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There are approximately 30,000 Methodist congregations in the United States across multiple denominations. Browse all Methodist churches by state →
Methodist denominations in America
"Methodist" covers a family of denominations rooted in the 18th-century revival of John and Charles Wesley:
- United Methodist Church (UMC) — the largest Methodist body in the US, with approximately 5 million members and 30,000 churches. The UMC has been undergoing significant division over sexuality; many theologically conservative congregations have left to form the Global Methodist Church, launched in 2022.
- African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME) — founded in 1816 by Richard Allen in Philadelphia, the AME is the oldest African American denomination in the US, with about 2.5 million members. Its historic role in the civil rights movement is profound.
- African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church (AME Zion) — founded in New York City in 1796; Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, and Sojourner Truth were connected to this denomination.
- Free Methodist Church — founded in 1860 by B.T. Roberts; emphasizes holiness, simplicity, and freedom (originally opposing slavery and pew rental). Theologically conservative.
- Wesleyan Church — similar in heritage to the Free Methodist Church; evangelical and theologically conservative.
- Church of the Nazarene — Wesleyan-Holiness tradition, one of the largest Holiness denominations. Emphasizes entire sanctification as a second work of grace.
- Global Methodist Church (GMC) — the new traditionalist Methodist denomination formed in 2022–2024 by UMC congregations that left over sexuality debates. Theologically conservative, orthodox Methodist theology.
What to expect at a Methodist service
Methodist worship varies from very traditional to contemporary, but typically includes:
- Liturgy — many UMC and historic Methodist churches follow a structured order of worship drawn from the tradition, including Scripture readings, creeds, and responsive prayers
- Congregational singing — Methodism has always been a singing tradition; Charles Wesley wrote over 6,000 hymns, many still in use ("O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing," "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," "Christ the Lord Is Risen Today")
- The sermon — typically practical, grace-focused, and oriented toward transformation and holy living
- Communion (Lord's Supper) — United Methodists practice open Communion, meaning anyone who desires to receive is welcome, regardless of membership or tradition
- Strong coffee hour — Methodist hospitality and fellowship after the service is a cultural fixture
Methodist theology: what Methodists believe
Methodism stands in the Arminian tradition — emphasizing human free will, prevenient grace (God's grace that enables everyone to respond to the Gospel), and the possibility of entire sanctification (complete love of God and neighbor, also called "Christian perfection"). Key distinctives:
- Prevenient grace — God extends grace to all people before they believe, enabling them to respond. Salvation is offered to everyone, not only to a predestined elect.
- Assurance — Methodism strongly emphasizes the believer's inner witness of the Spirit — the direct assurance of salvation. John Wesley described his own conversion as his heart being "strangely warmed."
- Sanctification — the Christian life is a journey toward holiness, not just an instantaneous event. Methodists practice "means of grace" — prayer, Scripture, fasting, Communion, fellowship — as ongoing channels for growth.
- Social holiness — Wesley insisted that "there is no holiness but social holiness." Methodism has historically been at the forefront of social reform: abolition, temperance, prison reform, education for the poor, healthcare.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between UMC and Global Methodist Church?
The UMC is the historic, mainline Methodist denomination now moving in a theologically progressive direction, having removed prohibitions on same-sex marriage and LGBTQ+ ordination. The Global Methodist Church is the new conservative breakaway, maintaining traditional Methodist theological positions. Both are Methodist in heritage and Wesleyan in theology; they differ primarily on human sexuality and biblical authority.
Are Methodist churches the same as Baptist churches?
No. They share Protestant roots but differ in several important ways: Methodists baptize infants and practice open Communion; Baptists practice believer's baptism and often closed Communion. Methodists have episcopal governance (bishops); many Baptist churches are congregational. Theologically, Methodists are Arminian; many Baptists are Calvinist or moderately Reformed. See our full comparison →