What We Believe
Our Christian RootsLike all Christian traditions, our beliefs are firmly rooted in the historic Christian faith. You can read about the faith we share in common with all Christians at the offical website of the United Methodist Church.
Our Wesleyan Theological Heritage
In the context of 18th century England, John and Charles Wesley and the early Methodists developed a unique expression of the Christian faith. Their study of the Bible led to a strong conviction that God is a God of AMAZING GRACE. You can read about the Wesleyan understanding of GRACE and other beliefs at the offical website of the United Methodist Church.
Our Established Standards of Doctrine
The United Methodist Church has four collections of writings that articulate our established standards of doctrine. They are:
- The Articles of Religion,
- The Confession of Faith,
- John Wesley's Sermons, and
- John Wesley's Explanatory Notes on the New Testament.
You can read about our established standards of doctrine at the official site of the United Methodist Church.
Our Theological Task
As United Methodists we look to four sources to inform our faith and theology. They are:
- Scripture,
- Tradition,
- Reason, and
- Experience.
With Scripture being our primary source, we reflect on all four sources as we seek to apply God's grace and truth to the issues and times of the 21st century. You can read about our theological task at the official website of the United Methodist Church.
Our Social Principles
From the days of John and Charles Wesley until now, the people of the United Methodist Church have been reflecting on scripture, tradition, reason, and experience to address human issues in the world in which we live. The result has been the writing of a document called "The Social Principles". This document is NOT church law. Instead it is meant to be instructive, persuasive, and a prophetic word to the church. As United Methodists we read, study, and discuss "The Social Principles" in our churches trusting the Holy Spirit to work in each of our lives through these conversations. While not everyone agrees on every social issue (i.e. war, the environment, homosexuality, health care, abortion, or stem cell research), the process of reflecting on our faith in Christ helps prepare us to put our Christian faith into loving action in the world. You can read "The Social Principles" at the official website of the United Methodist Church.
Our Mission
The mission of the United Methodist Church is "to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world."
