The Methodist presence in Brazil dates back to 1867. Today, it is a vibrant, autonomous church consisting of over 262,424 members across more than 1,101 congregations.
At World Methodist Evangelism, we are especially grateful for our partnership with the Brazilian church, as three members of our own WME team – Paulo and Juliana Lopes and Ábner Steffen are members of this denomination.
The Brazilian church is a model of “connectionalism,” organized into eight missionary and ecclesiastical regions that cover everything from the bustling streets of São Paulo to the remote communities of the Amazon basin.
The Igreja Metodista no Brasil is guided by a powerful document called the “Plan for Life and Mission.” This plan emphasizes that the church does not exist for itself, but for the mission of God in the world. This is seen clearly in their massive commitment to education and social work. They manage several universities and dozens of “Social Centers” that provide vocational training, daycare, and food security to the urban poor.
In Brazil, being Methodist means being “missionary.” Their slogan, “Every Methodist a missionary,” reflects their aggressive church-planting strategies and their heart for evangelism. Whether through high-tech media ministries or small community groups, they are constantly looking for ways to share the “warmed heart” of Jesus with their neighbors.
Father, we thank You for the passion and missionary fire of our family in Brazil. We praise You for their “Plan for Life and Mission” and their dedication to serving the poor and the student. Bless their congregations, may each one be a lighthouse of hope. Empower every member to live out their calling as a missionary in their own community. Let Your Spirit move mightily from the coastlines to the rainforest. Amen.
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