Malaysia

The Methodist Church in Malaysia

The Methodist Church in Malaysia seeks to be “a church after God’s own heart”. It is a vibrant, multi-ethnic Christian community rooted in Wesleyan tradition and committed to holistic mission.

Its work spans spiritual formation, education, social outreach, and community development. The Church operates through several language-based Annual Conferences, reflecting Malaysia’s cultural diversity.

Education is a longstanding priority, with Methodist schools and vocational centres promoting character formation and national unity.

Social ministries address the needs of marginalised groups, including youth, indigenous communities, and the urban poor, often through training, counselling, and empowerment programmes.

The Church also engages in theological education, leadership development, and interfaith dialogue. Guided by updated Social Principles, it seeks to respond faithfully to contemporary moral, social, and environmental challenges.

The Methodist Church in Malaysia publishes a quarterly newsletter. Pelita Methodist can be accessed here.

Methodism was introduced to Malaysia in the late 19th century by missionaries from the Methodist Episcopal Church in the United States.

The first mission began in Singapore in 1885, followed by expansion into Penang and other parts of the Malay Peninsula.

The Church quickly established schools, medical services, and congregations, becoming a significant force in education and social development.

In 1968, the Malaysia Central Conference of the United Methodist Church was dissolved, and the Constituting Conference of The Methodist Church in Malaysia and Singapore was held. This marked a step toward autonomy.

In 1976, the Churches in Malaysia and Singapore became fully self-governing, forming separate national Methodist Churches.