Core Beliefs
We are rooted in the eternal truths of God revealed in the teachings of Scripture.
Our theological foundations include, but aren’t limited to the following:
One God
We believe in God who is the Creator and Ruler of the universe that reveals himself as One. God eternally exists as three persons - God Almighty (The Father), Jesus Christ (The Son), and God’s Spirit (The Holy Spirit) - each distinct, yet all of One essence who is holy. God is the giver of life who invites humanity into relationship with Himself and God’s People.
Supporting Scriptures
Uniqueness of Jesus Christ
We believe Jesus Christ to be the virgin born Son of God who lives as the tangible manifestation of the heart and mind of God. Jesus led a sinless life and died for all of humanity’s sins regardless of background, ethnicity, economic status, gender, race, sexual orientation, or nationality so that all of humanity would experience and know the power and depth of God’s love over sin and death. He was buried, arose again, ascended to Heaven, and will return again.
Supporting Scriptures
Matthew 1:22-23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5; Hebrews 4:4-15; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Romans 1:3-4; Acts 1:9-11; Colossians 2:9-10; 1 Timothy 6:14-15
Indwelling Gift of the Holy Spirit
We believe that the Holy Spirit is present in the world to lead people in awareness of their need for a relationship with Jesus Christ. We believe that life on earth is to be lived in the power of the Holy Spirit, who dwells in God’s people. The Spirit assures us of our relationship with Jesus Christ and empowers us to follow in the ways of Jesus, providing spiritual understanding guidance, and equipping us with spiritual gifts to lead distinctive lives bringing glory and honor to God.
Supporting Scriptures
John 14:16-17, 16:7-13; Acts 1:8; Galatians 5:25; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; 2 Corinthians 13:14; 1 Peter 1:2
The Bible (Scripture) is God’s Word to and for us
The Bible is a library of books written by human authors across centuries and cultures, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit that reveals God's extravagant love for humanity. The Scriptures are our primary source of truth for following Jesus Christ. They are our story.
Supporting Scriptures
People are the Supreme object of God’s creation
We believe humanity is created in the spiritual image of God, both male and female. Although every person has tremendous potential for good and possesses sacred worth, all of us are marred by an attitude of self-centeredness and rejection of God called “sin.” Sin separates us from God, others, and ourselves. Each person is in need of God’s redeeming love called salvation.
Supporting Scriptures
Salvation is free but must be accepted
We believe salvation is God’s free gift to humanity. We can never earn or achieve it by self-improvement or good works. God’s presence is at work in our lives before we ever realize and know this gift as the prevenient grace of God. We receive God’s gift of salvation, new life, when we turn from our self-centeredness and accept Jesus Christ as our personal Savior and Lord. This new life is abundant and eternal and begins the moment we receive Jesus Christ by faith into our life, what we call justifying grace. To reject salvation of Jesus Christ leads to a life of eternity in hell. To accept salvation of Jesus Christ leads to a life of eternity in heaven. Heaven and hell are real places of eternal existence.
Supporting Scriptures
John 3:16, 14:6, 14:17; Matthew 25:31-34, 41; Romans 5:1, 5:8, 10:9-10; Romans 6:23; Philippians 2:5-11; Ephesians 2:8-9; Revelation 20:15
The Body of Christ is the Church
We believe that those who have placed their faith in Christ and follow him are knit together in one Body, called the Church. The worldwide Body of Christ is a distinctively called community by God of believers expressed in local clusters and denominations, committed to the ways of Jesus Christ by engaging culture on every front with God’s hope, love, and grace. Baptism is our entrance into this community and our covenant with God and one another. Jesus Christ will return personally for His Church. We are part of The United Methodist Church denomination and treasure our global connections. Learn more about The United Methodist Church.
Supporting Scriptures
Matthew 16:18-19, 18:15-20; Acts 2:41-47, 5:11-14, 13:1-3, 14:23, 16:5, 20:28; 1 Corinthians 7:17, 9:13-14, 12; Ephesians 1:22-23, 2:19-22, 3:10-12, 5:22-23; Colossians 1:18, 3:15; 1 Timothy 4:14; 1 Peter 5:1-4; Revelation 21:2-3
Whole-Life Worship is Abundant Life
We believe that theologically informed worship must encompass our entire existence whereby in all circumstances our words and actions bring glory to God. The Holy Spirit invites us deeper into the ways of following Jesus by renewing our minds and allowing Christ Jesus to be formed in us for the sake of the world. We believe these invitations are God’s sanctifying grace.
Supporting Scriptures
Galatians 4:19; Romans 8:29, 12:1-2; Philippians 2:5-13; Colossians 1:28-29; Ephesians 4:17-24; 1 Corinthians 13; Matthew 28:18-20; Micah 6:8; Isaiah 58:6-14; Mark 12:30-31; 1 John 4:7
Click for additional information about The United Methodist Church Beliefs.