The General Conference in 1996 created a very easily understood mission statement FOR ALL LOCAL CHURCHES AND INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS.

That statement says,

"The mission of the Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ."

• "Disciples work to help people.
• Disciples work to help the community.
• Disciples work to help the nation.
• Disciples work to help the world.

We cannot do everything but we can do something."

From Royce P. Robb, "The Basic Ministry of Mission."

UMC What We Beleive  http://www.umc.org/interior.asp?ptid=1&mid=519