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About Us

The West Michigan Annual Conference is dedicated to the United Methodist mission of making disciples for Jesus Christ as we pursue our vision of "Each Alive in Christ, All Connected in Mission."  

We believe all persons matter to God, and are invited into a relationship that brings meaning and hope, regardless of our circumstances. We believe that a radical alternative to the ways of the world is offered to us in the life and example of Jesus, who brought a message of peace, forgiveness, and unconditional love. As people seeking to follow in Christ’s way, we find ourselves “coming alive” in a new ways - discovering our goodness, sharing our gifts, finding ourselves invited to God’s abundant table, and leading lives that recognize our connection with one another and with eternity.

We don’t believe the opportunity to follow Christ is an exclusive offer, but one that is offered to all people, everywhere. Following the example of our 18th century founder, John Wesley, United Methodists in West Michigan believe that God’s grace flows to everyone, even those who do not yet recognize it. Our doors, minds and hearts are open, and we invite all persons to the Sacrament of Holy Communion, regardless of their circumstance.

West Michigan Conference is a strongly mission-minded conference, continually leading all other U. S. conferences in per capital giving to second-mile mission projects. We have a covenant relationship with the Methodist Church of Haiti, and a strong commitment to supporting the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). Because we have experienced hope, we feel called to share this message of hope with the world.  Because we have experienced healing, we work together to help heal a broken world. Because we have been loved, though unlovable, we reach out others in love. Because we have been forgiven, we work to forgive and challenge one another into a new life.  

The West Michigan Annual Conference is part of the Michigan Area (which also includes the Detroit Annual Conference) under the leadership of Bishop Jonathan Keaton. Our Conference has 571 clergy and more than 68,422 lay members  in 425 churches located in six districts - Albion, Central, Grand Rapids, Grand Traverse, Kalamazoo and Lansing. We are diverse in our opinions, but united in our desire to follow Christ, support one another on the journey, and reach out in love and service to the world.

We invite you to join us!

To find a church near you, click here.

For more contact information, click here.

To submit a prayer request, contact Kathy Hippensteel at Kathy@wmcumc.org