The United Methodist Church is a mainline Protestant denomination and a major part of Methodism. The UMC traces its roots back to the revival movement of John and Charles Wesley in England as well as the Great Awakening in the United States. As such, the church's theological orientation is decidedly Wesleyan.
Considering this, how did the Methodist get their name?
METHODIST ORIGINS. The term 'Methodist' requires explanation and precise definition. The word originated in Oxford, when certain students, including John and Charles Wesley, formed themselves into what was also called 'The Holy Club', and because they lived by 'method', the name was given to them.
Where did the Methodists come from?
Methodism, 18th-century movement founded by John Wesley that sought to reform the Church of England from within. The movement, however, became separate from its parent body and developed into an autonomous church. There were roughly 15 million Methodists worldwide at the turn of the 21st century.