We also have a unique heritage and areas of emphasis. Learn what we mean when we talk about grace, how we serve people around the world, and ways we grow as disciples of Jesus Christ.
When we say the Apostles’ Creed, we join with millions of Christians through the ages in an understanding of God as a Trinity—three persons in one: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God, who is one, is revealed in three distinct persons.
MORE ABOUT GODIn trying to find words to express their faith in Jesus, the New Testament writers gave him various names. Jesus was Master, Rabbi, Teacher. He was the Way, the Truth, and the Life. We acknowledge Jesus as Son of God, Son of man, Christ, Lord, and Savior.
MORE ABOUT JESUSThe Holy Spirit is God’s present activity in our midst. When we sense God’s leading, God’s challenge, or God’s support or comfort, we say that it’s the Holy Spirit at work. We see evidence of the Spirit’s work in the Bible, in guidance, in the gifts we receive, and in the strength we receive to follow “the Way”.
MORE ABOUT THE HOLY SPIRITThe United Methodist Church recognizes two sacraments, baptism and communion. These two acts have a special place in the church because Jesus commanded them and participated in them.
MORE ABOUT THE SACRAMENTSWe believe that God created human beings in God’s image. We believe that humans can choose to accept or reject a relationship with God. We believe that all humans need to be in relationship with God in order to be fully human.
MORE ABOUT HUMAN BEINGSWe believe that the church is the body of Christ, an extension of Christ’s life and ministry in the world today. It is the church’s mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
The church is “the communion of saints,” a community made up of all past, present, and future disciples of Christ. As such, the church is called to worship God and to support those who participate in its life as they grow in faith.
MORE ABOUT UMCWe believe the bible is vital to our faith and life. We view the Bible as a library of books across time and history, Sacred Scripture, God’s way of speaking to us about salvation, and a guide to faith and life.
MORE ABOUT THE BIBLEMethodism began because of John Wesley, his brother Charles, and others’ desire to grow as disciples of Jesus Christ. Together they pursued “holiness of heart and life,” which Wesley described as “universal love filling the heart, and governing the life.” The dual emphasis on both what we believe and how we live is essential to United Methodism today.
You can learn more about what we believe from our Social Principles, the Articles of Religion, and our Confession of Faith.
MORE ABOUT OUR WESLEYAN HERITAGE