United Methodist Churches

Social concern, evangelism, and Christian education have all been important aspects of the Methodist movement since the era of John Wesley. United Methodist churches have traditionally sought to integrate these concerns into the worship service, especially through special program emphases promoted by various denominational boards and agencies. The historical roots of the United Methodist Church include a concern for social piety and worship. John Wesley's General Rules required Methodists to give "evidence of their desire of salvation" by "doing no harm," which meant avoiding such evils as slaveholding, buying or selling liquors, and usury. The rules required Methodist to do good "by giving food to the hungry, by clothing the naked, by visiting or helping them that are sick or in prison. " The rules instructed Methodists further to "attend upon all the ordinances of God," which included worship, the Lord's Supper, and the expounding of the Word. Thus, from the beginning, Methodists c…