Our beliefs are grounded in Scripture and shaped by the Wesleyan tradition, which means we place a high emphasis on helping each other grow spiritually and sharing the love and grace of Jesus with as many people as possible.
The statements below explain more about our core beliefs.
God
God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God.
Genesis 1;1, 26-27, 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14
Jesus
Jesus is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father and the Holy Spirit. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He rose from the dead on the third day to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended into Heaven and will return someday to reign as King of kings, and Lord of lords.
John 1:1-5, 14; 14:10-29; Hebrews 4:14-16; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8; Romans 1:3-4; Acts 1:9-11
Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son. He is present in the world to make men and women aware of their need for Jesus. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation, and provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. He gives every believer spiritual gifts meant for the good of the church, and as Christians, we seek to live under His control daily.
2 Corinthians 3:17; John 14:16-17; 16:7-13; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25
The Bible
The Bible is God’s Word to us. It was written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it can always be trusted to direct our lives.
2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21; Psalm 119:105; Proverbs 30:5
Humanity
People are created in the image of God, to be like Him in character, and God loves every person he creates. People are the height of God’s creation. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, we all have a natural tendency to be selfish and to disobey God. Any thought, word, attitude, or action that falls short of God’s standard of perfection falls in the category of what we call “sin.” Sin separates people from God and causes many problems in life.
Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6; 59:1-28; Romans 3:23
Grace
“Grace” is the word we use for God’s free, unearned, undeserved favor. It is the presence of God in our world, working through the Holy Spirit to create, heal, forgive, reconcile, and transform human hearts and the world. “Prevenient Grace” is what we call grace that God offers to everyone through things like the natural world, the conscience, the love of others – anything God could use to draw people to himself. When someone’s heart changes and they become a follower of Jesus, they experience what we call “Justifying/Saving Grace” along with “Sanctifying Grace,” which is the power God gives through the Holy Spirit to become more and more like Jesus in thoughts, words, attitudes, and actions over the course of life. We believe that God’s grace is always available to everyone, but people may choose to accept or reject it.
Salvation
Because of sin, people are eternally separated from God, and there is nothing that a person can do to save himself. Going to church, doing good works, reading the Bible, praying – none of these things can erase sin. But God provided a way to save us when Jesus died on the cross. The grace of God draws us, convinces us, and convicts us. “Salvation” happens when a person responds in faith to God’s offer, turning away from their sinful past and trusting in Jesus alone to save them. In that moment, they are transferred from death to eternal life, and God continues to work in their hearts and lives through the Holy Spirit.
Romans 5:1-11; 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 1:12-13; 14:6; Titus 3:3-7; Galatians 3:26
Eternity
People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God because of sin, or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. Those who are separated from God experience eternal death. Those who are united with God experience eternal life, which begins in the here and now. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence.
Matthew 25:31-46; John 3:16-21; Romans 6:20-23; Revelation 20:11-15; 21:1-8, 22-27
Our Mission
The Christian mission (for individuals and as the church) is to love God with all we have and are, and to love others as ourselves. God calls every believer to be his representative in this world. He expects us to live godly lives and to use whatever resources we have to share the Gospel message with the wold around us. The Holy Spirit will give us power and guide our words, and the Spirit will do the work of convincing and convicting others. Our part is simply to listen to the leading of the Spirit and be faithful to God’s calling.
Mark 12:30-31; 2 Corinthians 5:20; 1 Peter 1:15-16; Mathew 28:19-20; Acts 1:8; John 16:7-8
To learn more about the teachings of The United Methodist Church, CLICK HERE.
