What We Believe
Open hearts, open minds, open doors — grace-filled faith in the Wesleyan tradition.
First United Methodist Church is part of the worldwide United Methodist Church, a denomination rooted in the 18th-century ministry of John Wesley. We hold a warm, grace-centered theology that welcomes honest questions alongside deep conviction.
A Summary of Our Faith
- 01
We believe in one God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, as taught in the historic Apostles' and Nicene Creeds.
- 02
We believe Scripture is the primary authority for faith and life, read in conversation with Christian tradition, reason, and experience — the Wesleyan Quadrilateral.
- 03
We believe in prevenient grace — that God's grace reaches out to us before we ever seek Him, drawing all people toward salvation.
- 04
We believe in justifying grace — that we are forgiven and made right with God through faith in Jesus Christ.
- 05
We believe in sanctifying grace — that the Holy Spirit continues to shape believers toward Christian perfection, growing in love of God and neighbor throughout life.
- 06
We practice open communion, inviting all who seek to know and love Christ to the Lord's Table, not only members.
- 07
We baptize infants and adults alike, understanding baptism as a sign of God's grace poured out on us, followed by a lifetime of growing in faith.
- 08
We are a connectional church — part of the worldwide United Methodist Church — governed together with other congregations rather than standing alone.
Please note that this is not an exhaustive statement of United Methodist doctrine — for the full teaching of the denomination, see the Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church.
Have questions about what this looks like day to day? See our FAQor reach out — we’d love to talk.