What do United Methodists believe?

United Methodists share with all Christians the faith in the triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This faith is grounded in Scripture and has been articulated through centuries of Christian tradition. At the heart of United Methodist theology is an emphasis on God's grace and the call to live a holy life in community with others.

Grace at the Center

The most distinctive aspect of United Methodist belief is our understanding of grace. We believe God's grace works in three ways:

• Prevenient grace — God's grace that goes before us, working in our lives even before we are aware of it, drawing us toward God.
• Justifying grace — The moment of faith when we accept God's forgiveness and are reconciled to God through Jesus Christ.
• Sanctifying grace — God's ongoing work in our lives after conversion, shaping us to become more like Christ.

Scripture and Tradition

United Methodists hold the Bible as the primary authority for faith and practice. We also value the Christian tradition, human reason, and personal experience as important lenses for understanding God's word. This fourfold approach is often called the "Wesleyan Quadrilateral," reflecting John Wesley's method of theological reflection.

Social Holiness

John Wesley famously said there is "no holiness but social holiness." United Methodists believe that personal faith must be expressed through action in the world. We are called not only to personal piety but also to work for justice, serve those in need, and transform the communities and systems that perpetuate suffering.

The Creeds

United Methodists affirm the historic creeds of the Christian church, including the Apostles' Creed and the Nicene Creed. These ancient statements of faith connect us to the broader Christian tradition and express our core convictions about God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, the church, and the hope of eternal life.

Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors

United Methodists are known for our commitment to welcoming all people. We practice open communion, meaning that the Lord's Table is open to anyone who seeks to respond to God's love—you don't need to be a member of any particular church. We believe the church should be a place where people at every stage of their faith journey can find a home, ask questions, and grow in their relationship with God and one another.