WHAT WE BELIEVE

The United Methodist Church is a Protestant Christian denomination rooted in the teachings of John Wesley. Its beliefs emphasize a balance of Scripture, tradition, reason, and personal experience—often referred to as the “Wesleyan Quadrilateral.” At its core, the church teaches that God’s grace is available to all people and that individuals are invited into a relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ. Salvation is understood not only as forgiveness of sin but also as a lifelong process of spiritual growth and transformation.

A central belief of the United Methodist Church is the concept of grace, which is described in three ways: prevenient grace (God’s love present before a person is aware of it), justifying grace (the moment of forgiveness and reconciliation with God), and sanctifying grace (the ongoing journey toward holiness). This emphasis highlights that faith is not a one-time event but a continuous path of becoming more Christ-like in both personal character and actions.

The church also places strong importance on living out one’s faith through acts of love, justice, and service. United Methodists believe that Christians are called to care for others, address social injustices, and work toward the well-being of all people. This commitment is reflected in the denomination’s long history of involvement in education, healthcare, poverty relief, and advocacy for human rights. Faith, in this tradition, is both personal and actively expressed in the world.

Worship and community life are also key components of United Methodist belief. The church practices two sacraments - baptism and Holy Communion - and welcomes all people to participate in the life of the church. United Methodists value inclusivity and connection, organizing themselves in a global structure that encourages shared mission and accountability. Overall, their beliefs center on God’s inclusive love, the transformative power of grace, and the responsibility to live out faith in meaningful and compassionate ways. Read More