BeUMC

What does it mean to be United Methodist? To #BeUMC?

Let’s remember who we are — spirit-filled, resilient, connected, missional, faithful, diverse, deeply rooted, committed, disciple-making, Jesus-seeking, generous, justice-seeking, world-changing people of God called The United Methodist Church.

No matter the challenges we face, God is with us, and we have countless opportunities to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world! Every day offers a chance to live into our mission, envision a promising future, and to strive to #BeUMC.

Featured Resource: Q&As

The North Georgia Conference has compiled recent questions and answers about The United Methodist Church into two printable, sharable Q&As for you to read, download, or share. 

UMC Q&A: Theology and Doctrine
Printable Q&A  |  Sharable Q&A |  Foldable Q&A | En Español

UMC Q&A: The Future of The United Methodist Church Printable Q&A  |  Sharable Q&A  |  Foldable Q&A | En Español

Printing Note: When printing the Foldable Q&As, choose “Actual size,” “Print on both sides of paper,” and “Flip on short edge.”  

Q: What do United Methodists believe? 

The United Methodist Church is founded on a Wesleyan theology of grace which is anchored in Scripture, and professes faith in the teachings, life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the continuing movement of the Holy Spirit.

The Articles of Religion, Confessions of Faith,  The Standard Sermons of John Wesley,  The Explanatory Notes on the New Testament, and  The General Rules: Do no harm, do good, and attend to the ordinances of God are our doctrinal standards as stated in The Book of Discipline. 

They are our theological foundation for faith, and the ministry and mission of the church in the world. This is what we believe as United Methodists. 

Though we do hold our doctrinal standards in common, our Wesleyan heritage reminds us that Christians are not called to be of one mind on all matters. In other words, “In essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, in all things charity.”  

Q: What makes the UMC "connectional"?

It was John Wesley himself, the founder of the Methodist movement, who first organized his followers into a connexion. Ever since, The United Methodist Church and its predecessors have proudly called themselves a connectional church.

Together we do more than we could do alone. From how we practice stewardship to camp ministry to communion, the connection is at the core of what it means to be The United Methodist Church. Read more in this article at ResourceUMC.org. 

"BeUMC" in Your Community

Here are a few resources for North Georgia United Methodists in action:

Being United Methodist

The United Methodist Church is founded on a Wesleyan theology of grace, anchored in Scripture, that professes faith in the teachings, life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the continuing movement of the Holy Spirit.

BeUMC: Slide Deck

The customizable slides linked below focus on what we believe as United Methodists, how our connection is making the world a better place, and key themes of the #BeUMC campaign, which celebrates the core values we share.

You're invited to adapt this Google slide presentation for your church, small group, Sunday School class, or other context. Instructions are on the first slide. 

Recommended Reading & Viewing

"Would to God that all the party names and unscriptural phrases and forms which have divided the Christian world were forgot, and that we might all agree to sit down together, as humble, loving disciples, at the feet of our common Master, to hear His word, to imbibe His Spirit, and to transcribe His life in our own!" ⁠—John Wesley

VIDEOS

ARTICLES

BeUMC Discussion Guide

The BeUMC Discussion Guide is perfect for small groups who would like to talk through what it means to be United Methodist.

Resources