About Pioneer United Methodist Church
Our Purpose
We’re glad you’re here. Pioneer United Methodist Church is a welcoming community in the heart of Walla Walla. We gather to worship, serve, and grow. Opening our hearts, minds, and doors to all. Whether you’re exploring faith for the first time or returning after some time away, you’re invited to belong, ask questions, and find your place.
Our Vision
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Worship that connects: Scripture, messages, prayer, and music that lift hearts and engage minds.
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Radical hospitality: We strive to be a safe, welcoming space for every person—across ages, backgrounds, and identities.
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Compassion in action: We serve Walla Walla with steady, practical care.
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Formation and fellowship: Small groups, Bible studies, youth and children’s ministries, and opportunities to learn and lead.
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Justice and mercy: We seek the common good—working toward dignity, equity, and peace in our community and beyond.
What We Believe
The 8 Essentials of Methodism
We believe in the Triune God
We believe in Salvation through Jesus Christ
We believe in the Holy Spirit
We believe in the holy ‘catholic’ church
We believe in a practical theology
We believe in transforming and perfecting grace
We believe in faith and good works
We believe in the coming of God’s realm and reign
John Wesley and early Methodists were particularly concerned about inviting people to experience God’s grace and to grow in their knowledge and love of God through disciplined Christian living. They placed strong emphasis on putting faith and love into action. This emphasis on what Wesley referred to as “practical divinity” continues to be a hallmark of United Methodism. We invite you to learn more about our rich theological heritage by visiting UMC.org.
The Pacific Northwest Conference of The United Methodist Church is called to be a community, diverse and united in God’s saving love, sent out in vital life-giving ministry for and with Jesus Christ. You can read more about the work being done by United Methodists in the Pacific Northwest at PNWUMC.org.
Our Story
A First Methodist Episcopal church was organized in Walla Walla in 1859. Started as a class meeting in a home, the congregation built five different houses of worship over the years beginning in 1860 and ending with our current building in 1917. Formed by the union of two Methodist Episcopal congregations in 1916, Pioneer Church was named for the “hardy men and women whose courage and foresight have made possible the development of the Northwest.”
Major renovations as recent as 2008 continue to provide a state-of-the-art facility for worship, fellowship, and mission. But, a church is more than a 100-year old building. What makes Pioneer Church special to the community has always been the people.
The same qualities of courage, compassion, resilience, and faith that guided the first Methodist preachers to head west on the original Oregon Trail, guide us today. Our history is one of movement and continual change to spread the good news of Jesus Christ to a world desperate for hope. We practice the social justice of John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, and seek to provide equity for all. We seek to grow closer to a God that claims every human being as a beloved child…no exceptions. In all of our efforts, we strive to love as Jesus loved, showing compassion and acceptance to the marginalized, the least and the lost.