Whether you’re new to the area or haven’t yet found a church that resonates with your beliefs and faith, we have compiled a list of information and quick tips to help you find the right Methodist church. Methodist churches may vary, but understanding the basics can help you choose one that feels like home.

Why Find a Methodist Church?

Finding a Methodist church that aligns with your beliefs can help you deepen your faith and surround yourself with a positive community. Once you find the right Methodist church, you can also strengthen your commitment to Jesus Christ.

The Methodist church and religion can be identified by the cross and flame symbol, which was created in 1968. The Methodist religion doesn’t have an official version or translation of the Bible but uses the Common English Bible (CEB) and the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV). Both the Old and New Testaments are used in Methodist service.

The Methodist religion was initially created as a reformation of the Church of England. A group of men, including John Wesley and his brother, Charles, wanted to reform the Church of England during the 18th century. They created the Holy Club at the University of Oxford and met weekly with the intention of living a holy life. The two brothers participated in Communion each week and were actionable with their faith, frequently visiting the sick and poor. The group was eventually referred to as ‘Methodist’ because of the rules and methods that maintained their religion. What began as a negative phrase turned into a proud phrase that described their faith.

John Wesley recognized that people had different beliefs and wanted to create a way to celebrate faith and religion while still accepting these differences. He was credited with creating the phrase ‘agree to disagree.’ The Wesley belief is still important, especially within the Wesley United Methodist Church.

What do Methodists Believe?

A Methodist is a person who believes in the Christian faith and the organizational structure of the connection. United Methodists aim to strengthen their faith and impact the world in a positive way. Actionable goods are an important value to United Methodists. The basic three rules of the Methodist religion include:

• Do no harm
• Do good
• Stay in love with God

Methodists have Christian beliefs that are similar to some other religions. One of these similarities is the Trinity, which means God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Methodists also believe in the birth, death, and Resurrection of Jesus. Baptism is also a part of the Methodist religion and is a sign of regeneration. Methodists believe in sacred worth and that all are welcome to worship and participate in Holy Communion, even those who aren’t a member.

Methodism is a denomination related to Protestant Christianity. While all Methodist denominations are Protestant, not all Protestant churches are Methodist. The Methodist church is best known for its belief that the Christian heart is perfect before death. This is different from other religions, which believe that this doesn’t occur until death.

Methodists also differ from Catholics in many ways. Methodists strongly believe in the authority and power of the Bible, whereas Catholics believe scripture and tradition hold equal importance. Methodists also believe that Jesus Christ died for all humans and that everyone is eligible for salvation. The Catholic church believes that God has ordained a small group of people to carry on the word.

Many Methodist churches also practice the Wesley Fast, which occurs from sundown Thursday until 3:00 p.m. on Friday afternoon. Some Methodists prefer to extend the Wesley Fast until sundown on Friday. The Methodist church allows skipping and moving the fast to accommodate special upcoming events. The Friday Fast includes refraining from meat, dairy products, and alcohol. However, there isn’t official guidance on how to fast, and some may choose specific indulges when fasting.

Methodists also believe that Sunday is the Lord’s Day—the day of Christian worship. Weekly church services on Sunday mornings are expected. Hymn singing is an important part of the Methodist faith and is a part of most services.

Other beliefs of the Methodist religion may vary, depending on whether it’s United or Global Methodist practices. To learn more about what United Methodists believe, you can find additional resources on the People of the United Methodist Church website. In summary, Methodists believe that God’s love is for everyone.

Where Can I Go to Find a Methodist Church Near Me?

While a Google search may help you discover the Methodist churches near you, there’s more to consider when it comes to this big decision. You can learn more about a potential church by visiting its website. Some may even have recordings, so you can get an idea of the service type and style.  You can also learn about the available programs on the church website.

Many churches today also offer virtual worship experiences, which can be a great way to determine if it’s the right one for you. Here are a few things to look for when choosing the right Methodist church:

• Core beliefs: While the Methodist church shares similar beliefs, individual churches may have minor variations.
• Leadership team: A church’s leadership team can make all the difference when choosing a church. Ensure they’re preaching the core beliefs of the Methodist church.
• Groups available: Some Methodist churches offer Bible study groups or children’s services. Think about which groups are most important to you, or choose churches with a lot of diversity when it comes to group events.
• Worship times: You can find worship times online. Try to choose a church with worship service times that fit your schedule.
• Congregation size: The size of a congregation can also impact your experience with a Methodist church. If you prefer to be a part of a large church, you may want one with a lot of members. If you prefer a smaller church experience where everyone knows everyone, you may prefer a smaller congregation.
• Church location: Consider the church’s location. Choosing a church near you will make attending services and other available groups easier. .

Methodist churches vary from traditional service to contemporary. Depending on the church you choose, you can expect a variation of Bible readings, preaching, instrumentals, and Holy Communion.

What If There Isn’t a Methodist Church Near Me?

The Methodist religion is prominent all over the country, so you should have many options when it comes to choosing a church. However, if you’re unable to find a church that you feel is a good fit, you may have other options.

You could attend online services of a church further away from your home. However, worship online services can make it difficult to immerse yourself in the church’s community. You may not be able to attend study groups or fellowship opportunities. You also have the option to drive a little further from home to the right church. The sense of community and feeling of belonging is worth spending a little extra time driving.

Things to Know When Choosing a New Methodist Church

There are a few things to know when choosing a new Methodist church, including:

The Methodist Church Requires the Sacrament of Baptism

You don’t have to be baptized to attend a Methodist church. However, becoming a member of the Methodist church religion does require baptism. You can be baptized at any age, meaning you may choose to do so if you find a Methodist church that you want to join. Baptism pairs you with another member or sponsor, who can also help you learn more about the church.

The Methodist Church is Splitting

You may have heard about global and united Methodists, and understanding the differences can help you choose the right Methodist church. The Methodist church is currently in the middle of a theological debate related to sexual orientation, causing a split. The Global Methodist Church holds more traditionalist views of Christianity and, more specifically, sexuality, whereas the United Methodist Church holds more modern views.

Clothing Formality Depends on the Church

The Methodist church doesn’t have an official dress code. Historically, the church was a time to show off your Sunday best. While many people still prefer dressing semi-formally or formally, not all churches require it. Modern Methodist churches may enact a come-as-you-are approach, which leads to a wide range of clothing, including jeans, skirts, dresses, and pants. More formal Methodist churches may request that attendees wear more formal attire, including long dresses, skirts, or suit jackets.

Regardless of which type of Methodist church you choose, there are a few clothing items you should avoid. It’s best to avoid clergy shirts unless you are a bishop. You also should avoid wearing stoles unless you’re ordained in Methodism. Some churches may even split services into formal and informal. Early morning services may be more formal, whereas late morning services are informal.

Social Commitment is Important in the Methodist Religion

Methodists believe in actionable faith. This means getting out into the community and serving is just as important as attending services. Many Methodist churches may have special groups or events that allow you to be involved in your local community.

You Can Talk With the Pastor

You can talk to the pastor to learn more about the Methodist church. You can also sit in on a service to better understand how a typical Methodist service at that specific location proceeds.

The Methodist Church Structure is Similar to a Government

The United Methodist Church structure is similar to a government setup, which means there’s a General Conference, legislative branch, and executive branch. The Council of Bishops is the Executive Branch, with Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harver currently serving as president. The leader of the Wesleyan Covenant Association is Keith Boyette. The group meets at least once per year at an annual conference.

You can learn even more about the UMC by checking out resources from the United Methodist Church. You can also sign up for local or United Methodist newsletters to learn more about the latest events of the Methodist religion.

What to Expect From a Methodist Church Service

While there may be minimal variations among church services depending on where you choose to attend, this is the basic pattern used by the United Methodist Church:

Gathering

The church community comes together in gathering in the Lord’s name, often accompanied by church bells or music. This is a time for outwardly gathering and inwardly spiritual inflection. During this time, you can expect informal greetings and conversation, important announcements, a welcoming of visitors, a rehearsal of hymns or music, informal prayer, singing, quiet meditation, private prayer, and organ or instrumental music as an offering to God. This informal gathering may change weekly based on the needs of the church.

Greeting and Hymn

The leader begins the formal service with a greeting and hymn. The Christian greeting welcomes attendees in the Lord’s name. The leader uses scripture or encourages a responsive action. Some Methodist churches may also use the choir to sing Christian greetings. The greeting or hymn is familiar, affirming, and positive. Some Methodist churches may also introduce a stanza or chorus to recite during this time. They’ll maintain the same recruitment for a few months so that attendees know it well.

Opening Prayers and Praise

The opening prayers and praise follow the greeting and hymn. During this time, everyone recognizes that they are before God, and prayers begin. Whether prayers are done standing, sitting, or kneeling depends on the church. The specific prayer and collaboration with the congregation also vary among churches. A prayer of confession and declaration always accompany each other.

Proclamation and Response

Confession and prayer may follow the Response to the Proclamation of the Word. During the prayer for illumination, the blessing of the Holy Spirit is read, preached, heard, and done. This prayer for illumination may be completed by the whole congregation at once or by the preacher or another leader.

Scripture

During scripture, two or three readings are read. Psalms or hymns may go in between each reading. The most common order of events includes the first reading from the Old Testament, a Psalm, a second reading from the New Testament, a hymn, song, or gospel, and then the scripture portion concludes with a gospel reading.

Most Methodist churches try to include scriptures from both the Old and New Testaments. If a specific service doesn’t include both, you can expect other services to include them. Some churches may offer members of the congregation the opportunity to read scriptures. However, church members are always given time to prepare.

Sermon

During the sermon, one or more scripture readings are interpreted and proclaimed. During this time, churchgoers listen to the sermon, occasionally responding to the Proclamation of the Word.

United Methodist Worship includes children and youth in service as both participants and leaders. This means traditional worship should also include stories, songs, and music appropriate for all age levels. Most churches also prioritize sermons that members of all ages can understand and use to deepen their faith.

Response to the Word

A Response to the Word follows the sermon and includes an Invitation to Christian Discipleship. During this time, a hymn of invitation may invite churchgoers to a baptism, confirmation, or reaffirmation.

Concerns and Prayers

A specific portion of the service will include a time to discuss joys and prayers. Depending on the church, this process typically varies and may be a mix of brief intercessions, petitions, or litany. Some Methodist churches may begin the service with Concerns and Prayers rather than leaving it until the end.

Confession, Pardon, and Peace

During confession, pardon, and peace, the church leader will lead the group by explaining the act of worship and then inviting those to offer prayers of confession in silence. This is a time of peace and reconciliation, which also includes reconciling the congregation.

Offering

Church members offer up monetary gifts, products of labor, or other appropriate gifts. In return, church members may participate in Holy Communion and share bread among other church representatives at the Lord’s table. This may include hymns , psalm, anthem, and instrumental music.

Those who wish to participate in Holy Communion are welcome. The act includes four parts: The Prayer of Thanksgiving, The Lord’s Prayer, breaking the bread, and giving the bread and cup.

Sending Forth

The traditional send-off of a Methodist service includes a final hymn or song followed by a blessing. The pastor gives the Benediction, specifically addressing it to the people. Going forth may include instrumentals, silence, extinguishing the candles, or informal greetings or conversation.

You don’t have to know the structure to participate in a Methodist service. The pastor will lead you and the rest of the congregation through the Methodist worship service.

How to Integrate Yourself into Your New Methodist Church

You found a church that matches your core beliefs, and you’re ready to become a part of their community; great! Now what? Integrating yourself into your new church family is an important part of the process. Here are a few tips to successfully integrate yourself into your new church:

• Attend an in-person service: The first step is to attend an in-person service. The more services you attend at your new church, the more it will begin to feel like home.
• Attend other church events: You can also attend other events the church may host throughout the week, like Bible study or special holiday events. Some of the events welcome visitors, which can be a great way to learn about the other members.
• Volunteer: Volunteering your services to help out at church events can also be a great way to meet other church members.
• Attend a new member orientation: Some churches have special orientation nights for new members. This can be a great way to learn about the requirements for joining the church. This is also a good way to build relationships with other new members.
• Attend meet-ups: Some churches have special meet-ups for members. These may be designed to accommodate members of different ages and lifestyles, including adults only, family groups, or young adults.
• Sign your children up for youth study: Youth study groups or youth ministry can help younger children integrate into your new church. This can also be a great way to build relationships with the parents of other children in the group.

The benefits of the Methodist church outweigh the traditional worship or adult Sunday School services. Integrating into your local church helps you develop a sense of community.

How Can Church.org Help Find a Church?

Church.org connects you to churches in your community. You can use the search function within the app to access resources to learn more about local Methodist churches. Searching for your new Methodist church with Church.org is easy. Simply input your city in the search bar, and you’ll receive a list of churches in your area.

Then, users can click on each listing to learn more about each one, including church announcements, stories, and sermons. Some of the churches even publish online sermons and classes, connecting you to other members. Church.org currently has over 100,000 churches listed, making it easy to find a church that supports your faith.

Looking for a Baptist or a Lutheran church near you? Church.org covers all denominations and can help you find your church family.