Methodist University Debate began in 1991 with students who wanted to debate at the collegiate level. After a year, and the fortunate coincidence of hiring a determined and dedicated debate coach in John Humphreys, the school put time and money into building the program. Since 1992, the school has funded the team fully allowing travel, research, and scholarships for each full-time debater.

The Methodist University Debate Team has had success, including winning the American Debate Association Novice National Championship in 1996 and 1998, and a 2nd place finish in the Junior Varsity Division of the American Debate Association National Championship in 1999.

Additionally, the school hosted the American Debate Association's National Championship in 2000 and has hosted a debate camp for Fayetteville Area home school debaters over the past several years.