Beliefs
We are United Methodists
United Methodists are diverse in looks, dispositions, outlooks and life stories, and share a common heritage with all Christians. Our members speak many languages and live in many countries.
United Methodists also share a unique history and faith perspective. No matter how or where they serve Jesus Christ, United Methodists do God’s work in a unique structure — referred to as “the connection.” This concept has been central to Methodism from its beginning.
Connectionalism comes to life through our clergy appointment system, our mission and outreach, and through our collective giving. We live out our call to mission and ministry by engaging in ministry with the poor, combating diseases of poverty by improving health globally, creating new places for new people and renewing existing congregations, and developing principled Christian leaders. No one congregation can do all these ministries, but together — through the power of our connection — we can make a tremendous difference.
WHAT UNITED METHODISTS BELIEVE
As United Methodists, we have an obligation to bear a faithful Christian witness to Jesus Christ and to put our faith and love into action.
Our Christian Beliefs
Christian Beliefs God: God, who is one, is revealed in three distinct persons.
Christian Beliefs Jesus: We believe in the mystery of salvation through Jesus Christ. God became human in Jesus of Nazareth; and his life, death and resurrection demonstrate God’s redeeming love.
Christian Beliefs The Holy Spirit: The 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, it’s the Holy Spirit at work.
Christian Beliefs Human Beings: Genesis 1:27 asserts that we’ve been made in the image of the Creator. Like God we have the capacity to love and care, to communicate, and to create.
Christian Beliefs The Church: The church is the body of Christ, an extension of Christ’s life and ministry in the world today.
Christian Beliefs The Bible: We believe that the Bible is the primary authority for our faith and practice.
Christian Beliefs God’s Reign: The kingdom or reign of God is both a present reality and future hope.
Our Wesleyan Beliefs
United Methodists trace our heritage back to a pair of brothers who started the Methodist movement in 1700s England. John and Charles Wesley, helped lead a movement to “spread Scriptural holiness over the land.” John Wesley, recognized as the founder of The United Methodist Church, and the 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 primary emphasis on Christian living, on putting faith and love into action. This emphasis on what Wesley referred to as “practical divinity” has continued to be a hallmark of United Methodism today. We invite you to learn more about our rich theological heritage.
– from the UMC website, Our Faith
For more information, visit The United Methodist Church website at https://www.umc.org
