Beliefs

What We Believe

United Methodists share a common heritage with all Christians. We hold the following basic affirmations in common with all Christian communities. 

God - God, who is one, is revealed in three distinct persons - Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Jesus - We believe in the mystery of salvation through Jesus Christ. God became human in Jesus of Nazareth; and his life, death and resurrection demonstrates God's redeeming love. 

The Holy Spirit - The Holy Spirit is God’s presence 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. 

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. 

The Church - The church is the body of Christ, an extension of Christ’s life and ministry in the world today. 

The Bible - We believe that the Bible is God’s Word and is the primary authority for our faith and practice.

The Kingdom of God - The kingdom or reign of God is both a present reality and future hope.

Find more information about core beliefs on the UMC website.

Apostles' Creed

I believe in God, the Father Almighty
    maker of heaven and earth;

And in Jesus Christ his only Son, our Lord;
    who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
    born of the Virgin Mary,
    suffered under Pontius Pilate,
    was crucified, dead, and buried;*
    the third day he rose from the dead;
    he ascended into heaven,
    and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty;
    from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,
    the holy catholic** church,
    the communion of saints,
    the forgiveness of sins,
    the resurrection of the body,
    and the life everlasting. Amen.

*Traditional use of this creed includes these words: “He descended into hell.”

**Universal

Wesleyan Heritage

John Wesley 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.

The distinctive shape of our theological heritage can be seen not only in this emphasis on Christian living, but also in Wesley’s distinctive understanding of God’s saving grace. Although Wesley shared with many other Christians a belief in salvation by grace, he combined them in a powerful way to create distinctive emphases for living the full Christian life. 

Find more information on the UMC Website.

Social Principles

Taking and role in society is part of who we are as United Methodists. John Wesley encouraged the early Methodists to practice both personal and social piety.  We believe it's important to help people with their social and political struggles. Working to bring social holiness is an outgrowth of the change we experience as Christians in our baptism and conversion. 

Learn more about the United Methodist Social Principles on the UMC Website.