People often ask us, "So what do United Methodists actually believe?" It's a great question. The United Methodist Church is one of the largest Protestant denominations in the United States, and congregations like ours in Laingsburg, Michigan, gather every Sunday around a shared set of convictions. At the same time, Methodists have always valued a "warm heart" as much as a sharp mind, so our beliefs are meant to be lived, not just recited.
This guide walks through the essentials in plain language. It isn't an official doctrinal statement, but it reflects the historic teachings of The United Methodist Church and how we experience them in our congregation.
Where United Methodists Come From
Methodism began in the 1700s as a renewal movement within the Church of England, led by the brothers John and Charles Wesley. John was a tireless preacher and organizer; Charles wrote thousands of hymns, including "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" and "O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing." Their followers met in small groups for prayer, Bible study and mutual accountability, and they were so organized about their spiritual practices that critics nicknamed them "Methodists." The name stuck.
Methodism spread rapidly in America, carried by circuit-riding preachers on horseback. The United Methodist Church as we know it today was formed in 1968, when The Methodist Church and The Evangelical United Brethren Church united. That is why our official doctrine includes both the Articles of Religion, which John Wesley adapted from the Church of England, and the Confession of Faith of the Evangelical United Brethren tradition.
God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit
Like Christians around the world, United Methodists believe in one God who is known in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. This is the doctrine of the Trinity. We affirm it whenever we say the Apostles' Creed or the Nicene Creed in worship.
- God the Father is the creator of all things, who loves the world and every person in it.
- Jesus Christ is God's Son, fully human and fully divine. Through his life, death and resurrection, God offers forgiveness and new life to all.
- The Holy Spirit is God present and active today, comforting, guiding and empowering believers and the church.
As our About page puts it, at Laingsburg United Methodist Church we believe in the Holy Trinity, the divinity of Jesus Christ and the authority of the Bible, along with the power of prayer and the importance of living out our faith in daily life.
Grace at Every Step
If there is one word at the heart of Methodist belief, it is grace: God's undeserved, unearned love. John Wesley taught that God's grace is at work in our lives in different ways, like a house with a porch, a door and many rooms.
Prevenient grace (the porch)
"Prevenient" means "coming before." Long before we are aware of it, God is already reaching out to us, drawing us toward faith. This is why United Methodists baptize infants: God's love is active in a child's life before the child can respond.
Justifying grace (the door)
When we respond to God's love with faith and accept the forgiveness offered in Jesus Christ, we are "justified," or set right with God. Wesley famously described his own experience of this at a meeting on Aldersgate Street in London in 1738, when he felt his heart "strangely warmed."
Sanctifying grace (the rooms of the house)
Faith is not a one-time event but a lifelong journey. Through sanctifying grace, the Holy Spirit helps us grow in love for God and neighbor. Wesley called the goal of this journey "Christian perfection," which simply means being made perfect in love. Methodists believe this growth happens through prayer, worship, Scripture, Holy Communion, Christian community and acts of mercy.
Scripture and How We Read It
United Methodists hold the Bible as the primary authority for faith and practice. It contains everything necessary for salvation. When we seek to understand Scripture and apply it to our lives, we also draw on three other gifts:
- Tradition: the wisdom of Christians who have gone before us, including the creeds and the teachings of the church.
- Reason: the minds God has given us to think carefully and honestly.
- Experience: our personal and shared experience of God's grace.
Together these are often called the "Wesleyan Quadrilateral." Scripture always comes first, but tradition, reason and experience help us interpret it faithfully. If you would like to begin reading the Bible yourself, our guide on how to start reading the Bible offers simple first steps.
Baptism and Holy Communion
United Methodists recognize two sacraments, both instituted by Jesus: baptism and Holy Communion. A sacrament is an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace.
Baptism marks our welcome into the family of Christ's church. People of any age may be baptized, and because baptism is God's action, it is not repeated. You can read more on our Being Baptized page.
Holy Communion, also called the Lord's Supper or Eucharist, is a meal of bread and cup in which Christ is truly present. In The United Methodist Church the table is open: anyone who loves Christ, repents of their sin and seeks to live in peace with one another is welcome to receive, regardless of age or church membership. At Laingsburg UMC we celebrate Communion on the first Sunday of each month, as described on our Worship page.
Faith in Action
Wesley insisted that there is "no holiness but social holiness." In other words, a genuine relationship with God always shows up in love for our neighbors. Early Methodists visited prisons, cared for the sick, started schools and worked against injustice. United Methodists continue that tradition today through local ministries and global relief work.
Wesley's three simple rules sum it up well: do no harm, do good and stay in love with God. In Laingsburg, you can see faith in action at the Laingsburg Area Food Bank hosted in our building, through Money 4 Meals, and in our many service ministries.
A Connected Church
United Methodist congregations are not independent. We are part of a "connection" in which churches support one another, share resources and pursue mission together. Local churches belong to regional annual conferences; Laingsburg UMC is part of the Michigan Conference. Pastors are appointed to churches by a bishop, and decisions for the whole denomination are made by a General Conference of clergy and lay delegates from around the world.
This connection means that when you worship in Laingsburg, you are also part of something much larger: millions of United Methodists worshiping, praying and serving across the globe.
Questions Are Welcome Here
You don't need to have every belief figured out to be part of a United Methodist church. Many people come with questions, doubts or a church background that looks very different from ours. We believe honest questions are part of a healthy faith. Our adult Bible and book studies and our Conversations with D'nT podcast are good places to explore them.
Conclusion
At its heart, United Methodist belief is simple: God loves you, God's grace is available to everyone, and that grace changes the way we live. We trust Scripture, celebrate the sacraments, value community and try to love our neighbors in practical ways. If that sounds like a faith you would like to explore, we would love to welcome you. Visit our I'm New Here page to plan your first Sunday at Laingsburg United Methodist Church.