Guatemala

Iglesia Metodista Primitiva de Guatemala (The Primitive Methodist National Evangelical Church of Guatemala)

The IENMPG is a growing church rooted in Guatemala’s indigenous Mayan communities, with congregations spread across the North, West, South, and East regions.

Most members speak Quechua as their first language and live in modest conditions, working as market traders, weavers, and small-scale farmers. Worship services are held primarily in indigenous languages, reflecting the church’s deep cultural identity.

• The church’s mission is expressed through four key areas:
• proclamation of God’s love
• discipleship to nurture spiritual growth
• diakonia—practical service to uplift individuals and communities
• koinonia, fostering inclusive and welcoming fellowship

The church is currently undergoing renewal to better use its resources and become more self-sustaining.

It also plays a vital role in responding to natural disasters such as volcanic eruptions and tropical storms.

Women’s empowerment and child development are central to its ministry, as it continues to grow in faith and witness both within Guatemala and beyond.

The Evangelical National Primitive Methodist Church of Guatemala traces its origins to the early 20th century when the Primitive Methodist Church in the United States began mission work in Guatemala. The first worship service was held in 1922, marking the start of its presence in the country.

The mission focused on both spiritual and social outreach, especially among indigenous communities, combining preaching with education, healthcare, and agricultural training.

Over the following decades, the church expanded organically, forming congregations in rural and urban areas.

Despite internal challenges and the impact of Guatemala’s civil conflict (1960–1996), the church remained committed to serving vulnerable populations.

In 1983, it was formally established as a national denomination under the name Evangelical National Primitive Methodist Church of Guatemala (IENMPG).