United Methodists are Christians first and foremost and hold much in common with other

Christians. The United Methodist Book of Discipline, which is statement of how

United Methodists agree to live their lives together, provides information and

explanation on our basic Christian beliefs.

·         We hold in common with all Christians a faith in the mystery of salvation in and

through Jesus Christ.

·         We share the Christian belief that God's redemptive love is realized in human life

by the activity of the Holy Spirit, both in personal experience and in the

community of believers.

·         We understand ourselves to be part of Christ's universal church when by adoration,

proclamation and service we become conformed to Christ.

·         With other Christians we recognize that the reign of God is both a present and

future reality.

·         We share with many Christian communions a recognition of the authority of

Scripture in matters of faith, the confession that our justification as sinners

is by grace through faith, and the sober realization that the church needs

continual reformation and renewal.

·         We affirm the general ministry of all baptized Christians who share responsibility

for building up the church and reaching out in ministry and service to the

world.

·         With other Christians, we declare the essential oneness of the church in Christ

Jesus.

What is distinctive about United Methodists?

Our Wesleyan theological heritage points to an emphasis on practical divinity. That

is, the implementation of genuine Christianity in the lives of believers. We

believe, with John Wesley, that the living core of the Christian faith is

revealed in Scripture, illumined by tradition, vivified in personal experience,

and confirmed by reason. There is also an emphasis on grace – God’s

unmerited favor towards us.

Following is a summary of our emphases, again taken from The United Methodist Book of

Discipline.

Prevenient Grace

God’s love surrounds all humanity and precedes all our conscious impulses.

Justification and Assurance

We believe God reaches out to the repentant believer in justifying grace with

accepting and pardoning love.

Sanctification and Perfection

We believe that the wonder of God’s acceptance and pardon does not end God’s

saving work, which continues to nurture our growth in grace. Through the power

of the Holy Spirit, we are enabled to increase in the knowledge and love of God

and in love for our neighbor.

Faith and Good Works

We see God’s grace and human activity working together in the relationship of

faith and good works. God’s grace calls forth human response and

discipline. Faith is the only response essential for salvation, but salvation

evidences itself in good works.

Mission and Service

We insist that personal salvation always involves Christian mission and service to

the world. Love of God is always linked with love of neighbor, a passion for

justice and renewal in the life of the world.

Nurture and Mission of the Church

We emphasize the nurturing and serving function of Christian fellowship in the

Church. The personal experience of faith is nourished by the worshiping

community.