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Core Values of the Trumbull United Methodist Church

Jesus is the “true north” in which we place our relationship with Him as top priority in all matters of life so that the congregation glorifies Christ through its ministries. We recognize what a difference Christ makes in a person’s life. Only through Jesus at work in a person’s life do we see real-life change. Jesus has the power to forgive, to mend relationships, to bring inner peace, and to guide our future as a congregation.

This faith community is a people of one book—the Bible, which is the inspired Word of God that is inerrant and infallible. All Scripture, writes Paul, is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.. (1 Timothy 3:1-6), The Bible is the prime authority in the congregation’s life. It is the guide for all faith and practice. As a United Methodist congregation, we recognize that we approach the Bible with our human reason, tradition, and experience. However, the Bible is our primary authority for theological doctrine and belief.

People are important to God and so they are important to us as a congregation. People matter to God and so they matter to us. Jesus was sent to reconcile a lost world to God the Father. In Colossians 1:20, Paul writes, By Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross. The death of Christ restored the fellowship that once existed between God and creation.

Worship is a priority for this congregation. Worship is the means through which we pursue God’s beauty, glory, and power for an individual and for a congregation. Worship welcomes God’s presence. The priority of worship can be seen or not seen by how a person or congregation pursues God for that intimate and passionate encounter through Spirit-filled worship. Worship facilitates this encounter.

Worship is not an option for a disciple of Jesus Christ or a local congregation because God deserves our worship as Sovereign Creator. Jesus did not treat worship as an individual option. In Luke 4:16 we read of Jesus’ customary practice to be in worship. He went to Nazareth, where He had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day He went into the synagogue, as was His custom. (My emphasis). And He stood up to read.. Jesus is the model or a worshipping life, and His worship practice sets an example.

Jesus calls us to Go and make disciples of all nations. (Matthew 28:19) This call to share the good news of Jesus is a top priority for us as a congregation. Every person has a responsibility to bring persons to a personal faith in Jesus Christ. There is a sense of urgency because many lost persons inside of and outside of the Church today exist in this postmodern culture. Evangelism is an expression of love for God and others.

The heart of the church is people. Jesus calls us to be a people. We are a church that is filled with many individuals who are called to be a community. As a congregation, we seek to be an inviting, welcoming, and affirming people of God. Being part of this congregation means being part of a community. We want to see everyone connect to this congregation in a meaningful way. We seek together as a team to help people fulfill their god-given destiny.

Relationships are highly valued. Throughout Jesus’ earthy ministry, we see Him in people’s lives in an intimate and compassionate way. We welcome people into our life as a congregation to walk with them in their lives. We share intimate and passionate relationships that will grow together in maturity. In real and authentic ways. Relationships are essential to our live together as a faith community.

Commitment is a necessary quality for a relationship. Commitment is a necessary quality for the spiritual life. Commitment is a necessary quality for a member in this congregation. We are committed to loving others as Christ loved them. His command is to love the Lord God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. (Matthew 22:17). Our commitment expresses that love in action.

We believe that god calls us to excellence in ministry. All areas of church life need this high standard in order to glorify God in the fullest manner. Ministry that is excellent will be creative and relevant in a postmodern culture. In order to achieve excellence, we take risks.