Ecuador

Iglesia Evangelica Metodista Unida del Ecuador (The United Methodist Evangelical Church of Ecuador)

The United Methodist Evangelical Church of Ecuador (IEMUE) is a small but vibrant and growing church with a strong sense of purpose.

It defines its strengths as being a young and growing church, its ethnic diversity, and deep commitment to God, its members, and the wider community.

IEMUE is focused on strengthening pastoral and theological training, supporting the growth of new congregations, and deepening discipleship across all age groups.

The church is also working to develop sustainable strategies for stewardship and economic resilience. Through ministries of child protection, education, and community service, IEMUE seeks to accompany families and communities with love and respect.

IEMUE was founded on July 31, 1964, originally named the United Evangelical Church of Ecuador (IEUE). It emerged from the merger of two foreign missions working in rural communities: the United Andean Indigenous Mission and the Brethren Mission. These missions combined spiritual outreach with practical support, offering education, healthcare, and agricultural training.

Over time, the church grew despite internal challenges, including differing theological views among its founders.

In the late 1990s, the church began exploring affiliation with the worldwide Methodist movement. After careful reflection and international consultation, it officially joined the World Methodist Council in 2001, becoming IEMUE.

Legal recognition in Ecuador followed in 2002. Today, IEMUE continues to develop a Methodist identity that respects Ecuador’s multicultural and multiethnic context.