First United Methodist Church Core Beliefs

Our Vision

We are committed to our mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

God

• God the Father and Creator, who brings creation into existence, upholds and reveals the ways of life that make
  peace and wholeness, and ever works to heal and transform life through the power of love
• God the Son, Jesus Christ, the firstborn of a new creation who through his life, death, and resurrection saves us
  and all creation from the power of sin and death
• God the Holy Spirit, who comforts, convicts, sustains, challenges, guides, and empowers us to participate in
  God's life and mission in the world.

Jesus Christ

• The eternal Word made flesh, the only begotten Son of the Father, born of the Virgin Mary by the
  power of the Holy Spirit
• He lived as a ministering Servant, suffered, and died on the cross
• He was buried, rose from the dead, and ascended into heaven to be with the Father, and shall return
• He is the only Savior and Mediator, who intercedes for us, and by him all people will be judged.
  We Believe there are two Sacraments that were
  ordained by Christ:
  BAPTISM

• Baptism is the rite of entrance into the saving work of God and membership
  in Christ’s body, the Church. In it, we die with Christ to our old selves and are
  raised with Christ to walk in newness of life. By the water and the Holy Spirit,
  the baptized receive cleansing from sin and new birth into the life of God.
• Baptism is offered to all persons of any age or ability. All who are baptized
  should be nurtured and led to faithful discipleship to Jesus Christ, and, when
  they are ready, to profess the faith of the Church for themselves.
  HOLY COMMUNION
• The sacrament of Holy Communion is the instituted means of grace by which
  God sustains the Church in the redeeming love and work of Jesus Christ by the
  power of the Holy Spirit. In it, we offer ourselves in praise and thanksgiving, with
  our gifts of bread and wine, and seek the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon us
  and the gifts “that they may be for us the body and blood of Christ, and we may
  be for the world the body of Christ redeemed by his blood.”
• The table of the Lord is open to all persons who love Christ, earnestly repent of
  their sin, and seek to be at peace with one another.

The Holy Bible

• The Old and New Testaments reveal God’s saving work through the Word of God, who is Jesus Christ, the Son of
  the Father.
• The Bible is received through the Holy Spirit as the true rule and guide for faith and practice
• Whatever is not revealed in or established by the Holy Scriptures is not to be made an article of faith nor is it to
  be taught as essential to salvation

* taken from The United Methodist Church Handbook 2025-2028