What We Believe
As a United Methodist congregation, we adhere to a system of beliefs shared by millions of Methodists worldwide. You can learn more about who we are below.
A people called Methodist.
While our current denomination, the United Methodist Church, was formed in 1968, the Methodist movement has been around since the 18th century. Two brothers, John and Charles Wesley, began the Methodist movement as a reformation of piety within the Church of England. Click the button below to learn more about John Wesley and the beginning of Methodism.
A Wesleyan Understanding of Grace
Just like John Wesley in the 18th century, the United Methodist Church holds the belief that God makes grace available to us through prevenient, justifying, and sanctifying means. This reliance on God's grace is one of the key characteristics of the Methodist movement.
1
Prevenient Grace
Even before we make the decision to love God and to follow the ways of Christ, the Holy Spirit is present in us and around us, preparing our hearts to return to God. Prevenient grace causes us to long for more and to recognize our brokenness apart from God.
2
Justifying Grace
This is the given grace that restores our relationship with God. We recognize that we are unable to heal ourselves, so we commit ourselves to turn away from sin and are "made right" with God through faith., through which we are assured of our salvation.
3
Sanctifying Grace
The moment of justification does not stop the Christian journey. John Wesley believed that we could be made perfect in love of God and of neighbor. Thus, sanctifying grace is God's continued work within us and through us as we continue to grow in love throughout our life.
The Articles of Religion
The Articles of Religion represent our governing theological beliefs in the United Methodist Church. Adapted by John Wesley from the Church of England's original 39 Articles, the Articles of Religion hold our doctrine on important things like the Trinity, the sufficiency of Scripture, original sin, and the sacraments. If you would like to read the Articles of Religion, click the button below.