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What We Believe
What We Believe

What We Believe

Explore the faith, theology, and Wesleyan heritage that guide United Methodists around the world.

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A Faith Rooted in Grace

United Methodists share core Christian beliefs about God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the Bible with Christians everywhere. What makes our tradition distinctive is our emphasis on God's grace — freely given, available to all — and a conviction that faith must be both deeply personal and actively lived out in the world.

Our theological heritage comes from John Wesley, an 18th-century Anglican priest whose movement emphasized both heartfelt faith and practical compassion. Wesley taught that God's grace is at work in every person's life, drawing them toward faith, forgiveness, and growth in holiness.

Core Beliefs

God

We believe in one God who created the world, is revealed in Jesus Christ, and sustains us through the Holy Spirit. God is loving, just, and merciful — calling all people into relationship.

Grace

Grace is central to our theology. We believe God's grace works in our lives before we know it (prevenient grace), draws us to faith (justifying grace), and sustains our growth (sanctifying grace).

Scripture

The Bible is our primary authority for faith and practice. We also value tradition, reason, and experience — the Wesleyan Quadrilateral — as lenses for understanding God's word.

Sacraments

We practice two sacraments: Baptism (for all ages, as a sign of God's grace) and Holy Communion (where all are welcome at the table, regardless of membership or denomination).

Our Wesleyan Heritage

The theological foundations laid by John Wesley continue to shape how United Methodists understand and live out their faith.

Doctrine & Texts

The foundational documents of The United Methodist Church — creeds, confessions, Social Principles, and the texts that define our faith and practice.

Creeds

The Apostles' Creed

One of the oldest and most widely used statements of Christian faith, affirming beliefs about God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.
Theology

The Wesleyan Quadrilateral

The four sources and norms that guide United Methodist theological reflection: Scripture, Tradition, Reason, and Experience.
Theology

The Wesleyan Concept of Grace

Understanding prevenient, justifying, and sanctifying grace — the three movements of God's gracious work in human life.
Sacraments & Rituals

The Sacrament of Baptism

The United Methodist understanding of baptism — its meaning, modes, and practice, including infant baptism and the baptismal covenant.
Sacraments & Rituals

The Sacrament of Holy Communion

United Methodist theology and practice of the Lord's Supper — including the open table, real presence, and frequency of celebration.
Social Principles

Social Principles: The Natural World

The United Methodist Church's positions on environmental stewardship, sustainability, science and technology, and care for God's creation.
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Common Questions

Answers to frequently asked questions about United Methodist beliefs.

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Explore Your Faith

Whether you're new to Christianity or deepening your understanding, there's a place for you in the United Methodist Church.

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