What We Believe
United Methodists share many of the same beliefs with other Christian denominations.
Faith in the Holy Trinity
From the United Methodist Articles of Religion, Article I - Of Faith in the Holy Trinity: There is but one living and true God, everlasting, without body or parts, of infinite power, wisdom, and goodness; the maker and preserver of all things, both visible and invisible. And in unity of this Godhead there are three persons, of one substance, power, and eternity -- The Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.
We believe in God as our Creator and Father, in Jesus as our Savior and Redeemer, and in the Holy Spirit as our Comforter and Sustainer.
The Bible
Like all Christians, United Methodists see the Holy Scriptures as primary and foundational to our faith. Its authority comes from God, giving us "all things necessary to salvation." We also believe that God's Word and God's World speak in harmony, and we look for ways in which the Bible and science can complement rather than compete with one another. We accept the historic creeds, such as the Apostles' Creed and the Nicene Creed, as foundational statements of the Christian faith.
The Resurrection Of Jesus
The most important moment in history was the bodily resurrection of Jesus from the dead, revealing that his death on the cross was not a defeat but a victory. His empty tomb and resurrection are the promise of a resurrection to come for all who put their faith in him -- on that day when God restores all things.
Salvation By Grace Through Faith
As sinning people, we do not earn our way into a right relationship with God -- we receive that right relationship with God as a gift of his love. That's what grace is -- a gift. And receiving it is an act of faith when we believe in Jesus as our Lord and Savior. In this salvation we are forgiven of our sins, given new birth as God's children, and continually transformed as Jesus's deep, daring, daily disciples.
Sacraments - Communion & Baptism
United Methodists celebrate two Sacraments: Communion and Baptism
Communion is a holy mystery in which the presence of Jesus is made real to us. United Methodists practice open table communion, which means all persons may receive the bread and cup at Jesus' table. Children are allowed to receive communion based on their faith in Jesus, as appropriate for their age.
Baptism is an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace. According to the UMC Baptismal Covenant: "Through the Sacrament of Baptism we are initiated into Christ's holy Church. We are incorporated into God's mighty acts of salvation and given new birth through water and the Spirit. All this is God's gift, offered to us without price." This Baptismal Covenant includes persons who are being baptized, being confirmed, reaffirming their faith, and/or joining the church through the partnership covenant.
In Baptism of infants or children, their parents (and sponsors) take vows on behalf of those infants or children to raise them in the church and to help them to understand the gift of God's grace. Confirmation gives an opportunity for those baptized as infants or children to profess their faith for themselves. Classes for eighth graders allow students to explore their faith and the church. At the end of the classes, it is each student's choice whether to declare their discipleship to Jesus and make their partnership promise at FaithWestwood.
Who are United Methodists?
The United Methodist Church is a worldwide denomination making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. The Methodist movement began as a renewal of faith and holiness in the 1700s in England. Led by John Wesley (an Anglican priest) and his brother, Charles, the movement formed around classes for spiritual growth and accountability.
The Methodist movement focused on a strong biblical witness along with an emphasis on the social gospel. The words of Scripture move Christians to serve in the name of Jesus Christ within their respective mission field.
Much later, the Methodist movement, which spread to the United States and other countries, would become one of the largest mainline denominations with the last being in 1968 when the Methodist Episcopal Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church joined together forming The United Methodist Church.
Today, Methodism represents many denominations around the world. FaithWestwood is part of the United Methodist Church, a world-wide body of 10 million members in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the United States.