About Us

Shawnee United Methodist Church’s roots go very deep in the Lima area. In 1851, families in the Shawnee area began to gather together in a local meeting house to worship the Lord, study the Bible, encourage generosity toward Christian work, cater to the needs of the community, and show one another hospitality. They called themselves the “Breese Class.” After only a year, the families decided they needed greater spiritual counsel and leadership to enable their personal and collective spiritual growth, so they asked the Methodist Episcopal Church to send them a pastor—or as they were known in those days because he rode on a horse to serve six different churches in his care, a “Circuit Rider.”

Much has changed since those early days. Buildings have been constructed and renovated, pastors and staff have served for various seasons with great faithfulness, and the community has grown. But while all of these changes have taken place, the five fruitful practices at the heart of our church have remained the same:

  •  Radical Hospitality
  •  Passionate Worship
  • Intentional Faith Development
  •  Risk-Taking Mission & Service
  • Extravagant Generosity

Are you looking for something real? Do you long to make a lasting difference in this world? Do you know you need something in your life, but you’re not sure what that is? There’s so much going on here at Shawnee UMC. Come on over & join us on this great adventure called life! We guarantee you’re going to grow and find purpose here.