What We Believe
The founder of Methodism, John Wesley, believed that the "living core of the Christian faith was revealed in Scripture, illumined by tradition, vivified in personal experience, and confirmed by reason. Contrasting the Methodist movement with other religious societies of his day, he said, "The Methodists alone do not insist on your holding this opinion or that opinion; but they think and let think."
Although not primarily a denomination of creeds, The United Methodist Church shares with other Christians the doctrinal heritage of the Apostles', Nicene, and Korean Creeds. Besides the Methodist and Evangelical United Brethren adaptations of the Articles of Religion of the Church of England, other United Methodist basic beliefs include: A Triune God - The essential unity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit embraces the biblical witness to God's activity in creation, God's salvation in Christ, and God's continuing presence in our everyday lives.
God's Prevenient Grace - The grace of God that precedes any and all conscious impulses. We are loved regardless of who we are or what we've done.
Justification and Assurance - Also known as conversion, the process of being"justified," or restored to a right relationship with God through faith in Christ, is what Jesus described as being "born from above." We can expect to receive assurance of this forgiveness of our sins, or salvation, through the work of the Spirit.
Sanctification and Perfection - New birth is only the first step in the process of sanctification or "holiness." The Holy Spirit's "sanctifying grace draws us toward Christian perfection, which according to Wesley is a heart "habitually filled with the love of God and neighbor."
Faith and Good Works - Faith is the only response essential for salvation, but salvation evidences itself in good works. God's grace calls forth human response and discipline.
Oneness of the Church of Christ - Our ecumenical commitment as United Methodists is to share our own religious heritage with the larger Christian family. We confess a belief in "one holy, catholic [or universal], and apostolic church" which calls us to Christian unity at local, national, and world levels.
Nurture and Mission of the Church - Personal faith is nourished by the worshiping community which mobilizes connectional ties that bind us for service to the world. Personal salvation always involves Christian mission, and love of God is always linked with love of neighbor.
Two Sacraments - We believe in the two Sacraments ordained in scripture by Christ, baptism and the Lord's Supper. We celebrate the Lord's Supper on the first Sunday of each month. Baptism is available to all including infants.