Loading...
Methodist
Official WebsiteMethodist
Founded 1738
Nashville, TN
13,712 churches
Methodism was founded by John Wesley in 18th-century England and emphasizes personal holiness, social justice, and the prevenient grace of God available to all. Methodists hold that salvation is available to everyone and stress the importance of sanctification — growing toward Christian perfection. The tradition includes the United Methodist Church, AME, and many other denominations.
Doctrine
What We Believe
Salvation
Grace available to all; free will to accept or reject; emphasis on sanctification
Scripture
Scripture as primary authority, interpreted through tradition, reason, and experience (Wesleyan Quadrilateral)
Baptism
Both infant and believer's baptism accepted; sign of God's grace
Communion
Real spiritual presence of Christ in the Eucharist
Worship Style
Traditional to contemporary; hymn-rich heritage
Church Government
Connectional; bishops oversee districts of local churches
Women in Leadership
Full ordination of women; many female bishops and pastors
LGBTQ+ Stance
Divided; UMC has formally affirmed traditional marriage but regional bodies vary
Geography
Where to Find Methodist
Ohio1,027
Texas963
Maryland794
Pennsylvania695
Georgia668
California595
Iowa588
13,712 Methodist churches
Browse the full directory
Directory
Featured Methodist Churches
Frequently Asked Questions
Methodists follow the teachings of John Wesley, emphasizing God's grace available to all people, personal holiness, and social justice. They believe in salvation by grace through faith, the authority of Scripture, and the importance of both personal piety and service to others.
Methodists practice infant baptism and accept multiple modes (sprinkling, pouring, immersion), while Baptists baptize only professing believers by immersion. Methodists also have a connectional governance with bishops and conferences, unlike the autonomous local church model most Baptists follow.
Methodist services blend traditional and contemporary elements, typically including hymns or praise music, Scripture readings, prayers, and a sermon. Many Methodist churches follow a liturgical calendar and may include responsive readings. Communion is usually celebrated monthly.
Browse PewSearch's directory and filter by denomination to find Methodist churches in your area. Search by city or zip code to see nearby United Methodist, Free Methodist, or other Methodist churches with service times and contact details.
Expect a warm welcome from greeters and a service that balances tradition with accessibility. Services usually last about an hour. Dress varies from business casual to informal depending on the congregation. The communion table is open to all Christians.
Yes. Methodists baptize infants as a sign of God's prevenient grace — the grace that is at work in a person's life before they are able to respond in faith. Parents and the congregation make vows to raise the child in the Christian faith.
The United Methodist Church uses a connectional system with bishops overseeing annual conferences (regional bodies). Local churches are led by pastors appointed by the bishop. Major decisions are made at General Conference, a global legislative body that meets every four years.
For Church Leaders
Are you a Methodist church leader?
Claim your church page for a premium listing with editable content, staff & events, and more.
Claim Your Church
