Honoring our past

In 2022, the Connectional Table’s “Imagine the Future” project led conversations were held across the globe about the vision, identity, connectionalism, and mission of The United Methodist Church. Some of the key words that emerged throughout these conversations were, “Wesleyan” and “grace,” demonstrating that members around the world continue to recognize and celebrate our Wesleyan roots. Moreover, participants in this conversation shared that they continue to experience the UMC as a place of grace and transformation.

Reclaiming our identity as United Methodists calls us to faithfully interpret our historic values and priorities to guide us in the present and into our future.

As the General Commission on Archives and History reminds us, John Wesley submitted, “to be more vile” and preach outside the church doors, United Methodists continue to bring the good news of God’s love to those that don’t feel comfortable or welcome in church. United Methodists, clergy and lay, have continued to practice the means of grace that John Wesley taught, as a way to experience and share in the gift of God’s grace. United Methodist communities around the world have encouraged and supported the vital work of lay ministries in the spirit of the classes and societies of the early Methodist movement.