Bolivia

Iglesia Evangélica Metodista en Bolivia (Evangelical Methodist Church in Bolivia)

The Evangelical Methodist Church in Bolivia (IEMB) is a vibrant and active faith community recognised for its strong social impact.

The IEMB combines spiritual outreach with practical support—working in evangelism, education, health, and rural development. It plays a vital role in promoting wellbeing and justice in Bolivian society whether through schools, clinics, or local congregations.

The church is currently focused on strengthening leadership, especially among lay leaders in rural areas.

Through training and discipleship, the IEMB equips individuals to respond to local and national challenges with compassion and integrity. In doing so, it aims to build communities that reflect hope, unity, and resilience.

The Iglesia Evangélica Metodista en Bolivia (IEMB) traces its roots to 1891 with the founding of a Methodist Sunday school by a lay preacher.

Formal mission work began in 1906 following Bolivia’s constitutional guarantee of religious freedom. The church became autonomous in 1969, electing its first national bishop.

A transformative movement led by Aymara members in 1975 reshaped the church’s structure and priorities, emphasizing ecumenical relations, education, women’s empowerment, and rural health.

The IEMB has played a pioneering role in education and public health, founding schools, hospitals, and technical colleges across Bolivia. It partners with the government to run 16 educational centres and supports rural development and human rights initiatives.

Deeply committed to justice and indigenous cultural re-evaluation, the church engages communities through seminars and social programmes.