Church Members - Get Started

As United Methodists we come in all sizes, shapes, colors, dispositions, outlooks and life stories, but we share a unique perspective forged in the shared experience of a church and a nation born in a century of remarkable change. No matter how or where we serve Jesus Christ, our United Methodists church do God’s work in a unique way. We are, by design, a people dedicated to a life of Christian purpose—“Do no harm. Do good. Stay in love with God”—a life of participation and personal responsibility; of generosity, sacrifice and self-restraint, responding to the call of Jesus Christ. Today we speak many languages and live in many countries—with different cultures, ethnic traditions, national histories and understandings of Christian faith and practice.

The UMC’s Basic Organization consists of three Branches:

The United Methodist Church is organized with General Conference as its legislative branch; a
Council of Bishops, somewhat like an executive branch; and a nine-member Judicial Council, the
judicial branch. The United Methodist Church has no single general officer or executive, although
the Council of Bishops elects a president who serves for two years.

In this section, you’ll find information tailored to your needs. Here you will find FAQ’s by local church members, inspirational stories of sharing that will tug at your heart strings, in addition to audio and video segments to help you better understand the giving of the UMC:

The giving opportunities have been approved by the 2008 General Conference and are the giving priorities of the United Methodist Church.

The Seven Apportionment Funds:

Africa University Fund
Black College Fund
Episcopal Fund
General Administration Fund
Interdenominational Cooperation Fund
Ministerial Education Fund
World Service Fund

The Six Churchwide Special Sundays with Offerings:

Human Relations Day Sunday
One Great Hour of Sharing Sunday
Native American Ministries Sunday
Peace With Justice Sunday
World Communion Sunday
United Methodist Student Day Sunday

Designated Giving:

The Advance
World Service Special Gifts
Bishop’s Appeals

If you find you have a question about something that isn’t covered here, please contact us and we will do our best to find the answer. Who knows – your question may end up in our frequently asked question section!