What kinds of people make up The United Methodist Church?

John Wesley is the founder of Methodism, along with his brother Charles. John and
Why the name "Methodist?" And are they really "United? Charles were the sons of Anglican clergyman Samuel Wesley and his wife, Susanna.
Who speaks on behalf of The United Methodist Church? Of the 19 children born to the Wesleys, ten survived to adulthood. Samuel and
Who gets to decide the official beliefs for The United Methodist Church? Susanna’s religious beliefs and practices and their reverence of God greatly
Can I disagree with the church on an issue like war or abortion? influenced the Wesley brothers and both John and Charles were ordained clergymen
Why is The United Methodist Church involved in political issues? in the Church of England.
How do United Methodists view things like communion and baptism?
1. History John Wesley’s life encompassed most of the 18th century. He was born in 1703 and
2. Theology and Beliefs ordained as a priest into the Church of England in 1725. He died in 1791. Although
3. Organization and Governance he was the founder of the Methodist movement, John Wesley remained for life a
4. Present and Future Challenges of the church clergyman of the Church of England. The Methodist Church was not established in
England until after his death.
CHAPTER 1
Methodist, the name that stuck due to the methodical disciplines and practices
WESLEYAN HERITAGE shared by the members of the society, such as holding one another accountable to a
disciplined spiritual journey.
Wesleyan heritage primarily refers to the denomination’s roots nurtured by the lives
and ministry of the Wesleys, John (1703-1791) and his brother Charles (1707-1788). In 1729 while a student at Oxford University in Oxford, England, Charles started a
The evolution of that heritage is rich in personal drama and social activism, spiritual society with fellow students and invited John to be a leader. At first they met weekly,
seeking, disciplined living, and transforming experiences – as you will see in the then more frequently according to a regular schedule. Their disciplined activities
History module of this course. included:

• The study of the Bible in Hebrew and Greek

Methodism started as a movement in England, founded by John and Charles.
• The study of the classics
• Visits to prisoners, the poor and the sick
The underlying energy of the Wesleyan theological heritage stems from an emphasis
• Religious instruction of poor children.
upon "practical divinity." For the Wesleys, practical divinity meant putting faith
and love into practice was what they believed to be "genuine Christianity."
A HEART ‘STRANGELY WARMED’
ANGLICAN CHURCH
Upon his return from Georgia, John Wesley had a life-changing experience, which
he recorded in his diary May 24, 1738:
 Show no concern in the society
1. Moral 2. Social 3. Spiritual
"In the evening I went very unwillingly to a society on Aldersgate Street, where one
18th CENTURY- JOHN WESLEY, the founder of Methodism was reading Luther’s preface to the Epistle to the Romans. About a quarter before
nine, while he was describing the change which God works in the heart through faith
BORN: JUNE 17, 1703 DIED: MARCH 02, 1791 in Christ, I felt my heart strangely warmed. I felt I did trust in Christ, Christ alone
for salvation; and an assurance was given to me that He had taken away MY sins,
FATHER: SAMUEL WESLEY MOTHER: SUSANNA WESLEY even MINE, and saved ME from the law of sin and death."
TWO OUTSTANDING TALENTS/QUALITIES:

1. Awareness of God/ devotion to the will of God

2. Talent for practical administration
 emphasis on mind and heart (knowledge and vital piety) and putting faith and love
into practice (life).
HEROES OF METHODISM CHAPTER 2

THE WESLEYAN QUADRILATERAL

Charles Wesley (Dec. 02, 1707- Mar. John Wesley (June 17, 1703- Mar.
29, 1788) 02, 1791) The United Methodists strive to grow in their spiritual understanding by using what
is called the Wesleyan Quadrilateral: Scripture (writings in the Bible). Tradition
 Conversion- May 21, 1738  "a brand plucked out of the (what Christians have believed across the centuries). Reason (critical thought), and
 Founded the Holy Club burning" Experience (personal experience of faith). Each is applied to and interacts with the
 Wrote 6,500 hymns  Led the Holy Club other.
 Missionary
 Founded of Methodism
Holy Scriptures Tradition
Francis Asbury (1745-1816) Thomas Coke (1747-1814)  God’s Word  Church doctrine, order and
 God’s Word is Alive and worship
 Prophet of the long road  Right hand of John Wesley Active  E.g. Sunday worship/ School,
 Converted when he was 14 yr.  Ordained by John  2 Tim. 3:15-17- Sola Wedding, 7 Last Words
old  Superintendent in America Scriptura
 Sent to America (Father of  Ordained Francis Asbury Experience (New Life in Christ) Reason (critical thought)
American Methodism)  Father of Methodist Mission  2 Cor. 12:12; Rom. 10:1-3;  Isa. 1:18, Phil. 1:27-30; 3:9
 Elected as Obispo (1784)
1 Pet. 1:16-19
 Traveled with an average of
6,000 miles/year

Jacob Albright (1759-1808) Philip William Otternbein (1726-

1813)
 Founder of Evangelical
Church 1803  Founder of the United
 The honest brick maker Brethren in Christ
 Lay preacher  German Teacher
 Bishop of Evangelical Church  Missionary in America
 Helped in ordaining Francis
Asbury

THREE SIMPLE GENERAL RULES

THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH AT A GLANCE Text: Gal. 5:15; 3 Jn. 11; Acts 10:38; Psa. 105:4; 5:10-12; Matt. 22:36-40

The mission of The United Methodist Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ In the General Rules, Wesley spelled out this expectation in a three-part formula for
– in uncomplicated terms, to nurture followers of Christ who then reach out and living our faith:
teach others about the love of Jesus.
The heart of United Methodism is a relationship with the living God through Jesus "It is therefore expected of all who continue therein that they should continue to
Christ and sharing the mission of God to redeem the world. evidence their desire of salvation."
The United Methodist Church has a Wesleyan heritage, and as such, places an 1. DO NO HARM, by avoiding evil of every kind …,
 2. DO GOOD of every possible sort, and, as far as possible, to all …  Nurture and Mission of The Church: The church is a nurturing
3. STAY IN LOVE WITH GOD by attending upon all ordinances of God. fellowship that promotes personal growth but also equips and mobilizes us
for mission and service to the world.
CHAPTER 3
*Wesley spelled out the "ordinances of God" as the Means of Grace. The Means of
THEOLOGY AND BELIEFS Grace are spiritual practices that allow us to experience God’s presence in everyday
life. The most important Means of Grace are:
The thrust of the Wesleyan movement and that of the United Brethren and
Evangelical Association was to reform the nation, particularly the church, and to
spread Scriptural Holiness over the land.  Public worship of God
 Hearing the Scriptures read or expounded
The Wesleyan emphasis upon the Christian life – faith and love put into practice –  Holy Communion
has been the hallmark of traditions now incorporated into The United Methodist  Family and private prayer
Church.  Devotional reading of the Scriptures
 Fasting or abstinence
 The Apostles' Creed was sent to American Methodism by John Wesley as
part of the baptismal covenant for adult baptism, but there is no requirement SACRAMENTS
set by the general church to do so.
Texts: Matt. 28:18-20; Acts 8: 26-40; 1 Cor. 11: 23-26
ORDER OF SALVATION
1. Holy Baptism 2. Lord’s Supper
Eph. 2:8-10
United Methodists believe there are two sacraments ordained by Christ as signs and
Distinctive Wesleyan emphases pledges of God’s love for humanity: Baptism and Communion.

Baptism is the initiation and incorporation into the Body of Christ (the church). An
Grace is freely given by God and used for a person’s transformation. (See ¶101 in infant, child, or adult who is baptized becomes a member of the catholic (universal)
the 2008 Book of Discipline for expanded explanations) church, of the United Methodist denomination, and of the local congregation.
“Prevenient grace." is already given by God and present in all creation, which  The baptizing of a person is a sign of God’s saving grace. In a free act of
awakens a longing for deliverance from sin and death and moves us toward outpouring love symbolized by baptism, God’s grace is bestowed upon us.
repentance and faith. Grace also gives us the freedom to resist grace. As the "Body of Christ" in the world, baptism commissions us to use our
"Justifying grace". God reaches out to the repentant believer in "justifying grace" gifts to strengthen the church and to transform the world. Pastors administer
(we don’t have to justify ourselves to God) with accepting and pardoning love and baptism by sprinkling or pouring water, or by full immersion.
with assurance of forgiveness. (Psalm 143:2; Job 25:4; Isa. 57:12; 64:6; Gal. 2:16)  In United Methodist practice, people of all ages can be baptized, but the
“Sanctifying grace”. (Personal transformation)- Guidance of the Holy Spirit. () church strongly advocates the baptism of infants within the faith
community.
Faith and Good Works: God’s grace and human activity work together. Accepting
God’s grace (faith) shows itself in the good we do for others – and is the response we In infant baptism, parents or sponsors pledge, by instruction and example, to do
feel called to make and are obliged to make. () the following:

 Mission and Service: Love of God is always linked with love of neighbor,  Bring children up in the Christian faith
a passion for justice and renewal in the life of the world.  Teach them the Holy Scriptures

 Train them to give reverent attendance upon the public and private worship
of God, and
  Keep them under the ministry and guidance of the church.

Holy Communion is one of two sacraments observed in The United Methodist

Church. Sacraments are understood to be "signs of grace, and God’s good will
toward us. (2008 Discipline, ¶103, page 63)

 United Methodists practice "open communion," that is, all persons are
welcome to participate in the meal, regardless of their denomination, church
or congregation.
CHAPTER 4
Names for Communion
THE LOCAL CHURCH
 "Holy Communion" underscores the teaching that in the sharing of bread
and wine, we are united to Christ and to one another.   Text: Eph. 4:11-16; Acts 2:42

 "The Lord’s Supper" reminds us that it is Christ who instituted the ritual, "The local church provides the most significant arena through which disciple-
who hosts the meal, and who asks us to remember his sacrificial love for us. making occurs. It is a community of true believers under the Lordship of Christ. It is
the redemptive fellowship in which the Word of God is preached by persons divinely
 "Eucharist" is the Greek word for thanksgiving. It is the most celebratory called and the sacraments are duly administered according to Christ's own
name for the sacrament as we offer praise and thanksgiving for all God has appointment. Under the discipline of the Holy Spirit, the church exists for the
done and is doing in the world.

25 ARTICLES OF RELIGION AND DOCTRINES OF THE UNITED

METHODIST CHURCH

maintenance of worship, the edification of believers, and the redemption of the

world." (¶201, 2008 Book of Discipline)
  Church members are part of a bigger whole -- the connection: an annual  To accept the freedom and power God gives them to resist evil, injustice,
conference, a jurisdiction, the General Church, and churches and annual and oppression;
conferences around the world.  To confess Jesus Christ as Savior, put their whole trust in his grace and
promise to serve him as their Lord;
 The local church is a strategic base from which Christians move out to the  To remain faithful members of Christ’s holy church and serve as Christ’s
structures of society (2008 Book of Discipline). representatives in the world;
 To be loyal to The United Methodist Church and do all in their power to
The United Methodist Church is a "connectional church”

 A central emphasis on connectionalism

 The United Methodist structure and organization began as a means of

accomplishing the mission of spreading Scriptural Holiness over the land.

 No local church is the total body of Christ. Therefore, local United

Methodist churches are bound together by a common mission and common
governance that accomplish reaching out into the world.

THE MISSION OF THE LOCAL CHURCH

Matthew 28:18-20

Four Focus Areas

Goal 1- Make disciples of Jesus Christ/Principle Leader strengthen its ministries;

 To faithfully participate in its ministries by their prayers, their presence,
Goal 2- Strengthen, develop and renew Christian congregations and communities their gifts, their service, and their witness;
Goal 3- Alleviate human suffering  To receive and profess the Christian faith as contained in the Scriptures of
the Old and New Testaments.
Goal 4- Seek justice, freedom and peace

CALLED TO SERVE
MEMBERSHIP VOWS
United Methodists believe that all persons, including laity, are called to ministry –
1. PRAYERS that is, the service we do as Christian disciples.
2. PRESENCE
 Ordained Elders are called by God and ordained by bishops. They preach
3. GIFTS
and teach the Word of God, administer the sacraments of baptism and Holy
4. SERVICE
Communion, and order the life of the church for mission and ministry.
5. WITNESS
 Ordained Deacons, who are part of the clergy, are often specialists in
Vows for confirmation and reception into the church:
ministries of education, music, administration or outreach and justice
 To renounce the spiritual forces of wickedness, reject the evil powers of the ministries – referred to as servant ministries.
world, and repent of their sin;
  Local pastors are lay people with special conference-approved training who
serve as pastors of congregations, assigned there by a district
superintendent.

 And in The United Methodist Church, it is believed that we are all called to
be in ministry. This is sometimes referred to as the "priesthood of all
believers."

Matthew 22:37-39- Greatest Commandments

Matthew 28:19-20- Great Commission

CONFIRMATION CLASS
Our UMC mission and the process for carrying out,

“To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”
LESSONS
The process for carrying out our mission: we make disciples of Jesus as we

- PROCLAIM the gospel, seek, welcome and gather persons into the Body
of Christ.
- LEAD persons to commit their lives to God through baptism by water and
Spirit and profession of faith in Jesus Christ.
- NURTURE persons in Christian living through worship, the sacraments,
spiritual disciplines, and other means of grace.
- SEND persons into the world to live lovingly and justly as servants of
Christ by healing the sick, feeding the hungry, caring for the stranger,
freeing the oppressed, being and becoming a compassionate, caring
presence, and working to develop social structures that are consistent with
the gospel.
- Continue the mission of seeking, welcoming, and gathering persons into
the community of the Body of Christ.

Wesleyan Spirituality
Prepared by: Jay D. Ubat
2018
 THE HEART WARMING EXPERIENCE OF JOHN WESLEY

Upon his return from Georgia, John Wesley had a life-changing experience, which
he recorded in his diary May 24, 1738:

"In the evening I went very unwillingly to a society on Aldersgate Street, where one
was reading Luther’s preface to the Epistle to the Romans. About a quarter before
nine, while he was describing the change which God works in the heart through faith
CHAPTER 1 in Christ, I felt my heart strangely warmed. I felt I did trust in Christ, Christ alone
for salvation; and an assurance was given to me that He had taken away MY sins,
WESLEYAN HERITAGE even MINE, and saved ME from the law of sin and death."

Methodism started as a movement in England, founded by and ………. DO YOU KNOW THAT THERE WERE HEROES OF METHODISM?

The Wesleyan theological heritage stems from an emphasis upon "practical THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH AT A GLANCE
divinity” meaning ………………………
The mission of The United Methodist Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ
ANGLICAN CHURCH – in uncomplicated terms, to nurture followers of Christ who then reach out and
teach others about the love of Jesus.
The heart of United Methodism is a relationship with the living God through Jesus
 Show no concern in the society Christ and sharing the mission of God to redeem the world.
1. 2. 3. The United Methodist Church has a Wesleyan heritage, and as such, places an
emphasis on mind and heart (knowledge and vital piety) and putting faith and love
John Wesley is the founder of Methodism, along with his brother Charles. John and into practice (life).
Charles were the sons of Anglican clergyman Samuel Wesley and his wife, Susanna.
Of the 19 children born to the Wesleys, ten survived to adulthood. Samuel and
Susanna’s religious beliefs and practices and their reverence of God greatly
influenced the Wesley brothers and both John and Charles were ordained clergymen
in the Church of England.
• The full and correct name, The United Methodist Church

The Methodist Church was not established in England until after his death. • 1946- union of Evangelical Church and United Brethren
Church became Evangelical United Brethren Church
In 1729 while a student at Oxford University in Oxford, England, Charles started a
• 1968- union of Evangelical United Brethren Church and The Methodist
society known as Holy Club with fellow students and invited John to be a leader. Church became TUMC
Their disciplined activities included:
• Articles of Religion (1784)- TMC
• The study of the Bible in Hebrew and Greek
• The study of the classics • Confession of Faith- TEUBC
• Visits to prisoners, the poor and the sick
• Religious instruction of poor children.
 In the General Rules, Wesley spelled out this expectation in a three-part formula for
living our faith:

"It is therefore expected of all who continue therein that they should continue to
evidence their desire of salvation."

4. ………………………, by avoiding evil of every kind …,

5. …………………...of every possible sort, and, as far as possible, to all …
6. …………………………….by attending upon all ordinances of God.
CHAPTER 2
CHAPTER 3
THE WESLEYAN QUADRILATERAL
THEOLOGY AND BELIEFS
The United Methodists strive to grow in their spiritual understanding by using what
is called the Wesleyan Quadrilateral: Scripture (writings in the Bible). Tradition The thrust of the Wesleyan movement and that of the United Brethren and
(what Christians have believed across the centuries). Reason (critical thought), and Evangelical Association was to reform the nation, particularly the church, and to
Experience (personal experience of faith). Each is applied to and interacts with the spread Scriptural Holiness over the land.
other. The Wesleyan emphasis upon the Christian life –………………………..– has been
Holy Scriptures Tradition the hallmark of traditions now incorporated into The United Methodist Church.
 God’s Word  Church doctrine, order and ORDER OF SALVATION
 God’s Word is Alive and worship
Active  E.g. Sunday worship/ School, Eph. 2:8-10
 2 Tim. 3:15-17- Sola Wedding, 7 Last Words
Scriptura Distinctive Wesleyan emphases
Experience (New Life in Christ) Reason (critical thought)
 2 Cor. 12:12; Rom. 10:1-3;  Isa. 1:18, Phil. 1:27-30; 3:9 Grace is freely given by God and used for a person’s transformation. (See ¶101 in
1 Pet. 1:16-19 the 2008 Book of Discipline for expanded explanations)

“ grace." is already given by God and present in all creation, which

awakens a longing for deliverance from sin and death and moves us toward
repentance and faith. Grace also gives us the freedom to resist grace.

" grace". God reaches out to the repentant believer in "justifying

grace" (we don’t have to justify ourselves to God) with accepting and pardoning love
and with assurance of forgiveness. (Psalm 143:2; Job 25:4; Isa. 57:12; 64:6; Gal.
2:16)

“ grace”. (Personal transformation)- Guidance of the Holy Spirit. ()

Faith and Good Works: God’s grace and human activity work together. Accepting
God’s grace (faith) shows itself in the good we do for others – and is the response we
THREE SIMPLE GENERAL RULES
feel called to make and are obliged to make. (Good Works)
Text: Gal. 5:15; 3 Jn. 11; Acts 10:38; Psa. 105:4; 5:10-12; Matt. 22:36-40
  Mission and Service: Love of God is always linked with love of neighbor,
a passion for justice and renewal in the life of the world.

 Nurture and Mission of The Church: The church is a nurturing

fellowship that promotes personal growth but also equips and mobilizes us
for mission and service to the world.

Have you heard the term “means of grace”? what does it mean?
The Means of Grace .
CHAPTER 4
THE LOCAL CHURCH
The most important Means of Grace are:
Text: Eph. 4:11-16; Acts 2:42

"The local church provides the most significant arena through which disciple-

making occurs. It is a community of true believers under the Lordship of Christ. It is

the redemptive fellowship in which the Word of God is preached by persons divinely

called and the sacraments are duly administered according to Christ's own
appointment. Under the discipline of the Holy Spirit, the church exists for the
maintenance of worship, the edification of believers, and the redemption of the
SACRAMENTS world." (¶201, 2008 Book of Discipline)

Texts: Matt. 28:18-20; Acts 8: 26-40; 1 Cor. 11: 23-26

1. 2. The United Methodist Church is a " ”

is the initiation and incorporation into the Body of Christ (the church).  The United Methodist structure and organization began as a means of
An infant, child, or adult who is baptized becomes a member of the catholic accomplishing the mission of spreading
(universal) church, of the United Methodist denomination, and of the local .
congregation.
 No local church is the total body of Christ. Therefore, local United
is one of two sacraments observed in The United Methodist churches are bound together by a common mission and common
Methodist Church. Sacraments are understood to be "signs of grace, and God’s good governance that accomplish reaching out into the world.
will toward us. (2008 Discipline, ¶103, page 63)
THE MISSION OF THE LOCAL CHURCH

Matthew 28:18-20
25 ARTICLES OF RELIGION AND DOCTRINES OF THE UNITED
FOUR FOCUS AREAS

Goal 1-
Goal 2-  Local pastors are lay people with special conference-approved training who
serve as pastors of congregations, assigned there by a district
Goal 3- superintendent.
Goal 4-  And in The United Methodist Church, it is believed that we are all called to
be in ministry. This is sometimes referred to as the "priesthood of all
believers."
MEMBERSHIP VOWS

1. PRAYERS
2. PRESENCE Matthew 22:37-39-
3. GIFTS Matthew 28:19-20-
4. SERVICE
5. WITNESS

Vows for confirmation and reception into the church:

 To renounce the spiritual forces of wickedness, reject the evil powers of the Our UMC mission and the process for carrying out,
world, and repent of their sin;
 To accept the freedom and power God gives them to resist evil, injustice, “To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”
and oppression; The process for carrying out our mission: we make disciples of Jesus as we
 To confess Jesus Christ as Savior, put their whole trust in his grace and
promise to serve him as their Lord; - the gospel, seek, welcome and gather persons into the Body of
 To remain faithful members of Christ’s holy church and serve as Christ’s Christ.
representatives in the world; - persons to commit their lives to God through baptism by water and
 To be loyal to The United Methodist Church and do all in their power to Spirit and profession of faith in Jesus Christ.
strengthen its ministries;
 To faithfully participate in its ministries by their prayers, their presence,
their gifts, their service, and their witness;
 To receive and profess the Christian faith as contained in the Scriptures of
the Old and New Testaments.

CALLED TO SERVE

United Methodists believe that all persons, including laity, are called to ministry –
that is, the service we do as Christian disciples.

 Ordained Elders are called by God and ordained by bishops. They preach
and teach the Word of God, administer the sacraments of baptism and Holy
Communion, and order the life of the church for mission and ministry.

 Ordained Deacons, who are part of the clergy, are often specialists in
ministries of education, music, administration or outreach and justice
- persons in Christian living through worship, the sacraments,
ministries – referred to as servant ministries. spiritual disciplines, and other means of grace.
- persons into the world to live lovingly and justly as servants of
Christ by healing the sick, feeding the hungry, caring for the stranger,
freeing the oppressed, being and becoming a compassionate, caring
presence, and working to develop social structures that are consistent with
the gospel.
- the mission of seeking, welcoming, and gathering persons into
the community of the Body of Christ.

Wesleyan Spirituality

Student:

Prepared by: Jay D. Ubat

2018

CONFIRMATION CLASS
LESSONS