Essential Structure

The Lord is a Lord of order.  Throughout the Bible we see examples of the Lord organizing His people, so they might grow in their relationship with Him and help others to do the same.  The Lord organizes His people for ministry. (Genesis 1:1-3, Exodus 18:15-27, Acts 6:1-4, Colossians 2:5, 1st Corinth 12:27-28)

The United Methodist Church, like other churches has sought to follow the Lord's guidance in organizing itself for the purpose of ministry.

The United Methodist Church is a "Connectional" Church.  This means that every United Methodist Church is connected with every other United Methodist Church. We share ministry, resources, etc.

GENERAL CONFERENCE

  • The law-making body of the United Methodist Church.
  • Meets every 4 years with lay and clergy delegates.
  • Publishes the "Book of Discipline".
  • "General Church Agencies" under it's direction.  They provide specific support for various areas of the churches' mission.
 JURISDICTIONAL CONFERENCE

  • An administrative division of Geopgraphical areas, which support the work of the Annual Conferences. (U.S. divided into 5 jurisdictions)  It gives material support to annual conferences, meets every four years, elects Bishops, and members of General Agencies.
ANNUAL CONFERENCES

  • The "Annual Conference" describes two things:
    1) A Geographical area of ministry (Kentucky Annual Conference)
    2) Yearly meeting where lay and clergy delegates meet to carry out the support for the local churches within 
        that geographical area.
  • Presided over by a Bishop.  The Bishop is supported by District Superintendents, and Annual Conference Staff members.
DISTRICTS

  • The annual conference is divided into geographical areas of ministry.
  • The district supports the local churches within its area.
  • Presided over by "District Superintendents".
LOCAL CHURCH

  • The Local church is a "Community of true believers under Lordship of Christ".  It exists for the "maintenance of worship, the edification of believers, and the redemption of the world."
  • It is connected with other local churches through districts, annual conferences, jurisdications, and general conference.