Our History

In 1969, the Wisconsin Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church was formed from the East Wisconsin (Methodist), West Wisconsin (Methodist), and Wisconsin (Evangelical United Brethren) Conferences. In one form or another, all of these bodies had actively served the ministry needs of Wisconsin residents from the recognition of the Wisconsin Territory in 1836, and before.

According to the United Methodist Church ¶601 of The Book of Discipline 2008, "The purpose of the Annual Conference is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world by equipping its local churches for ministry and by providing a connection for ministry beyond the local church; all to the glory of God." United Methodist Congregations seek to call persons to new life in Christ, nurture persons to be disciples of Jesus Christ, and address the needs in our local and global communities through mission and ministry, and by advocating for justice.

The Wisconsin Annual Conference fulfills this mission through the ministry of more than 81,000 United Methodists in 458 local congregations, served by the Bishop, the Conference Center in Sun Prairie, five districts served by a district superintendent and 77 circuits served by dedicated and devoted clergy and laity leaders. You may also view a map of the districts of the Wisconsin Annual Conference.

Find a church in Wisconsin on the Our Churches page.