About the UMC
We’re part of something bigger! Here’s a quick look at the United Methodist Church—our story, our beliefs, and the mission we share with churches around the world.
Our Story
The United Methodist Church began in the 18th century with John and Charles Wesley, two brothers who longed to renew the Church of England with a deeper, more personal faith. Their message of God’s grace—alive in personal devotion and active in works of love—spread quickly among ordinary people. What started as small groups meeting for prayer, study, and service grew into a worldwide movement. Methodism came to America with early settlers and soon took root across towns and cities, reaching both rural communities and growing urban centers. The church became known not only for its heartfelt worship but also for its schools, hospitals, and ministries of compassion. Today, the United Methodist Church is a global community of millions, connected by a common heritage and a shared mission. From its historic beginnings to its present witness, the UMC continues to live out a story shaped by grace, dedicated to making disciples of Jesus Christ and transforming the world.
What We Believe
United Methodists believe that God’s grace is the foundation of the Christian life. We speak of this grace in three ways: prevenient grace, which goes before us and draws us toward God; justifying grace, which forgives our sins and makes us new through Christ; and sanctifying grace, which shapes us day by day into people who reflect God’s love. We also hold together four guiding sources of truth—Scripture, tradition, reason, and experience. These “Wesleyan Quadrilateral” principles help us to interpret faith in ways that honor the wisdom of the past, the witness of the Bible, the gift of thoughtful reflection, and the reality of our lived experiences. Faith for us is both personal and social. It calls us to trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and also to live that trust out in service, justice, and compassion for the world. In worship, in study, and in acts of love, we seek to embody what it means to follow Christ with open hearts, open minds, and open doors.
Our Mission
Our shared mission is clear: to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. We live this calling by nurturing disciples, building communities of faith, and serving our neighbors with compassion and justice. This mission is often summed up in a simple yet powerful invitation: “Open Hearts. Open Minds. Open Doors.” These words remind us that our task is not only to proclaim the gospel but also to embody it—welcoming all people into God’s family and living out the grace of Christ in everything we do.
For more details about the United Methodist Church and about the Iowa Annual Conference, of which Central UMC is a part, please click the buttons below: