The UMC Connection

Churchwide

The governance bodies and general agencies that serve the whole United Methodist connection — equipping local churches, conferences, and leaders worldwide.

How the Connection Works

The United Methodist Church operates through a system of governance bodies and general agencies. Governance bodies — like General Conference and the Judicial Council — set policy and provide oversight. General agencies carry out specific ministry functions between sessions of General Conference.

Together, they form the infrastructure that supports over 30,000 congregations across four continents.

Governance & Oversight

The bodies responsible for policy, oversight, and coordination across the UMC connection.

General Conference

The top lawmaking body of the UMC

Meets every four years to set policy, amend the Discipline, and direct the work of general agencies. ResourceUMC covers legislation, press briefings, and implementation guides.

Council of Bishops

Pastoral and spiritual leadership of the church

The collective body of all active and retired UMC bishops, providing leadership, teaching authority, and oversight across the global connection.

Judicial Council

The UMC's highest court

Determines the constitutionality of actions taken by General Conference, jurisdictional and central conferences, and annual conferences.

Connectional Table

Coordinating mission across the connection

Coordinates the work of general agencies and program-related ministries, and serves as the central coordinating body for the mission, ministries, and resources of the church.

Official Groups

Recognized caucuses and affiliated organizations

Officially recognized groups within The United Methodist Church, including caucuses, commissions, and affiliated organizations that serve specific constituencies.

Leadership Gathering

Convening leaders across the connection

A gathering of United Methodist leaders from across the connection — bishops, agency executives, conference leaders — to discern direction and build community.

Agencies on ResourceUMC

These agencies have moved their primary web presence to ResourceUMC.

United Methodist Men

Meet. Know. Serve.

The official organization for men's ministry in The United Methodist Church, equipping men to grow in faith and serve their communities.

UMC Communications

Engaging the church through Christ-centered communications

Provides communications strategy, media resources, training, and the UM News service for churches and conferences across the connection.

General Agencies

Each agency operates an official site with its full catalog of programs, events, and resources.

Discipleship Ministries

Equipping disciples for transformation

Provides resources for Sunday school, small groups, evangelism, worship, and faith formation for local churches across the connection.

umcdiscipleship.org

Global Ministries

Mission across the world

Connects United Methodists to global mission work through missionaries, disaster response, and sustainable development partnerships.

Church & Society

Faith in the public square

Applies the Social Principles to advocacy work on issues of justice, peace, and human dignity on behalf of The UMC's global witness.

Higher Education & Ministry

Forming leaders for tomorrow

Oversees Wesley Foundations, campus ministries, and theological schools; endorses military and institutional chaplains.

Finance & Administration

Stewardship of the connection

Manages general church funds, audits, and financial accountability across The United Methodist connection.

Wespath

Benefits and retirement for clergy

Administers pension, health, and benefit plans for United Methodist clergy and lay employees across the United States.

UM Publishing House

Curriculum for every age

Creates and distributes Christian education curriculum, Bibles, books, and resources for United Methodist congregations worldwide.

Religion & Race

Dismantling racism in the church

Provides anti-racism training, resources, and advocacy to help United Methodist institutions build diverse, inclusive communities.

Status & Role of Women

Equity for women in the church

Advocates for the full inclusion and equal participation of women in every level of The United Methodist Church.

United Women in Faith

Women in mission, women in community

The largest faith-based women's organization in the US, mobilizing women for missions, advocacy, and community transformation.

Archives & History

Preserving the Methodist story

Maintains official United Methodist archives and provides historical research resources for scholars, churches, and the general public.

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