Membership
United Methodists have several sources for their faith. These include: the Bible, John Wesley’s writings, the Articles of Religion, the Confession of Faith, the United Methodist “Book of Discipline”, theologians and educators.
Like most other Protestants, United Methodists recognize those sacraments in which Jesus Christ Himself participated – baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
United Methodists also have 4 main guidelines for belief. These guidelines help them understand their faith: scripture, experience, tradition, and reason. They are interdependent and allow for diversity in theological perspectives.
United Methodists share a common heritage with other Christians. Christians share the conviction that God has mercy and love for all people, belief in a triune God (Father, Son and Holy Sprit), faith in the mystery of salvation through Jesus Christ, celebration of the sacraments. In these and many other ways, Methodism affirms the unity of all Christians in a Body of Christ.
United Methodists believe in the Primacy of grace. God, who is revealed through Jesus Christ, loves human beings and all creaction. Grace is God’s loving action in human existence through the Holy Spirit. United Methodists believe in Prevenient grace. This is the Grace – the divine love – that “runs ahead” of our conscious impulses and leads our hearts toward faith. United Methodists believe in Tolerance. While United Methodism retains much from its several heritages, different theological positions grow out of the circumstances and experiences of different groups. It acknowledges the virtues of different points of view even within the same community of believers.
These are the questions which are part of the Covenant of Membership
- On behalf of the whole church, I ask you: Do you renouce the spiritual forces of wickedness, reject the evil powers of this world, and repent of your sin?
- Do you accept the freedom and power God gives you to resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves?
- Do you confess Jesus Christ as your Savior, put your whole trust in his grace, and promise to serve him as your Lord, in union with the church which Christ has opened to people of all ages, nations, and races?
- According to the grace given to you, will you remain faithful members of Christ’s holy church and serve as Christ’s s representatives in the world?
As members of Christ’s universal church, will you be loyal to The United Methodist Church, and do all in your power to strengthen its ministries? - As members of this congregation, will you faithfully participate in its ministries by your prayers, your presence, your gifts, and your service?
The United Methodist Church Welcomes You!
Visit http://www.unitedmethodist.org/ or UMC.org for more information about the United Methodist doctrine.
If you are interested in seeking membership at St. Paul’s, we invite you to fill out the Worship +3 Form below. Because membership is a serious spiritual commitment, we encourage you to experience our worship services, become a member of a small group and participate in our ministries and fellowship. Our Pastor looks forward to meeting with you; email or call the church office at (302)378-2420.
WORSHIP + 3
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What is a United Methodist?
