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BELIEFS
What we believe
The Basics
We believe in the Apostle’s Creed, the Holy Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit), and that Jesus Christ died on the cross for our salvation. We receive grace not through anything we have done but because of God’s love for us.
How did the church get started?
The Origins
The United Methodist Church traces its roots to two brothers, John and Charles Wesley. John Wesley, who was born in 1703 in England, was a minister in the Anglican Church. His brother, Charles Wesley, was a gifted musician who composed more than 6,000 hymns. Many of those such as Hark the Herald Angels Sing, Christ the Lord is Risen Today, and O For A Thousand Tongues to Sing are sung in most Protestant denominations. Because of Charles Wesley’s influence, hymn-singing is a strong tradition in Methodist churches.
What is the Church known for?
Reaching Out
The mission of the United Methodist Church is to create disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. United Methodists continue to follow the lessons John Wesley taught about sharing God’s love through service to others. Today the church puts a heavy emphasis on outreach to help the sick, the hungry, the oppressed and the downtrodden.
Where did the term "Methodist" come from?
What's in a name?
The term “Methodist” evolved from John Wesley’s constant efforts to live a more holy life. His “methods” were prayer, Bible study, meditation, witnessing and serving others. Today people who join the Methodist Church promise to uphold it through their prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness.
What were John Wesley's basics of living?
What John Wesley lived by...
John Wesley believed in rules (methods) and his diaries contain many guidelines for Christian living. One of his better known prescriptions for becoming a holier person took the form of three rules: love God, do good things, and do no harm. The first two rules are easier than the third.