WHAT IS A METHODIST?

Members of Park Memorial Methodist come from many backgrounds. Some have never attended church before, others have previously attended other Methodist churches, and some of us have come from churches of other denominations. Many people struggle with the distinctions between denominations.

People ask questions such as:

• What if this denomination is different from the one I was raised in?

• Who are Methodist?

• What do Methodists believe?

In an effort to answer these questions, John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, believed the following: 

• Methodists find the Christian faith revealed in Scripture, enriched by tradition, made real by experience, and confirmed by reason.

• Methodists experience and are assured of God’s love, forgiveness, and peace through Jesus Christ their Lord and Savior.  

• Methodists are fully dedicated to God, finding their deepest satisfaction in doing God’s will.

• Methodists know their greatest good work is to help someone else come into right relationship with Jesus Christ, for this is the only way a person may have peace with God.

• Methodists’ time and talents are given as a loving sacrifice to God that the people around them may grow into the fullness of Christ.

“These are the marks of a true Methodist. By these things alone does the Methodist wish to be distinguished from others. Somebody may say, ‘Why these are only the common, basic principles of Christianity!’ This is what Methodism is, nothing more or less. We Methodists refuse to be distinguished from other men, by any other than the common principles of Christianity. . . . Any person who fits this pattern is a Christian no matter what you call him or her! It is not a matter of denominational label but of being inwardly and outwardly conformed to the will of God, as this is revealed in the Bible.”

Quoted in Basic United Methodist Beliefs: An Evangelical View, Appendix B, pp. 123 – 124, Copyright © 1986 by A Forum for Scriptural Christianity, Inc. Reprinted by permission.

What do Methodists believe?

In essential beliefs—we have Unity.

We are all one body, we have the same Spirit, and we have all been called to the same glorious future. There is only one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and there is only one God and Father, who is over us all and in us all and living through us all. Ephesians 4:4–6

“As to all opinions which do not strike at the root of Christianity, we think and let think.” John Wesley

In non-essential beliefs—we have -Freedom (liberty).

Accept Christians who are weak in faith, and don’t argue with them about what they think is right or wrong…You may have the faith to believe that there is nothing wrong with what you are doing, but keep it between yourself and God. Romans 14:1, 22a

In all our discussion of doctrine—we show -Love (charity).

If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I knew all the mysteries of the future and knew everything about everything, but didn’t love others, what good would I be? And if I had the gift of faith so that I could speak to a mountain and make it move, without love I would be no good to anybody. 1 Corinthians 13:2

The Essentials We Believe:

Who is God?

The God of the Bible is the only true God, infinite in power, wisdom and goodness. God reveals Himself as the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, three equal, distinct but inseparable persons.

Who is the Father? 

The Father is the creator, ruler, and preserver of all things. He is infinite in power, wisdom, justice, goodness, and love. He has provided the means by which people may enjoy a relationship with Him and eventual freedom from evil with all of creation.

Who is the Son?

Jesus Christ is truly God and truly man, the perfect and inseparable union of the divine and human natures. He is the Son of God made flesh, born of the Virgin Mary by the power of the Holy Spirit. His sinless life, suffering, death, resurrection, and ascension provide the only way of salvation. His sacrifice on the cross, once for all, provides the only way to the Father. Now He intercedes for us before the Father, awaiting the day when He will return to judge every person and establish His kingdom.

Who is the Holy Spirit?

The Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son as God. He is present in the world to make people aware of sin, righteousness, and judgment. He leads people through faithful response to the gospel, and lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He empowers the Church to carry out Christ’s mission in the world, enables believers to live a fruitful Christian life, and endows each believer with spiritual gifts according to His will. He guides the faithful into all truth, which is always in harmony with the truth given in the Scriptures.

What is the Bible?

The Bible, both Old and New Testaments, is the only written Word of God. Inspired by God and written by human  authors—under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit—the Scriptures are infallible and inerrant in the original manuscripts. The Bible reveals all that is necessary for knowing God’s will, salvation, and Christian growth. It is the guide and final authority for faith and conduct of individuals and the teachings and purpose of the Church. Anything contrary to the Bible is contrary to the purposes of God and must be opposed.

What is true about people?

People are made in the image of God and are the supreme object of God’s creation. Since the fall of Adam, all people are born with an attitude of rebellion toward God called sin, which separates people from God. This corruption is so pervasive that people are not capable of a positive response to God. Only through the work of God can people be saved from the corruption of sin and restored to the relationships which God has intended for us.

How do people receive forgiveness of sins?

God offers people forgiveness through Jesus Christ’s death on the cross, the perfect sacrifice for the sins of the whole world. Forgiveness cannot be earned through good works, self-improvement, or religious ceremony. It is a gift for all people who repent of their sins and trust in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness. When people trust Jesus as their savior, their sins are forgiven, and they are declared right in God’s sight. They are made new people by the Holy Spirit and adopted into the family of God. Their salvation is complete and secure. The fullness of God’s great salvation will come with the return of Christ.

What is the Church? 

The Church is the community of all true believers under the Lordship of Christ. The Church, the Body of Christ, is one because it shares one Lord, one faith, and one baptism. It is holy because it belongs to God and is set apart for His purposes in the world. The Church gathers for the preaching of the Word of God, the celebration of the sacraments of Baptism and Communion, the edification of believers, and the redemption of the world.

What is the place of good works?

Good works are the necessary results of faith. These works are loving expressions of gratitude by the believer for the new life received in Christ. They do not have the power to remove our sins or to avert divine judgment. These good works come from a true and living faith, and by them faith is made evident.