A New Vision for the United Methodist Church
Love Boldly | Serve Joyfully | Lead Courageously

The mission of The United Methodist Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. The vision encourages United Methodists to embody the following principles:

  • Love Boldly: Passionately love God and, like Jesus, embrace and include people of every age, nation, race, gender and walk of life. (Inspired by Matthew 22:37-39 and John 13:34-35)
  • Serve Joyfully: With a Christ-like heart, journey alongside the most vulnerable, offering care and compassion with joy. (Inspired by Psalm 100:1, Nehemiah 8:10, John 13:14-15 and 1 Peter 4:10)
  • Lead Courageously: Follow Jesus’ example by resisting and dismantling all systems of evil, injustice, and oppression, striving for peace, justice and reconciliation. (Inspired by Joshua 1:9 and Ephesians 6:10)
Guiding Statements for Mission and Ministry

Key statements clearly define who United Methodists are and who we strive to be. They work in conjunction with each other and unite us in shared ministry.

  • The Mission of the denomination is our driving purpose, our why: “The mission of the Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” This is set by the General Conference.
  • The Vision tells us where we are going and how we will continue to live into and accomplish our mission: “The United Methodist Church forms disciples of Jesus Christ who, empowered by the Holy Spirit, love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously in local communities and worldwide connections.” This is set by the Council of Bishops with the Connectional Table. 
  • The Brand Promise reminds us of what everyone should expect to find in United Methodist congregations and organizations: “Open Hearts. Open Minds. Open Doors.” As it is primarily used in external, seeker-facing messaging, this is set by United Methodist Communications. 

Every United Methodist around the world is called to embrace the Mission in their daily living, dream of the possibilities that God has placed before us through the Vision, and embody a consistent welcoming presence that is shared in our Brand Promise.