What is a United Methodist?
United Methodists are the second largest Protestant denomination in America. Methodism began in the 1700s with John and Charles Wesley. John Wesley taught that the living core of the Christian faith was revealed in Scripture, illumined by tradition, vivified in personal experience, and confirmed by reason.

United Methodists hold to the historic doctrines of the Christian faith. We are evangelical, but moderate rather than fundamentalists. We value the intellect and modern science, while at the same time looking to the Bible as the authoritative guide for faith and practice. Methodists have a passionate faith with strong convictions, but we also recognize that the world is not always black and white. We are willing to ask questions, to wrestle with difficult issues, and to do so with grace and compassion.

Methodists have been known for our emphasis on a personal faith, lived out in concrete ways in the world. We have historically valued well-informed and passionate preaching, worship that was lively, and small groups where people could grow in faith.

Methodists have open hearts, and open minds– and welcome anyone interested in learning more about the Christian faith.

If you would like to know more about what it means to follow Christ, please call 620-241-3626 and ask to speak to one of our pastors.

What’s Different or Distinctive About Being a United Methodist?
There are no exclusively United Methodist doctrines. Although we have distinctive emphases, we have no affirmations that are not also believed by other Christian groups. United Methodists have traditionally proclaimed the following emphases:

• the availability of God’s grace for all;
• the essential unity of faith and works;
• salvation as personal and social;
• the church as a community of Christ’s disciples who seek to share in God’s mission;
• the inseparability of knowledge (intellect) and vital piety (devotion to religious duties and practices) as components of faith;
• seeking holiness of heart and life both as individuals and in our society;
• a cooperative ministry and mission in the world, often referred to as “connectionalism”;
• the link between Christian doctrine and Christian living.

Excerpt from p. 11 of “Questions & Answers About The United Methodist Church” by Thomas S. McAnally, copyright 1995 by Abingdon Press, Nashville.

The General Rules of the Methodist Church
Methodist ethics are based on the General Rules (text below from 1808, amended in 1848 and 1868.)

There is only one condition previously required of those who desire admission into these societies: "a desire to flee from the wrath to come, and to be saved from their sins." But wherever this is really fixed in the soul it will be shown by its fruits.

It is therefore expected of all who continue therein that they should continue to evidence their desire of salvation,

First: By doing no harm, by avoiding evil of every kind, especially that which is most generally practiced.

Secondly: By doing good; by being in every kind merciful after their power; as they have opportunity, doing good of every possible sort, and, as far as possible, to all men.

Thirdly: By attending upon all the ordinances of God.


Social Principles of the United Methodist Church
The United Methodist Church has a long history of concern for social justice. The Social Principles are a prayerful and thoughtful effort on the part of the General Conference to speak to the human issues in the contemporary world from a sound biblical and theological foundation as historically demonstrated in United Methodist traditions. They are a call to faithfulness and are intended to be instructive and persuasive in the best of the prophetic spirit; however, they are not church law. The Social Principles are a call to all members of The United Methodist Church to a prayerful, studied dialogue of faith and practice.