What it Means to Be A UNITED METHODIST CHRISTIAN What is a United Methodist?

In the words of John Wesley (1703-1791),
"A Methodist is...one who loves the Lord his God with all his heart, with all his soul,
with all his mind and with all his strength."

John Wesley's teachings carry a special meaning to United Methodists:
~ The GOAL of being faith disciples of Jesus Christ
~ The EXAMPLE sharing God through Missions
~ CONCERNS with social problems
~ OPENNESS to ecumenism and tolerance for other beliefs.

What is the United Methodist Church?
The United Methodist Church is grounded in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

What do United Methodist Believe?
~ The Bible first and foremost!
~ John Wesley's writings
~ The Articles of Religion
~ The Confession of Faith
~ The United Methodist "Book of Discipline"
~ Theologians and educators

4 main guidelines for beliefs
~ Scripture ~ Tradition ~ Reason ~ Experience

More United Methodist Beliefs
Primacy of grace ~ Grace is God's loving action in human existence through the Holy Spirit
Holiness ~ Christians are to allow the Holy Spirit to shape them into the image of Christ.
Human Worth ~ Even though all are sinners, God endows each person with worth and moral responsibility.
Conversion and New Birth ~ God forgives sin and changes the human heart when a person repents and trusts in Christ. We believe that God can transform every human being into one who loves God and neighbor!
Faith and Good Works ~ They belong together.
Prevenient Grace ~ Divine love that runs ahead of our conscious impulses.
Tolerance ~ UM's acknowledges the virtues of different points of view, even within the same body of believers.

The Sacraments
Baptism ~ Both infants and adults can be baptized.
The Lord's Supper ~ A holy meal that symbolizes the body and blood of Christ.
ALSO ~ Liturgical services, preaching, prayer, confirmation, marriage, funerals and family devotions.

Being a United Methodist Means
Commitment
~ Acknowledging Christ as Savior and Lord
~ Living as faithful Christian disciples
~ Growing in holiness of heart and life

Nurture
~ Education
~ Worship
~ Spiritual disciplines
~ Sacraments

Outreach
~ Witnessing to bring others to Christ
~ Caring for those in need
~ Striving to reform society