy of the Liberia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church.

Ask the UMC: When was the first African-American bishop elected?

The first African-American bishop served as a missionary bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Liberia. Read More

The Rev. Joey Galinato of Good Samaritan United Methodist Church, the Rev. Michael McQueen of St. James United Methodist Church and the Rev. Ronny Branen of Prospect United Methodist Church, all from the North Georgia Conference, join in baptizing 47 people in a river in Angat, Philippines. Photo by the Rev. Joey Galinato

Ask the UMC: How do you become United Methodist?

Becoming a United Methodist begins with a commitment to grow as a disciple of Jesus Christ through participation in a local congregation. Read More

In this 2013 file photo, the Rev. Eunice Musa Iliya (right) participates in an International Women's Day vigil, sponsored by United Methodist Women. Photo by Kristina Krug, courtesy of United Methodist Women.

Ask the UMC: What does it mean when we vow to ‘resist evil, injustice and oppression’?

A look at the biblical and baptismal history behind the renunciation of evil. Read More

Ask the UMC: Are Watch Night services connected to John Wesley?

A look at the history of Watch Night services and the connection to Methodism founder John Wesley. Read More

Glendale United Methodist Church in Nashville is decorated for the Advent/Christmas season. Photo by Steven Kyle Adair, United Methodist Communications.

Ask the UMC: How long is the Christmas season?

Do you know the dates the Christmas season begins and ends? Read More

Stained glass window featuring Charles Wesley from Grace United Methodist Church in Atlanta, part of the United Methodist Church Global Mission Center. Photo by Kathleen Barry, United Methodist Communications

Ask the UMC: Did Charles Wesley write any Christmas hymns?

Wesley, a prolific hymn writer, wrote several hymns for Advent and Christmas, including a yuletide favorite. Read More

Ask the UMC: What does ‘communion of saints’ mean?

Every time Christians say the Apostles’ Creed, we profess belief in the communion of saints. But what does the term mean? Read More

United Methodists understand the need to confess their sin before God and one another. Photo courtesy Pixabay/CC0 Creative Commons.

Ask the UMC: What is the Methodist belief about forgiveness of sin?

United Methodists understand the need to confess their sin before God and one another. But do Methodists confess their sins to God or the pastor? Read More

Photo showcases pumpkins and gourds. Photo by Roland zh / WikiMedia Commons.

Does The United Methodist Church have a position about Halloween?

Find information about this secular holiday and alternative ways to celebrate the season when you Ask the UMC. Read More

Different hands hold up the Cross and Flame of The United Methodist Church. Photo illustration by Kathleen Barry, United Methodist Communications.

Ask the UMC: Where is the church headquarters?

United Methodists make decisions together while in conference, or conversation, and prayer with other church members. Read More

The Rev. Anne Lau Choy baptizes an infant at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Fremont, Calif. Photo by Brian Teodoro.

Ask the UMC: Do United Methodists swear oaths?

At baptism, marriage and ordination, United Methodists "vow" (promise) simply and directly that they affirm or will do what is asked of them. Read More

A tire swing sways in the wind from Hurricane Rita over the remains of a beachfront home destroyed by Hurricane Katrina in Ocean Springs, Miss. Rita made landfall in East Texas Sept. 24, 2005, nearly four weeks after Katrina hit Louisiana and Mississippi. Photo by Mike DuBose, UMNS.

Ask the UMC: How do United Methodists understand human suffering from natural disaster?

When tragedy strikes, it is common for us to ask why. We turn to our faith for answers, but answers don’t come easily. Read More

Ask the UMC: Is our time of death predetermined?

Some people say that when you are born, the day of your death is written in the book. What does that mean? Read More

Children and youth often serve as acolytes in The United Methodist Church. They may carry in the light of Christ, the processional cross, banners or Bible. Photo by Mike DuBose, UMCom.

Ask the UMC: Where did the use of acolytes originate?

Is the role of acolytes to carry the light of the Lord into the world? Read More

Ask the UMC: What is grace? Is it different from peace?

United Methodists understand grace as a gift from God. Peace is found in our response to God's grace. Read More

Ask the UMC: How do we love our enemies?

This is a question many Christians struggle with. Agape love is hard. It requires action, not just a general sense of goodwill or affection. Read More

Photo by Laurens Glass, United Methodist Communications

Ask the UMC: What is meant by the term ‘image of God’?

Genesis 1:27 tells us that humans are created in the image of God, but what exactly does that mean? Read More

The church recognizes that marijuana may have medical benefits for some conditions. Photo by Jennifer Martin, Wikimedia Commons

Ask the UMC: Is using marijuana for medical reasons acceptable?

The United Methodist Church has long supported abstinence from illegal drugs, but is the church’s stance on medical marijuana different? Read More

A panel on the back wall inside of Joannes de Dooper Church in Pijnacker, Netherlands, depicts the wedding feast at Cana. Photo by Hpruxpbvm, courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

Ask the UMC: Was the wine at the wedding at Cana alcoholic?

During the temperance movement, there was an argument that somehow the wine in the Gospels was miraculously non-alcoholic, but is there evidence in the biblical text to support that argument? Read More

Communion is not an individual, private sacrament, rather it is celebrated by the whole gathered congregation. Photo by Diane Degnan, United Methodist Communications

Can a layperson celebrate communion privately at home?

Mark W. Stamm offers an explanation in his book "Sacraments and Discipleship: Understanding Baptism and the Lord's Supper in a United Methodist Context." Read More

A stained-glass window featuring John and Charles Wesley is found at the Wesley Memorial Methodist Church in Epworth, England. Photo by Kathleen Barry, United Methodist Communications

Can God really love me?

United Methodists who struggle to feel accepted and loved by the Savior should remember that John Wesley struggled with similar feelings. Read More

Bishop Scott J. Jones baptizes the daughter of the Rev. Emily and Stephen Cannon during the 2015 Great Plains Annual Conference. Photo by Todd Seifert, Great Plains Conference.

Ask the UMC: What is expected of godparents?

Being invited to be a child’s godparent is an honor and a serious responsibility. Read how godparents play a special role in the life of a child. Read More

Jeremain (left) and Jeremaih Robinson pile up ruined furnishings from a home that was heavily damaged by flooding in Baton Rouge, La. The 16-year-old twins were part of a volunteer team from First United Methodist Church in Baton Rouge. Photo by Mike DuBose, UMNS.

What is UMCOR Sunday?

Gifts to the UMCOR Sunday offering (formerly One Great Hour of Sharing) cover the United Methodist Committee on Relief’s costs of doing business. Read More