The Book of Discipline is the law and doctrine of the United Methodist Church. It was originally published in 1784, in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and has been published every four years thereafter following the meeting of the General Conference, which passes legislation that is included in The Book of Discipline.

Pastors and officials frequently reference the book because it includes:

• The Constitution
• Doctrinal heritage and the historic Articles of Religion
• Guidance about organizing a local church or a general agency
• Responsibilities of various church officers
• Chargeable offenses and guidelines for conducting investigations and trials

The Discipline also includes the Social Principles, a series of statements made by General Conference about social justice issues.

Pastor Pete has copies of the Book of Discipline that were published in 1855 and 1856.  The next revision will be produced after the 2012 General Conference.