Connectional Ministries
When you join a United Methodist congregation, you become a part of an active, worldwide group of interconnected communities – a connection of people who believe we should spend our days making the love of Christ real in our actions. This connection encourages us to live gracefully, as one unified global community that does no harm, does good and stays in love with God.
No local church is the total body of Christ. Therefore, local United Methodist churches are bound together by a common mission and common governance that accomplish reaching out into the world. United Methodist churches and organizations join in mission with each other and with other denominations.
Connectionalism shows through the clergy appointment system, through the developing of mission and ministry that United Methodists do together, and through giving.
An example of connectionalism: Mission work around the world, whether it be a new university in Africa or bicycles for Cuban pastors, is the work of “the connection,” as opposed to the work of a single congregation.
