Since there is no governing body of Methodism or any Protestantism, would you agree that people interpret the Bible differently?
If so SOME folks might think that they ARE obeying the Word of God as they interpret it. It MIGHT be a VERY different interpretation of those same words by YOUR standards.
Protestants are allowed to interpret the Word of God as they wish. There is no HINT of papal interference and they can establish Jesus as their own personal Savior, via the Bible, and THEIR OWN interpretation of it.
But there is: the Council of Bishops, as guided by the General Conference. UMC churches do not even get to choose their own pastors: they are appointed by each annual conference's bishop.
SOME protestants think are allowed to interpret the Word of God as they wish just as SOME Catholics think they are allowed to interpret the Word of God.
Holy Spirit will guide in all truth. A Spirit-filled believer does not need a Pope or a Preacher dictating what he should believe.
JOHN 16:13
But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; He will speak only what He hears, and He will tell you what is yet to come.