DIVISIONS and REUNIONS

of North American Methodist churches

List of the Branches of Methodism

This chart is based on the works of the late Dr. Robert Wilson of Duke University. His chart, "Divisions and Reunions in North American Methodism" had a simple flow-chart which centered around the break away from the Methodist Episcopal Church and the reunion of the churches which comprised the United Methodist Church. However, his chart was lacking many major and minor Methodist movements in the last century, including the 10,000-member Evangelical Methodist Church and other groups. Even the smallest denomination (one of the off-shoots, the Apostolic Methodist Church, has only 100 members) deserves recognition.

"Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them" --Matthew 18:20

The chart is a work in progress. Additions and changes are welcome.

Lessons to be learned from the chart
Each split is arguable whether if it was justified or not. However, the fact remains that Methodists are among the most divided parts of the Body of Christ today. As an Evangelical Methodist, I am not proposing that all Methodist churches reunite on an ecclesiastical basis -- that would lead us on the road back to Romanism, and the relics, relativism and religiosity that John Wesley struggled so fervently to overcome. May his work not be in vain! But may perfect love overtake all of Wesley's ideological descendants, and lead us to love one another despite the names on our church signs.

This complex disarray is a far cry from the unity the early Church once had. (Acts 2:44) May this chart be a long-lasting reminder of the dividing nature of man, and what happens when God's Holy Word is not the final authority in the churches.

"Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they me be one, as you Father, are in me, and I in you-- That they also may be one in us that the world may believe that you have sent me." --Jesus, John 17:20-21

If you have any information regarding alternate Methodist history, or if you need help in interpreting the chart, e-mail universityemc@hotmail.com , and we will work any updates or changes at the next scan.